Kids Club Staffer Who Had Sleepovers In NJ With Boy He Raped Sentenced: DA Kids Club Staffer Who Had Sleepovers In NJ With Boy He Raped Sentenced: DA
Kids Club Staffer Who Had Sleepovers In NJ With Boy He Raped Sentenced: DA A former Neshaminy Kids Club worker was sentenced to 35 to 88 years in state prison for sexually assaulting seven boys and filming some of the abuse, Bucks County authorities announced on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Gerald William Spoto, 42, of Disk Lane in Bristol Township, pleaded guilty in July to nearly three dozen charges for crimes committed between the late 1990s and 2023. He was also declared a sexually violent predator, requiring lifetime sex offender registration and treatment. These assaults of seven boys included "sleepovers" in New Jersey, Detectives with the Middletown Township Pol…
NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor
NJ Corrections Officer Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Prosecutor A New Jersey corrections officer has been arrested on child pornography charges, authorities said. Austin Metivier, 34, of Mount Holly, was taken into custody at the Burlington County Jail, where he works, and lodged at the Camden County Jail,  Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Pemberton Township Police Chief Jonathan Glass said. The investigation began last month after Pemberton Township police were informed that a hard drive belonging to Metivier contained child sex abuse material. A forensic examination of the hard drive later revealed that it contained multip…
Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say An Asbury Park man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a Lakewood man and robbing him after a dice game, authorities said. Jaszhark Rogers, 38, was sentenced to life in prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 15. He also received 46 additional years for other charges at his sentencing on Friday, Nov. 1. Asbury Park police responded to the 1200 block of Washington Avenue just after 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Officers found 26-year-old Yahnie Patterson lying in the road with severe head trauma. Patters…
Rep. Josh Gottheimer Launches Bid For NJ Governor From Popular Bergen County Diner Rep. Josh Gottheimer Launches Bid For NJ Governor From Popular Bergen County Diner
Rep. Josh Gottheimer Launches Bid For NJ Governor From Popular Bergen County Diner Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, is officially running for governor. The 49-year-old dad and former speechwriter, who was re-elected to his seat in North Jersey's 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives earlier this month, launched his campaign Friday morning, Nov. 15, from the Runway Diner in South Hackensack. Gov. Phil Murphy is not eligible to run for re-election in 2025 due to term limits. Gottheimer vows to tackle affordability and fight for the values he says define the Garden State, pledging to lower taxes, reduce costs, and help families get ahead. Gottheim…
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support Kayla Davis knew almost immediately that she wanted to join AEPhi at Rowan University. The sisters were warm and welcoming, and their tight-knit bond stood out to her, she said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Davis, 20, a Little Egg Harbor native and junior exercise science major. Now, as Davis faces an unimaginable challenge—a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer—her sorority sisters are returning the kindness she brought to their sisterhood, rallying around her with unwavering support. As of Friday, Nov. 15, just five days after diagnosis, more than $12,000 had be…
Officers Not Indicted In Armed South Jersey Man's Shooting Death, AG Says Officers Not Indicted In Armed South Jersey Man's Shooting Death, AG Says
Officers Not Indicted In Armed South Jersey Man's Shooting Death, AG Says Two officers will not face criminal charges after killing a Manchester Township man armed with a semi-automatic rifle, authorities said. A grand jury voted not to indict officers Nicholas Greenwood and Michael Anderson, the state Office of the Attorney General said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 15. The two were involved in the shooting death of 39-year-old Shannon Rose on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Manchester police responded to a 911 call about a person in distress at around 8:28 p.m. Officers learned Rose had a semi-automatic rifle and left his home in a white van. Police then learn…
NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse
NJ Man Charged With Defrauding Victim In Loan Scheme Involving Batmobile, Ghostbusters Hearse A 38-year-old Warren County man was charged on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for defrauding a 91-year-old man who loaned him money, after having settled the case in court, Daily Voice has learned. In May 2021, a 91-year-old Clarksburg resident loaned Asbury resident Christopher Sterlacci $400,000, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson and Hunterdon County Chief of Detectives Timothy Drew said. Several vehicles and properties were put up as collateral by Sterlacci for the loan, authorities said. After defaulting on the terms of the loan, it was discovered that the properties and vehi…
Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says
Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says A family was rallying for support after the home of a Toms River mother of two was severely damaged in a fire, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said a woman named Kristin, her daughter, and her son "lost everything" in the fire on Coolidge Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 10. The American Red Cross posted on social media that it was helping a family of five with immediate needs like food, clothing, and housing. Kristin's sister and the fundraiser's organizer Kelly Celentano said the family had just moved into the home in May. "They were looking forward to a fresh new start a…
'Still In Shock': Million-Dollar Powerball Winner From NJ Shares Story Of Victory 'Still In Shock': Million-Dollar Powerball Winner From NJ Shares Story Of Victory
'Still In Shock': Million-Dollar Powerball Winner From NJ Shares Story Of Victory A Barnegat woman was celebrating a huge win after playing Powerball. Stacey Fiore publicly came forward as the winner of $1 million from a ticket sold at Quick Stop inside the 7-Eleven on West Bay Avenue, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 15. She chose Quick Pick numbers in the drawing on Saturday, Nov. 9. Lottery winners in the Garden State can choose to remain anonymous but Fiore said she wanted to share her story. "I like telling people," Fiore said. "I went to the bank and asked to speak to the manager. I said 'You know somebody won $1 million here in town? …
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds New Jersey hospitals are among the safest in the nation, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade report from The Leapfrog Group.  The Garden State ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of "A" hospitals, joining states like Utah, Virginia, and Connecticut. The grades, which are updated twice a year, assess nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country on their effectiveness at preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign grades ranging from "A" to "F," offering patients and fami…
Warren Township Schools Delayed After Water Main Break Warren Township Schools Delayed After Water Main Break
Warren Township Schools Delayed After Water Main Break A water main break at Watchung Hills Regional High School caused schools to open on a two-hour delay on Friday, Nov. 15, the district said. The water main break occurred overnight and affected both the high school and district transportation, the school district said. Classes begin at 9:30 a.m., the district said.
Somerset County Man Sentenced After Defrauding $4 Mil From Brain Injury Fund: Feds Somerset County Man Sentenced After Defrauding $4 Mil From Brain Injury Fund: Feds
Somerset County Man Sentenced After Defrauding $4 Mil From Brain Injury Fund: Feds A 58-year-old Somerset County man was sentenced on Thursday, Nov. 14,  to 7.5 years in prison after he was convicted of defrauding millions from the New Jersey Brain Injury Fund, authorities said. C.R. Kraus, a Manville resident, was convicted in April of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, five acts of healthcare fraud, and four counts of tax evasion, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. Two of Kraus' co-conspirators pled guilty for their role in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing, Sellinger said. From 2009 to 2019, Kraus and his co-conspirators conspired to defraud the brai…
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…
Four Photo Doubles Needed For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming In New Jersey Four Photo Doubles Needed For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming In New Jersey
Four Photo Doubles Needed For 'Happy Gilmore 2' Filming In New Jersey Grant Wilfley Casting is seeking photo doubles for "Happy Gilmore 2," with filming scheduled in New Jersey next month. The casting call is open for lookalikes of "Happy’s Grandma" Frances Bay, Tom Petty, Bob Barker, and Mr. Larson (originally played by Richard Kiel). Filming is scheduled for Dec. 5 at an undisclosed location. To apply, email HG2@gwcnyc.com with the subject line specifying the character (for example, “IG GRANDMA PHOTO DOUBLE 12/5” or “IG TP/BB PHOTO DOUBLE 12/5” for Tom Petty or Bob Barker).  Include the following details: Name, Phone Number, and Email Union Status (…
North Brunswick Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say North Brunswick Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say
North Brunswick Soda Exec Confesses To Sharing Secret Formulas With Competitors, Feds Say An executive from North Brunswick admitted to sharing secret soda formulas with his company's competitors, authorities said. Andrew Blum, 63, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to conspiracy to possess stolen trade secrets and possession of stolen trade secrets, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. Blum was the vice president of product development for an unnamed North Jersey-based maker of oil products and proprietary flavors from 2013 until Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. The parent corporation of Blum's company was one of the world’s largest produc…
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest
Newly Named Tropical Storm Sara Forms: Here's Latest There's a brand-new tropical storm with just two weeks remaining in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. A system in the central Caribbean Sea called Tropical Depression 19 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Sara on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 14. It's now moving westward toward Central America.  Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of Honduras and Nicaragua.  "Residents in these areas should monitor the storm's progress and follow local advisories," the National Hurricane Center said. Current projections have the storm headed to Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 20. (See the …
Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026 Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026
Kingda Ka Retired At Six Flags Great Adventure, 'Record-Breaking' Replacement Coming In 2026 Six Flags Great Adventure is closing down the world's tallest roller coaster after two decades of thrills, officials said. The Jackson Township amusement park's Kingda Ka roller coaster will be retired, Six Flags said in a news release on Thursday, Nov. 14. The ride's closing is one of many changes for the 2025 season at the resort. Kingda Ka opened in 2005 and gave more than 12 million rides to parkgoers. "We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests' passion," park president Brian Bacica said. "These changes are an important part of ou…
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan
Congestion Pricing: Murphy Opposes Hochul's Program Charging Drivers $9 In Parts Of Manhattan New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is pushing back against New York’s plan to revive the congestion pricing plan, expressing concerns about the impact on New Jersey commuters who regularly travel into Manhattan.  Governor Kathy Hochul's plan, which reduces daily congestion fees to $9 down from $15, aims to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements, but Murphy argues it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.  The plan would require motorists to face $9 tolls when entering certain parts of Manhattan known as the Congestion Relief Zone. The zone is comprised of Lower Manhattan south …
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…
Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment
Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment The first store at a revamped Monmouth Mall is about to open, officials said. The new Barnes & Noble location in Eatontown will open on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the bookstore chain said in a news release. The previous store closed about two weeks before the new location's opening. The new space is a few hundred yards away from Macy's. "We are very pleased to be opening this beautiful new bookstore here in Eatontown," Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said. "The Eatontown booksellers have gone above and beyond to have this new space ready so soon after closing the previous location, and jus…
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former New York Congressman Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed from the chest down after a severe horse-riding accident during a polo tournament, and is being treated in New Jersey, CBS News reports citing a friend of Grimm's.  Grimm, age 54, was thrown from his horse in September and is now undergoing treatment at the renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, which has locations in West Orange, Saddle Brook, Chester, and Marlton.  Headquartered in West Orange, Kessler is where actor Christopher Reeve was treated following a similar accident in 1995, and was…
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say A Marlton boy was accused of starting a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighters several days to extinguish the roughly 52-acre wildfire. The blaze threatened 15 homes…
U.S. Army Vet, Freehold Dad Joseph 'Joey' Black Dies, 30 U.S. Army Vet, Freehold Dad Joseph 'Joey' Black Dies, 30
U.S. Army Vet, Freehold Dad Joseph 'Joey' Black Dies, 30 Shock and sadness spread following the death of Freehold's Joseph "Joey" Black, who passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10 in Jackson, his obituary on the Old Bridge Funeral Home website says. He was 30 years old. Joey proudly served in the US Army from 2014 to 2017, where he was stationed in Korea as a skilled tank operator and member of the Panthers, later receiving an honorable discharge.  After his military service, he worked as a trackman for NJ Path Train Union TWU, known for his dedication and camaraderie. A passionate NJ Devils fan, Joey will be remembered as a creative spirit, pa…
13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report 13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report
13 Hurt In Crash Involving Bus Carrying Military Personnel On NJ Turnpike: Report Thirteen people were hurt in a crash on the NJ Turnpike involving a bus carrying military personnel, 6abc reports. The passenger bus had broke down was heading north and was in the right lane and right shoulder when it was struck by a tractor trailer just before 1 p.m. at milepost 25.6 in Runnemede, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. "There were multiple non-life-threatening injuries of occupants on the bus and the driver of the tractor-trailer," Lebron said. Among those injured were 12 people on the bus, which was coming from Maryland, according to 6abc. No further details…
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD
Newark Man Followed Woman, Broke Into Car: Raritan PD A 27-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after he followed a woman and then broke into her car in May 2023 in Raritan, authorities said. On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, officers responded to Janssen Pharmaceuticals for a burglary to a motor vehicle, Raritan police said. A woman reported her 2017 Kia Sportage had been broken and a tote bag containing $544 was missing, police said. The woman had withdrawn money from a bank in Somerville and was followed to the pharmacy by Nicholas Florez-Sanchez, police said. Flores-Sanchez broke into her vehicle after she exited to go…
'Shocking And Disgusting' Racist Graffiti Found In Historic Black South Jersey Borough 'Shocking And Disgusting' Racist Graffiti Found In Historic Black South Jersey Borough
'Shocking And Disgusting' Racist Graffiti Found In Historic Black South Jersey Borough Residents in a historically Black community in Camden County were upset after racist graffiti was discovered on a fence at a woman's home, officials said. The incident happened in a neighborhood in Lawnside, according to a statement by the Camden County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The graffiti included a racial slur and "offensive imagery" spray painted on a fence. "This was a shocking and disgusting display of hatred that has absolutely no place in Camden County," commissioners Jonathan Young and Al Dyer said. "Lawnside is a beautiful town with a deep connection to th…
Man Admits To Critically Stabbing Woman Near Jersey Shore Bike Trail, Prosecutors Say Man Admits To Critically Stabbing Woman Near Jersey Shore Bike Trail, Prosecutors Say
Man Admits To Critically Stabbing Woman Near Jersey Shore Bike Trail, Prosecutors Say A Manchester Township man admitted to stabbing a woman, critically injuring her near a Brick Township bike trail, authorities said. Harry Bray Jr., 37, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to attempted murder, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. A Brick Township police officer noticed a vehicle with two flat tires while conducting a routine check off Cherry Quay Road at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. The officer found a woman on the ground near the vehicle with several stab wounds. The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital and was listed in cri…
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors
NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors A New Jersey town's police chief was accused of improperly using law enforcement databases and helping someone shoplift, authorities said. Chief Peter Cooke Jr., 58, the chief in Englishtown, was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Investigators said Chief Cooke used a law enforcement database to look up information about two people without "any legitimate law enforcement purpose." The searches happened multiple times between February 2019…
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election.  He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency.  Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 12 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $261 million with a $169.2 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 18-31-33-64-68 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…