Category: GLOUCESTER COUNTY

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

th

, 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.

Glassboro Public Schools Donate $1,200 to Patients of Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Glassboro, NJ –

Students and staff of Glassboro High School (GHS) and Glassboro Intermediate School (GIS) recently made a special donation to Jefferson Health’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township. The Glassboro Public School District collectively raised and donated $1,200, following a collaborative fundraising effort between the schools, which included a dress-down day, along with special help from the GHS Field Hockey Team and the GIS Girls Learning Our Worth (GLOW) club’s pink-ribbon sale.

Shown in front of Glassboro faculty and high school students, with the check at GHS are, from left:

Michele Gaguski, MSN, RN, Cancer Services Administrator; Michele Keating; LaVonyia Mitchell, GIS Principal; Brittinee Garcia, GIS Counselor and GLOW Advisor; Tamara A. LaCouture, MD, Radiation Oncology Medical Director; and Jennifer Baiada, Special Events Coordinator, Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey.

Funds raised — presented to the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey — will go toward the Cancer Center’s Hope & Healing Patient Assistance Fund, which helps oncology patients struggling to pay bills or in need of transportation during treatment. The donation marked the Glassboro Public School District’s fourth donation to the Cancer Center since 2016, totaling more than $3,000. This year’s donation doubled their donation from last December; the donations are in honor of GHS Math Teacher & STEM Academy Chair Michele Keating, a cancer survivor who, in 2015, received treatment at the Cancer Center.

Msgr. Thomas J. McIntyre, Supt. of Diocese Schools, former GCHS Principal, Rams Alum

GLASSBORO, NJ (Dec. 12, 2019)–The Rev. Thomas J. McIntyre,  age 77, of Glassboro, NJ, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Dec. 6, 2019.

Rev. Thomas J. McIntyre

Born in Camden, NJ to the late James P. and Catherine (Goldthorp) McIntyre, he is the beloved brother of Jeanette Reilly of Glassboro and the late Rev. Msgr. James P. McIntyre. Devoted uncle of Janice (Tony) Lanteigne, Richard (Jodi) Winters, Christopher (Tara) Reilly, Kevin Reilly, Maureen (Mike) Collazo, Donna (Brendan) Shaw. Uncle to 14 great-nieces and nephews.

Raised in Westville, Msgr. McIntyre graduated from Gloucester Catholic HS, Mount St. Mary\’s College in Emmitsburg, MD and Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. Ordained at St. Peter\’s Basilica, in Rome, Italy on December 17, 1966, he later received his Master\’s Degree in Secondary Education Administration from Villanova University. Msgr. was a faithful leader in the Camden Diocese for many years having served as Vocation Coordinator at St. Joseph HS in Hammonton beginning in 1970 and later Administrative Assistant at Sacred Heart HS, Vineland in 1975.

In 1976 he became Principal of Gloucester Catholic HS and in 1982 was named Superintendent of Schools after briefly serving as Assoc. Superintendent earlier that year. In 1991 he became Vicar for Pastoral Services for the Diocese and in 1999 was made Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools. He also served on the Continuing Education & Spiritual Formation of Priests, Priests Council, Priest Personnel Board, Inter-parochial Board, College of Consulters and Presbyteral Council.

Msgr. McIntyre also served as Executive Editor of the Catholic Star Herald in the 1980\’s and was well known for his \”Teachable Moments\” column where his many inspirational writings will forever be cherished. He touched the lives of many during his pastoral ministry where he served as Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Blackwood 1992-2000, St. Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill 2000-2004 and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Cape May from 2004 to 2010 at which time he retired after suffering a head injury after a fall on the ice. He continued to demonstrate immense courage after his accident and devoted himself to the prayerful support of others while in the care of his sister in her home. Msgr. McIntyre was an amazing and humble man. His love for Christ, his family, his parishioners, and friends was always evident in his words and actions. He was an avid Eagles and Phillies Fan. Visitation Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 from 9-10:45 am, Incarnation RC Church, 240 Main St., Mantua. Mass of Christian Burial, 11 am, Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D., Bishop of Camden, principal Celebrant.

Burial beside his beloved parents and brother in New St. Mary\’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to the Msgr. Thomas J. McIntyre Memorial Scholarship Fund for Gloucester Catholic HS, c/o Jeanette Reilly, 14 Ealey Ct., Glassboro, NJ 08028. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) Info and condolences:

spilkerfuneralhome.com

SJ Gas 2019 First Responders Grant Program Winners

FOLSOM, NJ,

December 11, 2019 – Today South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI), announced the winners of its annual

First Responders

Grant Program

. This year, seven grants totaling over $30,000 were awarded to local first responder

departments.

“At South Jersey Gas we’re proud to support the hardworking, dedicated first responders who serve our communities every day,” said Dave Robbins, president of South Jersey Gas. “We are proud to partner with this year’s winners and support their continued efforts to make out neighborhoods better, safer places to live and work.”

The 2019

First Responders Grant Program

recipient departments and projects include:

Deptford Fire Department

– to purchase combustible gas detection equipment and a gas monitoring meter.

Egg Harbor City Fire Department

– to purchase protective hoods and gloves.

Heislerville Volunteer Fire Company

– to purchase protective fire helmets and hoods.

Reliance Fire Company

– to purchase SCBA masks and cylinders.

Runnemede Fire Company No. 1

– to purchase protective hoods.

Tabernacle Fire Company No. 1

– to purchase a thermal imaging camera and a gas monitoring meter.

Woodbine Volunteer Fire Department

– to support the purchase of a dual-band radio.

Through the

First Responders Grant Program,

South Jersey Gas provides critical support to help operations, improve safety measures and/or provide training at local first responder departments. With applications from first responder departments that serve municipalities across the utility’s service area, South Jersey Gas conducts a thorough and competitive selection process to determine the grant recipients.

The

First Responders Grant Program

will be offered again in Fall 2020. Program information is available on the South Jersey Gas website at:

southjerseygas.com/community

.

About South Jersey Gas

South Jersey Gas, subsidiary of SJI (NYSE:SJI), delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to approximately 385,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. For more information, visit

southjerseygas.com

.

Gray Fox Animal Hospital Gifts A Vest This Holiday Season

Veterinarians to Donate to K9 Unit

Woodbury Heights, N.J.—

One officer in the Woodbury PD will walk the streets a bit safer next week. Recon, a Czech Shepherd being handled by Patrolman Mitchell has just been fitted for his custom K9 Tactical Gear vest. Husband and wife veterinarians, Doctors Lee and Bernadette Spector, VMDs, will present the vest to Recon on December 11 at 12:30 p.m. on the grounds of the animal hospital.

The Gray Fox staff knows how important a ballistic vest can be for the officers of the K9 unit. \”We are thrilled to donate another vest to help protect Recon,” Dr. Bernadette Spector remarked. “We love knowing that the vests protect against knife and bullet wounds while the K9s protect Woodbury.” In 2017, K9 Evo, also of Woodbury City PD received a vest due to the generosity of Gray Fox. The doctors previously donated to a K9 in West Deptford.

The K9 unit of the Woodbury PD has quite a history; it was first established in 1908. Chief Tom Ryan successfully re-established the K9 unit in 2016 and Patrolman Tim Mitchell will join Patrolman Sheehan as the second K9 officer in Woodbury. In fact, Patrolman Mitchell’s ultimate goal in becoming a police officer was to work in the K9 unit. So, this is a dream come true for him. He and Recon graduated from the Atlantic County John “Sonny” Burke K9 Academy in March of this year.

The public, Woodbury mayor, council and others are invited to meet Recon and Patrolman Mitchell on December 11 at 12:30 p.m. at Gray Fox Animal Hospital, located at 207 Glassboro Rd, Woodbury Heights.

Acenda receives $25,000 from Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group

GLASSBORO, NJ (December 6, 2019)

–

Acenda

is the recipient of a $25,000 donation from the Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group in Mullica Hill, NJ. This contribution will benefit the organization’s more than 100 health and social service programs that impact the lives of children, teens, adults, families, and the community at large. Funds were raised by taking a small portion of every real estate transaction Nancy Kowalik’s brokerage settled throughout 2019.

\”It is so rewarding to be able to make a difference in the lives of those that need us the most,” said Nancy Kowalik, who was named the 2019 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals New Jersey, Southern Chapter and was nominated by

Acenda

for this honor.  “My team is honored to be a part of such a great organization driven by love and compassion for the community it serves.”

“Since the early 2000s, Nancy and her team have increasingly supported

Acenda’s

mission by volunteering at Community Care Day, collecting items for our Backpack Drive and

Spirit of the Holidays

initiatives

,

sponsoring the fall gala, and consistently building awareness of our programs and services.” said Mari Considine, Chief Development & Marketing Officer,

Acenda

. “

This gift

means so much to those we serve

throughout

New Jersey and truly

amplifies our impact i

n help

ing

individuals that need us most.”

About Acenda

Acenda is a nonprofit organization

dedicated to industry-leading prevention, treatment and wellness services compassionately delivered to ensure that every individual, family and community achieves their greatest potential. Acenda is at the forefront of community-based services,

providing over 100 health and social service programs at 56 locations throughout a 10-county region in New Jersey. For more information visit

acendahealth.org

.

Gloucester County Sheriff\’s Office nabs #10

on Sheriff Morina’s most wanted list

(Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina announced that Daquan Stratton, of Glassboro, #10 on the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, was located and arrested on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Stratton was arrested by the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit in Glassboro.  He was wanted for seven Violations of Probation warrants with the original charges being the following: Four counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft and Criminal Attempt. He also had a Child Support Warrant for $8701.  He was arrested without incident and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Morina stated, \”All of the detectives and investigators from our Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit do a great job every day,\” Morina added, “They are putting their lives on the line every time they pursue one of these fugitives, you just never know what people will do in a desperate situation.”

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, said, \”Our sheriff\’s officers work tirelessly to keep Gloucester County safe for our residents. We are very proud of the professionalism and dedication our Sheriff\’s Office displays every day.\”

To date the Sheriff’s Office has apprehended 192 off the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.

To view the Top Ten Fugitives on Sheriff Morina’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, go to

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/s/sheriff/mostwanted/default.asp

If you know the whereabouts of a fugitive, please call Lt. Jen Ridinger at 856-384-4625.   All calls are kept confidential.

Gloucester County Sheriff\’s Office nabs #10

on Sheriff Morina’s most wanted list

(Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina announced that Daquan Stratton, of Glassboro, #10 on the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, was located and arrested on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Stratton was arrested by the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit in Glassboro.  He was wanted for seven Violations of Probation warrants with the original charges being the following: Four counts of Burglary, three counts of Theft and Criminal Attempt. He also had a Child Support Warrant for $8701.  He was arrested without incident and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Morina stated, \”All of the detectives and investigators from our Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit do a great job every day,\” Morina added, “They are putting their lives on the line every time they pursue one of these fugitives, you just never know what people will do in a desperate situation.”

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, said, \”Our sheriff\’s officers work tirelessly to keep Gloucester County safe for our residents. We are very proud of the professionalism and dedication our Sheriff\’s Office displays every day.\”

To date the Sheriff’s Office has apprehended 192 off the Sheriff’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.

To view the Top Ten Fugitives on Sheriff Morina’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, go to

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/s/sheriff/mostwanted/default.asp

If you know the whereabouts of a fugitive, please call Lt. Jen Ridinger at 856-384-4625.   All calls are kept confidential.

Wreaths of Remembrance Dec. 7

(Monroe Township, NJ) On Saturday, Dec. 7, residents are invited to gather at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery to help remember those men and women who defended our country\’s freedom during the annual Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, \”By placing these wreaths annually, we continue to show our thanks to those who gave their lives and show that we remember them and will continue to do so for years to come.\”

The Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. sharp.

Freeholder Dan Christy, liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs, said, \”For some families, this is a way to include their relatives in their holiday festivities and keep them in their hearts, for others, it is a way to honor a veteran for their service and sacrifice.\”

The Ceremony will include a moment of silence for those who served, followed by opening remarks and the announcing of those laying the wreaths. Immediately following the ceremony, volunteers will assist to lay a wreath on each of the individual 2,800 graves.

The Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 240 N. Tuckahoe Road in Monroe Township.

Wreaths of Remembrance Parking is at Williamstown High School.  Bus service will be provided to and from the cemetery.  Vehicles should not park on the roadway.

Mental Health board member recognized for 20 years of service

(West Deptford, NJ) Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Jefferson recognized Elaine Vets for her 20 years of service to the Gloucester County Mental Health Board.

Elaine has made it a priority to learn about the community mental health services, promote education and advocate for individuals experiencing mental illness.  She has been an appointed member on the Mental Health Board for 20 years, 15 of which she has served as chairperson.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, \”The Mental Health Board promotes understanding and education towards those experiencing and those affected by mental illness.  Gloucester County is fortunate to have Elaine on their team.\”

Freeholder Jefferson, liaison to the Mental Health Board said, “Elaine works hard to provide our community with the tools necessary to effectively deal with and advocate for their loved ones who are living with mental health conditions.  Her abilities and contributions are an important key to the success of the Mental Health Board.”

For resources and contact numbers for those suffering from mental health issues or those who know someone who may be suffering, visit

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/h/hserv/mhs/resources.asp.