Category: SOUTH JERSEY

13 Defendants Indicted in Connection with Monmouth County Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Two Defendants Charged with Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

TRENTON, N.J. – Thirteen defendants have been indicted for their roles as members, associates, and suppliers of a drug-trafficking conspiracy that distributed cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Monmouth County, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Damion Helmes, Dawn Stephens, Shantay Walker, Keith Logan, Shamar Dudley, Tonya Underwood, Elizabeth Conover, Curtis Jenkins, Ralph Lee, and Eric Yarbrough were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. Additionally, Helmes, Stephens, Walker, Logan, Dudley, Underwood, Conover, Jenkins, Lee, Yarbrough, Derrick Hayes, Dequan Copeland, and Cassius Williams were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Helmes was also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hayes was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Between April 2019 and August 2019, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated primarily in municipalities throughout Monmouth County – including Cliffwood, Keansburg, Matawan, Keyport, Red Bank, Long Branch, Neptune, and Asbury Park, as well as Brick Township in Ocean County – and which sought to profit from the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement officers learned that defendant Helmes obtained regular supplies of cocaine from defendants Hayes and Copeland. Helmes then re-distributed that cocaine, portions of which he converted into crack cocaine, for profit, to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users throughout Monmouth County. During the wiretap portion of the investigation, law enforcement intercepted numerous communications by and between the conspirators regarding such issues as cocaine quality and availability, pricing, packaging, quantity, and customer satisfaction.

The defendants were originally charged by complaint on Aug. 22, 2019. Dudley was previously charged by indictment.

The count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a ten-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a five-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The count charging Helmes with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The count charging Helmes with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and must be served consecutive to the sentence imposed on the drug trafficking crime. The felon in possession counts against Helmes and Hayes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Each firearms count also carries a maximum fine equal to the greatest of $250,000, twice the gross amount of pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense, or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary loss sustained by any victim of the offense.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach, Brick, Howell, Toms River, Union Beach and Marlboro police departments, and the Monmouth County Sheriff\’s Office) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; the Red Bank Police Department, under the direction of Chief Darren McConnell; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Pigott; the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Craig Weber; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; and the Long Branch Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jason Roebuck, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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

GUEST OPINION: NJBIA Backs Fiscal Reform Bills, Urges Action on Path to Progress

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association today testified in favor of four fiscal reform bills designed to lower the cost of local governments as part of a wide-ranging plan to fix New Jersey\’s government finances.

Between them, the Senate and Assembly appropriations committees will consider legislation involving curriculum at K-8 school districts, sharing services between local governments, and examining state and local taxes and economic development policies. Individually, the bills are narrow in scope, but they are part of a broad, impactful plan to revamp New Jersey\’s finances called The Path to Progress, which NJBIA supports.

NJBIA Vice President for Government Affairs Chris Emigholz made that point while testifying in favor of these bills earlier today.

\”It is urgent for our state and for our taxpayers that the Legislature act on all five parts of the Path to Progress report: Pension and Benefit Reform; Leveraging Assets to Stabilize the Pension System; Education Reform at the Administrative Level; County and Municipal Government Reform and Shared Services; and State and Local Government Tax Structure,\” Emigholz said. \”Reforms in all five of these areas are needed to improve the fiscal health of our State, and our taxpayers deserve no less.

\”What makes the Path to Progress legislation so important is it recognizes a fundamental truth: New Jersey\’s finances will always be in disarray until we change how we raise and especially how we spend money,\” Emigholz said. \”It\’s not just a matter of fiscal discipline; New Jersey\’s financial problems are deeply systemic.\”

Two measures are scheduled for separate votes in both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  They are:

·         S-3756 (Ruiz, D-29; Sarlo, D-36)/A-6115 (Jasey, D-27), which would require K-8 school districts to coordinate their school calendars and curriculum with the high schools they send their graduates to. Emigholz called it \”a long overdue, commonsense measure\” that could save money by eliminating duplication.

·         S-3770 (Sarlo, D-36; Oroho, R-24)/A-6118 (Greenwald, D-6), which would establish the \”New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Review Commission\” to provide ongoing review of state and local tax structure and economic conditions.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee also is scheduled a vote on legislation to require counties to appoint a shared-services coordinator. That bill is S-3764 (Andrzejczak, D-1; Bucco, R-25).

\”New Jersey has been quietly encouraging them for decades, but this bill puts staff and money behind that encouragement to make them actually happen,\” Emigholz said.

Meanwhile, the Assembly Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider A-6116/S-3763 (DeAngelo, D-14); Addiego, D-8; Bateman, D-16; Sarlo, D-36), \”a simple but clever bill to change the name of \’joint meetings\’ to \’regional service agencies\’\” under the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act, Emigholz said. \”It would better capture their real meaning and hopefully encourage their use.\”

\”We are excited to hopefully see these Path to Progress bills pass this committee today, and NJBIA and our taxpayers urgently need more Path to Progress legislation to become law as soon as possible to make New Jersey more affordable for our residents and businesses,\” Emigholz said.

NJ Camp Fairs connect great kids with great camps

…FREE admission! –

Weekends starting January 18 – February 22, 2020

Throughout,New Jersey (PR MediaRelease)

For 2020, NJ Camp Fairs, along with the American Camp Association, will have an exciting lineup of 7 summer camp fairs for NJ families throughout Northern and Central New Jersey communities. This is a great time to seek out summer camps and programs for your child, whether it is a sleep away camp, traditional day camp, or specialty camp such as sports, adventure, travel, community service, academic, art, robotics, gymnastics, precollege, performing arts, foreign language, nature, and more. Will it be a full summer away in the woods, a month traveling, a 4- or a 2- week camp, a broad one or a specialized one focusing on learning a new skill?  Many ACA accredited camps will be present.

Different camps will be at each fair.  Meet face to face with a diverse set of high quality camps from various locations all under one roof. Kids ages PreK through High School go to camp!  Older kids can seek summer jobs too. Don’t surf the internet; bring your kids and explore.

Sat, Jan 18 – Bergen County @ Bergen Town Center, Paramus, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sun, Jan 19 – Mercer County @ Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sat, Jan 25 – Essex County @ Livingston Mall, Livingston, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sun, Jan 26 – Union County @ The Grand Summit Hotel, Summit, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sat, Feb 8 – Bergen County @ The Village of Ridgewood, Ridgewood, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sun, Feb 9 – Essex County @ Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, 12-3pm, FREE!

Sat, Feb 22 – Middlesex County @ Menlo Park Mall, Edison, 12-3pm, FREE!

RSVP at www.njcampfairs.com and receive a free gift and free admission at the fair.

About

Contact

For over 36 years, the NJ Camp Fairs and the ACA has been connecting kids to great camps. Please RSVP @ www.njcampfairs.com to let us know you’re coming and you’ll receive a free gift at the fair.  For more information, please go to www.njcampfairs.com and check out the camp directory. Email info@njcampfairs.com for questions.

21-Year-Old Merchantville Man Murdered in Camden City

Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Camden County Police Chief Joseph Wysocki reported a homicide that occurred in Camden City on January 11, 2020.

The Camden County Police Department responded to the 500 block of Pfeifer Street for a ShotSpotter activation and reports of a possible shooting, at approximately

12:54 a.m. Officers located the victim, Michael Edwards, 21, Merchantville, lying unresponsive on the ground on the 400 block of Pfeifer Street. He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Michael Edwards was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:10 a.m.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. As such, no further information is being released at this time. No arrests have been made yet.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brad Redrow at

(856) 225-8643

or Camden County Police Detective Edward Gonzalez at

(856) 757-7042

.

Information may also be emailed to

ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org

Released Saturday, January 11, 2020.

Rutgers-Camden women win third straight game, 63-57

CAMDEN, N.J

(

Jan.

11

, 2020

) –

The

Rutgers University-Camden women’s

basketball team opened its game here Saturday with a seven-point run and went on to post a

63-57

victory over Rutgers University-Newark in a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest.

The win was the third straight for the Scarlet Raptors, all coming in a six-day span during the week. They raised their record to 8-5 overall and 2-5 in the NJAC. Rutgers-Newark fell to 1-12 overall and 0-7 in the NJAC with its 11th straight loss.

Newark now leads the all-time series, 39-31.

Freshman guard/forward

Jalissa Pitts

scored the first five points of the game for the Scarlet Raptors and senior guard

Fatimah Williams

added the next field goal as Rutgers-Camden took a 7-0 lead. The Raptors led, 15-6, after on

e quarter and 30-18 at halftime, with Pitts notching all nine of her points during

the first 20 minutes and sophomore forward

Breanna Ettrick

scoring all seven of her points for the game.

The second-half production was carried by Williams, who notched 19 points to finish with a game-high 25, while junior guard

Shane Holmes

scored seven of her 10 points after the break. Holmes also finished with a game-high five assists, while sophomore forward

Tamara Johnson

added four assists.

Holmes added a career-high seven rebounds to lead the Scarlet Raptors, while Johnson, Williams and Pitts notched six apiece.

Rutgers-Newark received a big game from sophomore guard/forward Dorian Capurso, who notched a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Sophomore guard Syncere Lambert added nine points and senior center Comfort Akinbo added eight. Freshman forward Ebony Odom Barnes grabbed eight rebounds, helping the Scarlet Raiders hold a 42-38 edge off the boards.

Rutgers-Camden shot 21-for-56 from the floor (37.5 percent) and 18-for-29 (62.1) from the foul line. Rutgers-Newark was 19-for-50 (38.0) from the floor and 13-for-28 (46.4) from the line.

Newark made 21 turnovers and Camden had 15.

The Scarlet Raptors have another three-game week next week, beginning with a non-conference 7 p.m. game

Monday

at the University of Valley Forge.

Stingy Newark defense shuts down Camden men

​

CAMDEN, N.J

. (

Jan.

11

, 2020

) –

The

Rutgers University-Newark men’s basketball team entered Saturday’s New Jersey Athletic Conference contest coming off a

program-record defensive effort and the Scarlet Raiders didn’t hurt their nationally-ranked defensive ratings against Rutgers-Camden.

Newark held the Scarlet Raptors to 38 points as it defeated Rutgers-Camden, 59-38, to raise its record to 10-4 overall and 6-1 in the NJAC. The victory came only three days after the Scarlet Raiders shut down NJAC foe Montclair State University, 58-29, to set a program record for fewest points allowed.

Rutgers-Camden fell to 4-9 overall and 1-6 in the NJAC with its fourth straight loss.

Rutgers-Newark

, which entered the contest with the 10th-ranked defense in Division III,

has won

seven

of its last

eight

games against Rutgers-Camden, although the two teams split last season’s two-game series. Rutgers-Newark leads the all-time series, 5

3

-36.

The Scarlet Raptors held the lead only early in the game, scoring the first field goal on a layup by junior guard

Arian Azemi,

falling behind on a

trey by Newark senior guard Chase Barneys and then scoring the next four points to take a 6-3 lead. Newark countered with the next six points, taking the lead for good at 9-6 on a three-pointer by sophomore forward Jamir Patterson with seven minutes gone in the game. By halftime, the Scarlet Raiders held a 33-19 lead and they led by as many as 31 points (58-27) in the second half.

Barneys finished with a game-high 20 points, while Patterson canned 10 and added six rebounds for the Scarlet Raiders. Junior guard David Logan had a game-high four assists

and

added a team-high seven rebounds as Newark held a 41-27 advantage off the boards.

Azemi finished with 17 points for the Scarlet Raptors, including 13 in the second half. Sophomore guard

Keysean Simmon

d

s

led the Raptors in scoring during the first half, notching six of his eight points. Senior forward

Isaac Destin

collected game highs of eight rebounds and three blocked shots

.

Rutgers-Newark shot 21-for-53 from the floor (39.6 percent) and 8-for-15 (53.3) from the foul line, but the Scarlet Raiders also had nine treys (in 19 attempts), including four by Barneys.

Rutgers-Camden shot 14-for-43 (32.6) from the floor, including only 1-for-10 from three-point range. The Raptors went 9

–

for-13 (69.2) from the foul line.

Rutgers-Camden

plays another NJAC

PET FOR ADOPTION: MEET ANDREW

Meet Andrew

Available for adoption January 16, 2020

The adoption fee for unaltered animals is $350 + plus $75 spay/neuter deposit.

The adoption fee for altered animals is $425.

Please note that we do have transportation available for most of our adoptable pets between NJ and PA locations. In most cases if you are interested in a dog listed in another location we are able to transport the puppy to a closer foster home.

Adoption Process:

Send an email to info@therileyrescue.com requesting an adoption application.

Complete the adoption application and submit it via email.

Once approved an appointment will be set to meet the puppy/dog.

If all goes well at the meeting your new pet will go home with you that same day.

All dogs and puppies have been seen at least once by a licensed veterinarian, have had age appropriate vaccinations and have been deemed healthy for adoption.

About

COAT LENGTH

Short

HEALTH

Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

GOOD IN A HOME WITH

Other dogs, children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK LINK BELOW:

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/andrew-47084368/nj/bellmawr/the-riley-rescue-nj800/

Michelle T. McDevitt, of Bellmawr, age 43

Michelle T. McDevitt, on January 10, 2020, of Bellmawr. Age 43. Beloved daughter of Edward and Marilyn. Loving sister of Melissa Rice (Kirby).

Dear aunt of Kirby and Keagan. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Michelle was a Lead Screener for TSA. She was a Sr. Probation Officer for the Child Support Division for the State of NJ. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania.

She was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Michelle loved to go to Cape May and was and animal lover. She loved spending time with her family, especially her two nephews.

There will be a viewing from 7 to 9pm on Wednesday evening and 8:15 to 9:15am on Thursday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.  Funeral Mass 10am at St. Joachim Parish, Annunciation BVM Church, 601 W. Browning Road Bellmawr. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made in Michelle’s name to St. Joachim Parish or Homeward Bound Animal Adoption. 125 County House Road Blackwood, NJ 08012.

Globetrotter makes crazy catwalk trick shot at Chase Center

(San Francisco – Jan. 2020) Prior to their debut at Chase Center with two games this Saturday, Harlem Globetrotters star Zeus McClurkin made the new arena’s first ever trick shot from the catwalk early this morning.  Following the made basket from the rafters, Zeus challenged Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, stating “Alright Steph, your shot!  I’m pretty sure that’s an H.” – referring to the popular basketball game of H-O-R-S-E.  The video was posted minutes ago and is approved for media (courtesy Harlem Globetrotters).

Via

YouTube

(extended version)

Via

Facebook

(short version)

Earlier this season,  Zeus also proved Curry’s new tunnel shot is makeable, as the trick shot artist made a no-look rainbow shot backwards (

video

).

The Globetrotters will make their Chase Center debut when their new “Pushing the Limits” World Tour comes to San Francisco this Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., as part of seven games in the Bay Area.  The world-famous team will also return to Oakland Arena (formerly Oracle Arena) on Saturday, Jan. 18 for games at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., in addition to SAP Center at San Jose on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 20 for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee at 1 p.m.

A trip to the Bay Area has extra meaning for the Globetrotters in recent years, as the comparison between the Globetrotters and the Golden State Warriors is commonplace for media, fans and players.  The Globetrotters have collaborated with the Warriors on several occasions, including a visit with Stephen Curry in 2018 (

video

) and an introduction of the Globetrotters’ 4-point shot with Klay Thompson in 2017 (

video

).

Cape May Police Arrest NC Man for Pos. of Assault Firearms and other Weapon Related Charges

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Cape May City Police Chief Anthony Marino announce the arrest of Dustin A. Peters, 25 of Wilmington, North Carolina for Possession of Assault Firearms, Unlawful Possession of Handgun,

Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition, high capacity magazines and other weapon related charges.

The investigation is a joint effort of the Cape May Police Department, Coast Guard Police Department, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Cape May County Prosecutors Office, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force.

On January 9, 2020, Peters was stopped by Coast Guard Security for a routine security check on his vehicle at the entrance to the USCG Base TRACEN. During this check Peters was observed to be in possession of hollow point ammunition. As per security protocols a further investigation was initiated and it was discovered that Peters was in possession of a handgun in violation of New Jersey Statutes. At this time as per co- current jurisdiction agreements the Cape May Police Department was brought into the investigation.

Upon further investigation, Peters was found to be in possession of an illegal assault weapon, numerous high capacity magazines for this weapon, body armor, and many rounds of ammunition. It was determined during the course of the investigation that Peters came to the base to attend a graduation ceremony.

Peters was subsequently charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun (2nd Degree), Possession of an Assault Firearm (2nd Degree), Possession of Prohibited Weapon (4th Degree), Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition (4th Degree), and ten counts of Possession of High Capacity Ammunition Magazines (4th Degree). * Peters was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending Court proceedings as per bail reform.

Members of the Cape May County Prosecutors Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force were notified and responded to assist due to the types of weapons and ammunition found and that the incident occurred at a military base.

*Any charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty.