Category: BURLINGTON COUNTY

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.

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.

Donna Roberts Indicted on 8 Counts of Animal Cruelty; 44 Dogs Found Dead, 161 Living Dogs

Shamong Woman Indicted on Animal Cruelty Charges

Burlington City NJ (Dec. 18,2010)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Shamong woman has been indicted on multiple counts of causing death or bodily injury last year to dogs she kept on her property in substandard, inhumane conditions.

Donna Roberts, 66, of the 500 block of Oakshade Road, was indicted on eight counts of Animal Cruelty (Third Degree). The indictment was returned yesterday and signed by First Assistant Prosecutor Philip S. Aronow. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court in Mount Holly.

Roberts was charged late last year after New Jersey State Police found 44 dog carcasses placed in plastic bags and stored in freezers throughout the residence. Investigators also discovered 161 living dogs, four of which were in critical condition and required emergency treatment at a veterinary clinic.

The investigation began after officials went to inspect her property on November 13 and discovered dogs living in deplorable conditions. A search warrant was then secured and an inspection of the entire premises revealed the extent of the neglect.

The remaining dogs were evaluated and treated at the scene. In the immediate aftermath, multiple agencies came forward to assist with the care of those dogs, most of which were then placed for adoption.

Roberts was not detained pending trial, but has been forbidden by a judge from owning, possessing or caring for any animals.

The investigation was conducted by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Burlington County Health Department. The case was presented to the grand jury by Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Handy.

An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Friend’s Death While Driving Impaired

BURLINGTON CITY NJ (Dec. 18, 2019)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 22-year-old Pemberton Township man pled guilty today in Superior Court to driving impaired and causing a crash late last year in Woodland Township that killed a friend who was traveling in his vehicle.

Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Donald Shinn pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide (Second Degree) in exchange for a four-year term in New Jersey state prison. The Hon. James J. Morley, J.S.C. scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2020.

The investigation began on December 22, 2018 just after 3 a.m. when New Jersey State Police Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on County Road 563.

The investigation revealed that Shinn’s Toyota Tundra left the roadway and struck several trees after attempting to illegally pass another vehicle. Cody Watson, 20, of Pemberton Township, was seated in the front passenger’s seat and was pronounced dead at the scene. Shinn was treated for moderate injuries at a local hospital. A third passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle declined to accept medical treatment.

Toxicology tests performed on blood drawn from Shinn following the crash indicated he was legally impaired at the time of the incident.

The investigation was conducted the New Jersey State Police. Shinn is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Dennis, supervisor of the BCPO Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit.

Claire Gustafson Says Norcross Is The One Who Needs To Apologize Not Jeff Van Drew

Where are the thousands of jobs Norcross promised the Economic Opportunity Act would bring to our region?

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first congressional district, Claire Gustafson, took issue with Congressman Donald Norcross’s

statement

with regard to the news of Congressman Jeff Van Drew coming to the Republican party.

At issue is, in his statement, Norcross claimed Van Drew owes an apology to a list of people and organizations as well as “the people of South Jersey.”

“Congressman Norcross is the last person to demand anyone apologize to the people of South Jersey.” Claire Gustafson said, “Norcross, when he announced he was running for Congress in February 2014

proudly proclaimed

, ‘As Senator, I led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law – a game-changing law that will help create thousands of jobs in our region.’ More recently, Norcross’s tune has changed and it’s been reported he is trying to downplay his role in getting the law that led to the tax incentive scandal passed.”

Gustafson asked, “Where are those thousands of jobs?”

“Given the fact that it has been widely

reported

that only 27 jobs created by the law he championed went to Camden residents, it’s no wonder Norcross is now downplaying his role.” Gustafson remarked, “Since the tax incentive scandal was created by the law Norcross led the charge in passing, he should be the one apologizing to the people of South Jersey.”

“While we wait and see what kind of Republican Jeff Van Drew will be, the last thing I will do is allow Donald Norcross to attack any Republican, nor anyone about to join the party,” Gustafson said. “I look forward to seeing Norcross on the campaign trail, listening to him apologize to the people of South Jersey and getting an explanation as to where those thousands of jobs are.”

Maple Shade PD Seeking Officers through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program.

(Maple Shade NJ)(Dec. 13, 2019)–The Maple Shade Police Department announces our recent acceptance and participation in the New Jersey Civil Service Commission Intergovernmental Transfer Program (ITP).  In order to be considered, an officer MUST be a member in good standing of a Civil Service police department who participates in the ITP with a valid certification from the Police Training Commission as a full-time Municipal Police Officer.

If you are looking to join a progressive agency that offers superior training, opportunity, job growth and a supportive work environment, and who has been recognized by the Attorney General’s Office for their ground breaking work in the area of Officer Mental Health and Wellness (Resiliency), then we invite you to apply for a position at the Maple Shade Police Department.  Job specifications call for a High School Diploma or equivalent GED, and you must be a resident of New Jersey with a valid New Jersey Driver’s License to be considered.

Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter to the Appropriate Authority –

Township Manager Susan Danson, 200 Stiles Avenue Maple Shade, NJ 08052

as soon as possible, but no later than

Friday, December 20, 2019

.

Applicants will undergo an interview process with our command staff.  Those who are moved beyond that point will then be subjected to a thorough background investigation to include an Early Warning System and Internal Affairs File check in accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines.  Selected candidates who successfully pass the background process will be moved into the next phase of hiring, which will include a physical and psychological examination.  Those who pass that phase will be offered positions based upon their ranking amongst the command staff during the above process.  The starting salary is negotiable within a defined range based upon an officer’s level of experience as notated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The officers who work in Maple Shade are represented by PBA Local #267.

Any eligible officers with questions or inquiries should contact Lt. Jeffrey Hoch at

jhoch@mapleshadepd.com

, or at 856-382-1205, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Mt. Laurel Man Receives Prison Term for Causing Son’s Death While Driving Impaired

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 27-year-old Mount Laurel man was sentenced today to seven years in New Jersey state prison for driving impaired earlier this year and causing a crash in Willingboro that killed his 4-year-old son and injured the boy’s twin

brother.

Ossie Thomas must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He pled guilty in June to one count of Vehicular Homicide (Second Degree), one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree), and one count of Driving While Intoxicated (Municipal Summons). He was sentenced in Superior Court before the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., and was ordered to report to the Burlington County Jail on January 3.

The investigation began after Willingboro Township Police Department patrol officers were called to the area of Rancocas Road and Primrose Lane just before 2 p.m. on January 8, 2019 for a report of a motor vehicle crash. The investigation revealed that Thomas was traveling east on Rancocas Road at a high rate of speed and attempted to turn onto Primrose Lane. He lost control of the vehicle and veered into a wooded area near the intersection.

One of the twins was pronounced dead an hour later at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro. The other child was taken to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden and treated for a traumatic brain injury.

The results of toxicology tests performed on blood drawn from Thomas after the crash revealed he had marijuana in his system and a blood alcohol content of .125 percent. Thomas did not dispute the results of the report.

“Yet again, we are confronted with a scenario where a child’s life was lost due to a parent’s decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “I urge everyone to think ahead about transportation when planning to have adult beverages. Choose a designated driver, call a cab, or use a ride-sharing or ride-hailing service. It’s as easy as sending a text.”

Thomas was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Dennis, supervisor of the BCPO Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit. The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office, the Willingboro Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Melvin Rogers and Willingboro Police Detectives Gil Quinones and Monica Podraza.

Bordentown City Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography Online

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a Burlington County man who had hundreds of items of child pornography on his laptop computer was sentenced to prison today for distributing child pornography online through a peer-to-peer network.

Michael D. Gordon, 34, of Bordentown City, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge James J. Morley in Burlington County. Gordon pleaded guilty on July 17, 2019 to a second-degree charge of distribution of child pornography. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. In pleading guilty, Gordon admitted that he knowingly used file-sharing software to make multiple items of child pornography readily available for any other user to download from a “shared folder” on his computer.

Deputy Attorney General Supriya Prasad prosecuted Gordon and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau. Gordon was arrested in April 2019 as the result of an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice, conducted with assistance from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bordentown City Police Department.

A detective of the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau was monitoring an online file-sharing network that is popular with child pornography offenders when he identified a computer address that was sharing child pornography. On multiple occasions, the detective successfully downloaded hundreds of items of child pornography being shared from that IP address, which was traced to Gordon’s home in Bordentown City. On April 3, 2019, detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice, assisted by agents of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and officers of the Bordentown City Police Department, executed a search warrant at Gordon’s home, arresting him and seizing his computer devices. The devices were brought to the Division of Criminal Justice Forensics Laboratory, where a forensic examination of his laptop computer revealed over 600 images and videos of child pornography.

“By viewing and redistributing child pornography, offenders like Gordon participate in the cruel sexual exploitation of innocent children— children whose images can never be erased from the internet,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Protecting children is our highest priority, and we will continue to collaborate across all levels of law enforcement to send these offenders to prison.”

“We want offenders who download and share child pornography to know that they may face longer prison sentences based on the extent of their collections and their distribution activities,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “New Jersey has tough child pornography laws, and we will continue to make strong use of them as we investigate and prosecute these offenders.”

Attorney General Grewal commended Deputy Attorney General Prasad and the detectives who conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Julia Glass. AG Grewal also thanked U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bordentown City Police Department for their valuable assistance.

Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urged anyone with information about the distribution of child pornography on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at

888-648-6007

.

Authorities Arrest Third Suspect in Burlington City Fatal Shooting

BURLINGTON CITY

– Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and City of Burlington Police Chief John Fine announced that the third defendant charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old city resident last month has been taken into custody.

Marcus S. Mackroy-Davis, 23, of the 100 block of Stratton Drive in Westampton, surrendered himself to BCPO detectives on Friday at the Burlington County Courts Complex in Mount Holly.

He was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree) and lodged in the Burlington County Jail while awaiting a detention hearing in Superior Court. The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Unit facilitated his surrender.

The investigation revealed that the victim, Kion Edwards, was standing outside with acquaintances in the 300 block of York Street the morning of November 10 when a vehicle containing three occupants drove by and fired shots in the group’s direction.

Edwards was the only individual struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at Virtua Willingboro Hospital. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the victim died from a bullet that passed through his arm and into his chest. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

The person identified as the shooter was arrested two days after the slaying. Zahire N. Williams, 19, of the 200 block of East Pearl Street in Burlington City, was charged with Murder (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree.)

Lowell M. McCown, 20, of the 1500 block of Stevens Street in Philadelphia, was apprehended in Philadelphia on the same day as Williams. He faces one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree).

The investigation was greatly assisted by the City of Burlington’s security cameras, which are placed in strategic areas throughout the community.

The defendants will be prosecuted by BCPO Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson. The case was investigated by detectives from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the City of Burlington Police Department. Assistance was provided by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Trenton Area Safe Streets Task Force, the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit and the Philadelphia Police Department Airport Unit.

The lead investigators are BCPO Det. Erica Ridge and City of Burlington Police Department Det. Jamie Lambing.

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