Different Types of Online Gambling Sites

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(March 11, 2020)–Online gambling today is part of our everyday lives. Thanks to the higher rates of internet penetration and an increased number of smartphone users, everyone can play games of chance online. Even the governments see the benefits of online gambling and a greater number of countries have

since

legalized and allow online gambling

If you’re new to the world of online gambling, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed by the huge number of gambling sites, and games. Hence, it is probably a good idea to familiarize yourself beforehand with the types of online gambling and their difference. In our article, you can read more about the most popular types of online gambling sites.

Online Bingo Sites

There are many reputable online bingo sites like

Wink Bingo

that offer bingo games online. It’s good to know that there are a couple of different versions of bingo such as 80-ball, 90-ball, 75-ball bingo and

30- ball bingo. You’ll find they are pretty similar, and regardless of the type you chose to play, the objective of the game is to mark the numbers as they are being drawn.

Unlike the game in the real world, online a random number generator is used to pick the numbers. Also, on most online bingo sites you will find a chat feature that allows you to interact with other players. This is an important component for many players that love to socialize while they play and it also builds a sense of community around the game. It’s also worth mentioning, that bingo is a game of pure luck so have fun while you play various bingo games online and connect with other players.

Online Casino Sites

On most online casino sites, you will find casino games like slots, roulette, poker, blackjack in many variants. In fact, you will have access to a vast selection of casino games, sometimes in a greater number than in a traditional casino. Another advantage of playing casino games online is the opportunity to play some of the casino games in free mode.

Furthermore, on online casino sites as a new player, you will access to a lot of exciting bonuses and promotions like free spins, welcome bonuses, and rewards. When you’re playing online casino games is good to know that some casino games require a certain level of skill and knowledge. Games like blackjack, baccarat, craps, poker are skill-based casino games and most of them are considered as casino games with the highest payouts.

Online Sports Betting Sites

online sports

betting, you are placing a bet on the outcome of an upcoming sporting event. For example, you might place your bet on Chelsea beating Arsenal in a football match. According to the result of the game, you will win a profit based on the bookmaker odds or lose the wager.

On online betting sites, there is information about the event, what kind of bets can be placed, and what you can win. The diversity and number of sporting events to choose from are one of the reasons why this form of gambling appeals to a wide audience around the world.

Online Poker Sites

Poker is one of the most popular gambling games. After all, there are whole tournaments and competitions dedicated solely to poker and in many traditional casinos, there are separate poker rooms. When you play the game online, you will have access to many opportunities to learn more about the poker, improve your skills and test different poker strategies. However, you should always keep in mind that all casino games still incorporate an element of luck which also has an influence over the end result of the game.

image source unsplash.com

Major Drug Ring Operating in Gloucester City & Camden City is Busted; 18 Arrested

Residents said they were scared to death.

\”I looked out my door and all I could see were flashing red lights and vehicles on South Stinson Avenue,\” said one resident.

\”It was pitch dark.\”

Another person said, \”I saw men dressed in SWAT gear carrying rifles.\”

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

How A South Jersey Drug Ring Was Taken Down

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – The United States Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that there were 18 people arrested, (two remain at-large) by the FBI that were involved in two drug trafficking operations operating out of Gloucester City and Camden City.

FBI agents and SWAT on South Stinson Avenue, Gloucester City early morning March 10, 2020 (photo courtesy of resident)

Authorities identified the ring leaders as Rocco DePoder for the Gloucester City operation and Erick Bell and Alfred Kee Jr. for the Camden City operation.

The other suppliers, resellers and associates charged in the complaints used the following means to facilitate the pill trafficking: Bell, Kee and DePoder would solicit the suppliers, including certain defendants named in the complaints, and others, primarily over the telephone, to supply them with quantities of oxycodone, Adderall and Xanax for DePoder, and oxycodone for Bell and Kee.

Allegedly after receiving substantial quantities of pills at Bell’s home in Camden, DePoder’s home in Gloucester City, and other locations in southern New Jersey (including Lindenwold and Woodbury), Bell and DePoder would take orders for pills over the telephone from others. Bell, Kee, and DePoder would provide purchasers with these pills. The defendants employed coded language and used multiple phones to conceal their activities.

Suspects Rocco and Michael DePoder are the father and brother of Gloucester City Detective Carl Depoder.

City Police Chief Brian Morrell said his department was not involved in the investigation for obvious reasons.

Rocco DePoder has lived in the unit block of South Stinson Avenue for decades. He is a building contractor who owned several rental properties in Gloucester City. Early this morning, around 5 AM residents were awakened by an FBI agent shouting over a bullhorn, \”This is the FBI come out without any weapons with your hands in the air.\”

Residents said they were scared to death.

\”I looked out my door and all I could see were flashing red lights and vehicles on South Stinson Avenue,\” said one resident.

\”It was pitch dark.\”

Another person said, \”I saw men dressed in SWAT gear carrying rifles. I didn\’t know what was happening. Once I saw the guns I got back to my house, stayed away from the windows and hid in my bedroom.\”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The charges and arrests are the results of a wiretap investigation led by the FBI into drug distribution operations that dealt in, among other drugs, high-dose, 60- and 80-mg oxycodone pills.

The defendants were charged with conspiring to possess and distribute drugs in two complaints unsealed today. Sixteen of the defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judges Joel Schneider and Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court. Two defendants remain at large.

The conspiracies charged in the complaints carry a maximum prison term of 20 years and a maximum fine of $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of FBI Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tara McMahon; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Jared M. Maples; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation.

He also thanked the FBI Newark Division, New Jersey State Police, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni of the Office’s Camden branch, and Sara F. Merin and Mark J. McCarren of the Newark Office.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Suspect Age Residence

Erik Bell aka E.,

Camden City

Alfred Kee Jr.

Blackwood

Stephen Walker

Camden City

Wm. Summers 67

Camden City

Derrick Lewis

Camden City

Rocco DePoder

Gloucester City

Maurice William

Mt. Ephraim

Anwar Abuddah

31 Pennsauken

Antwan Tucker

50 Woodbury

Lolita Paynter 55 Camden City

Neal Thompson 56 Camden City

Marcus Rushworth

46 Gloucester City

Robert Pratt 56 Blackwood

Wayne Muse 73 Lindenwold

Kenneth Rushworth 59 Gloucester City

Alexander Siaca

54 Camden City

Holly Clark 38 West Deptford

Michael DePoder 40 Gloucester City

How A South Jersey Drug Ring Was Taken Down

Attachment(s):

Download depoder.complaint.pdf

Download bell.complaint.pdf

CNB Crime

Blue Line

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

published

Gloucestercitynews.net

| March 10, 2020

Knowledge is power: Get facts straight during Colorectal Awareness Month

Did you know that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death among American men and women combined? One out of every three people are not up-to-date with screenings.

Sadly, 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening: in fact, getting screened routinely starting at age 45 or 50, at the latest — is the most effective way to reduce your risk.

Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the colon or rectum. Through screenings, they can be removed early, before becoming cancerous. A person’s CRC risk increases as they age; about 90 percent of cases occur in adults 50 and up.

Some risk factors include:

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps

A genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force of Colorectal Cancer recommends:

People at average risk of CRC start regular screenings at 50.

African Americans at average risk of CRC start regular screenings at 45.

People in good health, and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years, continue regular CRC screenings through the age of 75.

People ages 76 through 85 should make a decision regarding screenings with their medical provider, based on personal preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

People over 85 should no longer get CRC screening.

Decrease your risk for colorectal cancer with these lifestyle changes:

Regular physical activity

A diet high in fruits and vegetables

A high-fiber, low-fat diet or one that eliminates processed meats (cold cuts, sausage, bacon)

Eating less red meat

Limiting alcohol consumption

Avoiding tobacco use.

The recommended tests fall into two categories:

Stool-based tests are non-invasive and require no special diet or bowel preparation. If the test shows abnormal signs of blood, or a possible cancer or pre-cancer, a colonoscopy will be needed to confirm the result, and possibly remove any abnormal findings or polyps.

Visual or Structural tests are invasive tests that look inside the colon and rectum for abnormal areas that might be cancer or polyps. If a stool-based test was done first and had an abnormal result, a visual test, such as colonoscopy, can help find out why.

To prepare, you are asked to follow a special diet in advance and will also need to clean out your colon with strong laxatives (called a bowel prep) and sometimes with enemas, as well. Most people are sedated during the test.

Talk to your care provider about which screening option is the best for you. The life you save could be your own!

Guest Opinion: We Need a Budget That Reflects the Environment/Climate Change

Jeff Tittel

New Jersey Sierra Club

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee held a public hearing today on Governor Murphy’s proposed budget FY2021. The DEP budget has been cut by 34%, from $557 million to $342 million. The state service funding dropped 1.3%, from $253 million to $250 million. The Clean Energy Fund was raided by $113 million, with an

additional $30 million to be taken out of the fund for EV’s, NJ Transit, and the Whole House Project. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“The environment has been shortchanged for far too long, and this budget is still shortchanging the environment. This year sees more cuts to the DEP. This budget is still raiding DEP funds and programs as well as the Clean Energy Fund. Funds for critical environmental programs like the Hazardous Discharge Fund were raided again like last year. We cannot continue to do these raids on the back of the environment. It is critical to fund and move New Jersey forward when it comes to important issues like climate change and clean energy, cleaning up toxic sites, and making sure our air is clean and our water is pure.

“Year after year, DEP is cut to the bone. Now Governor Murphy is cutting through the bone into the marrow, slashing the FY2021 budget by 34%. 15 years ago, the overall DEP budget was $516 million. Yet now, even with inflation and rising salaries, we are down to $342 million. The operations budget has dropped by 1.3%, from $253 million to $250 million. DEP needs more funding so that we have enough people to do the many jobs of the agency, including re-writing the rules that Christie rolled back. Enforcement is down, parks are in disrepair. We don’t have enough people to deal with the lead crisis, clean up toxic sites, and make sure our air is clean to breath and our water is clean to drink. As the state budget grows, the DEP budget declines.

“Staffing levels are going down without any new hiring at DEP, which will only expand privatization and outsourcing of DEP programs. The Environmental Integrity Project found that NJ is 10th in the nation for environmental funding cuts, with a 20% cut in DEP staff from 2008 to 2018. Governor Murphy promised to have 100 more DEP staffers than under Christie, but we are more than 150 below Christie – or 250 below what the Governor promised. DEP went from 4,400 staff members in the mid-1990’s to 2,321 in 2008, and now we are down to 1,858. DEP needs enough resources to make sure our land is clean, our air is pure, and we are able to keep parks open for the people of NJ.

“The budget continues to target our environment, as well as urban areas that suffer the most from pollution. They are grabbing $200 million in fees, fines and other funds. This money should be going toward brownfield cleanups. The Hazardous Discharge Fund is being raided by $19 million, and $17.5 million from the Spill Act Compensation Fund. That money should be going to urban areas for pollution cleanup, but instead it is being shipped out to the wealthy suburbs. Our urban areas are suffering the most because of money being diverted for other purposes. We’re taking money away from Newark and Linden and places that have been damaged and instead using it to plug a black hole in the budget. This budget has the wrong priorities, continuing to take money out of the environment and away from urban areas, and shifting it into wealthy suburbs. The diversion of these funds is a regressive tax that especially hurts working families and urban low-income communities.

“The budget raids $113 million from the Clean Energy Fund, which includes $80 million for NJ Transit and $30 million for EVs. NJ Transit needs a stable source of income because the system we have now is broken. Just like last year, this year NJ Transit is taking $460 million in capital funds for operations and maintenance. Diverting capital funds means that they don’t have the money for improvements and to expand lines like the Hudson-Bergen and South Jersey light rail lines. This is like robbing our future to pay for current expenses, or taking a second mortgage on a house to buy groceries. We need to fix this broken system and help NJ Transit move forward. Even though a law was passed to support EV infrastructure for the public, the state is not electrifying their fleet. We are lagging behind other states when it comes to EVs. New Jersey must find a sustainable source of funding for our transportation system so that we can have money for CEF and move forward with things like energy efficiency programs and EV infrastructure for our state.

“Money for open space is increasing, but the priorities are wrong for constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for FY2021. Over the past decade funding is down 40% despite us adding 40% more open space. State parks are falling apart, but we have $500 million in backlogs. The funding formula reinforces funding inequities that continue to damage lower-income and minority communities. Money is being shifted from brownfield cleanups, watershed protections, and toxic site cleanups. The funding promotes stewardship projects, which are an excuse for logging public lands. We have seen in the past clear cutting forests and creating grass habitat under the guise of ‘stewardship.’ The priorities of this funding is wrong. There is no money going toward urban parks, Blue Acres, buying our flood-prone properties, or fixing our parks.

“We have major problems with our water in New Jersey, whether it is lead in our drinking water, algae in our lakes, stormwater management, or sewer overflows. A lack of testing and oversight has put New Jersey at risk, especially when it comes to lead in the drinking water. The $80 million is a start and a down payment, however we need a stable source of funding. Overall, the cost to fix New Jersey’s lead problem is $3.2 billion. The budget only includes $2 million for lake management programs. This is a miniscule drop in the budget for what is needed. Last year there were over 50 bodies of water in NJ that were closed or under advisory for high levels of cyanobacteria.Lake Hopatcong and Barnegat Bay will continue to be impacted by harmful algae and pollution without proper funding for critical programs like lake management. We also need to tie fixing our infrastructure to energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as green building, including blue and green roofs to reduce flooding.

\”Even though this year’s budget overall is better than last year’s, we still need to stop these raids and cuts for vital programs that affect our land, our air, our water, and cleanup of toxic sites. We need to fix our aging infrastructure, put more money into transit, and remove lead from our homes and schools. We need DEP’s budget to be restored. More funding for DEP and critical environmental programs means having enough staff to get the lead out of our children’s schools, moving New Jersey forward in energy efficiency, and reducing our impact on climate change. To get there, we need to make sure millionaires pay their fair share, get rid of corporate loopholes and subsidies, and make polluters pay for the damage that they have done to the environment. We need a budget with the right priorities, that is for the many and not for the special interest groups and the privileged few. We need a budget that reflects our values when it comes to the environment, climate change, and funding NJ Transit. The money is there – we need political will to put it in the right places.”

Texas Man Charged with Defrauding Cisco Systems, the Neat Company, iRobot Corporation, Amazon.com

Out of More Than $1.9 million in Merchandise

PHILADELPHIA PA (March 4, 2020)–– United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Reece A. Line, 23, of Pearland, Texas, was charged today by Information with 22 counts of mail fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and three counts of tax evasion.

The Information alleges that the defendant perpetrated a scheme to defraud Cisco Systems Inc. (“Cisco”), the Neat Company (“Neat”), iRobot Corporation (“iRobot”), APC by Schneider Electric (“APC”), Amazon.com (“Amazon”), and other companies by engaging in a sophisticated warranty fraud scheme. The charges state that the defendant and his co-schemers obtained serial numbers to products sold or manufactured by Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC. They allegedly proceeded to register false domain names, obtain false email addresses, and submit false warranty claims, pretending to own products sold or manufactured by these companies that they claimed were not working. The Information alleges that the defendant provided customer service representatives with descriptions of the non-existent defects that he knew they could not solve by troubleshooting and would require replacement with new products. Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC then shipped the replacement products to the defendant and his co-schemers, which they promptly sold via eBay, on Amazon, or through computer resellers.

The Information further alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers defrauded Amazon by using false identities, domain names, email addresses, and mailing addresses to order products that they falsely claimed never arrived or arrived broken, thereby inducing Amazon to repeatedly send replacement products. The Information alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers then sold the products obtained in this manner via eBay.

All told, the defendant and his co-schemers successfully obtained at least $1,950,000 worth of products from the victim companies through their alleged fraud. The Information also alleges that the defendant evaded the payment of any income tax on the income he earned from his fraud for tax years 2014 through 2016 by, among other things, failing to file returns, storing his fraud proceeds in bank accounts and PayPal accounts in the names of co-schemers, storing cash at his residence, paying his personal living expenses with cash, and using false email addresses, false domain names, prepaid gift cards, and false identities to conceal his involvement in the fraud scheme.

“As alleged, the defendant engaged in a sophisticated fraud scheme that netted almost $2 million worth of products,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Retail fraud, whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online, is a serious crime that must be punished and deterred. I would like to thank both the FBI and the IRS for their dedication and partnership in this matter.”

“Taxpayers are required to cooperate with the tax system by filing honest and accurate returns and paying their fair share,” said Michael Montanez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “The Special Agents of IRS-CI will continue to investigate and bring charges against those who intentionally violate our tax system.”

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 825 years’ incarceration, a five-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $8,250,000.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.

An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Top Gambling Apps for Windows 10

Gloucestercitynews.net (March 4, 2020)–From the second that online casino became a part of our lives, the game was changed forever. Before that, our favorite pastime was watching sports or something like that. Introducing

real money online gambling

into people’s lives had that same impact on humans as if one would give bears a life supply of honey. Your favorite amusement had become instantly accessible and an integral part of your life.

Advantages of PC casino games

No one would trade places with those old school players who visited gambling joints with a

solid reputation

if they were lucky to pick one. Those romantic days of rounders are gone as nothing can compare with that coziness of your comfy chair as one browse through his favorite game catalog. Crowded plus smokey rooms filled with angry or frustrated customers who had a bad luck streak is something one doesn’t need to put up with anymore. He can choose when or where he puts his chips and can take his break anytime, knowing that his earnings are secured plus guaranteed by trusted institutions. The virtual world of gaming is taking over, so take a seat in that front row hence enjoy your ride.

Top PC games

Slots Pro

This little application brings that touch of pro-slots straight onto your desktop. Choose between several themes set in the Victorian age, ancient Greece or tropical jungle. It comes in multiple languages with a size of fewer than two hundred megabytes. One can track his stats compared with players worldwide who also downloaded this charming app to enjoy

best slots

AE Blackjack Online

Practice makes it perfect, which is certainly true regarding blackjack gameplay. For getting your skills sharpened, try this online simulator which is very stylish but also informative for younger players eager to hone their skills. It is just over fifteen megabytes in size, plus one gets free one hundred credits every hour to continue the fun.

Microsoft Jackpot

This interactive slot adventure is made for younger audiences to get familiar with slots gameplay dynamics. Several cartooney themes provide visual delight which relaxes players as they immerse themselves into the roleplay. One can purchase play coins plus unlock achievements in this casual, lighthearted title, which is basically a community-driven experience.

Zynga Poker — Texas Holdem

This title brings back some happy memories as it represents a revolution in casual tournament poker play. What started as an extension of hanging on Facebook with your friends had become some worldwide phenomenon. With millions of players interlinked in this virtual jungle, poker enthusiasts can enjoy any kind of tournament setting as they please.

Simons Slots

This five-reel old-school retro slot fest is meant to induce some nostalgia for that time when first slot games hit the streets. Choose between multiple retro themes plus enjoy features like exchanging credits with your buddies or claiming new ones every few hours. It is constantly updated, plus it is small in size hence easily installed.

Conclusion

This casual world of free gambling applications is some great starting point to get familiar with most wanted games in some safe plus cozy environment. It allows young players to learn those basics before entering that world of real cash entertainment. Once equipped with a solid understanding of game dynamics, they will be ready for some serious action afterward.

This wearable device camouflages its wearer no matter the weather

The wearable thermal camouflage device is embedded in an armband and blends with the ambient temperature.

« This wearable device camouflages its wearer no matter the weather

Newswise — Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes–a feat that current state of the art technology cannot match. The technology can adapt to temperature changes in just a few minutes, while keeping the wearer comfortable.

The device, which is at the proof-of-concept stage, has a surface that quickly cools down or heats up to match ambient temperatures, camouflaging the wearer’s body heat. The surface can go from 10 to 38 degrees Celsius (50 to 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in less than a minute. Meanwhile, the inside remains at the same temperature as human skin, making it comfortable for the wearer. The wireless device can be embedded into fabric, such as an armband. A more advanced version could be worn as a jacket.

To build the device, the team turned to a phase-changing material that’s similar to wax but with more complex properties. The melting point of the material is 30 degrees Celsius (roughly 86 degrees F), the same temperature as the surface temperature of human skin. If the temperature on the outside of the device is higher than that, the material will melt and stabilize, insulating the wearer; if colder, it will slowly solidify, still acting as an insulating layer.

The team, led by UC San Diego mechanical and aerospace engineering professor Renkun Chen, detailed their work in a recent issue of the journal

Advanced Functional Materials

At the technology’s core are materials that can create heating or cooling effects when the ambient temperature changes, and flexible electronics that can be embedded into clothing. The outside layer of the device is driven by a technology that Chen and colleagues detailed in a paper in

Science Advances

in May 2019. It is made of thermoelectric alloys—materials that use electricity to create a temperature difference—sandwiched between stretchy elastomer sheets. It is powered by a battery and controlled by a wireless circuit board. The device physically cools or heats to a temperature that the wearer chooses.

Current state of the art heat camouflage technology consists of a surface coating that changes how much heat clothing emits at the surface. The coating absorbs the heat from the wearer’s body and reflects only enough energy to match the ambient temperature. However, the coating only works at a predetermined temperature. If the ambient temperature rises or falls, it no longer works.

The researchers’ biggest challenge now is to scale up the technology. Their goal is to create a jacket with the technology built-in, but under current conditions, the garment would weigh 2 kilograms (about 4.5 lbs.), be about 5 millimeters thick and only function for one hour. The team will be looking to find lighter, thinner materials so the garment could weigh two or three times less.

The work was supported by the Advanced Research Project Agency and by a UC San Diego start up grant. It work was performed in part at the San Diego Nanotechnology Infrastructure (SDNI) at UC San Diego, a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, which is supported by the National Science Foundation.

An Adaptive and Wearable Thermal Camouflage Device

Sahngki Hong and Renkun Chen, University of California San Diego

Sunmi Shin National University of Singapore

Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey 2020 Gala Raises Nearly $900K for Planned Jefferson Pride Primary and Specialty Care Practice

Nearly

900 supporters of Jefferson Health New Jersey enjoyed an evening of dancing and dining at the organization’s 24

annual Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey fundraising Gala, held at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The February 29

event — headlined by performances from Motown legends The Temptations and Four Tops — raised close to $900,000 to benefit the planned Jefferson Pride Primary & Specialty Care practice, set to open in Collingswood later this year. For more information, visit

JeffersonHealth.org/JeffPrideNJ

Shown, from left

: Colleen Wyse and husband, Dr. Stephen K. Klasko, President, Thomas Jefferson University, and CEO of Jefferson Health; and Dina Devine and husband, Joseph W. Devine, President of Jefferson Health New Jersey, and Chief Experience Officer, Jefferson Health.

West Virginia Couple’s Violent Robbery Spree Thwarted by FBI, Local Partners

Robbers Who Targeted Elderly Sentenced

In 2018, a 74-year-old Tennessee woman was attacked in her home by a pair of robbers who ransacked her house and stole her sense of safety.

Days later, a 72-year-old Tennessee man with dementia was attacked outside his home by the same assailants. They forced him inside and threw him down a stairwell after robbing him of a few possessions. Among the items stolen was a bomber jacket from the man’s service in Vietnam. It was an irreplaceable keepsake that investigators never found.

In all, Joshua Small and his girlfriend, Joni Johnson, robbed—and in some cases violently assaulted—seven senior citizens in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee during a short period in the summer of 2018. In several cases, they subdued their victims by punching or hitting them and then tying them up while they ransacked their homes. The robbers held some of their victims at gunpoint or threatened them with guns.

The incidents shook the small, quiet towns where they took place.

“One victim’s son told us, ‘This is a small town. Everyone here knows me or my dad,’” said Special Agent Wesley Leatham, who investigated this case out of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office along with FBI Task Force Officer Mark Webber of the Knox County Sheriff’s Department. “It really caused a lot of worry and concern in these communities.”

A break in the case came when a tipster saw a couple driving a rental car that matched the description of the robbers’ car and told local police. Pawn shop employees also confirmed that Small had been seen pawning stolen jewelry and other items.

Investigators found overwhelming evidence against the couple once they were identified, including incriminating evidence on their cell phones. Several victims also identified Johnson and Small based on photos.

The couple lived in West Virginia, and they used Small’s employer, a family paving business, to find some of their elderly victims. In other cases, investigators aren’t certain how the robbers targeted their victims, but they were all in their 70s, 80s, or 90s.

“Everyone really wanted to see justice for these victims, especially given their ages and the level of violence they suffered.”

Wesley Leatham, special agent, FBI Knoxville

With multiple sheriffs’ offices involved, the FBI played a key coordinating role. The Bureau also brought resources to the case, including the ability to press federal charges.

“We had great local partners in this case,” Leatham said. “Everybody came together with outstanding coordination. Everyone really wanted to see justice for these victims, especially given their ages and the level of violence they suffered.”

In July 2019, the couple was convicted of kidnapping charges. In January, Small was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, and Johnson was sentenced to 25 years.

Investigators hope the outcome brought some closure to the victims and communities that were traumatized. One victim died before the trial and some others were unable to travel to it, but their relatives gave powerful impact statements.

“We’ve heard from the victims’ families since then that this has destroyed their sense of safety. They’re constantly checking the door to make sure it’s locked. Visitors have to call before they come over,” Leatham said. “It’s really had a lasting effect on a lot of people.”

Resources

Joshua Small and Joni Amber Johnson Sentenced for Kidnapping Elderly Victims

Pepco Holdings Announces Updates to Its Operations and Support Services Leadership Teams

Part of the ongoing effort to drive top-tier industry performance at Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco

Miguel Ortega

named vice president of Project & Contract Management

Bob Pinto

named vice president of Electric and Gas Operations

Bill Sullivan

named vice president of Technical Services

Sam Williams

named vice president of Support Services

WASHINGTON, D.C.

(March 2, 2020) – As part of the effort to continue delivering top tier service, and increased reliability and operational performance, Pepco Holdings has announced four leadership appointments supporting Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco.

“We are committed to providing our customers and communities with the most reliable electricity and natural gas possible, while developing new programs that reshape the future of energy service,” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco. “These leaders are among the best and brightest in the energy industry, and I know they will bring innovative approaches that will help us continue to deliver on our commitments.”

Miguel Ortega,

previously the company’s vice president of Technical Services, has assumed the role of vice president of Project & Contract Management for Pepco Holdings. In this role, Ortega will oversee more than $700 million in projects to modernize the local energy grid and advance the level of service for more than 2.1 million customers. Ortega joined Pepco Holdings in 2016 after several leadership roles in Operations and External Affairs at sister company ComEd, in Illinois. Since moving to the Washington area, Ortega has connected to the community through service on the board of directors for the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well as his role as executive sponsor of the Organization of Latinos of Exelon Employee Resource Group in Washington, D.C.

Bob Pinto

has been promoted from director of Pepco Electric Operations to vice president of Electric and Natural Gas Operations for Pepco Holdings. Pinto came to Pepco from ComEd in 2017 where he held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility in Electric Operations. During the past three years, he has driven improved safety performance at Pepco and has supported record electric service reliability for Pepco’s Washington D.C. and Maryland customers. He is passionate about serving the community through work with several nonprofit organizations.

Bill Sullivan,

previously Pepco Holdings’ vice president of Electric and Gas Operations, has become vice president of Technical Services. In his new role, Sullivan will oversee the management of the company’s electric system assets. He began his career in 1987 as a project engineer and advanced through numerous management positions in engineering, customer service, field services, meter services, accounts receivable, and electric operations. Sullivan’s leadership has driven strong reliability performance and safety improvements for Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Exelon African American Resource Alliance Employee Resource Group in Washington, D.C., and supports numerous volunteer and philanthropic efforts across the region.

Sam Williams

has been named vice president of Support Services for Pepco Holdings. He comes to Pepco Holdings from Exelon sister company, Baltimore Gas & Electric, where he was director of Regional Electric Operations. Williams has more than 25 years of experience in the energy industry, including several key leadership roles at BGE. In his new role, he will be responsible for Safety, Training, Fleet, Environmental Services, Security, and Real Estate & Facilities. Williams’ leadership extends beyond the business and well into the community. He is a member of Leadership Baltimore County, an active board member of the Community College of Baltimore County Foundation, and an avid volunteer with \’100 For 100,\’ which provides meals to those in need. Williams replaces Mike Poncia who retired after 22 years with Pepco Holdings and more than 32 years in the energy industry.

Readers are encouraged to visit

The Source

Pepco Holdings’ online news room, to learn more about

Atlantic City Electric

Delmarva Power

, and

Pepco

efforts to power a cleaner and brighter future for the customers and communities it serves.

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Pepco Holdings, a unit of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation’s leading energy provider, oversees the operation of Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power and Pepco. The companies provide safe and reliable energy service to approximately 2.1 million customers in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware and New Jersey.