Category: BURLINGTON COUNTY

Lumberton Elected Official Indicted on Child Endangering/Abuse Charges

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a member of the Lumberton Township Committee who was charged earlier this year with drunk driving and related offenses has been indicted on charges of failing to protect her young child who was in the car with her at the time of the incident.

Gina LaPlaca, 46, who presently serves as the Lumberton Township mayor, was charged by a grand jury with Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree) and Child Abuse (Fourth Degree). She is scheduled to be arraigned on December 8 in Superior Court in Mount Holly.

The indictment was returned November 20 and signed by Prosecutor Bradshaw.

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Two Charged in Bordentown Township Double Homicide

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Bordentown Township Police Department Officer-in-Charge Lt. Frank Nucera III announced that two people have been charged with fatally shooting two men outside a Bordentown Township convenience store one month ago.

Justford Doe, 23, of Philadelphia, and Giovanni Varanese, 21, of Cherry Hill, were charged with Murder (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (Second Degree) and Eluding (Second Degree).

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Murder Charges Filed in 2017 Maple Shade Slaying of Mom, Son

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher J. Fletcher announced today that a 38-year-old Indian National has been charged with the March 2017 homicides of a woman and her young son inside an apartment in Maple Shade, New Jersey.

Nazeer Hameed was charged with the slayings and indicted earlier this year on two counts of Murder (First Degree), two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree).

“Our message today is clear – we do not forget, we do not forgive, and we do not stop pursuing those who take innocent lives,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “Justice is sometimes delayed based on the challenges of each case, but justice must always prevail, and it certainly will in this case.”

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Two Men Fatally Shot in Bordentown Township

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Bordentown Township Police Department Officer-in-Charge Lt. Frank Nucera III announced that two people were fatally shot late last night outside of a Bordentown Township convenience store.

Police were called to the 7-Eleven/Valero gas station at the intersection of Route 130 north and Farnsworth Avenue at approximately 11:30 p.m. after a man who had been shot in the parking lot walked inside and requested assistance.

The victim, a 22-year-old man, collapsed outside and died. A second shooting victim, a 21-year-old male, died after being taken to a Trenton hospital. The names of the victims are being withheld at this time.

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Advisory: Frost Advisory until 09:00AM Tuesday

Gradient background with text and snowflakes. Vector illustration.

* WHAT…Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…In New Jersey, Camden, Gloucester, and Northwestern Burlington Counties. In Pennsylvania, Delaware and Lower Bucks Counties.

* WHEN…From 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

* AFFECTED AREAS: GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON … DELAWARE … LOWER BUCKS

Instructions: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT. ENGINE 51 OPEN HOUSE

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 4, 2025) (CNBNEWS) –The dedicated officers and members of the Gloucester City Fire Department, Engine 51, warmly invite all residents to join them for a Open House and Fire Prevention Night on Tuesday, October 14th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the firehouse, at the intersection of King and Monmouth Streets.

October is more than just a month on the calendar; it is honored as Fire Prevention Month throughout North America. Spearheaded by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety, particularly during Fire Prevention Week, which takes place during the first full week of October in remembrance of the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This month presents a crucial opportunity to educate our community on effective fire safety practices to help prevent fires and safeguard lives and property.

The purpose of Fire Prevention Month is to raise public awareness about fire safety and promote life-saving fire prevention practices in homes and businesses. The observance began in response to the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871, leading to the establishment of Fire Prevention Week in 1922.
Fire departments and the NFPA provide educational resources, fire safety tips, and encourage practices like checking smoke alarms, creating escape plans, and practicing fire drills.

WHY OCTOBER WAS CHOSEN

The colder months are approaching, which can increase fire risks, especially with more heating and cooking. And, it serves as a crucial reminder to check smoke alarms, review family escape plans, and implement overall home and workplace safety measures.

In years gone by, the Gloucester City Fire Department proudly hosted a parade, on a Friday night, showcasing the heroism of all fire departments in the South Jersey area. The streets would come alive as each fire department paraded down Broadway, their shiny fire trucks gleaming under the streetlights, sirens wailing, and horns blaring in a joyful cacophony. It was a breathtaking sight to behold, filled with the camaraderie of firefighters and the excitement of the community! Following the parade, our dedicated volunteer fire department members would serve hearty hot dogs and refreshing beer to the participating firefighters, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among those who bravely protect our city. / Continue reading “GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT. ENGINE 51 OPEN HOUSE” →

Burlington County Sheriff Files Complaint in Superior Court to Stay Eviction Proceedings

in Response to COVID-19

Mount Holly—

Counsel, on behalf of

Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis, filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgement in Superior Court this evening to stay the execution of eviction orders. This is supported by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 103,

declaring a State of Emergency for the Coronavirus public health crisis. The Sheriff’s duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing the service of writs of possession related to evictions and ejectments for properties within Burlington County.

A member of the Burlington County Coronavirus Task Force, the Burlington County Sheriff will evaluate the need to reallocate resources of the Sheriff’s Office to assist in addressing the public health, welfare, and safety concerns of the community.

“Displacing residents from households is inconsistent with the goals of containing the spread of COVID-19,” said Sheriff Basantis, “Evictions will increase social contact, and disrupt self-isolation efforts by residents attempting to comply with the recommendations to minimize the spread of the virus.”

New Jersey Cancels All Municipal Court Hearings, Jury Trials for Two Weeks

March 14, 2020

(Camden, NJ) – Yesterday, the Camden County Department of Health announced the second presumptive positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Camden County. On Saturday, New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice, Stuart Rabner, announced that all municipal courts in the state will begin a two-week suspension starting Monday.

Anyone scheduled to appear in municipal court between Monday, March 16, and Friday, March 27, will receive notice of a new court date.

“Although the risk posed by coronavirus in New Jersey is still considered low for the general public, suspending these and other activities helps to reduce the likelihood of exposure for residents who would otherwise be required to spend several hours in crowded facilities,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “Our administration is working tirelessly to ensure that government services remain available to Camden County residents while we combat the spread of coronavirus. We share the state’s goal to minimize the risk posed to our residents while causing the smallest possible disruption to daily life.”

On March 12, Rabner suspended all reporting for petit jury service,

announcing

that no new civil or criminal jury trials would be conducted until further notice. Ongoing jury trials and grand juries are to continue at this time. Jurors who are serving on ongoing trials are asked not to report if they are sick or at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

New protocols have been implemented throughout Camden County to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the county’s workforce and residents. Enhanced cleaning and screening protocols have been implemented in county facilities, monitoring for potential exposures and keeping high-contact surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails disinfected. All work-related travel has been cancelled.

The Camden County Correctional Facility has cancelled all in-person visits and has instituted a pandemic response policy. Additionally, all inmates will have their temperatures taken upon booking and release. Both the staff and inmate populations have been briefed on proper practices to reduce their risk of exposure and protect themselves from contracting coronavirus.

School districts throughout the state have begun announcing closures for training, cleaning, and to mitigate the risk of exposure inside their facilities. In Camden County, Pennsauken and Camden City School Districts have announced closures beginning March 16, until March 27, and April 1, respectively.

A complete list of all school closures in the state is being maintained on the New Jersey Department of Education

website

.

Information regarding coronavirus, government preparations, event cancellations, and all other updates from Camden County is being continually updated on

camdencounty.com

. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.

Evesham Man Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography

MOUNT HOLLY –

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced today that a 62-year-old Evesham man was sentenced to 364 days in the Burlington County Jail for possession of child pornography.

Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Scott J. Lucas, of the first block of Sheffield Drive, pled guilty in November to Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Third Degree) in exchange for the sentence. The term was handed down yesterday by the Hon. James J. Morley, J.S.C.

Upon release, Lucas must register as a sex offender and will be subjected to parole supervision for life.

The investigation began early last year after the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received information regarding Lucas’s online activity from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Lucas was arrested in March 2019. The investigation revealed that Lucas would use online search engines to locate pictures of nude pre-pubescent girls.

“This is a despicable crime,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We will continue to patrol cyberspace to track down those who possess and share child pornography, or otherwise exploit children through the Internet.”

Lucas was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit – Special Victims Section.

The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office, and the Evesham Township Police Department.

The lead investigator was 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.

Matthew J. Storey, formerly of Bellmawr/Marlton

Matthew J. Storey, 74, of AZ, formerly of Bellmawr and Marlton died March 7, 2020.

He was the former VP of Operations of Pep Boys. He was predeceased by his parents,

Matthew and Elizabeth, and his sister, Anne Corsey.

Matt is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen; two sons, Matthew III and Steven; his sister, Elizabeth (Bud)Henderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be Monday 9-10am at St. Joachim/Annunciation Church 601 W. Browning Rd. Bellmawr, NJ where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am. Burial New St. Mary Cemetery Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to St. Jude hospital at

www.stjude.org

. Arr. Norton Funeral Home Williamstown, NJ. To sign the guestbook visit

www.nfhnj.com

.