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Somerset, NJ

Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say
Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say A covert social media network used by Rutgers University students to buy and sell drugs led to seven arrests following a months-long investigation, authorities said. The seven were arrested as part of the "Operation RU Pharm" investigation, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 5. The undercover operation exposed a private social media network used by Rutgers students to distribute and purchase drugs. Investigators said they uncovered the online platform created by a former Rutgers student. Dealers posted menus of drugs for students w…
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds New Jersey hospitals are among the safest in the nation, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade report from The Leapfrog Group.  The Garden State ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of "A" hospitals, joining states like Utah, Virginia, and Connecticut. The grades, which are updated twice a year, assess nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country on their effectiveness at preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign grades ranging from "A" to "F," offering patients and fami…
New Brunswick Pastor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Juvenile, Prosecutor Says New Brunswick Pastor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Juvenile, Prosecutor Says
New Brunswick Pastor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Juvenile, Prosecutor Says A 61-year-old pastor has been charged with sexually assaulting a juvenile in Middlesex County, authorities said. Roby D. Cruz-Hernandez, a pastor at Iglesia Pentecostal El Mesias in New Brunswick, was arrested without incident at his home in Somerset, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Sabo said. Cruz-Hernandez was charged with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 732-7…
Ex-Cop Gets 15 Years For Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck: Somerset County Prosecutor Ex-Cop Gets 15 Years For Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck: Somerset County Prosecutor
Ex-Cop Gets 15 Years For Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck: Somerset County Prosecutor A 30-year-old former police officer and Somerset resident  was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday, Aug. 14 in connection with a fatal crash he caused that killed two people while he was off-duty last summer, authorities said. Amitoj Oberoi was employed as an Edison police officer at the time of the crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township that killed Carlos Perez-Gayan, a 24-year-old Somerset resident, and Victor Cabrera-Francisco, a 20-year-old North Brunswick resident, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. In June, Oberoi pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular hom…
Central Jersey Man Sextorted Boy He Met In Online Gaming Chatroom: Prosecutors Central Jersey Man Sextorted Boy He Met In Online Gaming Chatroom: Prosecutors
Central Jersey Man Sextorted Boy He Met In Online Gaming Chatroom: Prosecutors A Somerset man was accused of trying to get a boy to send him nude pictures and videos in a sextortion scheme, authorities said. Sebastian Romero, 27, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 2, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release. The investigation started after the boy's family contacted the Cinnaminson Township Police Department in July. Investigators said Romero met the boy online through an online gaming platform's chatroom and knew the boy was underage. He got personal information about the boy before offering to pay him with electronic gif…
New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters
New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters A new movie opening Friday was a real "coup" for the Garden State. "Coup!" starring Peter Sarsgaard opens in theatres throughout New Jersey, distributed by Greenwich Entertainment  The film is set on a seaside estate during World War I amidst the 1918 influenza epidemic as a journalist and his socialite wife take in a mysterious grifter, played by Sarsgaard, to be a private cook, according to a synopsis.  Sarsgaard soon leads staff in a takeover of the mansion as the epidemic reaches the island, according to a synopsis. The movie took advantage of New Jersey's early 20th century…
76-Year-Old Fatally Injured While Cutting Tree In Monroe County: Officials 76-Year-Old Fatally Injured While Cutting Tree In Monroe County: Officials
76-Year-Old Fatally Injured While Cutting Tree In Monroe County: Officials A Somerset, New Jersey man was fatally struck by a falling tree branch in Middle Smithfield, according to authorities.  David M. Feingold, 76, was cutting a tree on June 29 when a large branch fell and hit him, said the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. The accident happened on the 200 block of Melvin Lane, officials said.  Feingold was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where he died from complications of blunt-force trauma to the head on Sunday, July 14, the Coroner's Office said. His death was ruled accidental. 
Flood Watch Issued In These NJ Counties Ahead Of Downpours Flood Watch Issued In These NJ Counties Ahead Of Downpours
Flood Watch Issued In These NJ Counties Ahead Of Downpours A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service across much of New Jersey ahead of drizzles expected to turn into downpours. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain is expected with both showers and thunderstorms producing heavy downpours Friday afternoon, July 12 through Saturday afternoon, July 13, the National Weather Service said. Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex Gloucester Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Union, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren, are all under a flood watch. 🌧⚠️ Not much change to the forecast with this morning's update. We …
Million-Dollar Winner: Powerball Ticket Sold In Central Jersey Hits It Big Million-Dollar Winner: Powerball Ticket Sold In Central Jersey Hits It Big
Million-Dollar Winner: Powerball Ticket Sold In Central Jersey Hits It Big A Monmouth County convenience store sold a Powerball ticket worth $1 million, officials said. The million-dollar winner was purchased from the Soda King convenience store on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, July 1. The ticket matched five numbers in the Powerball drawing on Saturday, June 29. The winning numbers were 26, 51, 54, 61, and 69. The Powerball was 25. Another ticket bought in Indiana was also worth $1 million. A ShopRite in Somerset sold a ticket that won $50,000. No one matched all six numbers to win the estimated …
Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty In Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck In New Jersey, Prosecutor Says Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty In Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck In New Jersey, Prosecutor Says
Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty In Double-Fatal Off Duty DWI Wreck In New Jersey, Prosecutor Says A 30-year-old former police officer has pleaded guilty to charges filed in connection with a double-fatal wreck he caused while off duty last summer, authorities announced. Amitoj Oberoi, 29, of Somerset, was employed as an Edison police officer at the time of the accident on Route 27 in Franklin Township that killed Carlos Perez-Gayan, a 24-year-old Somerset resident, and Victor Cabrera-Francisco, a 20-year-old North Brunswick resident, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Oberoi pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, authorities said. His …
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Middlesex County
3-Alarm Fire Destroys 2 Homes In Middlesex Two homes were heavily damaged by a three-alarm fire that started in a garage in Middlesex Borough, authorities said. On Friday, June 14, at 2:40 a.m., the Middlesex Borough Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 832 West Second Street.  Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a garage was fully engulfed in flames. Prior to the fire spreading to 836 West Second Street, officers were able to safely evacuate the occupants of both residences, Middlesex police said. The Middlesex Fire Department, assisted by firefighters and equipment …
Thieves Flee After Crashing Stolen Car On Garden State Parkway, Lead Pursuit In Another Thieves Flee After Crashing Stolen Car On Garden State Parkway, Lead Pursuit In Another
Thieves Flee After Crashing Stolen Car On Garden State Parkway, Lead Pursuit In Another Two juveniles and an 18-year-old are in custody after crashing a stolen vehicle on the Garden State Parkway and trying to flee, police said. Quamir Kirkland, 18, of Somerset, and two juveniles from Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, initially crashed a Kia Sportage stolen out of Atlantic City near milepost 101.7 in Tinton Falls on Saturday, May 26 at 7:25 a.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. Troopers arriving at the scene established a perimeter, and arrested Kirkland and the Mount Laurel girl, police said. Moments later, Wall Township police reported a Cadillac XT6 stolen …
Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market
Feds: Nine Sex, Money, Murder Members Nabbed With Fentanyl, Coke, More At Open-Air Drug Market Nine reputed members and associates of the Sex, Money, Murder street gang were charged by Homeland Security agents in New Jersey with peddling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine at an open-air drug market. Working with local law enforcers, agents with HSI Investigations Newark homed in on a neighborhood on West 3rd Street in Plainfield where the subset of the Bloods controlled the drug trade, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. For months, they witnessed and recorded sales, conducted undercover buys -- some by confidential informants -- and analyzed phone records, the U.S. attorney said. …
Marijuana Dispensary Backed By Former 'RHONJ' Star's Ex-Husband Opens In 2 NJ Towns Marijuana Dispensary Backed By Former 'RHONJ' Star's Ex-Husband Opens In 2 NJ Towns
Marijuana Dispensary Backed By Former 'Rhonj' Star's Ex-Husband Opens In 2 NJ Towns A brand-new marijuana dispensary backed by the husband of a "Real Housewives of New Jersey" husband is now open in two locations. "The Dispensary" has opened its doors in both Somerset and is set to open in Union on Saturday, April 20. The company was founded in 2022 with a mission of providing "a space where people can experience the healing properties of cannabis while receiving exceptional service and support," its website says. It's backed by Frank Catania, the ex-husband of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Dolores Catania. Click here for The Dispensary website for locations.
Somerset Man Arrested For DWI After Crash: Montgomery Twp PD Somerset Man Arrested For DWI After Crash: Montgomery Twp PD
Somerset Man Arrested For DWI After Crash: Montgomery Twp PD A 63-year-old Somerset resident was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a car crash on the afternoon of Sunday, March 10, authorities said. At 2:58 p.m., first responders responded to Route 206 at Center Drive for a vehicle collision with injuries, Montgomery police said. Jeffrey Georgiana was heading southbound on Route 206 in a 2010 Buick when he turned left in front of a 2023 Jeep heading northbound, driven by a 52-year-old New York resident, police said. As a result of the crash, Georgiana suffered injuries to his face while the other driver had bruising to his leg…
Forecasters Were Way Off: 13 Inches Of Snow Fell Unexpectedly In NJ, PA Towns Forecasters Were Way Off: 13 Inches Of Snow Fell Unexpectedly In NJ, PA Towns
Forecasters Were Way Off: 13 Inches Of Snow Fell Unexpectedly In NJ, PA Towns Four inches of snow at most was expected in the second snow storm of the week in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. But much more fell.  In the Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 storm, up to 13 inches of snow fell in some towns across the region, according to the National Weather Service. Here's who got the most snow, according to the National Weather Service: ATLANTIC, NJ: Beuna Vista, 3.3 inches; Hammonton, 2.8 inches; Somers Point, 2.2 inches BERKS, PA: Lyons, 12 inches; Fleetwood, 9 inches; Blandon, 8.5 inches BERGEN, NJ: Westwood 3 inches; Fair Lawn 2.5 inches; River Vale 2 …
Treatment Plan Could Change Taste Of Drinking Water In Some NJ Towns Treatment Plan Could Change Taste Of Drinking Water In Some NJ Towns
Treatment Plan Could Change Taste Of Drinking Water In Some NJ Towns You may notice a slight taste or smell of chlorine in your drinking water during the next few months. That's due to a maintenance program undertaken annually by New Jersey American Water. The water treatment will affect customers in parts of the following counties: Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union. The temporary change in the treatment process will take place at the company's Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants.  “This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continu…
Somerset Man Uploaded Hundreds Of Child Porn Videos: Prosecutors Somerset Man Uploaded Hundreds Of Child Porn Videos: Prosecutors
Somerset Man Uploaded Hundreds Of Child Porn Videos: Prosecutors A 28-year-old Somerset man was arrested last month and charged with uploading hundreds of videos and photographs depicting child pornography, authorities said. Authorities in Somerset County were initially notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMC) that Albert Ketrow possessed images depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather said.  An investigation was initiated by the Somerset County Prose…
14 NJ Businesses Newly-Barred From Practicing For Shortchanging Workers: DOL 14 NJ Businesses Newly-Barred From Practicing For Shortchanging Workers: DOL
14 NJ Businesses Newly-Barred From Practicing For Shortchanging Workers: DOL An additional 14 New Jersey businesses have been barred from practicing for short-changing workers and other violations, bringing the total to 82, according to the state's Labor and Workforce Development Department. The businesses — which were named to the NJDOL’s Workplace Accountability in Labor List (the WALL) — owe a collective $956,000 in wages and penalties to the state and their employees. The 14 businesses added to the WALL are: A Z Construction of NJ Inc., Plainfield Brasero Chicken 3 LLC, Paterson Dar's Staffing LLC, Little Egg Harbor EC Abatement Inc., Newark Lane Mechanical He…
NJ Man Gets Prison Time For Fatal Crash In Stolen Car During Police Chase: Prosecutor NJ Man Gets Prison Time For Fatal Crash In Stolen Car During Police Chase: Prosecutor
NJ Man Gets Prison Time For Fatal Crash In Stolen Car During Police Chase: Prosecutor A 21-year-old driver was sentenced to 12 years in New Jersey State Prison for a fatal crash during a police chase, authorities said. Samuel Villar, of Somerset, was sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 5 in connection with the November 2022 Old Bridge accident that killed 33-year-old Arturo Tlapa Luna, of Freehold, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Old Bridge Acting Police Chief, Donald F. Fritz, Jr. said. On Nov. 9, 2022, at about 2:15 a.m. Old Bridge police responded to a crash that occurred during a pursuit by Marlboro Police, near the intersection of Spring Valle…
NJ Man Heads To Prison For Deadly Botched Robbery In PA NJ Man Heads To Prison For Deadly Botched Robbery In PA
NJ Man Heads To Prison For Deadly Botched Robbery In PA A New Jersey man will spend up to 55 years in a Pennsylvania prison for a murder he and his brother committed during a 2021 robbery, officials say.  Anthony Joel Gamble, 22, previously pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery in October, said the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.  Gamble and his younger brother Joshua David Gamble stabbed 26-year-old Kevin Rosero nearly 30 times before trying to dump his body in a wooded area in Richland Township late on June 17, 2021, prosecutors have claimed.  They were arrested that night whe…
LabCorp Layoffs: 300+ Employees Let Go In Central Jersey, WARN Filing Shows LabCorp Layoffs: 300+ Employees Let Go In Central Jersey, WARN Filing Shows
LabCorp Layoffs: 300+ Employees Let Go In Central Jersey, Warn Filing Shows Labcorp, one of the largest clinical labs in the world, is laying off more than 300 employees at one New Jersey location, according to recent filings. The company in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice last August announced 78 employees at Somerset's Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Inc., will be let go between Nov. 17 and Dec. 23. This month, LabCorp said an additional 239 employees will be laid off in April 2025. Somerset appears to have only one LabCorp outpost, located at 77 Veronica Ave. The cause of the layoffs was not immediately clear.…
Intoxicated Driver Caused Head-On Crash With Tractor Trailer On Route 206: Police Intoxicated Driver Caused Head-On Crash With Tractor Trailer On Route 206: Police
Intoxicated Driver Caused Head-On Crash With Tractor Trailer On Route 206: Police A 33-year-old Somerset man was arrested and charged after he crashed into a truck while intoxicated on Wednesday, Nov. 8, Montgomery Township police said. At 6:15 p.m., police responded to Route 206 and Orchard Road for a report of a crash, officers said. Upon arrival, they found a disabled 2008 Buick Enclave, driven by Keith Tisdale, with heavy front end damage, and a disabling tractor trailer with its hazard lights activated, police said. An investigation revealed Tisdale caused the crash by crossing over the centerline and hitting the truck, disabling both vehicles, police said. No one w…
Get It Fast: New Bagel Shop Opens In Central Jersey Get It Fast: New Bagel Shop Opens In Central Jersey
Get It Fast: New Bagel Shop Opens In Central Jersey A new bagel shop has opened in Central Jersey promising fast and fresh service. Azarian Realty Co. announced the grand opening of Fast Bagel in Plaza K shopping center in Woodbridge. The Plaza K shopping center is a two-story shopping center located at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Ford Avenue. Fast Bagel began in Somerset by selling homemade Jersey bagels wholesale to local restaurants and hotels before opening its first brick-and-mortar shortly thereafter.  It is a quickly growing establishment and it stands out from the bagel crowd as it abides by strong princ…
Rite Aid To Close 12 New Jersey Stores After Filing For Bankruptcy Rite Aid To Close 12 New Jersey Stores After Filing For Bankruptcy
Rite Aid To Close 12 New Jersey Stores After Filing For Bankruptcy Rite Aid, the pharmacy giant that filed for bankruptcy on Sunday, Oct. 15, plans to close 154 underperforming stores nationwide, according to a new filing.  A dozen of the stores closing are located in New Jersey. They are: 431 Haledon Avenue in Haledon 35 Mill Road in Irvington 1636 Route 38 Suite 49 in Lumberton 210 Bridgeton Pike in Mantua 108 Swedesboro Road Suite 20 in Mullica Hill 2370 Route 33 in Robbinsville 773 Hamilton Street in Somerset 4057 Asbury Avenue Suite 8 in Tinton Falls 1726 Route 37 in East Toms River 3 Marshall Hill Road in West Milford 1434 South Black …
Joshua Lowe Of Central Jersey Dies At Age 29: 'Made A Lasting Impression On Everyone He Met' Joshua Lowe Of Central Jersey Dies At Age 29: 'Made A Lasting Impression On Everyone He Met'
Joshua Lowe Of Central Jersey Dies At Age 29: 'Made A Lasting Impression On Everyone He Met' Friends and loved ones are mourning the unexpected loss of Joshua Carlton Lowe of Central Jersey from seizure disorder complications on Friday, Sept. 29. He was 29. Joshua went to Sayreville War Memorial High School and studied at Rutgers in New Brunswick, his social media page says.  He is described by his family — who launched a fundraiser on Epilepsy.com following his passing — as having an “easy going nature, irrepressible charm, and genuine friendliness” that “made a lasting impression on everyone he met.” The fundraiser had garnered more than $600 in donations as of Monday, Oct. 16 …
Suspects In Ski Masks Arrested With Weapons On Jersey Shore: Police Suspects In Ski Masks Arrested With Weapons On Jersey Shore: Police
Suspects In Ski Masks Arrested With Weapons On Jersey Shore: Police Brick police arrested two teenagers with weapons after they were spotted by a resident driving in ski masks, authorities said. On Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 6:26 p.m., Brick police received a call from a resident who observed a Black Honda drive past them with the driver and passenger both wearing ski masks, police said. Due to the recent spike in burglaries, the resident thought it was suspicious and reported it to police.  Moments later, this vehicle was observed by police traveling on Mantoloking Road. After a motor vehicle stop on Chambers Bridge Road near Kohl’s Plaza, an officer ob…
Tornado Possible, Flood Watch Issued Across 18 NJ Counties As Thunderstorms Loom Tornado Possible, Flood Watch Issued Across 18 NJ Counties As Thunderstorms Loom
Tornado Possible, Flood Watch Issued Across 18 NJ Counties As Thunderstorms Loom A flood watch is in effect across 18 of New Jersey's counties as thunderstorms with the possibility of a tornado moves in, the National Weather Service said. The flood watch is in effect until Wednesday evening, Sept. 13, in the following counties, according to the NWS: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. The NWS said there is a "marginal risk" of an isolated tornado and damaging winds, however, no tornado watch or warning was issued. A flood watch is in effec…
These Are The Top-Ranked Private High Schools In New Jersey, Website Says These Are The Top-Ranked Private High Schools In New Jersey, Website Says
These Are The Top-Ranked Private High Schools In New Jersey, Website Says We've seen the list of New Jersey's best public high schools, but what about the private ones?  Niche has a report for that, too. The community and school ranking site has released its 2023 report of "Best Private High Schools in New Jersey." These 10 private schools were ranked among the best in the Garden State by Niche: No. 1: Princeton International School of Math and Science No. 2: The Lawrenceville School No. 3: The Pingry School, Basking Ridge No. 4: Newark Academy, Livingston No. 5: Delbarton School, Morristown No. 6: The Peddie School, Hightstown No. 7: Dwight-Englewood Sch…
27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department 27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department
27 NJ Boston Market Stores Issued Stop-Work Orders By Labor Department Boston Market stores across New Jersey owe its workers thousands of dollars in back wages, and the state's labor department is taking action. The NJDOL issued 27 stop-work orders to Boston Market locations throughout the state on Monday, Aug. 14 saying the rotisserie chicken franchise owes more than $600,000 in back wages to 314 employees. The investigation began after the NJDOL received a complaint from an employee at a restaurant in Hamilton last November. Since then, almost three dozen people have come forward, naming several other locations. Citations were issued for unpaid/late pa…
NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities
NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities A Somerset County man was seized by federal agents who charged him with selling a mix of fentanyl and heroin that killed a user in Plainfield. Officers responding to the victim’s home found two wax folds containing both drugs and bearing a unique stamp, which they linked to Thomas Kane Miller, 38, of Somerset, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. Investigators learned that the victim and Miller had arranged to meet shortly before the October 2022 overdose, the U.S. attorney added. Miller had also been found 10 days earlier with several wax folds of the same drugs with the same stamp, Selli…