Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds
A Massachusetts man accused of playing a leading role in a dangerous drug trafficking conspiracy was arrested inside a local residence after evading authorities for nearly four years, federal authorities said.
Darasy Chhim, 39, also known by the aliases "Mystickal" and "Rizzus," was taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, fentanyl, MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to federal prosecutors, Chhim has been wanted since June 2021, when he was indicted alongside 14 co-conspirators.
Authorities allege …
Ringwood Woman Stole $700K From Law Firm: Union County Prosecutor
A 54-year-old Ringwood woman was arrested and charged on Thursday, Dec. 12 with stealing more than $700,000 from the law firm she worked at, authorities said.
Between 2018 and 2024 Colleen Hallenbeck, who was employed as a paralegal for a Union County-based law firm, misappropriated funds from various estates handled by the firm, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said.
Hallenbeck was responsible for distributing funds from estate accounts to beneficiaries. However, she wrote hundreds of unauthorized checks, totaling in excess of $700,000, for deposit into accounts s…
Two Newark Men Plead Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl: Feds
Two Newark men pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to being members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues, authorities said.
From January 2014 through September 2020, Thomas Padovano, 50, and Bartholomew Padovano, 72, agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said.
The Padovanos placed orders with a source in China and distributed the controlled substances and analogues in Ne…
Mahwah Mansion Seized From Chinese Billionaire Fraudster Listed At $33M
A historic Bergen County estate seized from a Chinese billionaire indicted in a $1 billion fraud scheme last year has hit the market for $33 million.
The Crocker Mansion, located at 675 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, spans 50,000 square feet and sits on 12.5 gated acres. Originally built in 1907, the property features 21 bedrooms, a pool house, tennis courts, and a guest house. It was declared a historic landmark by Mahwah Township due to its unique place in local history.
In March 2023, the home was seized from Guo Wengui, when he was indicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud, secu…
