Newswise — Five individuals have been arrested on alleged vandalism charges at the Reflecting Pool. These arrests are raising questions about the legal standards for prosecuting damage to federal property and the government’s responsibility for maintaining historic landmarks.
Sara Bronin, a professor at the George Washington University Law School and a nationally recognized expert on property law, historic preservation, land use and government regulation, is available for comment. She previously served as chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Bronin says: “President Trump’s decision to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on a no-bid contract for unqualified people to slather paint on the century-old Reflecting Pool resulted in damage to this important part of the National Mall. Now, he’s trying to shift the blame for his own actions to innocent passersby — by arresting and charging them for federal crimes for dipping their fingers into the Pool, or touching some of the flaking paint.
Camden, NJ – Detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in Camden on Thursday night, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 10:20 p.m., officers from the Camden County Police Department responded to the 300 block of Morse Street in reference to a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a gunshot victim — identified as 50-year-old Cornelius Smith of Camden — lying in the street. The victim was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 10:46 p.m.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vincent Russomannno of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-8669 and Detective Matthew Blantz of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 923-6853. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred this evening in the 39th District, leaving a teenager injured.
At approximately 7:12 PM, officers responded to the 2400 block of West Cambria Street following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, a 16-year-old male victim was located. He was quickly transported by a medic to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. His current condition has not yet been released.
As vehicle burglaries and motor vehicle thefts continue to increase across New Jersey, including here in Winslow Township, we want to remind residents to take a few simple steps before turning in for the night to help protect their property:
• Lock your vehicle • Remove valuables from plain sight • Take your keys and key fob • Secure your garage and exterior doors
Many vehicle burglaries occur simply because vehicles are left unlocked. Taking a moment to check before bed can go a long way in preventing theft.
If you see or hear anything suspicious, please contact the Winslow Township Police Department immediately. Call 911 for emergencies or suspicious activity in progress.
On June 24, 2026, officers from the 22nd District apprehended 22-year-old Zayahshay Davis in the area of 12th and Huntingdon Streets. Following the arrest, Davis was transported to Homicide Headquarters, where she is currently being held for further processesing. Updates will be provided as they become available.
TRENTON — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced that eight people today admitted their roles in a racketeering, gambling, and money laundering operation. Between October 2025 and June 2026, 27 other people have previously pleaded guilty with respect to their conduct in the gambling enterprise.
The defendants were among 42 people who have been indicted since the initial arrests in April 2025 following a two-year investigation into illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion, and money laundering tied to the Lucchese crime family.
“The guilty pleas we accepted today represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Organized crime has no place in New Jersey. For decades, the Attorney General’s Office has been a leader in rooting out organized crime in New Jersey, and we continue to play that important role to keep New Jersey safe.”
“We remain dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting the public by disrupting criminal enterprises wherever they operate,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The pleas in this case mark significant progress, but our work will continue as the remaining cases move through the judicial process.”
“By pleading guilty, the defendants have formally accepted responsibility for participating in a criminal enterprise that caused significant harm to individuals and communities,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Illegal gambling operations exploit vulnerable people, money laundering fuels further criminal activity, and racketeering networks undermine the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. This outcome is a direct result of the exceptional work of State Police detectives, whose ability to trace the financial trails, uncover the enterprise’s structure, and follow the evidence wherever it led built a comprehensive and compelling case. Their work not only brought those responsible to justice but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our communities.”
The defendants pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County to their respective roles in operating illegal poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the Lucchese crime family.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, the gambling operations include social clubs that housed live poker games and gambling machines, as well as an extensive online sportsbook operated through several websites based outside of the United States. Each poker club was operated by high-level managers who delegated day-to-day operations to managers who were present during poker games. Managers collected monetary dues called “rent” from poker hosts for permitting the games to occur and oversaw employees who worked in the clubs. Poker hosts were responsible for recruiting their own players, supplying food and drink for the games, and financially staking the game. The host, also known as the “house,” made a profit off the games because the dealer took a percentage of the monies bet by the players as a profit for the house for each hand played (also known as a “rake”). The dealers were paid by the hosts or were working off a prior gambling debt owed to the hosts of the game. The clubs also housed gambling machines that players could use while waiting for a seat at a live poker game.
The online sportsbook was operated by “agents” — who, before the advent of computerized betting, would have been known as “bookies” – who created accounts on sports gambling websites based in foreign countries. These agents managed “packages” – groups of individual bettors. Sub-agents and agents were responsible for the gambling winnings and losses of bettors in their packages and kicked up a portion of the criminal proceeds to the high-level management of the enterprise. The high-level management made operational decisions, settled disputes, and used threats to collect overdue debts. The enterprise also used websites to facilitate illegal online sports betting. The websites, through the individuals that own, operate, and control them, are one part of this criminal enterprise controlling illegal gambling activities in northern New Jersey and other areas. The websites allow traditional organized crime members and associates to use the internet and current technology to engage in the same criminal acts that traditional organized crime has engaged in since the 19th century.
The leadership of the New Jersey-based faction of the Lucchese family allegedly oversaw the gambling activities and received a portion of the criminal proceeds. The investigation resulted in the identification of $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds. Members of the criminal enterprise used multiple shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal their illegal gambling proceeds.
George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna are high-level managers of the criminal enterprise and allegedly members of the Lucchese Crime Family. All three pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering in exchange for recommended sentences of seven years in state prison.
The guilty pleas today included the following:
Wayne D. Cross, a Lucchese associate, pleaded guilty to third-degree promoting gambling in exchange for a recommended sentence of five years in state prison.
Michael P. Frasso, 48, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey was a sportsbook agent and pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering (seven years recommended), third-degree failure to pay income tax (three years recommended), and third-degree corporate misconduct (five years recommended), for an aggregate recommendation of 15 years.
Frank Imparato, 46, of Saddle Brook, New Jersey was a poker club manager and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy (four years recommended).
Joseph Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park, New Jersey was a sportsbook sub-agent/poker club manager and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy to promote gambling in the third degree (364 days probation recommended)
Peter Norcia, 50, of Toms River, New Jersey, was an agent on the sportsbook and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy to promote gambling (four years recommended).
Café Gio was a corporation used by Frank Imparato to facilitate illegal gambling and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy (penalty of $250,000).
Frasso Trucking was a corporation used by Michael and Gerard Frasso to conceal gambling proceeds and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy for anti-money laundering profiteering (penalty of $250,000).
CJW Development and Consulting was a corporation used by Wayne Cross to conceal gambling proceeds and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy for anti-money laundering profiteering (penalty of $250,000).
Charges are still pending against seven remaining defendants, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben is prosecuting the case for DCJ. The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Michael Gallant of the New Jersey State Police. Attorney General Davenport thanked the FBI New Jersey – Newark and Red Bank, FBI New York City, U.S. Marshals, Federal Probation, and the Department of Corrections Special Operations Group for their valuable contributions to the investigation.
TRENTON(CNBNews)(June 24, 2026) — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that two men were arrested for various crimes including terroristic threats, extortion, usury, and conspiracy.
John Alite, 63, of Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested on June 19, 2026, and charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion (second degree), corporate misconduct (second degree), usury (second degree), and terroristic threats. It is alleged that Alite made loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law and subsequently obtained the property and monies of victims by threatening to commit violent acts. He is also alleged to have misused his corporation, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to promote his criminal scheme. Alite is a councilman in Englishtown.
JOHN ALITE/FACEBOOK
Stephen Locrotondo, 67, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, was also arrested today and charged with usury and conspiracy, for allegedly agreeing to receive interest on loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law in coordination with Alite.
“These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses conduct themselves fairly and lawfully. The conduct alleged in this case was anything but, and we will work to hold those who cheat and steal accountable.”
“Our commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims does not end with an arrest,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “We remain steadfast in our mission to secure justice for every victim to ensure their voices are heard.”
“The charges in this case, which include theft by extortion, terroristic threats, usury, conspiracy, and corporate misconduct, represent serious allegations involving the use of intimidation, coercion, and unlawful financial practices for personal gain. These offenses strike at the fundamental principles of fairness, accountability, and public trust,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
“Today’s arrests reflect the diligent work of detectives committed to uncovering complex criminal activity and pursuing justice on behalf of those impacted. Individuals who seek to enrich themselves through intimidation, exploitation, or abuse of power should expect to be held accountable for their actions.”
Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben of the Division of Criminal Justice is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption North Unit.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Alite was previously known as a member of the Gambino crime family and John Gotti Jr.’s best friend, according to a report from NJ.com.
He was appointed to the Borough Council in the spring of 2025 after four members suddenly resigned, NJ.com reported.
In an email sent to Patch, Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco said that, based on the currently available information, the recent allegations against Alite are not related to the operations within the borough.
“Every American is entitled to due process, including John,” Francisco said. “I will not rush to judgment before the facts are known, and he is entitled to a presumption of innocence while the judicial process unfolds.”
“There are often opportunists ready to pounce on calamity; I implore those following along to remain human — there are always innocent bystanders on all sides, like family, impacted by the urge for commotion,” he continued.
“Based on currently available information, these allegations are not related to the operations within our borough, and indeed will be resolved outside of it.”
In the meantime, Francisco said the borough remains focused on “serving our residents, advancing downtown development, and delivering two great community events this summer.”
When asked if Alite currently retains his position on the Borough Council, Francisco said the decision to continue in his position mainly rests on Alite.
“John is an elected official chosen by the voters last year. The decision to continue in the position rests solely on him,” he said. “The borough and the council have no legal authority over his seat.”
CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – Eight current or former Burlington County, New Jersey residents have been sentenced to prison in recent months after pleading guilty to narcotics and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. The defendants were charged as a result of a federal wiretap investigation.
On May 28, 2026, U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn sentenced the final defendant, Mansfield Johnson, a/k/a “Money Mike,” 40, of Florence, New Jersey, to 225 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Johnson previously pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025 before Judge O’Hearn to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, conspiring to traffic a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Johnson also admitted to dealing powder and crack cocaine.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Zayahshay Davis.
Davis is currently wanted for her involvement in the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Sariah Conover, an incident that occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 5:52 p.m. in the 1300 block of W. Lehigh Avenue.
Anyone with any information regarding the current whereabouts of Zayahshay Davis to contact the Homicide Unit immediately at 215-686-3334, or to submit an anonymous tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Cape May Court House, New Jersey – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Katherine Madden of the North Wildwood Police Department announce the arrest of 20-year-old Alpacino Carrero of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a 17-year-old juvenile male of West Wildwood, New Jersey. On June 22, 2026, at approximately 0105 hrs. Patrol Officers from the North Wildwood Police Department responded to the area of 13th Avenue and Central Avenue in North Wildwood for the report of a fight in progress.
Upon arrival, officers located and identified three (3) injured adult victims who were transported to Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional for treatment. One of the victims had become unconscious due to being struck with a bottle. The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival. An investigation was then conducted by the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division in coordination with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. As a result of the investigation, on June 22, 2026, Alpacino Carrero was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; and Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree. Carrero was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings. On this same date, the juvenile suspect was also arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree.
