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Ocean County, NJ

Cumberland County Players Strike Gold With $50K, $25K Lottery Wins Cumberland County Players Strike Gold With $50K, $25K Lottery Wins
Cumberland County Players Strike Gold With $50K, $25K Lottery Wins 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…
NJDOC Range Master Stole, Sold Ammo From Cumberland County Prison: AG NJDOC Range Master Stole, Sold Ammo From Cumberland County Prison: AG
Njdoc Range Master Stole, Sold Ammo From Cumberland County Prison: AG 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…
Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through
Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through Thousands of New Jersey residents remained without power Monday morning, Feb. 17, after wind gusts of nearly 70 mph over the weekend. According to the PSE&G outage center, the following areas were in the dark as of 7:50 a.m: Burlington County: 2,400 Camden County: 787 Mercer County: 1,900 According to JCP&L, the same was true for the following customers: Hunterdon County: 2,075 Mercer County: 787 Middlesex County: 3,236 Monmouth County: 6,384 Morris County: 1,600 Ocean County: 3,300 Restoration times are varied. The highest wind gust in the state was 71 mph, …
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…
South Jersey Powerball Tickets Sold At Wawa, Liquor Store Win $50K South Jersey Powerball Tickets Sold At Wawa, Liquor Store Win $50K
South Jersey Powerball Tickets Sold At Wawa, Liquor Store Win $50K Two Powerball players in South Jersey found the perfect way to kick off February. The tickets, sold in Ocean County and Salem County, matched four numbers and the red Powerball in the drawing held on Saturday, Feb. 1, winning $50,000.  The tickets were sold at Wine Outlet in Point Pleasant Beach and Wawa in Pilesgrove. The winning numbers were 23, 29, 32, 49, 61 and the red Powerball was 8.
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…
Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (PHOTOS) Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (PHOTOS)
Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (Photos) A fire that reportedly broke out at a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor sent thick smoke billowing over Ocean County on Tuesday evening, January 28. The blaze erupted around 5 p.m. at a business located at 1110 Radio Road, authorities said. Photos taken by Jo Lucas captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the sun set over the area. Firefighters responded to the scene as smoke spread across the neighborhood. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or any potential injuries. Thick black smoke from a fire in a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor on the New Je…
$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 …
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor An elderly woman was found dead in a lagoon behind a residence on North Boom Street in Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a report of a female floating in the lagoon at approximately 7:45 a.m., Prosecutor Billhimer said. Upon arrival, officers removed the woman’s body from the water. The incident is being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Cr…
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…
5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got 5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got
5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got 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…
Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say
Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say Two Lakewood men charged in the 2010 shooting death of a man in Toms River will stay in jail, authorities said. Judges ordered 36-year-old Maurice Cole and 41-year-old Jerron Evans to remain detained pending their trials, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  The duo was accused of taking part in the killing of 22-year-old Rondell Proctor, who was originally from Arkansas. Toms River police responded to the shooting at the Winteringham Village Apartments on Route 166 at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursd…
Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say
Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say Two Lakewood men have been arrested more than 14 years after the shooting death of a man in Toms River, authorities said. Maurice Cole, 36, and Jerron Evans, 41, were charged with murder, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 4. They were accused of taking part in the killing of 22-year-old Rondell Proctor, who was originally from Arkansas. Toms River police responded to the shooting at the Winteringham Village Apartments on Route 166 at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Officers found Proctor with several&nb…
$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…
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles A wildfire that sent heavy smoke into the sky over a Lakewood golf club has been tamed, officials said. The Lakewood Country Club wildfire was 100 percent contained by 9 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The roughly 35-acre fire burned dangerously close to the golf course and Pine Park. What began as a fast-moving threat on Monday, Nov. 18 initially put six buildings on Seminole Drive at risk. Crews rushed to the blaze, preventing any building from being damaged and no evacuations were ordered. The wildfire forced Clearstream Road to close betwe…
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…
UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres
Update: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres Firefighters have contained about half of a wildfire in Lakewood, where flames have scorched dozens of acres, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the 35-acre wildfire was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The fire was burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Clearstream Road remained closed between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews continued their work. To combat the flames, crews have deployed fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams to the site. Six buildings on Seminole Drive were …