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Ocean County Prosecutor

Toms River Woman Sentenced In Roommate's Shower Rod, Tape Dispenser Killing: Prosecutors Toms River Woman Sentenced In Roommate's Shower Rod, Tape Dispenser Killing: Prosecutors
Toms River Woman Sentenced In Roommate's Shower Rod, Tape Dispenser Killing: Prosecutors A Toms River woman will spend at least eight years in prison after admitting to her role in the death of her roommate, a former Manchester High School janitor, authorities said. Mary Carbone, 60, was sentenced on Friday, Sept. 13 to ten years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She must serve eight-and-a-half years before she's eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act. Carbone pleaded guilty on Monday, July 8 to aggravated manslaughter. She had been indicted for murder in the death of 55-year-old Frank St…
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…
Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Who Had 157 Cats At Home Indicted, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man was indicted after more than 150 cats were found in his home, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 56-year-old Jeffrey Finlay on Wednesday, Aug. 28 for 149 counts of animal cruelty, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Finlay called Brick police to help remove the animals from his house on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Officers found about 157 cats and three dogs at the Mantoloking Road home. It took crews about 24 hours for the pets to be removed and brought to county animal facilities for treatment. Finlay was first charge…
Toms River Woman Admits To Killing Roommate With Shower Rod, Wooden Board: Prosecutors Toms River Woman Admits To Killing Roommate With Shower Rod, Wooden Board: Prosecutors
Toms River Woman Admits To Killing Roommate With Shower Rod, Wooden Board: Prosecutors A Toms River woman admitted to her role in the death of her roommate, a former Manchester High School janitor, authorities said. Mary Carbone, 60, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 8 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She was previously indicted for murder in the death of 55-year-old Frank Stochel of Toms River. Manchester Township police responded to a report of an unresponsive man at a home on Sixth Avenue in the Pine Lake Park section of the township on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. Officers found Stochel's body on the …
Man Left Scene Of South Jersey Crash That Seriously Injured Pedestrian, Prosecutors Say Man Left Scene Of South Jersey Crash That Seriously Injured Pedestrian, Prosecutors Say
Man Left Scene Of South Jersey Crash That Seriously Injured Pedestrian, Prosecutors Say A Jackson Township man was accused of seriously injuring a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in Lakewood, authorities said. Brian Huerta-Tochihuitl, 20, was charged on Thursday, June 20 with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident which resulted in serious bodily injury to another person, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The charge was related to a crash on Route 9 on Sunday, June 16. Lakewood police responded to the crash at the intersection of Route 9 and First Street at around 12:30 a.m. Officers learned a white four-do…
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Attacking 70-Year-Old Bicyclist Who Died, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Admits To Attacking 70-Year-Old Bicyclist Who Died, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Attacking 70-Year-Old Bicyclist Who Died, Prosecutors Say A Seaside Heights man admitted to attacking a bicyclist who died from his injuries two weeks later, authorities said. Anthony Collins, 41, pleaded guilty on Monday, June 10 to manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged in the death of 70-year-old Robert May of Seaside Heights. Prosecutors said they're seeking three years in state prison for Collins. "Certain proof problems in this case resulted in the state entering into a plea agreement with a recommended sentence that is below the normal sentencing range for manslaughter," Billhime…
Jersey Shore Contractor Who Stole Nearly $700K From Sandy Victims Sentenced: Prosecutors Jersey Shore Contractor Who Stole Nearly $700K From Sandy Victims Sentenced: Prosecutors
Jersey Shore Contractor Who Stole Nearly $700K From Sandy Victims Sentenced: Prosecutors An Ocean County contractor will spend time in prison after admitting to stealing nearly $700,000 in funds meant to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, authorities said. Adam Nevius, 49, of Manahawkin, was sentenced on Friday, May 3 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. He pleaded guilty to theft by failure to make required disposition on Monday, June 19, 2023. Nevius and his wife, 55-year-old Kimberly Atkinson of Manahawkin, owned Coastal Restorations of New Jersey, LLC. Investigators said between Monday, Sept.…
Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Jersey Shore Waterfront Home Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Jersey Shore Waterfront Home
Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Jersey Shore Waterfront Home A Pennsylvania realtor was convicted of killing her father and his girlfriend on the Jersey Shore, authorities said. After a four-week trial, a jury found Sherry Lee Heffernan, 57, of Landenberg, PA, guilty of two murder counts on Friday, Mar. 1, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. She faces life in prison for the late September 2021 killings of 87-year-old John Enders of Surf City and 75-year-old Francoise Pitoy of Manchester. Surf City police conducted a wellness check at a home on North Seventh Street at around 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2…
Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Ocean County Man: Prosecutors Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Ocean County Man: Prosecutors
Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Ocean County Man: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man is accused of giving a mix of heroin and fentanyl that killed a man in Ocean County on the day after Christmas, authorities said. James Liu, 30, of Ocean Township, was charged with strict liability drug-induced death, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The charges come after a 33-year-old Berkeley Township man died of an overdose on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Berkeley Township police responded to a report of an unresponsive man. When officers arrived, they found he was already dead and investigators said Liu sold him the…
Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty
Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty A Toms River man admitted to selling heroin throughout Ocean County, authorities said. Zachary Lockwood, 25, pleaded guilty on Monday, Feb. 12, to possession of one-half ounce or more of heroin with intent to distribute, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and resisting arrest, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated eluding charge from a second incident. Toms River police started investigating Lockwood in July 2023 as someone distributing heroin in Ocean County. Police were granted search warrants for his home a…
NJ Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say NJ Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say
NJ Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say On Wednesday, Nov. 1, Cheryl Mulgrew called police seeking a psychiatric evaluation for her 34-year-old son, Michael Mulgrew, who had been experiencing a mental health problem, police documents say. But Michael Mulgrew came home later that night seeming calm, and so Cheryl, 69, told police not to bother, and she'd take him to the doctors in the morning, the affidavit says. Around 11 a.m. the following day, one of Mulgrew's parents called police again seeking a psychiatric evaluation, according to police papers. There, they found Cheryl and her husband, Michael's 71-year-old dad, Eugene…
67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor 67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor
67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor A 67-year-old Lakewood man was killed by an explosion caused by natural gas hitting an open flame, authorities said. On Wednesday, Noc. 1,  at approximately 4:15 p.m., Lakewood Township police were summoned to the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue for a report of an explosion that developed into a structure fire.  Police found a male victim, later identified as Ronald Prichard, the sole occupant of the housing unit, to be suffering from serious injuries. Prichard was transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, in Lakewood, where he later…
Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor
Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor A suspect has been arrested in a double homicide that placed Barnegat Township schools on lockdown Thursday, Nov. 2, authorities said. UPDATE: Michael Mulgrew, 34, has been charged with two counts of murder in the fatal stabbings of both of his parents. The incident placed nearby schools on lockdown. Schools were placed on a precautionary shelter in place due to a subject search being conducted in the area, local police said.  The subject was eventually located following police activity at Lincoln Avenue and Bengal Boulevard, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and …
Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor A 33-year-old Brick Township man has been charged with bias intimidation after an incident at a 7-Eeven store, authorities said. Ryan McDonald also was charged with criminal mischief and weapons offenses on Tuesday, Oct. 24, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to the 7-Eleven store on Mantoloking Road for a report of criminal mischief.  An investigation by responding Officers determined that a male suspect became agitated with other customers in …
DRUG BUST: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says DRUG BUST: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says
Drug Bust: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says A man was arrested in connection with illegally selling marijuana and THC-related products in Ocean County — and he had help from his mom, authorities said. Approximately 70 pounds of marijuana, 1,500 pounds of THC-related products, a 9 mm handgun, and approximately $390,000 in cash, were seized from Scott Carlino, 52, of Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Ellen Carlino, his 74-year-old mother, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Financial Facilitation, Billhimer said. The pair had been using a Toms River business, “EarthE CBD,” as …
SWATTED: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor SWATTED: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor
Swatted: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor Bogus bomb threats aimed at Seaside Heights businesses were swatting incidents, authorities said. At approximately 8:50 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 11, the Seaside Heights Police Department received four phone calls indicating that two bombs were hidden at businesses on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Additionally, the callers indicated that they had operatives armed with guns on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, he said. The Seaside Heights boardwalk was temporarily evacuated as law enforcement assessed the credibility …
Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor
Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor A 45-year-old Ocean County man has been charged with breaking into his father's house, stealing a laptop and setting a fire inside the home, authorities said. John Voltolino, Jr., of Toms River, was charged with aggravated arson, burglary, theft, and criminal mischief, in connection with the incidents that occurred on Monday, Sept. 4, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Sun Valley Road for a report of a burglary. The homeowner reported that his son broke into the re…
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor A 41-year-old man from the Jersey Shore has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal high-speed crash in May, authorities said. John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Aug. 22, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The charges are in connection with the alcohol-related crash that occurred in Plumsted Township which resulted in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, the prosecutor said. On May 12 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Plumsted Township police re…
Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor
Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor Two men from Toms River have been found guilty in connection with the shooting death of another man, authorities said. Daivon Sullivan, 21, and Leyron Jones, 26, were found guilty of murder after a jury trial on Thursday, Aug. 17, in connection with the death of Javon Cutler, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. A third defendant, Shadrach Correa, 21, previously pleaded guilty in the case. An investigation revealed that on Oct. 11, 2020, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Cutler, 19, of Bayville, and two friends were attempting to leave Toms Riv…
Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor A 41-year-old man from Beachwood has been charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal crash, authorities said. John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, was charged  in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Plumsted Township in May resulting in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 12, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Officers from the Plumsted Township Police Department responded to the area of Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An investigati…
Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor
Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor The Toms River man previously charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Manchester Township last week — and believed to be 22 years old — is actually a juvenile, authorities said. He gave false ID to police and has been additionally charged, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. He is actually 17 years old, the prosecutor said. The juvenile has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Moto…
Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor A 30-year-old man from Lakewood has been charged in connection with storing and selling cocaine and heroin/fentanyl in the Ocean County area, authorities said. Raheem Montgomery was charged with multiple drug and weapons offenses, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. In a multi-jurisdiction investigation, Montgomery was placed under surveillance, the prosecutor said. On Aug. 3, detectives allegedly observed Montgomery exit a residence and travel to Point Pleasant; he stopped at a local gas station, where detectives approached and detained him without inciden…
Unlicensed Driver Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Unlicensed Driver Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Unlicensed Driver Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A 22-year-old unlicensed driver has been charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed a motorcyclist, authorities said. Yasmin Sanchez-Centeno, of Toms River, was charged on Friday, Aug. 4 with vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide, and more, in the crash that killed 23-year-old Jeffrey Schlinger the day prior, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At 10 p.m., Manchester Township Police Department were called to the area of 1881 Route 37 for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash, where they found a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nis…
Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials' Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials'
Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials' A deadly fire in Ocean County could've been avoided, authorities are saying. The 8:30 p.m. blaze on Monday, July 24 on Laketree Court was caused by "improperly discarded smoking materials," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. When firefighters arrived, parts of the first and second floors of the home had collapsed into the basement, and it was deemed unsafe to continue the fire investigation until daylight hours. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. During the investigation, the body of a male victim was found within the collapsed area of the structure.…
Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor A 26-year-old man from Lakewood has been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a fatal shooting,  authorities said. Jahvontae Debose pleaded guilty to manslaughter in March, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Debose was convicted in the death of Dajour Randolph in Lakewood, Billhimer said. Debose also admitted to drug dealing and weapons offenses, he said. On February 21, 2021, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Lakewood police were summoned to Tudor Court in response to a 911 call regarding a man who had collapsed in th…
Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor A Lakewood man has been extradited to New Jersey in the slaying of his girlfriend, authorities said. John Filistovich, 59, was transferred from Salisbury, Maryland, to Ocean County Jail in connection with the murder of Betty Perry, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 30, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Perry, 60. Police found the deceased body of a female, later identified as Perry, on the floor of the bedroom. A 2015 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Per…
Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor
Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor A 52-year-old woman from Ocean County has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with more than $108,000 stolen from her employer — a marina, authorities said. Lisa Dowd of Barnegat was sentenced on Friday, June 2 as a result of her previously entered guilty plea to theft, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Dowd made restitution to the victim in the amount of $108,415, Billhimer said. An investigation by the Barnegat Township Police Department revealed that Dowd was an employee in the office of a marina in Barnegat Town…
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Jersey Shore DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery The 10-year-old boy struck on his bike by a DUI driver Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore is seeing an overwhelming amount of community support. Jackson became embedded in the windshield as the driver, Giancarlos Fernandez, of Hasbrouck Heights, allegedly sped off and then tried to flee police by foot, authorities said. "Jack has a long road to recovery and I’d like everyone to share this story to help support this beautiful family on their healing journey," Jack's aunt, Erin Albertson of Ocean Gate, said on a GoFundMe page. Jack underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the missin…
NJ Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor NJ Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor
NJ Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor A 59-year-old Lakewood man has been charged with killing his live-in girlfriend before fleeing to Maryland, authorities said. John Filistovich was charged on Thursday, June 1 with murder in connection with the beating and suffocation of Betty Perry, 60, of Lakewood, they said. On Tuesday, May 30, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Perry, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Police found the dead body of a woman, later identified as Perry, on the floor of the bed…
2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor 2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Five people have been arrested in connection with a major drug-dealing network on the Jersey Shore, authorities said. A multi-agency investigation identified a residence in South Toms River and a residence in Brick Township, as allegedly being utilized by Octavaeous Jenkins, 49, to store and distribute cocaine, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Additionally, the investigation allegedly identified a residence in Long Branch, as being utilized by Ralph Durand, 56, Krystal Villano, 36, Emily Durand, 53 and Jaiden Durand, 18, to store and distribute cocai…
Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor
Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor A 70-year-old man from Ortley Beach has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for an investment fraud scheme, authorities said. John Hammond reportedly stole more than $211,000 from a friend when he purported to invest the money, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Hammond previously pleaded guilty to theft by deception, the prosecutor said. Hammond will also be required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $211,415.98. An investigation by the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that between May 2…