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Plainfield, NJ

19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says 19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says Nineteen retailers across New Jersey are facing $4,500 after an investigation found they'd been selling flavored vape products banned in the Garden State, the NJ Attorney General's Office said. All 19 stores were issued a Notice of Violation after they were found to have violated the state's consumer protection laws, AG Matthew Platkin said. The enforcement actions are the result of a Division investigation into unlawful sales of flavored electronic smoking devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors, Platkin said.  The Division launched its investigation…
New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG
New Charges Filed Against Former NJ Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Election Fraud: AG A 70-year-old former mayoral candidate town previously accused of election fraud is facing new charges, New Jersey authorities announced Friday, Aug. 23. An indictment returned against Plainfield's former mayoral candidate Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim charges him with tampering with witnesses and informants and trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Ibezim had previously been accused of trying to submit hundreds of bogus voter registration applications to Union County's election officials, and th…
Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor
Former Trenton Teacher, Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Student Over Five Years: Prosecutor A former Trenton elementary school teacher and middle school coach was accused of sexually assaulting a student for about five years, authorities said. Darrell Moody, 51, of Plainfield, was arrested on Monday, Aug. 12, Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton said in a news release. He was a teacher at Parker Elementary School and a basketball coach at Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Investigators said the victim reported the sexual assault claims to Trenton police in May. Moody met the victim while he was teaching fifth grade at Parker. The victim claims Moody sexually as…
Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser
Police ID Drowning Victim At Dangerous NJ Lake As 18-Year-Old Trespasser A teen swimmer has died after being pulled from a notoriously dangerous and privately owned lake in Manchester Township. Victor Arias-Peralta, 18, of Perth Amboy drowned at Crystal Lake on Monday, July 29, the Manchester Township Police Department said in a news release.  Investigators said Arias-Peralta was with a group that trespassed on the Heritage Mineral property at around 6 p.m. Arias-Peralta and a friend tried to swim across the lake when Arias-Peralta suffered from "severe fatigue" and became distressed about 20 yards from the shore. Friends…
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. …
Hunterdon County Firefighter, Dad Bryan Pascale Dies At 45: 'A True Fireman's Fireman' Hunterdon County Firefighter, Dad Bryan Pascale Dies At 45: 'A True Fireman's Fireman'
Hunterdon County Firefighter, Dad Bryan Pascale Dies At 45: 'A True Fireman's Fireman' Bryan Pascale, a Tewksbury Township resident and firefighter in Califon died on Monday April 15 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township, four days after celebrating his 45th birthday, according to his obituary. Born in Plainfield, Pascale was a lifelong Hunterdon County resident, living in Washington and later Glen Gardner, where he graduated from Voorhees High School in 1997, his obituary reads. He spent the last nine years in Tewksbury and was vice president of his family's business, Central Sheet Metal Fabricators in Middlesex, according to his obituary. Well before …
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Services Set For NJ Firefighter Marques Hudson Killed In Line of Duty Services Set For NJ Firefighter Marques Hudson Killed In Line of Duty
Services Set For NJ Firefighter Marques Hudson Killed In Line of Duty Marques Hudson, the Plainfield firefighter killed on Friday, Jan. 26 battling a house fire, will be laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 3.  Services were announced by Buckland Funeral Home in Somerset for Hudson, the 32-year-old Piscataway resident and father of three. Viewings will be held on Friday, Feb 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Plainfield High School and Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the high school, according to his obituary.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. at the high school, his obituary reads. Hudson was pronounced dead after he…
Four NJ Restaurants Make Yelp's Top 100 In America Four NJ Restaurants Make Yelp's Top 100 In America
Four NJ Restaurants Make Yelp's Top 100 In America New Jersey foodies have some new places to add to their list, if they haven't dined there already. Four restaurants from the Garden State made Yelp's annual Top 100 US Restaurants 2024 list. Boomchia in Montclair ranked 21st on the list. The restaurant has a five star rating on Yelp serves up healthy bowls, offering ingredients like dark chocolate granola, blue coconut, bananas, cashew butter and gogi berries.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex Colonna (@thetypicalfoodie) "Best Chia Acai bowl," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "…
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…
Plainfield Man Indicted In Fatal Shooting Of Star Football Player: Prosecutors Plainfield Man Indicted In Fatal Shooting Of Star Football Player: Prosecutors
Plainfield Man Indicted In Fatal Shooting Of Star Football Player: Prosecutors A 23-year-old Plainfield man was indicted by a grand jury for murder in the shooting death of a former college football player last August. Maurice Pierce shot Jameer Outsey, of Bridgewater, on North Broad Street and Magnolia Avenue in Elizabeth on Aug. 27, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca said. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. Pierce was charged with murder in the first degree and multiple weapons offenses. Outsey, a three-year letterman at Fra…
Beloved Somerset County Dad Dies After 10-Year Battle With Kidney Disease Beloved Somerset County Dad Dies After 10-Year Battle With Kidney Disease
Beloved Somerset County Dad Dies After 10-Year Battle With Kidney Disease Support is on the rise for a Somerset County family mourning the loss of a devoted dad after a 10-year battle with kidney disease. David Betancourt died surrounded by his beloved family at RJW Somerset on Monday, Nov. 6, his obituary says. He was 69. Born and raised in Agua Caliente, Guatemala, David lived in Plainfield, Somerville, and California before settling in North Plainfield in 2007. He was a member of the army in Guatemala before arriving in the United States in the 1980s, his memorial says. Described as a “man of all trades,” David loved soccer, especially watching the World Cu…
Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Pat Pespas Found Safe After Missing For Month Across NJ, PA Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Pat Pespas Found Safe After Missing For Month Across NJ, PA
Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Pat Pespas Found Safe After Missing For Month Across NJ, PA Patrick J. Pespas, who starred in HBO's "Telemarketers," has been found safe. Pespas, 55, of Phillipsburg, has been found safe and was home with his wife, Sue, directors Sam Lipman-Stern and Adam Bhala Lough said on Pespas' Instagram account Friday, Oct. 27. Pespas had been missing since Sept. 29, when he was seen in Easton, PA, and later at a bar in the Pittsburg area. Pespas, formerly of North Plainfield and Plainfield, NJ, has been living with his wife in Easton, PA.  He teamed up with Lipman-Stern to create the three-part HBO mini docu-series "Telemarketers," which shined a …
NJ's Patrick J. Pespas, Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Reported Missing NJ's Patrick J. Pespas, Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Reported Missing
NJ's Patrick J. Pespas, Star Of HBO's 'Telemarketers' Reported Missing Patrick J. Pespas, who starred in HBO's "Telemarketers," has been missing for days, those who know him say. Pespas, 55, of Phillipsburg, was last seen in the Easton, PA area around 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, according to directors Sam Lipman-Stern and Adam Bhala Lough Pespas, formerly of North Plainfield and Plainfield, teamed up with Lipman-Stern to create the three-part HBO mini docu-series "Telemarketers," which shined a light on the truth about the telemarketing industry. It premiered in August. Bhala Lough said on Sunday, Oct. 1 Pespas may have been spotted at a bar in Pittsburgh. …
Ex-Employees Of Franklin Lakes Cellphone Store Charged With Theft, Investigation Continues Ex-Employees Of Franklin Lakes Cellphone Store Charged With Theft, Investigation Continues
Ex-Employees Of Franklin Lakes Cellphone Store Charged With Theft, Investigation Continues Two now-former employees of a cellphone store in Franklin Lakes were charged with using customers’ information to steal from them, authorities announced. Franklin Lakes police conducted an “extensive and comprehensive” investigation over the past several months before filing theft charges against both Robert Q. Hansford, 28, of Clifton, and Haleem K. Mitchell, 25, of East Orange, Capt. Mark McCombs said. Mitchell, who’d worked with Hansford at TS Mobility AT&T on Franklin Avenue, also was charged with conspiracy, the captain said on Tuesday, July 18. Both were released pending court ac…
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…
McDonald's Reopens Location In North Jersey McDonald's Reopens Location In North Jersey
McDonald's Reopens Location In North Jersey Just in time to celebrate Grimace's birthday! McDonald's reopened its location at 15-31 Central Ave. in Passaic  after an extensive renovation The restaurant will feature a digital outdoor menu board and a side-by-side drive thru lane.  The Passaic McDonald's is hosting a community day on Saturday, July 8 from noon to 3 p.m. with activities like face painting and the raffling of a TV and digital tablet.  The McDonald's is owned by Angela Adderley, who has been operating McDonald's for more than 20 years. Adderley also operates McDonald's in Paterson, Plainfield, Orange, Bran…
Days-Long Argument Culminates In Summit Shooting: Police Days-Long Argument Culminates In Summit Shooting: Police
Days-Long Argument Culminates In Summit Shooting: Police A days-long argument ended in a shooting this weekend in one Union County town, authorities said. Jaime Tapia-Lobos, 33, of Irvington, had been arguing with his 35-year-old Vauxhall victim before the incident Saturday morning, June 24 in Summit, local police said. Tapia-Lobos and two other men were standing on the sidewalk around 8:35 a.m., at 130 Park Ave., in Summit when the victim drove up, got out of his vehicle, and approached the group, authorities said.  Authorities in a Union County town are on the hunt for a shooting suspect who left one victim wounded.Summit PD "The suspect a…
7 Hurt, 2 Critically, In Somerset County Intersection Crash: Police 7 Hurt, 2 Critically, In Somerset County Intersection Crash: Police
7 Hurt, 2 Critically, In Somerset County Intersection Crash: Police Seven people were hurt, two of them critically, in a major crash at a Somerset County intersection Sunday, June 11, police said. The two-car collision occurred at the intersection of Rt. 22 and Vosseller Avenue in Bridgewater just before 2:10 a.m. Jose Cruz Villanueva Izaguirre, 24, of Plainfield, was behind the wheel of a 2004 Honda Civic and collided with a Kia Sedona driven by Elhabib Alhoudh, a 56-year-old North Brunswick man, according to Bridgewater Police officers who found both vehicles disabled and heavily damaged in the intersection. Izaguirre, as well as his passengers — two ad…
Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More
Colombian Nationals Nabbed After NJ Home Break-In Nets Jewelry, Furs, Cash, More Three Colombian nationals remain in federal custody and a fourth has already been deported after the government said they stole jewelry, a Rolex, an antique rifle, furs and cash in a home burglary in Union County. The quartet also took a stamp collection, luxury bags and more after breaking into the Cranford home shortly before 5 p.m. last Nov. 30, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. They then loaded the valuables into a red Honda Accord that they'd driven there, an FBI complaint on file in U.S. District Court in Newark says. Sellinger, who put the total value of the loss at more than …
2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor 2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor
2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor Authorities are investigating the cause of a Somerset County fire that hurt two residents, one critically. The blaze broke out at a home on Mountain Avenue in North Plainfield around 3:10 a.m. Sunday, June 4, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said alongside local Police Chief William Parenti. Two men were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where one of them remained in critical condition, McDonald said. The cause of the fire was being investigated but did not seem suspicious, the prosecutor added. Assisting agencies include fire crews in Bridgewater/Finderne, Bound Brook,…
NJ Amazon Driver's Killer Gets 25 Years Behind Bars: Prosecutor NJ Amazon Driver's Killer Gets 25 Years Behind Bars: Prosecutor
NJ Amazon Driver's Killer Gets 25 Years Behind Bars: Prosecutor A 28-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of an Amazon driver in 2021. Quahif Lane's sentence for aggravated manslaughter was handed down on Friday, May 26, by Union County Superior Court Judge Stacy Boretz, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said. In September 2021, Plainfield Police responded to the 200 block of Garfield Ave and found Jamar Harris, a 36-year-old Newark resident, suffering from a gunshot wound, Daniel said. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene, Daniel said. 
Grease Is The Word: Accused Cooking Oil Thief Gets Violent, Wayne Police Say Grease Is The Word: Accused Cooking Oil Thief Gets Violent, Wayne Police Say
Grease Is The Word: Accused Cooking Oil Thief Gets Violent, Wayne Police Say One of two men busted while driving through Wayne with a vat of stolen cooking oil in their van spat and urinated in a police car and had to be shackled when he refused to stop fighting officers, authorities said. Copper, catalytic converters and cooking oil continue to be items of choice for thieves looking to make a quick – and illegal – buck. It was around 7 a.m. when Wayne Police Officer William Hall stopped a van for multiple violations and smelled grease, Detective Capt. Dan Daly said. Both occupants were covered in oil and wore rubber gloves with a “visible sheen,” the captain said.…
Parked Car Struck By One DWI Motorist, Sedan Driven On Rim By Another: South Hackensack PD Parked Car Struck By One DWI Motorist, Sedan Driven On Rim By Another: South Hackensack PD
Parked Car Struck By One DWI Motorist, Sedan Driven On Rim By Another: South Hackensack PD South Hackensack police netted a trio of DWI arrests within several hours of one another, including one involving a motorist who hit a parked vehicle and another one who was driving on three wheels and a rim. Luis Negron Jr., 42, of Plainfield was arrested by Officer Chris Locarno after he failed a field sobriety test following a stop on South Main Street assisted by Lodi police shortly after midnight Sunday, April 30, Detective Sgt. James Donatello said. Negron’s Nissan Maxima was temporarily impounded and he was released to a responsible adult under John’s Law. Just about two hours later…
Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey
Celebs You Probably Didn't Know Were From North Jersey When it comes to celebrities, New Jersey boasts a roster of A-List talent to rival any state.  Some of the most iconic athletes, musicians, and TV personalities live in the Garden State, or once called it home.  Here are the famous people you probably didn't realize were from North Jersey: BERGEN: Katrina Bowden was born and raised in Wyckoff. The actress attended the now-defunct Saint Thomas More School in Midland Park, and later Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township. The actress is known for her roles in "One Life to Live" and "30 Rock." Miles Austin was born i…
NJ Restaurants Named To Yelp's List Of Top 100 Places To Eat In America NJ Restaurants Named To Yelp's List Of Top 100 Places To Eat In America
NJ Restaurants Named To Yelp's List Of Top 100 Places To Eat In America Yelp has released its latest installment of the top 100 places to eat in America.  Among them, three New Jersey joints. Salmon from Jessica's Cafe & Restaurant.Jessica's Cafe & Restaurant The list includes something for everyone, from family-owned digs to a 5-star hidden hotspot in a former hospital storage room, the report says. No. 40: Jessica's Cafe, Plainfield: Yelpers love the milk-fed pork chops, grilled shrimp and wild mushroom crepes. No. 78: Kenko Sushi, Lincoln Park: Yelpers love the Godzilla, The Monster, and the vegetarian options. No. 88: Nicholas Anthony’s Family…
‘She Was A Hero:’ Somerset County Rescue Squad Vice President Stephanie Scheiderman Dies At 25 ‘She Was A Hero:’ Somerset County Rescue Squad Vice President Stephanie Scheiderman Dies At 25
‘She Was A Hero:’ Somerset County Rescue Squad Vice President Stephanie Scheiderman Dies At 25 Tributes are pouring in for dedicated EMT and Somerset County rescue squad vice president Stephanie Beth Scheiderman, who died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the age of 25. Born in Plainfield, Stephanie was raised in Green Brook, where she earned her Girl Scouts Silver Award and participated in theatre and color guard before graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 2015, her obituary says. Stephanie also served as secretary of the Cameo Society of the Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter of the NSDAR: New Jersey. Stephan…
'Distance Was His Sanctuary': 2003 Murder Suspect Who Fled To Guatemala Captured By US Marshals 'Distance Was His Sanctuary': 2003 Murder Suspect Who Fled To Guatemala Captured By US Marshals
'Distance Was His Sanctuary': 2003 Murder Suspect Who Fled To Guatemala Captured By US Marshals A fugitive who's been on the lam for years and captured last March is back in New Jersey after being extradited, authorities said. Fausto Ramiro Santos Carillo, 56, fled to Guatemala sometime after the Plainfield murder of 49-year-old Martha Morales in July 23, 2003, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said. She was found in the East Third Street apartment she shared with Carillo, having suffered multiple stab wounds, authorities said. Following the murder, Fausto Carillo fled the area. In February 2018, the Union County Prosecutor’…
US Marshals Nab NJ Murder Suspect In Philadelphia US Marshals Nab NJ Murder Suspect In Philadelphia
US Marshals Nab NJ Murder Suspect In Philadelphia Members of the US Marshals Service captured a New Jersey man wanted for murder in Philadelphia, authorities said. Michael Cruz, 20, had been wanted in the Plainfield killing of Somerset's David Michael Buck on Sept. 17, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said. Cruz was captured on Monday, Oct. 3 and is pending extradition proceedings to return to New Jersey, authorities said. Buck was found that September evening around 6:40 p.m. having suffered gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Kensington Avenue in Plainfield, according …
Ex-NJ McDonald's Worker Gets More Prison Time For 'Practical Joke' Armed Robbery Ex-NJ McDonald's Worker Gets More Prison Time For 'Practical Joke' Armed Robbery
Ex-NJ McDonald's Worker Gets More Prison Time For 'Practical Joke' Armed Robbery A 54-year-old man was sentenced to time in New Jersey State Prison for using a fake gun to rob his former employer, McDonald's during what he said was a "practical joke" while out on bail for another robbery, authorities announced. During a Friday hearing, Union County Superior Court Judge Robert A. Kirsch ruled that Plainfield's Thomas H. Outland must serve a minimum of 85% of the sentence before the possibility of parole, under the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.  Outland and an unidentified co-conspirator both wearing ski masks and holding guns entered the Route 22 …
Person Fatally Struck By Train In Union County Person Fatally Struck By Train In Union County
Person Fatally Struck By Train In Union County A person was struck and killed by an NJ Transit train in Union County, officials said. The male pedestrian was struck by Raritan Valley Line train 5413 near the Grant Avenue bridge in Plainfield around 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, NJT spokesman Jim Smith said. The train departed Newark Penn Station at 7:59 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Raritan at 9:08 a.m. There were no reported injuries to the 20 customers or the crew on board. Raritan Valley Line rail service was suspended in both directions between Plainfield and Dunellen but has since resumed. NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes w…