Chester Williams, 58, of Bridgeton, was sentenced Friday to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison for cocaine distribution and weapons offenses by the Honorable Kevin T. Smith pursuant to a plea agreement.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: Williams sold cocaine and four firearms to undercover officers on several occasions. He was originally charged on 23 counts of a 44-count indictment, and in April 2025, pled guilty to first-degree distribution of cocaine and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
The charges stemmed from a multi-state narcotic trafficking investigation started by the New Jersey State Police in June 2021. The investigation, conducted from February through May 2022, ultimately led to the arrest of multiple individuals. In addition to Williams, the following defendants were previously sentenced in the case:
NOAA Fisheries has transferred 30.8 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the Longline category. The resulting adjusted quotas are:
Longline category = 240.1 mt
Reserve category = 7.4 mt
Each eligible Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) shareholder will receive 893 lbs (0.4 mt) of IBQ. IBQ shareholders can expect for individual accounts to be updated shortly.
The adjusted Longline and Reserve quotas will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2026 fishing year or until otherwise adjusted. Note that NOAA Fisheries intends to take separate rulemaking action as soon as possible in 2026 to consider modifying the baseline Atlantic bluefin tuna quota consistent with the quota adopted at the 2025 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas annual meeting.
Who is affected?
This action applies to Atlantic Tunas Longline category limited access permit holders.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Acting Commissioner Priya Jain today announced the appointment of Juan Carlos Nordelo as Chief of Staff, bringing extensive experience in public service, legislative leadership, nonprofit advocacy, and community engagement to the Department’s executive team.
“Juan Carlos brings a rare combination of policy expertise, operational perspective, and lived experience working directly with communities across New Jersey,” Acting Commissioner Jain said. “His ability to navigate complex issues, build partnerships across all levels of government, and focus on practical solutions will be a tremendous asset as NJDOT advances its mission to deliver safe, reliable, and resilient transportation systems for the people of New Jersey.”
As Chief of Staff, Nordelo will support the Acting Commissioner in advancing NJDOT’s strategic priorities, strengthening coordination across divisions and partner agencies, and ensuring the Department’s policy, operational, and community-focused efforts remain aligned and responsive to the needs of New Jersey residents.
“It is an honor to join NJDOT and support the critical work being done every day to keep New Jersey moving,” Nordelo said. “Throughout my career, I have focused on bringing people together, understanding the real challenges communities face, and turning those challenges into actionable solutions. I look forward to working with the talented professionals across this Department to continue advancing safety, resiliency, and quality of life for our residents.”
Most recently, Nordelo served as Chief of Staff and Policy Director to Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (19th District), where he led legislative strategy, managed the Assemblywoman’s policy portfolio, and developed legislation addressing affordability, safety, infrastructure, and quality of life for New Jersey families.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Rutgers University. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs.
Juan Carlos lives in Cranford with his wife, Maria Luisa, and their young son, Sebastian.
The Camden County Office of Emergency Management declared that Camden County will be under a Code Blue Advisory from for the following dates and times due to projected dangerously low temperatures by the National Weather Service:
Monday, February 9 7:00 a.m. – Tuesday, February 10 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 15°F Tuesday, February 10 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday, February 11 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 28°F Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. – Thursday, February 12 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 25°F Thursday, February 12 7:00 p.m. – Friday, February 13 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 20°F Friday, February 13 7:00 p.m. – Saturday, February 14 7:00 a.m. • Projected temperature: 19°F
Code Blue Advisories are declared when the National Weather Service predicts that the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or the wind chill temperature will be zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for a period of two hours or more.
Join us for an inspiring private screening of Sarah’s Oil, a powerful biographical drama based on the true story of Sarah Rector—an 11-year-old girl who became one of the nation’s first female Black millionaires after oil was discovered on her land. General admission is $25. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m., AMC Voorhees 16 900 Haddonfield Road, Voorhees, NJ. Doors Open at 1 p.m. This unforgettable afternoon is made possible with the support of NAACP – Camden County East Branch; two chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; The Burlington-Camden (NJ) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; the Peter Mott House & Lawnside Historical Society; Kappa Burlington Camden Alumni Chapter, and the NAACP – Camden County Youth Council. Use the button below to buy tickets, NAACP memberships and donate.
Pennsauken Police received the report that a comment was made about a shooting at the Intermediate School tomorrow. This report was investigated and it was determined that the threat was not credible and there is no enhanced risk to the safety of the students and staff. There will be an increased police presence at the school.
On a chilly February day, participants warmed their minds and bodies with Half Sun Breaths, imagining the warmth and sunshine while focusing on relaxation and wellness.
Join us for the next class on February 10th at the Deptford Community Center.
(Trenton) – The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight next week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This is a continuation of work that began on Monday, January 5.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Monday, February 9 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, and continuing each night through Thursday, February 12 at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary for removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:
Several roadway projects will be underway across Camden County during the week of February 9 to February 14.
“Motorists should plan ahead to take alternate routes and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “Also, remember that when you’re traveling through a construction area, please slow down and stay alert for crew members and debris.”
Berlin Township
Crews will be working on Hopewell Road & Cooper Road from Tuesday, Feb. 10 to Friday, Feb. 13 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a full road closure of Hopewell Road between Cooper Road & Jackson Road in Waterford Township and a full road closure of Cooper Road between Cushman Avenue & Hopewell Road in Berlin Township.
Pre-registration is required.
