Tag:

Lacey Township, NJ

Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say
Barnegat Man Stole $50K+ In Lotto Tickets From Wawa Locations, Prosecutors Say A Barnegat man was accused of stealing more than $50,000 in lottery tickets from vending machines at several Wawa stores over two years, authorities said. Kenneth Franke, 57, was charged with theft by unlawful taking following a two-year investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 6. Investigators said Franke had been illegally obtaining lottery tickets without paying for them. The incidents reportedly occurred between January 2022 and December 2024 at Wawa locations in Lacey Township and Barnegat. Detectives established surveillance…
$1M 'Living Shoreline' Grant To Improve Environment, Coastal Resilience In Avalon $1M 'Living Shoreline' Grant To Improve Environment, Coastal Resilience In Avalon
$1M 'Living Shoreline' Grant To Improve Environment, Coastal Resilience In Avalon A marina in Avalon will soon feature a $1 million “living shoreline,” combining nature and innovation to protect the Jersey Shore, officials said. A $1 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will fund the creation of a "living shoreline" at Avalon’s Bay Park Marina. The borough announced the funding in a Facebook post on Monday, Nov. 25. The project is part of a larger rehabilitation effort, which was expected to be completed by February 2026, to boost resiliency and environmental sustainability. "Avalon deeply appreciates the confidence of the National Fish…
Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police
Lacey Township Car Burglars Stole Clothes, Returned Them To T.J. Maxx For Cash: Police A Little Egg Harbor man and woman were accused of breaking into vehicles in Lacey Township and returning stolen clothes to a department store for cash, authorities said. Edward McGrath, 38, and Kathleen Papa, 47, were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Lacey Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. Officers received a call from a witness who saw a man trying to break into cars parked outside Encore Dental of Lacey at around 12:53 p.m. The suspect got into a vehicle and left the area. Police stopped the vehicle near PNC Bank on Lacey Road and confirmed McGrath was t…
Lacey Township Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say Lacey Township Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say
Lacey Township Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say A Lacey Township woman admitted to using a child living in her home to sell psychedelic mushrooms, authorities said. Margaret Whalen, 60, entered a guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She pleaded guilty to possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges came from an investigation when Lacey Township police received a tip from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Investigators said Wh…
Drunk Lacey Twp. Motorcyclist Wasn't Wearing Helmet In Overnight Whiting Crash, Police Say Drunk Lacey Twp. Motorcyclist Wasn't Wearing Helmet In Overnight Whiting Crash, Police Say
Drunk Lacey Twp. Motorcyclist Wasn't Wearing Helmet In Overnight Whiting Crash, Police Say A Lacey Township man was accused of driving a motorcycle while drunk in an overnight crash in Whiting, authorities said. Charles Hicks, 54, was charged with suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the Manchester Township Police Department said in a news release. The crash happened near the intersection of Wranglebrook Road and Canton Drive on Thursday, Aug. 29. Officers responded to a report of an injured motorcyclist at around 3:24 a.m. Police found a damaged Harley-Davidson motorcycle on its side in the intersection and Hicks a few feet away with injuries. I…
Whiting Woman Killed When SUV Crashes Into Woods Off Lacey Township Road, Police Say Whiting Woman Killed When SUV Crashes Into Woods Off Lacey Township Road, Police Say
Whiting Woman Killed When SUV Crashes Into Woods Off Lacey Township Road, Police Say A Manchester Township woman was killed when her SUV crashed into the woods in Lacey Township, authorities said. Rosemary Pfluge, 72, of Whiting, died in the crash on Saturday, Aug. 17, the Lacey Township Police Department said in a news release. Officers responded to the scene on County Route 539 near milepost 20 at around 11:28 p.m. Police found a 2012 grey Jeep Liberty partially overturned about 50 feet in the woods. Pfluge was trapped in the SUV with serious injuries. Forked River and Whiting firefighters extricated Pfluge from the Jeep. She was rushed to Community Medica…
Pumpkin-Snacking Snow Leopard Dies After Spending Senior Years At Jersey Shore Animal Refuge Pumpkin-Snacking Snow Leopard Dies After Spending Senior Years At Jersey Shore Animal Refuge
Pumpkin-Snacking Snow Leopard Dies After Spending Senior Years At Jersey Shore Animal Refuge An elderly snow leopard has died after spending about four years at an Ocean County animal sanctuary, officials said. A male snow leopard named Ty died from old age, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Aug. 1. He was 14 years old when he arrived at the Lacey Township sanctuary in 2020. Popcorn Park said it was honored to care for Ty in his final years. "It is a privilege to provide refuge for animals in their golden years, those with medical needs, and any animal in need that comes through our doors," the park said. "Ty was a very special senior b…
More Than 13,000 Without Power On Jersey Shore After Substation Failure More Than 13,000 Without Power On Jersey Shore After Substation Failure
More Than 13,000 Without Power On Jersey Shore After Substation Failure Thousands of residents in two Ocean County townships were without power after severe thunderstorms raced across the northeast and caused a substation to fail, officials said. According to the outage map for Jersey Central Power & Light, 13,688 customers had no electricity as of 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 27. More than 13,000 of those affected were living in Barnegat or Waretown. The JCP&L data said nearly 100 percent (8,606) of Barnegat's 8,620 customers and about 86 percent (4,607) of Ocean Township's 5,355 customers lost power. Most of the remaining outages were in Jackson Townsh…
South Jersey Man Admits To Racist Amazon Driver Threats, Illegally Growing Weed: Prosecutor South Jersey Man Admits To Racist Amazon Driver Threats, Illegally Growing Weed: Prosecutor
South Jersey Man Admits To Racist Amazon Driver Threats, Illegally Growing Weed: Prosecutor A Lacey Township man admitted to racist threats against an Amazon driver and illegally selling large amounts of marijuana, authorities said. John Vincentini, 64, pleaded guilty in two separate cases on Friday, June 7, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He and his wife, 64-year-old Karen Vincentini, have been held in the Ocean County Jail since March. John Vincentini pleaded guilty to bias intimidation after he was indicted back in June 2023. He was accused of threatening an Amazon delivery driver on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. Investi…
South Jersey Woman Used Child To Sell Psychedelic Mushrooms, Prosecutors Say South Jersey Woman Used Child To Sell Psychedelic Mushrooms, Prosecutors Say
South Jersey Woman Used Child To Sell Psychedelic Mushrooms, Prosecutors Say An Ocean County woman was accused of using a child living in her home to sell psychedelic mushrooms, authorities said. Margaret Whalen, 60, of Lacey Township, was arrested on Wednesday, June 5. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced her charges in a news release. Lacey police were told by the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency in March that Whalen was using her Elwood Street home to make and sell psilocybin mushrooms. Officers executed a search warrant on the home on Wednesday, Mar. 13. Detectives seized several jars with suspected psychedelic mushrooms and…
Man Airlifted With Head Trauma After Pickup Crashes In South Jersey: Police Man Airlifted With Head Trauma After Pickup Crashes In South Jersey: Police
Man Airlifted With Head Trauma After Pickup Crashes In South Jersey: Police A man was airlifted to the hospital after crashing his pickup in Ocean County, authorities said. Berkeley Township police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Dover Road near the Lacey Township border at around 3:51 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 30, the department said in a news release. Officers found a gray Ford F-150 partially in the road with extensive damage. A 49-year-old man drove the pickup and was lying in the road after he was ejected from the passenger side. Investigators said he was driving south when the truck went off the road and hit several trees. The driver suffered head tr…
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge A beloved lion has died after spending a decade in the care of an Ocean County animal refuge. Simba died "after a very long and full life" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the Lacey Township sanctuary announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Apr. 30. He was brought to the park with three other big cats in 2014. Popcorn Park said Simba was among several animals that needed care after their owner in Alabama became sick and could no longer help them. "Simba was very personable and when we'd walk by he'd always get up to greet us," Popcorn Park executive director John Bergmann said in a sta…
Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies
Blind 'One-Of-a-kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies A blind kangaroo who was beloved at an Ocean County animal refuge has died, officials said. The red kangaroo named Winnie died after receiving care for "a myriad of health issues" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the park said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Apr. 18. Winnie arrived at the Lacey Township sanctuary in June 2022. Popcorn Park caretakers gave Winnie daily medicine and special veterinary visits so she could have "a peaceful, loving home." "However, throughout the past few weeks, her health began to decline, and unfortunately she was not responding to any medications or…
South Jersey Couple Accused Of Illegally Growing Marijuana To Stay In Jail Through Trials South Jersey Couple Accused Of Illegally Growing Marijuana To Stay In Jail Through Trials
South Jersey Couple Accused Of Illegally Growing Marijuana To Stay In Jail Through Trials A Lacey Township couple accused of illegally selling large amounts of marijuana and having assault weapons will stay in jail through their trials, authorities said. On Tuesday, Apr. 2, a judge ordered John and Karen Vincentini, both 64 years old, to remain detained in the Ocean County Jail through their trials. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced the judge's orders in a news release. Lacey Township police received a report on Friday, Mar. 15 from someone who said a package of marijuana was delivered to their home in a repurposed Amazon box. Investigators deter…
South Jersey Trio Sold Heroin, Cocaine, PCP Throughout Ocean County: Prosecutors South Jersey Trio Sold Heroin, Cocaine, PCP Throughout Ocean County: Prosecutors
South Jersey Trio Sold Heroin, Cocaine, PCP Throughout Ocean County: Prosecutors Three people from South Jersey were accused of selling several types of drugs throughout Ocean County, authorities said. Eric Bowman, 34, of West Deptford, Shantal White, 28, of Brick Township, and Michael Kinsky, 46, of Lacey Township, were arrested after a two-month investigation. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced their arrests in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 26. Lacey Township police and county prosecutor's office detectives began surveillance on Kinsky's home in early January. The county's SWAT team executed a search warrant on the home on Thursd…
Couple Found With 10 Pounds Of Marijuana, Assault Weapons In South Jersey: Prosecutors Couple Found With 10 Pounds Of Marijuana, Assault Weapons In South Jersey: Prosecutors
Couple Found With 10 Pounds Of Marijuana, Assault Weapons In South Jersey: Prosecutors A Lacey Township couple was accused of illegally selling large amounts of marijuana and having assault weapons, authorities said. John and Karen Vincentini, both 64 years old, were arrested, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Mar. 22. They were given several drug and weapons charges. Lacey Township police received a report on Friday, Mar. 15 from someone who said a package of marijuana was delivered to their home in a repurposed Amazon box. Investigators determined that John Vincentini delivered the box. Police executed a search warrant on the Vince…
'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign 'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign
'Devastating Turn' For South Jersey Girl, 7, After Flu Complications: Campaign A Lacey Township girl was fighting for her life after complications from the flu, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page for seven-year-old Alena Robles said the Forked River girl was in a coma at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Her family wrote that she began feeling sick on Sunday, Mar. 10, and woke up with a headache the next day before having several seizures. Robles was rushed to the hospital's intensive care unit and doctors said her flu infection has caused severe encephalitis. "The medical team is working tirelessly to combat the sw…
'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies 'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies
'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies A beloved tiger has died after spending eight years at an Ocean County animal sanctuary, officials said. Eli the tiger died after his health declined in recent weeks, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mar. 6. The tiger experienced "discomfort and decreased mobility" despite the efforts of the veterinarians at the Lacey Township sanctuary. Eli and his sister Jess arrived at Popcorn Park in December 2016. "After exhausting all options and considering his quality of life, we made the difficult decision to say goodbye," Popcorn Park's post said. "His days we…
'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign 'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign
'Fly High Chels': South Jersey Cheerleader Dies Unexpectedly, 14: Campaign A Lacey Township teen known for her love of cheerleading has died, according to a donation campaign. A GoFundMe page said Chelsea Diehl of Forked River unexpectedly died on Sunday, Mar. 3. A cause of death was not mentioned for the 14-year-old girl. Diehl's GoFundMe page had raised more than $24,000 from at least 496 donations as of Tuesday, Mar. 3. Becky Hutler-Melanson, who organized the memorial fundraiser, said Diehl's death was devastating. "She was a wonderful daughter, friend, and athlete who touched the lives of all those around her," Hutler-Melanson wrote. "Her smile lit up the r…
Pair Painted Swastikas, Started Fire In Various Locations Around Jersey Shore Town: Cops Pair Painted Swastikas, Started Fire In Various Locations Around Jersey Shore Town: Cops
Pair Painted Swastikas, Started Fire In Various Locations Around Jersey Shore Town: Cops Two Ocean County men were arrested for lighting a fire in a women's restroom and spray-painting swastikas around a public park, authorities said. Alexander Gerber, 19, and Connor Dougherty, 20, both of Lacey Township, are facing arson charges for the fire in the women's restroom in Gille Park on Nov. 21, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Chief of Police Christopher Kenny said. The pair are also being held responsible for spray-painting swastikas and other graffiti in various locations of the park, police said. Officers likewise discovered damage to th…
Contractor Admits Gambling Jersey Shore Renovation Money: Prosecutor Contractor Admits Gambling Jersey Shore Renovation Money: Prosecutor
Contractor Admits Gambling Jersey Shore Renovation Money: Prosecutor A home contractor has admitted spending renovation money on personal expenses including gambling, authorities said. Jeffrey Crawford, 50, of Lacey Township, pleaded guilty to theft by failure to make required disposition of property on Monday, Oct. 23, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. In May 2021, the Toms River Township Police Department was contacted by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs with regard to a complaint lodged by a Toms River resident against Crawford, who was trading as Hercules Renovations, LLC.  A subsequent in…
Drug Dealer Sentenced In Fatal Fentanyl Overdose On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Drug Dealer Sentenced In Fatal Fentanyl Overdose On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Drug Dealer Sentenced In Fatal Fentanyl Overdose On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A 36-year-old drug dealer from Ocean County was sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison for selling a fatal overdose of fentanyl, authorities said. Jehmar Barrett, of Lacey Township, was sentenced for manslaughter on Friday, Sept. 22 in connection with the 2020 death of a 35-year-old woman in Tomrs River according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Nov. 24, 2020, Toms River police responded to a residence on Alabama Avenue for a report of an unresponsive female. Police found the body of the victim, who was already dead from an apparent drug ove…
Mom Sentenced In Toddler's Fentanyl Overdose Death On Jersey Shore Mom Sentenced In Toddler's Fentanyl Overdose Death On Jersey Shore
Mom Sentenced In Toddler's Fentanyl Overdose Death On Jersey Shore An Ocean County mother has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for the fentanyl overdose death of her two-year-old son, authorities said. Natalie Sabie, 35, of Lacey Township was sentenced as a result of her previously entered guilty plea to aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of her son on Sept. 7, 2022, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department were summoned to a residence for a report of a child found to be unresponsive by his mother. Responding Officers a…
Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire
Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire Federal, state, county and local officials have confirmed that a private single-engine airplane crash in the evening hours of Saturday, Sept. 2, in Lacey Township, resulted in an 831-acre wildfire.  The official cause was announced Wednesday, Sept. 6 by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The crash occurred in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area west of Robert J. Miller Airpark and Ocean County Airport.  A 61-year-old pilot was identified as the victim of the crash on Wednesday, Sept 6.
Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire
Police ID Pilot Killed In Crash That Sparked Jersey Shore Wildfire The pilot killed in a plane crash near Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Township has been identified, authorities said. Oscar Molina, 61, of Long Brach was killed when his Cirrus SR20 crashed at about 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 near the Ocean County airpark, Lacey police said. He was the only person aboard the plane. Authorities discovered the crash while investigating what grew into an 831-acre wildfire that broke out in the area of Dover and West Lacey roads shortly before midnight Saturday, As firefighters responded to the blaze Sunday, the plane was found, Lacey police said. T…
Pilot Confirmed Killed In NJ Plane Crash Likely Linked To Wildfire Pilot Confirmed Killed In NJ Plane Crash Likely Linked To Wildfire
Pilot Confirmed Killed In NJ Plane Crash Likely Linked To Wildfire Police are providing answers to two crucial questions that have loomed ever since a plane crash in New Jersey this weekend. Authorities in Lacey Township have confirmed the pilot of the private plane in Saturday's, Sept. 2 crash died, and alluded to the fact that the crash sparked a wildfire that had consumed more than 830 acres as of Labor Day. Lacey Township officers and local firefighters responded to reports of a smoke condition off of Dover Road and West Lacey Road, near Robert J. Miller Airpark shortly before midnight on Saturday. As authorities probed the smoke condition, they event…
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire $16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire More than $16,000 had been raised as of Thursday, Aug. 3 for those grieving the loss of four people including two children killed in a Lacey Township house fire this week. John Mulligan, an uncle of 14-year-old Angel Allan, one of those killed in the fire on Tuesday, Aug. 1, organized one GoFundMe for the family A second campaign was launched to aid Daniel Wright, the brother of two of the victims. Angel's mother, Melanie, and sister, Hailey, were running errands when the home caught fire, according to Mulligan of Berkeley Township. Also killed were Angel's aunts, Jennifer Wright, 39, and …
Police ID Teen, Infant, Adults Killed In Ocean County House Fire Police ID Teen, Infant, Adults Killed In Ocean County House Fire
Police ID Teen, Infant, Adults Killed In Ocean County House Fire Authorities have identified the victims of a house fire in Ocean County. Jennifer Wright, 39; Alaina Wright, 34; a 14-year-old girl and a 4-month-old infant were killed in the fire on Tuesday, Aug. 1 in Lacey Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The fire was ruled accidental and may be due to smoking, Billhimer said. "This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims,” Billhimer said. At approximately 12:30 p.m., a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Tow…
Ocean County Mom Pleads Guilty In Fentanyl Death Of Her Toddler: Prosecutor Ocean County Mom Pleads Guilty In Fentanyl Death Of Her Toddler: Prosecutor
Ocean County Mom Pleads Guilty In Fentanyl Death Of Her Toddler: Prosecutor A 35-year-old woman from Ocean County has admitted to causing the fentanyl-induced death of her 2-year-old son, authorities said. Natalie Sabie, of Lacey Township, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment on Wednesday, July 12, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Sept. 7, 2022, Lacey Township police were summoned to a residence for a report of a toddler  unresponsive by his mother, Natalie Sabie, Billhiimer said. Responding Officers and Paramedics at the scene attempted life saving measures but were unsuccessful&nbs…
Jersey Shore Man Admits Selling Fatal Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Admits Selling Fatal Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Admits Selling Fatal Dose Of Fentanyl: Prosecutor A 36-year-old man from the Jersey Shore has admitted selling fentanyl to a woman who later died of an overdose, authorities said. Jehmar Barrett, of Lacey Township, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday, June 19 in connection with the death of a 35-year-old woman in Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On November 24, 2020, Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Alabama Avenue for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, who was already dead from an app…
Motorist Hospitalized After Garden State Parkway Crash Motorist Hospitalized After Garden State Parkway Crash
Motorist Hospitalized After Garden State Parkway Crash A motorist was hospitalized after a crash on the Garden State Parkway,  authorities said. New Jersey State Police were called at 7:07 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 to milepost 74.8 in Lacey Township on a report of an overturned vehicle. A preliminary investigation found that the driver was traveling south on the Parkway, lost control of the vehicle and ran off the highway to the right, down an embankment and overturned, State Police said. The driver was taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said. The crash remains under investigation.