Trenton Water Works Employee Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

TRENTON — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice today announced that a former Trenton Water Works (TWW) sample collector was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly failing to collect water samples and falsifying water quality reports.

Cesar Lugo, 38, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty to third-degree tampering with public records and violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). As part of the plea agreement, the State agreed to recommend a three-year prison sentence for both crimes of conviction to run concurrently, with a two-year parole ineligibility term.

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Redevelopment Process Stirs Controversy

New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment & Housing Law (LHRL), N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq., is a useful tool provided to municipalities in certain situations involving “blighted” and distressed properties and areas. Enacted in 1992, but preceded by less comprehensive statutes, it allows towns to bolster development by assembling parcels of land for sale to developers, demolishing or clearing what was there, sidestepping regular local zoning, and entering into agreements for favorable treatment. It permits the use of eminent domain to acquire properties, though most have been acquired voluntarily, and towns have usually not exercised this power. Sometimes it has also been applied to completely undeveloped properties such as wetlands.

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Westville Man Sentenced for Aggravated Manslaughter

Woodbury, NJ – Michael A. Zappley, 69, of Westville, was sentenced to 12 years in state prison Friday by the Honorable Niki Arbittier, Judge of the Superior Court, for aggravated manslaughter in the 2016 death of Miguel Martinez III in Deptford.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: Family members reported Martinez missing on June 15, 2016. For several months detectives investigated, continually checking hospitals, phone records, social media records, and interviewing individuals, but were unable to locate Martinez. In January 2020, a witness came forward with details on how Martinez was killed in 2016, and how the body had been disposed of. With this information investigators applied for and executed search warrants for multiple properties on Fox Run Road in Deptford where they recovered 106 bones, later determined to be human remains.

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Coast Guard Announces East River Security Restrictions

NEW YORK — The Coast Guard, along with multiple partner agencies, are positioned to support maritime security operations for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City Tuesday through Monday.

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly brings representatives from nearly 200 nations to the UN campus on New York’s East River. Months of planning go into the preparation for this unique event where representatives come together and work on a wide array of international issues.

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NJDOT Traffic Advisory

Route 42 northbound, I-295 northbound and I-76 eastbound are scheduled to have lane and ramp closures this week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. The closures, as well as traffic slowdowns, are necessary to install structural steel. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays when traveling through the work zones.

Route 42 northbound to I-76 westbound Lane Closures

Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, Monday, September 21 until 5 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22, and again each night through Saturday, September 26 at the same times, the three left lanes on Route 42 northbound will be closed between Leaf Avenue (mile post 13.8) and where Route 42 northbound splits to I-76 westbound and I-295 northbound (mile post 14.2). Motorists will be directed to take Exit 1B to I-295 northbound/Trenton. Stay left to take Exit 27B to I-76 to I-676 and Route 130/Camden/Philadelphia.

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James Wing Eng, 91, of Deptford

James Wing Eng, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Gloucester City, New Jersey, on October 5, 1934, James was the son of the late Joseph Wing Eng and Siu Ying Wong. He was a graduate of Gloucester City High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University. A proud United States Army veteran, James honorably served his country during the Korean War.

Following his military service, James enjoyed a long and successful career as a Casino Supervisor at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. Known affectionately to many as a “Gentle Giant” with a “Larger than Life” personality, he possessed an extraordinary warmth and a wonderful gift for storytelling that captivated friends, colleagues, and family alike. An avid golfer, James found great joy and camaraderie on the golf course throughout his life.

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Wanted: Suspects for Robbery in the 9th District

The Philadelphia Police Department-Central Detective Division is seeking the public’s help in identifying the offenders in the following clip and stills.

***Suspect #1 has been identified as Shakur Nichols, pictued above. An arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest.***

On Friday, August 28, 2026, at approximately 2:23 AM, the complainant was walking eastbound on the 1200 block of Sansom St when two masked offenders exited a dark gray Nissan Altima, one armed with a handgun and the other an AR-15 style rifle. The offenders forcibly removed the complainant’s jewelry and watch before fleeing in the vehicle northbound on S. 13th St.

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One Last Season For Coach Casey Murphy

We want to recognize and thank Coach Casey Murphy, Gloucester Catholic Class of 1999, as he enters his final season as Head Coach of Gloucester Catholic Football.

Coach Murphy’s commitment to Gloucester Catholic has always been about more than football. His love for this school, his pride in the Rams, and, most importantly, his genuine care for the young men he has coached have been evident every step of the way.

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Missing Person Sandra Burgos from the 24th District

The Philadelphia Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 54-year-old Sandra Burgos, who was last seen by family members on September 17, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., before leaving her residence on the 3500 block of Frankford Avenue.

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Wildwood Arrest/Public Safety Warning

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Joseph Murphy, of the Wildwood Police Department, issue a serious warning to the public regarding a recent seizure of methamphetamine that is colorful and uniquely shaped in a manner that may resemble a child’s vitamin or candy. The seized methamphetamine presents a serious public safety concern due to its appearance, which may attract the attention of children and increase the risk of accidental ingestion. Parents and caregivers are urged to be especially vigilant, as children may not recognize the danger posed by colorful or uniquely shaped substances.