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Ocean County, NJ

Jackpot Shock: NJ Resident Wins $1M, 14 Others Are Thousands Richer At Annual Event Jackpot Shock: NJ Resident Wins $1M, 14 Others Are Thousands Richer At Annual Event
Jackpot Shock: NJ Resident Wins $1M, 14 Others Are Thousands Richer At Annual Event A Middlesex County man is now a millionaire and more than a dozen other Garden State residents are several thousand dollars richer, thanks to New Jersey Lottery’s Million Dollar Replay Grand Prize Drawing. Daniel DeSanto was named the top winner at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino and Marina on Friday, March 14, where more than $1.5 million in prizes were awarded in the annual second-chance drawing, officials said. “They called my name and I didn’t know what hit me,” DeSanto said. “I just won a million dollars, and I can't believe it. Maybe I can retire a little earlier.” Thro…
NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say
NJ Corrections Lt. Stole, Sold $475K In State Ammo, Prosecutors Say A New Jersey Department of Corrections lieutenant in charge of managing state ammunition stockpiles was charged with stealing and selling taxpayer-funded ammo for personal profit, authorities said. Timothy Morris, 56, of Bayville (Ocean County), who served as NJDOC’s Range Master, is accused of illegally ordering excess ammunition and selling it on the secondary market, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced. Morris allegedly pocketed more than $475,000 through this scheme while attempting to conceal his financial transactions, prosecutors said. Morris, who has held his Range Master…
NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign
NJ Parents Facing Long Road To Recovery After Being Shot By Angry Neighbor: Campaign A pair of Jersey Shore residents are facing a long road to recovery after they were shot by their neighbor in their home on Monday, March 10, according to a fundraiser set up to support them. Please keep those prayers going for Jill Gawarkiewicz Kwatkoski and Tom!!! This article sheds some light on what... Posted by Linda Klimkowski Flynn on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 At 4:45 p.m., Berkeley Township police responded to Drake Drive and found Tom and Jill Kwatkoski suffering from a gunshot wound, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Billhimer later identified the shooter as Joh…
NJ Wife Believed Strangled By Husband Leaves 4 Young Kids Behind, Campaign Says NJ Wife Believed Strangled By Husband Leaves 4 Young Kids Behind, Campaign Says
NJ Wife Believed Strangled By Husband Leaves 4 Young Kids Behind, Campaign Says Cheyanne Juarez was a 30-year-old South Toms River mother with four young children, those who knew her said. Last week, she was strangled with a belt at the hands of her 38-year-old husband, Gustavo Juarez-Perez, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Cheyanne's death has spread shock and sadness through the community as she leaves behind four young children, loved ones say. "Cheyanne was one of the kindest, most caring, hardworking, and funniest women we had the privilege of knowing and loving," Rosaura Roustand, who is organizing a fundraiser for Juarez's children, wro…
Juvenile Hit 118 MPH In Police Pursuit That Left Two People Dead In Toms River: Prosecutor Juvenile Hit 118 MPH In Police Pursuit That Left Two People Dead In Toms River: Prosecutor
Juvenile Hit 118 MPH In Police Pursuit That Left Two People Dead In Toms River: Prosecutor A juvenile driver has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated manslaughter, after a high-speed police chase ended in a deadly crash that killed two people and critically injured two others on Friday, March 7 in Toms River, officials said. The crash happened at 10:58 p.m., when a white BMW speeding at 118 mph collided with a Toyota Camry at the intersection of Route 37 and Route 166, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The Toms River Township Police Department initially spotted the BMW speeding eastbound over the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge around 10:45 p…
NJ Sports Chiropractor, 68, Sexually Assaults Female Patient: Prosecutor NJ Sports Chiropractor, 68, Sexually Assaults Female Patient: Prosecutor
NJ Sports Chiropractor, 68, Sexually Assaults Female Patient: Prosecutor A 68-year-old chiropractor has been charged with sexually assaulting a female patient last month, authorities said.  James Royle, of New Egypt, was charged with criminal sexual contact in connection with the incident Friday, Feb. 14 in Jackson Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Feb. 26, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Jackson Township Police Department were contacted by a female victim who claimed that she was touched inappropriately during a chiropractic adjustment by Royle, a chiropractor and owner of Royle Sports Chirop…
NJ Man Trying To Lure Girls For Sex Sent His Drivers License To Undercover Cop: AG NJ Man Trying To Lure Girls For Sex Sent His Drivers License To Undercover Cop: AG
NJ Man Trying To Lure Girls For Sex Sent His Drivers License To Undercover Cop: AG A 39-year-old Ocean County man was arrested and charged on Friday, Feb. 28 with trying to lure young children for sexual activity, authorities said. On Friday, Feb. 7,  an undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be an adult male with access to a 6-year-old girl was contacted on an online platform by a user, later identified as Daniel Dagostino, of the platform, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. The undercover officer and the other user moved their conversation to a messaging app, where the undercover mentioned he had access to an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old gir…
Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor
Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor The day after authorities announced the arrest of an 18-year-old ski-masked man masturbating in front of young females, officials in the same county announced a similar arrest. Michael Marto, 28, of Tuckerton, exposed his penis to a 10-year-old girl, propositioned two 15-year-old girls, and made sexual comments toward a 17-year-old girl — all in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Marto's arrest comes one day after that of Massinissa Ladj, who wore a ski mask as he drove around and masturbated in front of females as young as 12 years old in Lakewood, polic…
Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor
Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor An 18-year-old man who lured multiple females including a pre-teen to his vehicle, masturbated in front of most of them, and then drove off in multiple Ocean County towns has been arrested. Massinissa Ladj, of Jackson, has been charged with sexual assault, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and four counts of lewdness, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Jan. 24, Lakewood police were notified that a male wearing a ski mask and driving a black vehicle motioned to a 16-year-old girl who was walking down East 5th Avenue to approach his car the previ…
Ghost Guns, Meth, Firearm Seized From Pair In Ocean County Raid: AG Ghost Guns, Meth, Firearm Seized From Pair In Ocean County Raid: AG
Ghost Guns, Meth, Firearm Seized From Pair In Ocean County Raid: AG Two Ocean County residents are facing charges following a raid on Wednesday, Feb. 19 that turned up numerous ghost guns and methamphetamine, authorities said. Law enforcement conducted search warrants at multiple locations and recovered and seized, guns, including guns with no serial number- "ghost guns," extended magazines, and a quantity of methamphetamine, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. The defendants, George Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, conspired to sell a defaced firearm with no serial number, Platkin said. They were charge…
MUGSHOT: NJ Veterinarian's Accused Killer Pictured In Newly-Released Photo MUGSHOT: NJ Veterinarian's Accused Killer Pictured In Newly-Released Photo
Mugshot: NJ Veterinarian's Accused Killer Pictured In Newly-Released Photo A 27-year-old Oregon man has been arrested and charged with murder in the first degree for fatal stabbing a veterinarian last December in Cherry Hill authorities announced on Friday, Feb. 14. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at 7:09 a.m., Cherry Hill police responded to the 100 block of Sharrowvalle Road and found Dr. Michael Anthony, a veterinarian with a practice in Haddon Heights, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said.  Cristiano Custodio-Aquino was identified as the person responsible and was apprehended on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in Fresno, Calif., by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific…
NJ Snowstorm Shocker: These Towns Doubled Forecasts In Latest Winter Whopper NJ Snowstorm Shocker: These Towns Doubled Forecasts In Latest Winter Whopper
NJ Snowstorm Shocker: These Towns Doubled Forecasts In Latest Winter Whopper New Jersey’s latest snowstorm played favorites, dropping way more snow than expected in some spots while barely making an appearance in others, according to the National Weather Service (scroll all the way down to see totals by county). Forecasters had called for 4 to 6 inches across much of South Jersey Tuesday, Feb. 11, with Cape May and parts of Delaware expecting 6 to 8 inches. But by Wednesday morning, some towns were digging out from totals well beyond those estimates—while others were left wondering where winter went. Who Got Buried? Some towns saw their snow totals soar past expect…
NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: NJSP NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: NJSP
NJ Surgeon Dies After Medical Episode On Garden State Parkway: Njsp A 54-year-old Toms River surgeon died following a medical episode while driving on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County on Thursday, Jan. 30, authorities said. At 7:10 a.m., Dr. Jarrod Kaufman was driving a Tesla Model Y northbound on the Garden State Parkway in Lakewood Township, when his vehicle veered off the roadway into a briar patch, Chares Marchan, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said.  Kaufman sustained a medical episode and was pronounced dead at the scene, Marchan said. Born in 1970, Kaufman was a graduate of Lehigh University before earning his medical degre…
Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG
Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG A 19-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with running a residential burglary and auto theft ring throughout the state last year, authorities said. Samir White's crew  targeted high-end vehicles throughout New Jersey and New York, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. White and others used stolen vehicles to travel to target locations throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Essex counties, where they forced entry into homes using a crowbar, removed expensive items and key fobs to vehicles, then stole the homeowner’s cars from the residence, Platkin said. The estimated value of vehicles…
$32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey $32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey
$32 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In New Jersey It was a lucrative life changing day for a lottery player in Ocean County. A ticket sold in Jackson matched all six numbers in the New Jersey Lottery Pick-6 jackpot in the drawing held on Monday, Jan. 20 winning $32 million. This is the first Pick-6 jackpot of 2025. The ticket was sold at Quick Mart at 665 Bennetts Mills Road. The winning numbers were  04, 11, 12, 15, 27 and 39. 
Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals
Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals New Jersey experienced a wide range of snowfall from a winter storm that swept through the state on Jan. 19, 2025, with Kinnelon in Morris County topping the charts at a whopping 7 inches, according to reports from the National Weather Service (NWS). Adding to the challenges, a Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect for much of the region from 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 through noon Wednesday, with wind chills expected to drop as low as 7 below zero. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid hypothermia and frostbite, including wearing proper clothing, keeping pets indoors, and checking o…
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast 6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast The first significant snowstorm of 2025 is expected to hit the region Sunday night, Jan 5, bringing up to 8 inches of snow to parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to begin late Sunday night, continuing through Monday, Jan. 6 before tapering off into Monday night.  Snow accumulations are forecast across the region, with the highest totals predicted in South Jersey (Vineland, Atlantic City, Cape May) and Philadelphia, where snowfall could reach 6 to 8 inches, new weather maps show.  Greater Philadelphia could see 3 t…
DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say
DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say A Long Island man accused of driving drunk in a deadly Garden State Parkway crash has been captured nearly 15 years after he jumped bail and became a fugitive, authorities said. U.S. Marshals arrested 52-year-old Chaudhry Yousaf at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 30. Yousaf's last known address was in Valley Stream, New York. Yousaf was originally charged in the crash that happened on the southbound side of the parkway on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Troopers responded to …
Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder
Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder Four men from Indiana have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of a 35-year-old man from India, whose decomposed body was found in a wooded area of Ocean County, authorities said. Kuldeep Kumar had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, NY on Oct. 26, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan said. His body was later found in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Manchester Township. On Sunday, Dec. 21, authorities identified the suspects as Sourav Kumar, 23…
More Than 5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Sussex County: Town-By-Town Breakdowns More Than 5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Sussex County: Town-By-Town Breakdowns
More Than 5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Sussex County: Town-By-Town Breakdowns A winter storm dropped varying amounts of snow across New Jersey overnight Friday, Dec. 20, into Saturday morning, Dec. 21.  Snowfall totals ranged from trace amounts in South Jersey to more than 5 inches in parts of North Jersey, creating slippery conditions on roadways as temperatures remained below freezing, according to data from the National Weather Service. Sussex and Morris counties recorded the highest snowfall, with Sparta Township leading at 5.5 inches and Randolph Township close behind at 5.3 inches. Meanwhile, southern counties like Atlantic and Cumberland reported only tra…
NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say
NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man admitted to his role in the dismemberment of a Toms River man's body, authorities said. Jared Krysiak, 34, pleaded guilty on Monday, Dec. 16 to desecration of human remains, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Krysiak was among the four people indicted in the killing of 56-year-old Kerry Rollason. Elizabeth Mascarelli of Seaside Heights entered a guilty plea on Monday, Dec. 9 for an aggravated manslaughter charge. She was previously indicted on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehen…
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where $2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where New Jersey Lottery players celebrated a winning streak last week, with 12 prizes of $10,000 or more claimed from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24.  Among the biggest prizes were two $500,000 top wins, and over $2 million in total winnings, according to the NJ Lottery. Here’s a full breakdown of this week’s winners and where the lucky tickets were sold: Nov. 18, 2024: Powerball – $150,000, HC Good Neighbor Pharmacy, 1071 Route 37, Toms River, Ocean County. Candy Cane Cash – $100,000, A & M Convenience, 2201 South Clinton Ave., South Plainfield, Middlesex County. Crossword – $20,000, MPM Servic…
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts academy admitted to molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger of Neptune City, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 18, to endangering the welfare of a child, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Investigators said Bollinger, 57, engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact" with a student. The incidents happened in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park between February and August 2019. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, part of Ocean County Vocational Tech…
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…
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires 'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires As wildfires continue to rage in Morris County, patience is wearing thin. A Morris County wildfire that residents say was caused by fireworks set off on Halloween night had spread to nearly 140 acres last week as the state continues to be hit with a drought of more than a month. The wildfire occurred at The Craigmeur Lookout near Notch Road in Rockaway Township. Several farms in the area had  to to evacuate their animals for the second time this month, following the Microwave Wildfire last month. One Redditor had enough, in the thread "To the guy in the white Acura…
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor 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. …
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Four people from Ocean County were indicted for dismembering the body of a Toms River man 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 and…
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…
NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, Prosecutors Say NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, Prosecutors Say
NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, 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 …
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 …