Murder Suspect John Jacobs of Millville Apprehended

John Jacobs (image courtesy of Salem Jail)

WOODBURY, NJ (Dec. 21, 2019)–Gloucester County Prosecutor Charles Fiore is pleased to announce the expedient arrest on December 20, 2019 of John Jacobs (DOB: 10/21/1992) of Millville, N.J.

Jacobs is charged with First Degree Murder, Arson, Hindering Apprehension, and Obstruction of Justice, in connection with the Murder of Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs.

On Thursday December 19

, 2019, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Monroe Township Police Department was dispatched to 1920 South Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ for the report of a 2002 Black Chevy Trail Blazer, registered to John Jacobs, which displayed evidence of recent fire damage. This vehicle was sought in connection with the suspected murder of

Blackwell-Jacobs.

The Monroe Township Police Department, in conjunction with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office arrived at the scene and confirmed that Blackwell-Jacobs was deceased in the vehicle.

An autopsy conducted by Gloucester County Medical Examiner, Dr. Gerald Feigin, determined that the cause of death for Ms. Blackwell-Jacobs was “blunt neck trauma” and he ruled the manner of death as a “homicide.”

An exhaustive and relentless investigation was conducted into the initial disappearance and subsequent murder of Blackwell-Jacobs, leading to the prompt identification of Jacobs and the filing of the noted charges.

Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation and efforts to apprehend Jacobs, culminating with Jacobs’ arrest by the Millville City Police Department during the evening of December 20, 2019. Efforts to locate and arrest Jacobs over several days spanned multiple jurisdictions within Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties.

“Prosecutor Fiore extends his heartfelt appreciation to the Millville City Police Department, Atlantic and Cumberland County Prosecutors’ Offices, New Jersey State Police, US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, NJ Transit Police Department, and the Atlantic City, Vineland City, Franklin Township, Woodbury City and Gloucester Township Police Departments. These local/county/state/federal partners, teaming with the GCPO and Monroe Township Police Department, ensured a seamless investigation which smoothly transitioned and maintained a rapid pace across geographical and jurisdictional boundaries. This was an exemplary effort grounded in the tenacity and commitment of a wide array of professional law enforcement officers who share a common goal to serve and protect their fellow citizens. I am also extremely proud of the lead investigators in this case, Detective Brian Lloyd of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Kevin Bielski of the Monroe Township Police Department.”

Subsequent to his arrest, Jacobs was transported to the GCPO for processing, and then lodged in the Salem County Jail pending a Detention Hearing.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of his rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State Law.

Shannon M. Soroka Sentenced to Prison for Medford Armed Home Invasion

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 25-year-old Philadelphia man was sentenced to 13 years in New Jersey state prison for an armed home invasion earlier this year in Medford Township during which he pointed a gun at the head of a babysitter who was caring

for the homeowners’ 2-year-old child before locking her in a basement bathroom and threatening to kill her if she exited.

Shannon M. Soroka, (photo) of Ontario Street, must serve 11 years before becoming eligible for parole. The sentence handed down yesterday by the Hon. James J. Morley, J.S.C. was in accordance with an agreement between the Prosecutor’s Office and the defendant. Soroka pled guilty in July to Robbery (First Degree), Burglary (Second Degree) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).

On the afternoon of March 31, he entered the home with a handgun as the babysitter, 19, was in the kitchen area with the child. Soroka pointed the gun at her head, then put it in the middle of her back and directed her around the house at gunpoint looking for cash.

She was able to place the child in a bedroom and close the door before being taken to the basement and locked in the bathroom. She escaped through a window and ran to a neighbor’s house to call police.

Soroka was charged a day after committing the crime. The investigation revealed that he had accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in gambling and drug debts, and entered the home with the hope of finding money.

“We admire the courage displayed by the victim and her determination to protect the child under her care,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “This is one of the most frightening situations anyone could encounter, and I commend the investigators who identified and quickly apprehended this dangerous defendant.”

Soroka was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Julian A. Harris. The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Medford Township Police Department, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police.

Archbishop Chaput\’s Message: Christmas 2019

In his Christmas message of 1944 – the fifth year of a Second World War that spanned the globe with its suffering – Pope Pius XII offered these words:

The Church has the mission to announce to the world . . . the highest and most needed message that there can be: the dignity of man, the call to be sons of God. It is the powerful cry which, from the manger in Bethlehem to the furthest confines of the

earth, resounds in the ears of men at a time when that dignity is tragically low.

The holy story of Christmas proclaims this inviolable dignity of man with a vigor and authority that cannot be gainsaid. – an authority and vigor that infinitely transcend that which all possible declarations of the rights of man could achieve.

Christmas, the great feast of the Son of God who appeared in human flesh, the feast in which heaven stoops down to earth with ineffable grace and benevolence, is also the day on which Christianity and mankind, before the crib, contemplating “the goodness and kindness of God our Savior,” become more deeply conscious of the intimate unity that God has established between them.

The birth of the Savior of the world, of the Restorer of human dignity in all its fullness, is the moment characterized by the alliance of all men of good will. There to the poor world, torn by discord, divided by selfishness, poisoned by hate, love will be restored, and it will be allowed to march forward in cordial harmony, toward the common goal, to find at last the cure for its wounds in the peace of Christ.

Today, a lifetime of 75 years later, the world is infinitely different and implacably the same. Different in its marvels of medicine, technology, and science. Different in its deliverance of many millions of people from illness, illiteracy, and poverty. But the same in the millions more who are homeless, or persecuted, or refugees, or locked in poverty, or killed casually on an industrial scale by abortion. Times and circumstances change. Human nature doesn’t. The world still needs –

urgently

needs – “the birth of the Savior” and “the cure for its wounds in the peace of Christ.”

This will be my last Christmas as the serving Archbishop of Philadelphia. Ministry in this archdiocese is one of the great gifts and joys of my life. My memories of Philadelphia’s priests, deacons, people, and religious are and always will be a treasure to me. I thank you for welcoming me among you — I arrived as a stranger, and you made Philadelphia my home — and I hope that all of us will remember throughout this season to thank God for our baptism, for the Church, and for each other.

May God bless all of us and our families on this wonderful Christmas feast of life. And may he grant us a happy and holy new year.

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the president was illicitly targeted for removal from office for doing his job in asking questions about Ukraine corruption and its ties to Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden and Burisma.

Shari M. Piriz of Voorhees, formerly of Marlton

On December 16, 2019.

Age 58 of

Voorhees, formerly of Marlton. Devoted daughter of the late Harry and Arlene Lefkowitz (nee Smith). Cherished brother of Steve Lefkowitz (Beth). Devoted aunt of Matt Lefkowitz.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no viewing or services. Burial will held privately at a later date.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

Ph: 856-456-1142

Burlington Twp. Man Charged with Possession/Distribution of Child Pornography

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP – Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Burlington Township Public Safety Director Bruce Painter announced that a 20-year-old township resident has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Alan Sylvain, of the 600 block of Francois Court, (photo) was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (two are Second Degree, one is Third Degree).

The investigation began earlier this year after the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received information regarding Sylvain’s online activities from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation revealed that Sylvain had transferred child pornography files utilizing an online chatting platform. Sylvain lived in Palmyra at the time the crimes were committed.

He was taken into custody on December 13 following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Investigators seized electronic devices during the search.

The case will now be prepared for presentation to a Burlington County Grand Jury for possible indictment. Sylvain will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy.

The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office and the Burlington Township Police Department. The lead investigator is BCPO Detective Kevin Sobotka.

The Prosecutor’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit is a member of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the New Jersey State Police Cyber Terrorism Task Force.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Authorities Seeking Help with Williamstown Death Investigation

WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ (Dec. 20, 2019)–The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is actively conducting an investigation in the Williamstown section of Monroe Township.

On Thursday December 19

, 2019, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Monroe Township Police Department was dispatched to 1920 South Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ for the report of an abandoned vehicle which was potentially on fire.

The description of the vehicle was consistent with a vehicle being sought in connection with an ongoing Missing/Endangered Person investigation regarding the wellbeing of Sicklerville resident Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs (DOB: 11/03/1997).

The Monroe Township Police Department, in conjunction with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office arrived at the scene.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered Blackwell-Jacobs deceased in the vehicle.

An investigation is ongoing by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes and Crime Scene Units, in close coordination with the Monroe Township Police Department and other law enforcement partners. At this time, the circumstances surrounding the death of Blackwell-Jacobs are deemed suspicious in nature.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office encourages any potential witnesses with information regarding the death, activities or travels of Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs to contact Det. Brian Lloyd of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-221-4849 or Det. Kevin Bielski of the Monroe Township Police Department at 856-728-9800 Ext 516.

Information can also be e-mailed to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.

The Junkluggers Welcome their Newest Members to the Executive Team!

SEYMOUR, Conn. (December 18, 2019) – There have been quite a few exciting announcements at The Junkluggers over the past several months – from celebrating their 15 year anniversary in June to announcing a partnership with minority investor Contractor Nation in August and opening the first franchise in the state of California in November. With the company on the

brink of explosive growth across the country, starting with several franchise deals closing in December, The Junkluggers now announces the expansion of our executive management team with the recent hire of Vicky Hochhauser as Director of Business Development and Karren Nash as Appointment Center Manager.

“Both Vicky and Karren are joining The Junkluggers at a pivotal time, as the growth of our franchise network across the country is accelerating,” said Josh Cohen, The Junkluggers founder and CEO. “Each of these talented women brings a track record of success with them, and both will be instrumental in driving and supporting our expanded sales efforts.”

Vicky Hochhauser brings to The Junkluggers over thirty years of experience in the travel, publishing and digital media industries, developing partnerships and leveraging marketing to enhance overall sales performance. Most recently, Hochhauser was the Business Development Manager for our Long Island and Queens franchise where she was able to strengthen its strategic partnerships with local charities, professional organizers and real estate agencies leading to consistent referrals and contributing to solid revenue growth as well as a strong channel for donations. In her new role at The Junkluggers, Hochhauser will be leading the effort to grow the company’s strategic partnerships and accounts on a national level while working directly with The Junkluggers franchise partners to drive sales and partnerships on a local level.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team doing what I love, developing strategic and tactical plans, while coaching and mentoring a team of people who are passionate about what they do,” says Hochhauser. “The Junkluggers has been on my radar for a long time and I have watched it grow from a start-up to an emerging brand. I admire the commitment to their mission of giving back to the community and I’m excited to help bring our eco-friendly junk removal solution to more companies that are focused on their sustainability efforts.” Karren Nash is currently the Director of the International Call Center at Treehouse Internet Group, a division of Contractor Nation. Nash oversees the strategic planning and execution of all Call Center Operations for Contractor Nation and was the natural choice to manage The Junkluggers’ Appointment Center. She has over twenty years of sales operations and call center management experience and is skilled at coordinating analytical, strategic and customer service resources to meet franchise expectations and ensure customer satisfaction. Nash’s role at The Junkluggers will include staff recruiting and training, implementation of effective Quality Assurance programs, and management and leadership of processes for the continuous improvement of the customer experience.

“I love what I do, and I was immediately drawn to The Junkluggers work hard/play hard while supporting a healthy work/family balance mentality,” says Nash. “Leading people to become better personally and professionally is what makes me eager to go to work every day, and I am excited to join a team that supports one another and works hard to accomplish the goals set forth by a company they believe in.”

About The Junkluggers Established in 2004, The Junkluggers has revolutionized the hauling and removal industry by providing sustainable junk removal services. This team of big-hearted professionals is focused on environmentally friendly and community-oriented practices, striving to enhance lives, the community and the environment by donating, recycling, upcycling and supporting local charities. The Junkluggers recently added franchises in

Peoria, Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland for a total of 23 locations operating across 14 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. The brand, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has additional pending franchise deals that are expected to close by spring of 2020. For more information, please visit

www.junkluggers.com

Children\’s Christ Brunch Fatima Catholic Outreach Center

The Bucks County Family Service Center (BCFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host a children’s Christmas brunch celebration for approximately 40 families in the local community. This year’s theme is “Llama, Llama, Jingle

Bells!” based on the children’s Christmas book of the same name.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. (Arrival of Santa)

Fatima Catholic Outreach Center

2915 Street Road

Bensalem, PA 19020

Participants will enjoy a morning filled with food, refreshments, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dedicated staff from CSS, along with community members and student volunteers from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills (Bucks County) will also be in attendance. In addition, nearly 100 children will receive a gift thanks to numerous donors, local parish sponsors, and the local United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.

The Bucks County Family Service Center is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes when they seek assistance from Catholic Social Services. It is one of seven such centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.