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Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office

Central Jersey Man Convicted Of Sexually, Physically Abusing Girl For 6+ Years: Prosecutors Central Jersey Man Convicted Of Sexually, Physically Abusing Girl For 6+ Years: Prosecutors
Central Jersey Man Convicted Of Sexually, Physically Abusing Girl For 6+ Years: Prosecutors A Marlboro Township man was convicted of sexually and physically abusing a girl for more than six years, authorities said. A jury found 51-year-old Andrey Penkin guilty of second-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, as well as two counts each of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the conviction in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Investigators said Penkin started sexually abusing the girl in 2016 when he lived in Sayreville. The abuse continued when Penkin moved …
E-Bike Rider, 74, Killed Crossing Road On Central Jersey Path Identified E-Bike Rider, 74, Killed Crossing Road On Central Jersey Path Identified
E-Bike Rider, 74, Killed Crossing Road On Central Jersey Path Identified Authorities have identified the Marlboro Township man who was killed while riding an electronic bicycle. Guanglie Zhang, 74, died after the Monday, Sept. 9 crash, a Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Marlboro police responded to School Road East near Buckley Road at around 9:43 a.m. Investigators said Zhang was crossing School Road East from the Henry Hudson Trail on a Class 1 e-bike when the collision happened. He was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and pronounced dead on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The cause…
Taxi Driver's Body Found Near Dumpster In Central Jersey Motel Parking Lot: Prosecutors Taxi Driver's Body Found Near Dumpster In Central Jersey Motel Parking Lot: Prosecutors
Taxi Driver's Body Found Near Dumpster In Central Jersey Motel Parking Lot: Prosecutors A taxi driver from Eatontown was found shot dead outside a Hazlet motel, authorities said. Anthony Hill, 42, was found dead on Saturday, Sept. 14, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Officers responded to an emergency medical call in the parking lot of Holly Hill Motel on Route 36 at around 7:18 a.m. Police found Hill with several gunshot wounds on the ground near a dumpster. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is helping the Hazlet Police Department in the ongoing investigation. …
Jersey Shore Coach Who Sexually Abused Three Teen Gymnasts Indicted, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Coach Who Sexually Abused Three Teen Gymnasts Indicted, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Coach Who Sexually Abused Three Teen Gymnasts Indicted, Prosecutors Say A former Monmouth County gymnastics was indicted after being accused of sexually abusing three teenage gymnasts, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 56-year-old Sasha Raught of Manchester Township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday, Sept. 16. He was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and three counts of second-degree sexual assault in June 2023. Investigators said the first two teens were sexually assaulted when Raught coached at Shrewsbury Gymnastics in the early to mid-1990s. The third teen was abused in 2008 when R…
Toms River School's Music Teacher Shared, Received Child Porn: Prosecutors Toms River School's Music Teacher Shared, Received Child Porn: Prosecutors
Toms River School's Music Teacher Shared, Received Child Porn: Prosecutors A Toms River music teacher was accused of sharing child pornography online, authorities said. Christopher DeCesare, 31, of Matawan, was charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced his arrest in a news release on Friday, Sept. 13. Investigators said DeCesare was distributing child porn to other users through social media and received it on a personal email account. The investigation started in July after a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. DeCesare is …
Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors
Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors A Forked River man will spend more than four decades in prison after he was convicted of strangling his wife to death and leaving her body on the side of a Monmouth County road, authorities said. Jeremy Cruz, 53, was sentenced to 50 years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 13. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday, Apr. 24. Investigators said a driver saw 51-year-old Dawn Cruz with severe injuries on Colonial Avenue near the intersection with Asbury Avenue in Ocean Township …
E-Bike Rider Killed On Path While Crossing Central Jersey Road, Investigators Say E-Bike Rider Killed On Path While Crossing Central Jersey Road, Investigators Say
E-Bike Rider Killed On Path While Crossing Central Jersey Road, Investigators Say A man riding an electronic bicycle was killed while crossing a road in Marlboro, authorities said. The 74-year-old man died after the crash, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, Sept. 12. Marlboro police responded to School Road East near Buckley Road at around 9:43 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9. Investigators said the man was crossing School Road East from the Henry Hudson Trail on a Class 1 e-bike when the collision happened. He was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and pronounced dead on Tuesday, Sept.…
Teen Wanted In Fatal NJ Transit Station Shooting Caught In Poconos: US Marshals Teen Wanted In Fatal NJ Transit Station Shooting Caught In Poconos: US Marshals
Teen Wanted In Fatal NJ Transit Station Shooting Caught In Poconos: US Marshals A New Jersey fugitive wanted in a deadly train station shooting and a home invasion was arrested in northeastern Pennsylvania, authorities said. U.S. Marshals took 19-year-old Damian Bass into custody, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 6. Bass' last known address was in Fanwood. Bass was charged with first-degree murder and two weapons offenses. He was accused of shooting and killing 43-year-old James Hailey of Newark. Marshals from Brooklyn, NY, and Scranton captured Bass in Chestnuthill Township, PA, on Thursday, Sept. 5. "We s…
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors
Woman Critically Injured, Man Arrested In Unprovoked Asbury Park Stabbing: Prosecutors An Asbury Park man was accused of critically injuring a woman in an unprovoked stabbing on Labor Day, authorities said. Travis Cavanaugh, 39, was arrested in the case, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Asbury Park police responded to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue for a report of a stabbing on Monday, Sept. 2.  Officers found the woman suffering from several stab wounds and bystanders were giving her aid. The woman was rushed to a hospital and she was listed in critical condition. Investigators said …
Jersey Shore Salesman Used Client's Credit Card In $200K+ Scheme, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Salesman Used Client's Credit Card In $200K+ Scheme, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Salesman Used Client's Credit Card In $200K+ Scheme, Prosecutors Say A Manasquan man was accused of using a former business client’s credit card to buy and resell items in a more than $200,000 scheme, authorities said. Adam Kleinwaks, 55, was charged with second-degree money laundering and theft by unlawful taking, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Kleinwaks is a sales representative for Standard Printing Company, according to its website. Investigators said Kleinwaks purchased more than $130,000 of items with a former client's credit card. He then removed labels from "recr…
Central Jersey Woman, 81, Killed As Passenger In Two-Vehicle Crash Central Jersey Woman, 81, Killed As Passenger In Two-Vehicle Crash
Central Jersey Woman, 81, Killed As Passenger In Two-Vehicle Crash A Monroe Township woman was killed in a crash in Freehold, authorities said. Gloria Tucker, 81, died in the crash on Thursday, Aug. 29, a Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson said. Freehold Township police responded to the wreck on Wemrock Road near Route 33 Business at around 2:24 p.m. Investigators said Tucker was a passenger in the two-vehicle crash. She was survived by her husband, their two sons, and four grandchildren, according to her obituary from DeMarco Funeral Home. No charges or summonses have been issued as of Tuesday, Sept. 3. The Monmouth County Serious Coll…
Teen Indicted In Deadly Triple Shooting Of 21-Year-Old In Asbury Park, Prosecutors Say Teen Indicted In Deadly Triple Shooting Of 21-Year-Old In Asbury Park, Prosecutors Say
Teen Indicted In Deadly Triple Shooting Of 21-Year-Old In Asbury Park, Prosecutors Say A Long Branch teen has been indicted after he was accused of killing a man in a triple shooting in Asbury Park more than a year ago, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 19-year-old Michael Sally for first-degree murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and gang criminality, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree receiving stolen property. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the indictment in a news release on Tu…
South Jersey Man Who Killed Ex-GF With Machete In Front Of 3-Year-Old Indicted: Prosecutors South Jersey Man Who Killed Ex-GF With Machete In Front Of 3-Year-Old Indicted: Prosecutors
South Jersey Man Who Killed Ex-GF With Machete In Front Of 3-Year-Old Indicted: Prosecutors A Wall Township man has been indicted after he was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend with a machete in front of one of her children, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 24-year-old Alex Williams for first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (machete), and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the indictment in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Williams was accused of killing 29-year-old Br…
Squatter Falsely Claimed To Own Two Central Jersey Vacant Homes, Prosecutors Say Squatter Falsely Claimed To Own Two Central Jersey Vacant Homes, Prosecutors Say
Squatter Falsely Claimed To Own Two Central Jersey Vacant Homes, Prosecutors Say A Monmouth County man was accused of squatting in two vacant homes and falsely claiming to own them, authorities said. Markies Wells, 39, was given 13 charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, Aug. 15. He's also known as Messiah Law-Elbey and last had a legitimate address in Neptune Township. Keansburg police said Wells climbed through a back window of an abandoned Pine View Avenue home in March and changed the locks on the front and back doors. He was arrested and charged in the case. Holmdel police then found in July that Wells als…
Man Killed While Walking Across Route 9 In Central Jersey, Prosecutors Say Man Killed While Walking Across Route 9 In Central Jersey, Prosecutors Say
Man Killed While Walking Across Route 9 In Central Jersey, Prosecutors Say A man was hit by a vehicle and killed while crossing a busy road in Freehold Township, authorities said. The crash happened at around 8:56 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. The wreck was at the intersection of Route 9 North and East Freehold Road. A 56-year-old man died in the crash. The Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team and the Freehold Township Police Department were assisting in the investigation. This was the second deadly pedestrian crash in Freehold in less than a week. Frank Tommasini, 76, of …
Bicyclist Hit By Vehicle, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutors Bicyclist Hit By Vehicle, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutors
Bicyclist Hit By Vehicle, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutors A bicyclist was hit by a vehicle and killed in a crash in Holmdel, authorities said. Holmdel police responded to the wreck on Bethany Road on Monday, Aug. 12, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. The crash happened near the intersection with Galway Drive just before 8 a.m. The 65-year-old Holmdel man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The vehicle's driver remained at the scene and no charges or summonses have been filed as of Tuesday, Aug. 13. The crash investigation closed Bethany between Hillcrest and Line roads. The road was reopened by 11:10 a.m.…
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say
NJ Youth Soccer Coach Accused Of More Sexual Crimes Against Ninth Player, Prosecutors Say A Monmouth County youth soccer coach accused of molesting two players and sending sexual pictures to others was given more charges, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 32-year-old Ryan Gunsauls of Union Beach on 30 counts, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Aug. 14. He was previously arrested in the case in Hazlet on Friday, May 11.  Investigators said one boy told police earlier in May that Gunsauls had been sending him "sexually explicit materials" and asking for them on social media. Eight more victims bet…
Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Second Child 20+ Years Ago, Prosecutors Say Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Second Child 20+ Years Ago, Prosecutors Say
Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Second Child 20+ Years Ago, Prosecutors Say A South River man was indicted after he was accused of sexually assaulting a second child about 25 years ago, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 45-year-old Robert Wisiak on first-degree aggravated sexual assault. Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Julia Alonso announced the indictment in a news release on Monday, July 29. Wisiak, who used to live in Keansburg, was arrested on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Investigators said he sexually assaulted one child who was under 13 years old between 1999 and 2001. A second victim came forward after Wisiak was arrested. That vi…
NJ Teacher Sexually Assaulted HS Student, Told Him To Delete Nude Cellphone Pics: Affidavit NJ Teacher Sexually Assaulted HS Student, Told Him To Delete Nude Cellphone Pics: Affidavit
NJ Teacher Sexually Assaulted HS Student, Told Him To Delete Nude Cellphone Pics: Affidavit A former Wall High School teacher sexually assaulted an 18-year-old student several times and sent him nude pictures, according to arrest records. An affidavit obtained by Daily Voice said 36-year-old Julie Rizzitello of Brick Township had sexual contact with the student between April and June. She was arrested on Wednesday, July 3, and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, third-degree witness tampering, and three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The affidavit said a Wall Township Public Schools employee told police on Monday, July 1 a…
Former NJ Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Another Student Years Ago: Prosecutors Former NJ Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Another Student Years Ago: Prosecutors
Former NJ Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Another Student Years Ago: Prosecutors A former Wall Township High School teacher was facing more charges after she was accused of sexually assaulting a second student, authorities said. Julie Rizzitello, 36, of Brick Township, was charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree witness tampering, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Wednesday, July 17.  She was previously charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, third-degree witness tampering, and three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Investigators said they found e…
Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser
Man With 'Fierce Love' For Family, Motorcycles Died In Central Jersey Crash: Fundraiser Authorities have identified the Freehold man who was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in Howell Township. Aaron Aponte, 28, died from his injuries in the crash on Tuesday, July 9, a spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. It happened at the intersection of Fort Plains Road and Jerry’s Lane at around 4:53 p.m. Investigators said Aponte was riding a Honda GL 1100L motorcycle north on Fort Plains when he tried to go around a curve in the road. He fell and slid with his motorcycle across the road into oncoming traffic. A Honda Odyssey crashed …
Man, 36, Identified As Victim Of Deadly Double Shooting In Central Jersey Man, 36, Identified As Victim Of Deadly Double Shooting In Central Jersey
Man, 36, Identified As Victim Of Deadly Double Shooting In Central Jersey Authorities have identified a Red Bank man who was killed in a double shooting. Mikal Muhammad, 36, died in the shooting on Wednesday, July 10, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Monday, July 15. Red Bank officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 100 block of River Street at around 3:13 a.m. Police found Muhammad and another man suffering from gunshot wounds. Muhammad was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other victim was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and released. The investigation is "activ…
Man Fell Off Motorcycle Before Minivan Struck Him In Deadly Central Jersey Crash: Prosecutor Man Fell Off Motorcycle Before Minivan Struck Him In Deadly Central Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
Man Fell Off Motorcycle Before Minivan Struck Him In Deadly Central Jersey Crash: Prosecutor Investigators are looking into a crash that killed a motorcycle rider in Howell Township, authorities said. A 28-year-old man from Freehold Township died in the crash on Tuesday, July 9, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, July 11. The wreck happened at the intersection of Fort Plains Road and Jerry’s Lane at around 4:53 p.m. Investigators said the man was riding a Honda GL 1100L motorcycle north on Fort Plains when he tried to go around a curve in the road. The rider fell and slid with his motorcycle across the road into oncom…
NJ State Trooper Tried To Pay Girl For Sex, Asked For Sexual Pictures: Prosecutors NJ State Trooper Tried To Pay Girl For Sex, Asked For Sexual Pictures: Prosecutors
NJ State Trooper Tried To Pay Girl For Sex, Asked For Sexual Pictures: Prosecutors A state trooper was accused of trying to pay for sex from someone he believed was a teen girl and asking for sexual pictures, authorities said. Shane Dempsey, 31, of Brick Township, was arrested in Ewing on Monday, July 1, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. Investigators said Dempsey contacted an undercover detective on the social media app Whisper earlier in 2024.  Prosecutors said Dempsey asked for "sexually explicit images" from the detective, who he thought was a 14-year-old girl. He also said he would pay money for a sex act fro…
Man Sent Child Porn To Undercover Central Jersey Detective, Prosecutors Say Man Sent Child Porn To Undercover Central Jersey Detective, Prosecutors Say
Man Sent Child Porn To Undercover Central Jersey Detective, Prosecutors Say A Passaic man was accused of sending child pornography to an undercover Monmouth County investigator through a social media app, authorities said. Joseph Velazquez, 25, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child (distribution of child sexual abuse materials) and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child (possession of child sexual abuse materials). Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the charges in a news release on Friday, June 21. An undercover detective from the county prosecutor's office was monitoring a group chat on the messenger app…
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen will spend several years in prison after admitting to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, was sentenced on Thursday, June 13 to five years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. He pleaded guilty to two third-degree animal cruelty charges in April. Investigators said Mezquititla seriously injured the cat named Ellie after performing "sexual acts" on it, then killed it after restraining and torturing it. "It is virtually impossible to conceive of an inst…
Man Convicted Of Robbing Jersey Shore 7-Eleven With Shotgun, Prosecutors Say Man Convicted Of Robbing Jersey Shore 7-Eleven With Shotgun, Prosecutors Say
Man Convicted Of Robbing Jersey Shore 7-Eleven With Shotgun, Prosecutors Say A Neptune Township man was convicted of robbing a convenience store with a shotgun, authorities said. A jury found 41-year-old William Herndon guilty on Monday, June 10, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. Neptune Township police responded to the 7-Eleven on Route 35 South near the intersection at West Lake Avenue just after 1 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 31, 2023. Investigators said a man pulled out a sawed-off shotgun while an employee tried to give change to a customer. The suspect reached over the counter to take money from the cash register before…
Charges Upgraded For Man Whose Navy Vet Dad Died Hours After Fight, Monmouth Prosecutor Says Charges Upgraded For Man Whose Navy Vet Dad Died Hours After Fight, Monmouth Prosecutor Says
Charges Upgraded For Man Whose Navy Vet Dad Died Hours After Fight, Monmouth Prosecutor Says A Middletown man was accused of causing his father's death after assaulting him during a fight, authorities said. Kyle Kiernan, 36, was charged with second-degree reckless manslaughter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced in a news release on Thursday, June 6. His charge was related to the death of his 62-year-old father Lawrence Kiernan. Middletown police responded to a domestic violence report at a home on the 300 block of Pine Street at around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. Kyle Kiernan was arrested, charged with simple assault, and brought to the Mo…
Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting
Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting Two teens were accused of killing a man in a triple shooting in Asbury Park nearly a year ago, authorities said. Michael Sally, 19, of Long Branch, and an unidentified boy were facing charges in the shooting that killed 21-year-old Lativity Lyons of Asbury Park. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced their arrests in a news release on Thursday, June 6. Asbury Park police responded to the shooting at the Asbury Park Gardens apartment complex on Atlantic Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023. When officers arrived, they found three men who wer…
Jersey Shore City Cracking Down On 'Pop-Up' Parties, Adding Police Along Beaches Jersey Shore City Cracking Down On 'Pop-Up' Parties, Adding Police Along Beaches
Jersey Shore City Cracking Down On 'Pop-Up' Parties, Adding Police Along Beaches A city in Monmouth County said it's renewing an effort to crack down on unauthorized “pop-up” parties. The mayor and public safety director of Long Branch issued a joint statement on Tuesday, June 4 about a "significant police presence" over the upcoming weekend. The city said a "pop-up" event was advertised on social media that was scheduled for Saturday, June 8. Long Branch police and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office have identified three promoters who organized the event. "The city will not tolerate these unsanctioned pop-up parties," said Mayor John Pallone. "Our polic…
Reality Bites NJ ‘Real Housewives’ Ex Convicted Of Hiring Mobster To Beat Wife’s New Man Reality Bites NJ ‘Real Housewives’ Ex Convicted Of Hiring Mobster To Beat Wife’s New Man
Reality Bites NJ ‘Real Housewives’ Ex Convicted Of Hiring Mobster To Beat Wife’s New Man 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Reality bit the ex-husband of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member Dina Manzo when he was convicted Tuesday of getting a mob soldier to throw her new beau a beating. Restaurateur Thomas Manzo, 59, who lives in the affluent Bergen County suburb of Franklin Lakes, rejected a plea deal from federal prosecutors and took his chances with a jury. That didn’t go so good. Jurors in U.S. District Court in Newark convicted Manzo on June 4 of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, along with conspiracy and falsifying documents during a grand jury investigation. Althou…