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Ocean County, NJ

Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Toms River Motel, Police Say Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Toms River Motel, Police Say
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Toms River Motel, Police Say A man and woman from Ocean County were accused of illegally selling guns, authorities said. George Garulle of Beachwood and Dana Restiano of Whiting were arrested on Monday, Nov. 4, the Stafford Township Police Department said in a news release. Investigators executed two search warrants at the Howard Johnson motel in Toms River and a home on Neptune Avenue in Beachwood. Garulle and Restaino were found with several illegal guns, including defaced guns, ghost guns, rifles, and shotguns. Police also discovered the two had high-capacity magazines, an undisclosed amount of …
Seaside Park Marine Vet, Restaurant Owner Dies, Suspected DUI Driver's Charges Increased Seaside Park Marine Vet, Restaurant Owner Dies, Suspected DUI Driver's Charges Increased
Seaside Park Marine Vet, Restaurant Owner Dies, Suspected DUI Driver's Charges Increased A Seaside Park woman's charges were upgraded when a restaurant owner and well-known fly fisherman died more than a month after a hit-and-run crash. Genell Mcinaw, 50, surrendered to Seaside Heights police on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was previously charged in the crash that killed Robert Popovics of Seaside Park. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found Popovics u…
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election More than 1.9 million people have already cast their vote in New Jersey ahead of the 2024 election. Here's one last look at who's on the ballot in the Garden State's 12 Congressional races, and what you need to know. District 1: All of Camden County, as well as parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County. Teddy Liddell and Donald Norcross. Teddy Liddell for Congress/Donald Norcross Facebook photos Democratic candidate Incumbent Rep. Donald Norcross: A father of three and electrician, Norcross was elected in 2014 having previously served in both the State Senate and Assembly. …
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors
Woman Stole $175K+ From Waretown Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors A Mays Landing woman was accused of stealing more than $175,000 from an Ocean County senior community and lying about her child's cancer treatment to delay court proceedings, authorities said. Alicia Campbell, 37, was given five additional charges on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was originally charged with theft, financial facilitation, and forgery. Campbell was the former lifestyle director at Greenbriar Oceanaire Community & Golf Course in Waretown. She was responsible for booking enter…
Wall Township Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say Wall Township Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say
Wall Township Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say A Wall Township man admitted to stealing a vehicle he borrowed and selling it in Georgia, authorities said. Jaquel Accoo, 29, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 28 to motor vehicle theft and witness tampering, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. A man reported to Toms River police on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, that his vehicle had been stolen. Investigators said Accoo borrowed the vehicle from the owner but instead of returning it, he sold it to someone in Georgia. Accoo was charged on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2023, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and his na…
Barnegat Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Barnegat Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Barnegat Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say A Barnegat man will spend up to a decade in prison for selling cocaine and having a gun, authorities said. Clifford Holland, 48, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 25 to 10 years in prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He entered a guilty plea for two charges on Monday, Sept. 9. Police executed a search warrant at a home on Gunning River Road in Barnegat on Friday, Feb. 23. Detectives seized an undisclosed amount of cocaine and a .22-caliber revolver. Holland was taken into custody at the scene. He's been held in the Ocean County Jai…
Woman Killed Toms River Man, Three Others Dismembered Him, Gruesome Indictment Says Woman Killed Toms River Man, Three Others Dismembered Him, Gruesome Indictment Says
Woman Killed Toms River Man, Three Others Dismembered Him, Gruesome Indictment Says Four people from Ocean County were indicted for dismembering the body of a Toms River killed in his home, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 29-year-old Elizabeth Mascarelli of Seaside Heights on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehension, desecration of human remains, and eight weapons charges, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township; and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester, were also indicted for hindering apprehension an…
Brick Township Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors Brick Township Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors
Brick Township Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors A Brick Township man was accused of downloading and sharing child pornography, authorities said. Dennis Hubert, 42, was charged with possession of child pornography, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 24. The investigation started when the state police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators with the county prosecutor's office discovered an IP address associated with a Brick Township home was accessing child porn pictur…
Jackson Twp. Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors Jackson Twp. Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors
Jackson Twp. Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors A Jackson Township man admitted to driving a stolen pickup while high on methamphetamine in a crash that injured another man and three children, authorities said. Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and certain person not to possess a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release.  Sharkey was charged in a crash on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023. Toms River police responded to the wreck near the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue at around 4 p.m. Invest…
Man Who Tried To Abduct Lakewood Girl, Groped Woman In Toms River Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors Man Who Tried To Abduct Lakewood Girl, Groped Woman In Toms River Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors
Man Who Tried To Abduct Lakewood Girl, Groped Woman In Toms River Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors A Farmingdale man admitted to trying to kidnap a teen girl and groping a woman in a Target parking lot during a two-county crime spree, authorities said. Quamel Benton, 36, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to attempted kidnapping, two counts of eluding, and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Lakewood police responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping near Forest Park Circle at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 21. Officers learned that a man tried to force the girl into a "smaller model" white SUV. The …
'Most Wanted' Fugitive Captured 14 Years After Brick Twp Shooting To Remain Held Pending Trial 'Most Wanted' Fugitive Captured 14 Years After Brick Twp Shooting To Remain Held Pending Trial
'Most Wanted' Fugitive Captured 14 Years After Brick Twp Shooting To Remain Held Pending Trial A 40-year-old fugitive captured 14 years after shooting a man in the face in Ocean County will remain held pending trial, authorities announced. Marciano Sanchez, who had been named to the "New Jersey's Most Wanted" list, was captured earlier this month in New York City, as previously reported by Daily Voice. On Thursday, Oct. 17, Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels ordered Sanchez jailed pending trial. Sanchez is suspected of shooting a man in the face at the Community First Aid building on Mantoloking Road on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley B…
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor A pair of certified nursing assistants are accused of beating a patient now listed in critical condition at the rehabilitation center they worked at, authorities in Ocean County said. Dhenmark Francisco, 28, of Toms River, and Jovi Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood, were each charged with aggravated assault in connection with the Sunday, Oct. 14 attack at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The Berkeley PD was contacted by officials at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility regarding a patient that had been assa…
Knife-Wielding Brick Twp. Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Berkeley Crime Spree: Prosecutors Knife-Wielding Brick Twp. Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Berkeley Crime Spree: Prosecutors
Knife-Wielding Brick Twp. Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Berkeley Crime Spree: Prosecutors A Brick Township woman was accused of pulling a knife on a Berkeley Township store clerk and trying to break into another business, authorities said. Jessica Napolitano, 37, was arrested in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Berkeley police responded to a robbery report at The Corner Store on Ocean Gate Drive at around 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.  Officers learned that a woman who pulled out a knife at the register demanded money and cigarettes. Store employees gave them to her before she le…
Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors
Former Point Pleasant Beach Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced: Prosecutors A Point Pleasant Beach man will spend several years in prison after stealing more than $100,000 from a volunteer fire department, authorities said. Salvatore Umek, 46, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 11 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The former treasurer of Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No. 2 pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, June 10. Investigators said Umek stole about $100,000 from the fire company's bank account to pay off personal credit card debt between February 2019 and November 2021. He als…
'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River 'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River
'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River A new medical clinic is about to open for Ocean County veterans, officials said. The new Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River will open on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the VA said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 9. The center is located at 1051 Hooper Avenue. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the James J. Howard Veterans' Outpatient Clinic in Brick Township, which will close on Monday, Oct. 21. All appointments after that day will be transferred to the Toms River clinic and vets will get new appointment cards with updated information. Ocean …
12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Mantoloking Oceanfront Community 12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Mantoloking Oceanfront Community
12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Mantoloking Oceanfront Community Dale Parisi's third-generation cottage near the Mantoloking beachfront was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. "It was a very sad day," he said. "We had no idea what the future held for any of us. While some people cashed in their chips, I believed that someday we were going to return and rebuild." Nearly a dozen years later, Parisi moved into his new three-bedroom duplex in the Osborn Dunes at South Mantoloking community. The neighborhood off Route 35 has reopened for some new and returning residents after suffering catastrophic damage from Sandy, developer Walte…
Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman, Prosecutors Say Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman, Prosecutors Say
Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman, Prosecutors Say A volunteer fire chief in Manchester Township was accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than two years ago, authorities said. Michael Trimarchi, 55, of Manchester, was charged with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Trimarchi is the chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, according to a Facebook post on Saturday, Sept. 21. A woman told Manchester police on Friday, Sept. 6 that Trimarchi sexually assaulted her on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. Investigators with …
Brick Twp. Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say Brick Twp. Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say
Brick Twp. Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man admitted to recording children performing sexual acts for him in video chats, authorities said. Christopher Budelman, 37, pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 4 to two counts of sexual assault, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Prosecutors said they're seeking seven years in state prison for Budelman, along with registering as a sex offender, a ban from contacting the victims, and lifetime parole supervision. The state police's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force found a person was using the …
NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack
NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack A water utility company based in Camden said it is pausing billing in the wake of a cyberattack on Thursday, Oct. 3. American Water serves 2.8 million people in the Garden State, providing water to municipalities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. "American Water learned of unauthorized activity in our computer networks and systems," the company said in a release. "This activity has since been determined to be the result of a cybersecurity incident. In an effort to protect our …
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say A Toms River man was accused of intentionally starting a fire in Brick Township, injuring three firefighters, authorities said. Charles Maulbeck, 51, was charged with aggravated arson, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Brick Township police saw smoke and heavy fire at a home on Falkenberg Road on Friday, Sept. 13. Two firefighters were treated and released from a nearby hospital, while a third declined medical attention. Investigators said the fire started in the north side of the home's split basement by someone who used "a…
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence A former bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing $357,250 from the organization, authorities said. Karly Simon-Sapp, 50, of Plumsted Township, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer to five years New Jersey State Prison and ordered to pay $357,520 in restitution, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. She previously had pleaded guilty to theft. Between January 2016 and January 2022, Simon-Sapp, in her capacity as a bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association, forged the …
CAPTURED: Fugitive In 2010 Brick Township Attempted Murder Arrested, Prosecutors Say CAPTURED: Fugitive In 2010 Brick Township Attempted Murder Arrested, Prosecutors Say
Captured: Fugitive In 2010 Brick Township Attempted Murder Arrested, Prosecutors Say A fugitive wanted for shooting a man in the face nearly 14 years ago in Brick Township has been captured, authorities said. Marciano Sanchez, 40, was arrested in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Sanchez's last known address was in Queens. Sanchez was on New Jersey’s Most Wanted list after a shooting in Brick on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010. Police responded to a gunshot victim at the Community First Aid building on Mantoloking Road. Officers found a man who had been shot in the face. He was rushed to Jersey Shore Unive…
New Rankings Released: High School In Stafford Township Makes U.S. Top 50 New Rankings Released: High School In Stafford Township Makes U.S. Top 50
New Rankings Released: High School In Stafford Township Makes U.S. Top 50 Three Jersey Shore public high schools were recognized among the 100 best in the U.S., according to an education data website. Niche has released its 2025 Best Public High Schools in America list. The website said its rankings are based on "rigorous analysis of key statistics," U.S. Department of Education data, and millions of reviews from students and parents. Five of the top 50 high schools in the U.S. were from New Jersey, including two on the Jersey Shore. Bergen County Academies in Hackensack was the top school in the Garden State and 20th nationally…
Toms River Sex Offender Assaulted Girl Who Needed Ride To Animal Shelter, Prosecutors Say Toms River Sex Offender Assaulted Girl Who Needed Ride To Animal Shelter, Prosecutors Say
Toms River Sex Offender Assaulted Girl Who Needed Ride To Animal Shelter, Prosecutors Say A Toms River man was accused of sexually assaulting a teen who asked him for a ride, authorities said. Keith Hahn, 46, was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 1, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, kidnapping, luring, and endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators said the 14-year-old girl got lost while she walked along Route 70 in Manchester Township on Sunday, Sept. 29. A man driving a white Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped and talked to her. The girl a…
Jackson Township Man Sentenced For Sharing, Downloading Child Porn: Prosecutors Jackson Township Man Sentenced For Sharing, Downloading Child Porn: Prosecutors
Jackson Township Man Sentenced For Sharing, Downloading Child Porn: Prosecutors A Jackson Township will spend several years in prison after admitting to sharing child pornography, authorities said. Andrew Anastasio, 60, was sentenced on Friday, Sept. 27 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He'll also have to register as a sex offender and receive lifetime parole supervision.  The investigation began when state police received tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children about someone sending and receiving child porn pictures. County investigators then identified Anasta…
Woman Critically Injured Man, 75, In Seaside Heights Hit-And-Run Crash: Prosecutors Woman Critically Injured Man, 75, In Seaside Heights Hit-And-Run Crash: Prosecutors
Woman Critically Injured Man, 75, In Seaside Heights Hit-And-Run Crash: Prosecutors A Seaside Park woman was accused of critically injuring an elderly man in a hit-and-run crash in Seaside Heights, authorities said. Genell Mcinaw, 50, was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury to another person, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found the 75…
Driver Wanted, Pedestrian Critically Injured In Toms River Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors Driver Wanted, Pedestrian Critically Injured In Toms River Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors
Driver Wanted, Pedestrian Critically Injured In Toms River Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors Police were searching for whoever critically injured a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in Toms River, authorities said. The crash happened near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Mobile Lane at around 9:38 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Investigators said a car was heading north on Massachusetts when it struck a man and left the scene. The pedestrian was rushed to Community Medical Center and was listed in critical but stable condition. The car involved in the hit-and-run is belie…
Manchester Township Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In Prison, Prosecutors Say Manchester Township Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In Prison, Prosecutors Say
Manchester Township Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In Prison, Prosecutors Say A Manchester Township man will spend a decade in prison for selling cocaine, authorities said. Robert Murray Jr., 61, was sentenced on Friday, Sept. 20 to ten years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He pleaded guilty on Monday, May 6 to possession of more than one-half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute. Investigators said police stopped Murray while he was driving in Lakewood on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Officers found about 71 grams of cocaine in his vehicle and he was arrested. Police also execut…
Five Arrested In Heroin, Cocaine, Meth Bust In Ocean County: Prosecutors Five Arrested In Heroin, Cocaine, Meth Bust In Ocean County: Prosecutors
Five Arrested In Heroin, Cocaine, Meth Bust In Ocean County: Prosecutors Five people from Ocean County were accused of selling heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, authorities said. The five were taken into custody during a month-long investigation into drug dealing, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 20. Investigators identified a home on Bear Hollow Court in Little Egg Harbor used for the drug sales and established surveillance. John Pecoreno, 40, and Elysia Sullins, 23, both of Little Egg Harbor, were seen leaving the home and driving away from the area on Friday, September 6. Investigators contin…
Trio Indicted In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say Trio Indicted In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say
Trio Indicted In Plot To Murder Man In Jackson Township, Prosecutors Say A grand jury indicted three men accused of plotting to shoot and kill another man in Jackson Township, authorities said. Michael Vulpis of Freehold Borough, Noah Phelps of Monroe Township, and Glenn Franzson of Jackson Township were indicted on Wednesday, Sept. 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The three were facing charges in the shooting on Thursday, June 27. Jackson police responded to the shooting report on Larsen Road at around 12:20 a.m. and officers found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his face. He was treat…