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Former Wildwood Mayor Admits To Healthcare Fraud, NJ Attorney General Says
A former mayor of Wildwood admitted to his role in a healthcare fraud scheme that stole more than $600,000 in government funds, authorities said.
Peter Byron, 68, pleaded guilty to three charges on Friday, Sept. 27, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a news release on Monday, Sept. 30. Byron resigned as mayor in September 2023 after he was indicted in the case.
According to court documents and statements, Byron, current Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr., and Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) despite being ineligible. The SHBP is only open…
Wildwood Woman Dead, Vineland Driver Serious After Overnight SUV Rollover Crash: Police
A 37-year-old woman was killed when the SUV she was riding in crashed and overturned in Vineland overnight, police said.
Armando Garcia, 52, of Vineland was heading east on East Sherman Avenue in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder when he veered off the road, just east of Hance Bridge Road, and struck a tree around 12:35 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, Vineland police said.
The vehicle overturned and the passenger Keila Osoria-Garcia, of Wildwood, died at the scene. Garcia was taken to Cooper University Hospital for serious injuries but is in stable condition.
This investigation is ongo…
Ghost Gun, 10 Rounds Of Ammo Seized From Man Fighting With Spouse At Wildwood Motel: Cops
A 47-year-old man who tried to disarm police officers was found with 10 rounds of ammo, a ghost gun, and more during a domestic dispute at a Wildwood motel on Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day, authorities said.
Police were called to the AA Heart of Wildwood Motel at 3915 Ocean Ave., around noon, where a man later identified as Rakesh Patel had tried to kick open the lobby door while fighting with his spouse, Wildwood police said.
While searching the area, officers saw Patel try to leave the scene in a vehicle parked nearby. Shortly thereafter, Patel began physically fighting two officers, w…
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says
Nineteen retailers across New Jersey are facing $4,500 after an investigation found they'd been selling flavored vape products banned in the Garden State, the NJ Attorney General's Office said.
All 19 stores were issued a Notice of Violation after they were found to have violated the state's consumer protection laws, AG Matthew Platkin said.
The enforcement actions are the result of a Division investigation into unlawful sales of flavored electronic smoking devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors, Platkin said.
The Division launched its investigation…
Coastal Flood Warning Issued For Many Jersey Shore Areas Due To Onshore Flow, High Tides: NWS
Many coastal areas of New Jersey are under the threat of moderate flooding during high tides over the weekend, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning on Friday, May 10 for coastal parts of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties. A coastal flood advisory was issued for oceanfront areas of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, as well as bayfront and riverfront parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
The NWS said moderate flooding was forecasted in coastal communities like Atlantic City, Barnegat Light, B…
Salem County Man Indicted For Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl Is Still At Large
A Salem County grand jury has indicted a Pittsgrove man for allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, authorities said.
Emeterio Alavez-Cruz, 33, is accused of attacking the girl in June 2021, according to prior news accounts.
New Jersey State Police issued a call for public assistance in locating Alavez-Cruz, who was known to have connections to Rio Grande, Wildwood, Bridgeton, Penns Grove and New Castle, Delaware.
Alavez-Cruz is described as a Hispanic, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Stat…
