Theodore S. Wypych of Bellmawr age 76

Theodore S. Wypych, on December 10, 2019, from Bellmawr; formerly of Camden. Age 76.

Beloved husband of the late Joanne (nee Olesiewicz). Devoted father of Marie-Ellen (Greg), Lisa (Paul), Suzanne (Michael), Deborah (Michael), and Nancy (Richard). Loving Dziadzi of Alexandria (Nick), Corinne (Julio), Kelsey, Samantha (Alex), Theodore John, and Camryn and great grandfather “Big D” of Gavin. Brother of the late Nicholas. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends and acquaintances.

Theodore was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was co-owner of Specialty Wire Works in Camden and retired from Rapid Forms. His friends knew him as “Teddy Crocker” for his love of baking. Theodore loved his family fishing trips, scratch offs, and enjoyed his happy hour at Benedict’s Place. He loved to talk on the phone and particularly enjoyed weekly conversations with Paul.

There will be a viewing from 11am to 1pm Friday at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, BELLMAWR.

Funeral service 1pm at the funeral home.

Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Theodore’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Polling Confirms Support Across Eastern Regions for Transportation Improvements

Two-Thirds of Registered Voters Support Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Distributors Paying for Pollution; Survey Covers Seven States in Region: CT, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA and VA.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 11, 2019) –

new survey from MassINC Polling

Group shows that 66 percent of voters in seven Eastern states (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia) support modernizing the region’s transportation network. Specifically, two out of three registered voters overall support the idea that companies distributing gasoline and diesel fuel should pay for the pollution they create, with the proceeds being available to states “to make transportation … better, cleaner and more resilient to the effects of climate change.” The MassINC Polling Group survey was conducted November 12-19, 2019 among 6,395 registered voters.

The seven states included in the survey are members of the

Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)

– a coalition of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C. working to develop a regional policy to better provide cleaner transportation options for residents of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Below are responses to the MassINC survey from members of

Our Transportation Future

– a coalition of 64 leading environmental, scientific, transportation, health, and business organizations advocating in support of TCI.

\”New Yorkers agree that improving our transportation system goes hand-in-hand with fighting climate change. An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers support joining TCI to reduce transportation emissions – the state\’s biggest contributor to climate change – and making investments in mass transit like the MTA.\”

— Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters.

\”Governor Baker has been leading the multi-state, bipartisan effort known as the Transportation & Climate Initiative. Today’s poll results make clear that Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly support this policy and the modernized infrastructure and cleaner air that it will bring. This program isn’t just popular, it is sound, sensible public policy.\”

— Chris Dempsey, director, Transportation for Massachusetts.

“The Transport Hartford Academy is not surprised to see that 69% of Connecticut respondents supported the Transportation & Climate Initiative approach. In this poll, 76% of residents supported improved transit and 73% supported complete streets that provide safe alternatives to driving. Connecticut residents are clamoring for a more sustainable transportation system.”

— Anthony Cherolis, coordinator, Transport Hartford, Center for Latino Progress.

“Transportation is the lifeblood of communities across the region and the linchpin in their advancement. It has never been more vital for states to think and act boldly when it comes to reimagining their transportation futures. From Massachusetts to Virginia, voters recognize the urgency and support a better, cleaner and more resilient transportation system. Our communities are deserving, and without question, our states should lead and deliver.”

— Bruce Ho, senior advocate, Climate & Clean Energy Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council

“The scientific evidence is clear: we must cut emissions to fight climate change. People across the region recognize the importance and urgency of this issue, and it’s clear that there’s no solution to the climate crisis without reducing emissions from transportation. Let’s put science into action and build a clean, modern transportation system that works for everyone.”

— Daniel Gatti, senior policy analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists.

\”TCI presents a valuable opportunity to both mitigate the impacts of climate change and drive economic growth in communities throughout the region. It\’s clear both businesses and the public want a modernized, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that allows people to easily get to work.\”

— Alli Gold Roberts, director of state policy, Ceres.

“The poll shows that people across the region want proactive leadership to address our transportation and climate challenges. We need bold solutions to make the shift to a clean transportation future, and an ambitious TCI program can jumpstart that transition.”

— Jordan Stutt, carbon programs director, Acadia Center.

\”People across the Northeast are ready to shift away from the status quo of our ineffective, outdated and polluting transportation. Expanding access to electric vehicles, public transit, and walkable and bikeable communities will save lives, create new jobs, and help people get where they\’re going faster.\”

— Mark Kresowik, regional deputy director, Sierra Club.

ABOUT OUR TRANSPORTATION FUTURE

Our Transportation Future

is a coalition of local, regional, and national organizations committed to modernizing transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. OTF is focused on improving our transportation system — the ways we move people and goods in the region – to spur economic growth, make us healthier and safer, clean up the environment, and improve our quality of life. An improved transportation system means more clean cars and trucks, more reliable mass transit, more walkable and bikeable communities, and investments that connect everyone, including those in underserved and rural areas.

OTF members include: A Better City, Acadia Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Center for Sustainable Energy, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, Ceres, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Clean Air Council, Clean Water Action, Climate Law and Policy Project, Climate XChange, Connecticut Fund for the Environment / Save the Sound, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, ConnPIRG, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), Energize Maryland, Environment America, Environment Connecticut, Environment Massachusetts, Environment Maryland, Environment Maine, Environment New Hampshire, Environment New Jersey, Environment New York, Environment Rhode Island, Environment Virginia, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Greater Prince William Climate Action Network, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Green For All, Health Care Without Harm, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Maine Conservation Voters, Maryland PIRG, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Public Health Association, MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, MassPIRG, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), The Nature Conservancy, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Sustainable Business Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, NJPIRG, Northeast Clean Energy Council, PennEnvironment, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, Rail Passengers Association, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Sierra Club, Transport Hartford Academy at the Center for Latino Progress, Transportation for America, Transportation for Massachusetts, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Union of Concerned Scientists, U.S. PIRG, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and 350 MASS for A Better Future.

OFFICER DOWN: Nassau Bay Sergeant Kaila Sullivan Killed by Suspect Driving Car

Sergeant Kaila Sullivan

Nassau Bay Police Department, Texas

End of Watch

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Sergeant Kaila Sullivan was killed when she was intentionally struck by a vehicle driven while attempting to arrest a wanted subject in the 2000 block of San Sebastian Court at 8:30 pm.

Officers had conducted a traffic stop on the man who was wanted on a warrant for domestic assault. When they attempted to place him in custody he began to resist and was able to re-enter his vehicle. He struck fatally Sergeant Sullivan as he fled the area in the vehicle.

Sergeant Sullivan was transported to HCA Clear Lake Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The vehicle was found abandoned a short distance away and the subject remains at large.

Sergeant Sullivan had served with the Nassau Bay Police Department for 16 years.

Via

Officer Down Memorial page

CNB Crime

Blue Line

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

published Gloucestercitynews.net | Dec. 11, 2019

OFFICER DOWN: Jersey City Det. Joe Seals Shot and Killed

Detective Joseph Seals

Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Detective Joseph Seals was shot and killed at 12:30 pm in Bayview Cemetery after encountering two subjects in a van that was linked to a homicide in Bayonne, New Jersey.

During the encounter, Detective Seals was shot in the back of the head. The two subjects then fled in the stolen van and eventually barricaded themselves inside of a grocery store on Martin Luther King Drive. They murdered three people inside of the store and then engaged responding officers in a prolonged shootout for several hours in which two officers were wounded. Both subjects were eventually found deceased inside of the store.

Detective Seals had served with the Jersey City Police Department for 13 years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 18 years. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Via

Officer Down Memorial page

CNB Crime

Blue Line

CNBNews Tips and Snippets

CNBNews Point of View

BREAKING NEWS

published Gloucestercitynews.net | Dec.11, 2019

Environmental Bills Up in Committee Thursday

The following environmental bills will be up in the Assembly Appropriations Committee tomorrow, December 12th.

A4267 (McKeon): concerns the regulations of solid waste, hazardous waste, and soil and debris recycling industries. This bill amends the existing law to expand the requirements for

background checks to a broader range of persons involved in the solid waste industry, such as salespersons, consultants, and brokers.

“This bill is important because it addresses New Jersey’s ongoing problems with illegal dumping of contaminated materials. The Special Commission of Investigation’s first “Dirty Dirt” report in 2016 exposed the rampant problem of soil brokers and dirty dirt. Since that report the illegal dumping is still happening, risking the environment and public health. That’s because there hasn’t been any action by DEP and the Legislature to stop it. The industry has ties to the mob, and there are serious pollution and health impacts,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “These unscrupulous dirt brokers are dumping contaminated soil all over the environment. There are loopholes in the law that gives them less scrutiny that need to be closed.”

In June, the Special Commission of Investigation released their latest “Dirty Dirt” report detailing illegal dumping in Marlboro. SCI reported that New Jersey currently “lacks the authority to properly oversee elements of its recycling program”. Illegal dumping in New Jersey has the potential to impact the environment but also cause public health problems, like in Kearny where New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority illegally dumped liquid sewage sludge.

“This bill is an important step forward; however, we need to go further. New Jersey needs tighter regulations and restrictions on how our waste is handled. We have a long history of contaminated materials coming into our state, in part because DEP chooses not to regulate these chemicals. DEP needs to set and enforce standards for toxic materials to prevent any more possible dumping,” said Jeff Tittel. “The Assembly needs to act quickly and get this bill to the governor’s desk before the end of the year.”

A5854 (Pintor Marin): Allows municipalities to adopt an ordinance permitting lead service line replacements in residential properties with at least 24-hour notice to residents.

“This legislation will help us replace lead service lines. This legislation is needed because lead in drinking water has become an ongoing issue in New Jersey. In order to find out if people are being exposed to lead or to get rid of existing lead service lines, you need to have access to the properties. Many times, landlords or property owners will not allow access to municipalities to check for lead. Our water is at risk and we need to be able to replace old lead pipes. This legislation will help municipalities protect residents from being exposed to lead in their water,” said Jeff Tittel.

A5518 (Benson): establishes “Alternative Fuel Vehicle Transportation Financing Commission” to examine the manner in which alternative fuel vehicles may be taxed to contribute to the cost of maintaining State transportation system.

“We oppose this legislation. This legislation would undercut the progress of any movement in accelerating EV use. The committee would investigate studies to put fees on electric vehicles even before we get any on the road. Right now, New Jersey only has about 25,000 electric vehicles on the road, it is too premature to be taxing these vehicles,” said Jeff Tittel. “We need to encourage EV use to get to the state’s goal of 330,000 EVs by 2025. In order to find funding for road improvements and mass transit projects, we should be putting fees on gas guzzlers and massive dino SUV’s instead.”

A5583 (Pinkin): Prohibits sale, lease, rent or installation of certain equipment or products containing hydrofluorocarbons or other greenhouse gases.

“This bill is a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing GHG’s from the products we use every day. Hydrofluorocarbons represent around 1% of total greenhouse gases but their impact on global warming can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide. They can be found in cooling products like refrigerators, air conditioning for our homes and cars, aerosols, and more,” said Jeff Tittel. “It is important that we prohibit and phase out all products containing HCF’s and greenhouse gases so that we can mitigate our impact on global warming.”

A6014 (Vainieri Huttle/Pinkin): Appropriates $500,000 to establish NJ Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University.

“Establishing a Climate Change Resource Center is a good step forward when it comes to being prepared and stronger than the next storm, but $500,000 is not enough money to get the job done. Rutgers is spending $4 million a year on a new football coach, but we can only spend $500,000 for climate change research. They need to get their priorities straight. This is a fumble when it comes to climate change. A recent study found that much of New Jersey, including inland counties, are more vulnerable to climate impacts now than before Sandy. We must start taking real actions to fight climate change now. We are in a climate crisis, and New Jersey is the only state on the east coast that does not have any kind of sea level rise climate adaptation plan,” said Jeff Tittel. “This Resource Center will help use the latest science to put climate and sea level rise in DEP rules and state legislation, but more money needs to go toward this center for it to be effective.”

A5970 (Lopez): Amends list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding for FY2020 to include new projects, remove certain projects, and modify estimated loan amounts for certain projects.

A5971 (Mukherji): Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend additional sums to make loans for environmental projects for FY2020.

“We need to step it up when it comes to funding critical environmental programs for New Jersey. We have major problems with lead including $8.2 billion worth of pipes that need to be fixed, $4.6 billion for getting lead out of our water and a $6 billion combined sewer overflow fix. Overall, we need at least $46 billion to fix New Jersey’s environmental problems. 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. If we don’t consider climate change, we could end up wasting billions of dollars of taxpayer money,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

NJBIA VP Mike Wallace Selected as 2020 Lead NJ Fellow

NJBIA Vice President Michael Wallace has been chosen as a 2020 Lead New Jersey Fellow, joining a select group of business, government and nonprofit leaders who will spend the next 12 months exploring major public policy issues facing New Jersey and identifying solutions.

Lead New Jersey

Fellows, who are already leaders in their companies and communities, hone their leadership skills by studying the issues that have the greatest impact on New Jersey residents\’ lives and then work with other talented leaders to shape improvements.

\”NJBIA is proud to have Mike selected to be part of Lead New Jersey\’s Class of 2020,\” said NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka, Esq. \”Mike\’s experience leading NJBIA\’s advocacy efforts on labor, workforce development, manufacturing, apprenticeships and job training policies makes him an ideal candidate for Lead New Jersey\’s program.\”

A resident of Sewell in Gloucester County, Wallace joined NJBIA in 2015, after having worked as a legislative aide to state Senator Fred Madden (D-4). A graduate of the University of Delaware, Wallace also previously worked as an aide to former Camden Mayor Dana Redd and Gov. Jon Corzine.

Upon completion of the program, Wallace will be part of a distinguished alumni comprised of more than 1,600 Lead New Jersey fellows who have graduated over the past 34 years, including NJBIA\’s Chief Government Affairs Officer Chrissy Buteas (2008) and Chief Business Relations Officer Wayne Staub, a member of the Class of 2019 honored on Dec. 5 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal.

Lead New Jersey educates, empowers and engages talented leaders to create systemic change around New Jersey\’s most challenging issues. Going into its 34th year, LNJ boasts an alumni base of more than 1,600 Fellows, including corporate and nonprofit executives and elected and appointed government officials. For more information, go to

www.leadnj.org

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

9 Ways Going to Church Can Benefit Your Life

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 11, 2019)–While church attendance seems to be declining, and a mental health crisis is rising, many people may not realize the many benefits of attending church.

Almost 20% of Americans

report having no religious affiliation in 2018. This is more than double the 8% who had no preference just a decade earlier.

Attending church has several benefits that may have you reconsidering your connection with a higher power. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Mental Health Benefits of Attending Church

This world is a stressful and often confusing place. Depression, anxiety, and stress are challenges facing many as they struggle through life. It often leaves people wondering their place in the universe and what the purpose of their life is.

Studies show that

religion and spirituality can benefit

mental and physical health, and relieve depression, anxiety, and stress by providing an answer to many of those questions about life.

2. Physical Health Benefits

When you\’re less stressed and more content in life (which is often associated with spiritual connections), your physical health also improves.

You can actually lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, and even reduce your risk of dementia.

Religious affiliation also has some guidelines and spiritual rules that lead to healthier life choices; for example, some religions forbid addictive substances. Some promote no or little meat intake, alcohol, or drugs. These can all lead to a healthier life overall.

Not only does church reduce stress, but it may also

help you live longer

. That\’s right—a study of middle-aged adults showed that there was a link between attending church and mortality that goes above and beyond just reducing stress.

3. Social Connections

Another benefit of church attendance can be the social connections you make with other parishioners. The individuals you meet may become your friends and offer emotional support in your life.

Feeling connected to a community or individuals with similar beliefs and interests is a critical part of actualization and joy in life. The activities, community, and sense of belonging in a church can provide that much-needed

sense of belonging

4. Guidance and Direction

No matter who you are or what your life is like, there are roadblocks, challenges, and tragedies to deal with at some point. Religion and spirituality can help give an individual guidance and direction, as well as comfort.

Many spiritual individuals have thought about and determined their priorities in life because their religion gives them a place to start and a litmus test for choices.

Someone without religion or spirituality may make very different decisions without a moral place to start setting their personal boundaries. While there are millions of good people making good choices without religion, having one can make it easier to make kinder and less selfish choices in your life.

There is no quandary because your religion sets what is right and wrong in your life. While you still have the ultimate choice, you have a personal standard to begin making that choice from.

5. Develop Talents

Attending church can often create opportunities to grow and develop talents a person otherwise would never use.

Many of the top celebrity singers developed their voices and talents while

singing in church

from the time they were young. Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, and many more have attributed their talent and love for music to their church attendance.

Some churches have their congregation participate with service projects, leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, and musical performances.

6. A Sense of Purpose

Spirituality often gives individuals

a sense of purpose

in their lives. This can be from the belief of a higher power and from service or good deeds they perform as a result of their religious belief that Christlike service and fellowship are the true purposes of life.

Learn more

about how church attendance can help provide a sense of purpose.

7. Resilience

Spirituality and religion can help a person become more resilient when facing the most painful life experiences. A belief in the afterlife can make the death of a loved one more bearable.

Faith can often help individuals get through a health or financial crisis with more optimism and hope. There\’s a tendency to look for and find a lesson in the challenges of life, which can help reduce distress in times of crisis or tragedy.

8. Confidence and a Sense of Worth

Spirituality not only gives you a sense of purpose, but it can also give you a sense of empowerment and greater self-confidence. The belief that you come from a higher power and were created with a purpose can lead you to set higher goals.

For many, the belief that they\’re a child of God gives them the courage or faith to try things they\’d never believe were possible otherwise.

Priorities and goals may be easier to determine and more centered on fulfilling one\’s potential rather than obtaining worldly power or possessions. The difference in priorities and focus can bring a sense of peace and contentment in life that allows growth in personal areas, rather than always seeking approval from people.

9. A More Compassionate and Optimistic View

Those who have a strong spiritual base will often be more compassionate and optimistic in their view of life and the world. Someone who\’s truly trying to live a more Christlike life will have increased empathy and compassion for their fellow man and see the world with a more optimistic and loving view.

They\’ll often be the first to offer a helping hand and tend to be more willing to serve and help because of a sense of duty to another and to their maker.

Attending Church Can Make Every Day Better

Attending church doesn\’t just have benefits on Sundays. It can have positive effects and benefits in every aspect of your life if you make a commitment and find a community with spiritual beliefs you feel connected to.

Don\’t forget to bookmark our website for easy access to the latest news, tips, and articles.

Seven Individuals Charged in Interstate Scheme

to Steal More Than $235,000 from Three Insurance Annuity Policies

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor today announced charges against seven individuals in an interstate scheme to steal more than

$235,000 from three insurance annuity policies.

An Ohio resident and three New Jersey residents were charged with conspiracy and theft by deception in the alleged scheme to steal money from three annuity policies issued by Lincoln Financial Group. Three others were charged with receiving stolen property in the thefts that occurred between December 2015 and September 2016.

According to documents filed in the case, the thefts occurred when Lincoln Financial Group received death claims benefit withdrawal applications from individuals purporting to be the beneficiaries of the annuity policies.

Charged in a 16-count indictment handed up by a state Grand Jury on November 14, 2019 were:

Gaetanina Nicole Zarbo, 34, of New Albany, Ohio, who was charged with three counts of second-degree conspiracy, three counts of second-degree theft by deception, and two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Zuberu Sumaila, 27, of Newark, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and three counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Emmanuel Oppong-Dabankah, 30, of North Brunswick, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy, second degree theft by deception, and two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property.

Kojo Kumah Mensah, 27, of Newark, who was charged with second-degree conspiracy and second-degree theft by deception.

Cecilia Fynn (a.k.a. Cecilia Lemaire), 26, of Somerset, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Tashae N. McCray, 23, of Rahway, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Latika Busby, 37, of Columbus, Ohio, who was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000; third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $15,000.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Menjivar presented the case to the Grand Jury. Detective Shawn McDonald coordinated the investigation.

Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at

1-877-55-FRAUD

, or visiting the Web site at

www.njinsurancefraud.org

. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to a conviction for insurance fraud.

\”Shadow\” A New Resource to Help Catch Horse Racing Cheaters

TRENTON –

Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the New Jersey Racing Commission have deployed a new asset in the effort to prevent cheating in the horse racing industry – a specially-trained scent-sniffing dog named Shadow.

A two-year-old black Labrador, Shadow is New Jersey’s first-ever K-9 horse racing investigator, and is already proving to be a valuable tool in deterring licensees who might seek a competitive or wagering advantage by drugging race horses.

The Racing Commission has put Shadow on regular patrol at New Jersey racetracks, including Monmouth Park, Freehold Raceway, and the New Meadowlands Racetrack. Earlier this year, Shadow made his first find, detecting the presence of a prohibited substance.

“A big part of the job for any regulatory and enforcement agency is to stay one step ahead of those who would seek to profit by breaking our laws and rules,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Shadow is an incredible asset in that respect, because cheaters in horse racing can’t cheat without using prohibited substances, and he is specifically trained to sniff them out. Shadow is helping not only to protect horses, but to preserve the integrity of the horse racing industry throughout our state.”

Racing Commission Executive Director Judith A. Nason credits Shadow with having “vastly increased the Racing Commission’s investigatory ability,” and with helping to send a strong cautionary message to would-be horse dopers.

“One very important purpose of Shadow is to deter trainers or owners from even the thought of giving a prohibited substance to a horse,” said Nason.

“We believe Shadow will prove to be an efficient, cost-effective tool in catching and penalizing licensees who cheat,” Nason said. “The Racing Commission already has four human investigators. That’s eight boots on the ground. By adding Shadow, we now have 12 boots on the ground – although four of them are paws.”

Earlier this year, Attorney General Grewal challenged the leadership of every division and commission within the Department of Law and Public Safety to look for ways to better serve the public by identifying new ways to collaborate with each other.

As part of that process, the Racing Commission identified the need for adding a trained, scent-sniffing dog that could detect the presence of substances unique to horse racing that cannot lawfully be possessed by anyone but a licensed veterinarian.

The New Jersey State Police partnered with the Racing Commission in this effort and through its Canine Academy found a two-year-old black Labrador retriever for the Racing Commission and, following a Racing Commission naming contest, the dog became officially known as “Shadow.”

With Investigator Joseph Sczerbowicz manning the leash, Shadow now spends Monday through Thursday patrolling racetracks and licensed farms to ferret out banned chemicals that might be concealed in stalls or barns – sometimes in places where a routine inspection might not uncover them, such as locked drawers, toolboxes or even piles of hay. And on race days – Fridays and Saturdays – Shadow is deployed at New Jersey’s thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks.

For investigative reasons, Executive Director Nason will not disclose details concerning what substances Shadow is able to detect. However, she confirms that he is trained to find a host of banned chemicals known to be used by cheaters, as well as related paraphernalia such as syringes and hypodermic needles.

“The people hiding drugs and needles have always had an intrinsic advantage, because it’s easier to conceal these things than to locate them,” said Nason. “But Shadow could turn out to be a true game-changer. Not only can he search a lot of territory very quickly, he can also detect banned substances in hiding places where we humans might not find them.”

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