Galloway Township News

The New Jersey State Police Bordentown Station is seeking the public's assistance in locating missing juvenile Jada Johns.

Jada Johns, 16, female, black, 5'5", 195 pounds with blonde medium length hair usually worn in a pony tail, was last seen on 07/21/2013 at a group home in Hainsesport, N.J.

She left in an unknown vehicle and may be in the Camden, N.J. area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bordentown Station at (609)298-1171.

PLEASANTVILLE – An Egg Harbor Township man was found deceased inside a parked vehicle yesterday evening, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

On Wednesday, Aug. 7, at approximately 7 p.m., Pleasantville police responded to the report of an unresponsive male found in a parked pickup truck on the 100 block of Third Street.

Upon arrival, police discovered Theodore Ritcher, 46, of Egg Harbor Township, deceased in the driver’s seat.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene to investigate the death.

The Atlantic County Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of Ritcher’s body and an autopsy was later completed.

Investigation and preliminary autopsy results indicate the manner of death was not homicide. Additional testing is pending to determine the cause of death.

Ritcher’s next of kin have been notified.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

On Tuesday August 6, 2013 at 1:01pm, the Absecon Police responded to Faunce Landing Road in the area of the boat ramp for a vehicle into the Absecon Creek.

Upon arrival, police attempted to locate the vehicle, but it was completely submerged in the creek. The lone occupant of the vehicle was okay and on land. There was no one else in the vehicle.

The vehicle, a 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck and boat trailer was owned by Stanley Carr, 73 year old male from Egg Harbor Township. It was unknown at this time whether human error or equipment failure caused this accident. The NJSP - Marine Bureau will investigate further due to the vehicle going into the Absecon Creek.

Absecon Ambulance Squad Chief Richard Hudson, who is part of the Swift Water Rescue Unit, was able to locate the vehicle and attach cables so that it could be towed from the water. The truck and trailer were submerged in approx 8-10 feet of water. The vehicle and trailer were towed out by Heck’s Towing.

Galloway Township Police interviewed GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher regarding an on-going investigation. The interview which occurred on July 31, 2013, was conducted by Captain Chris Doyle and Detective Sergeant Donna Higbee.

The interview, with permission, was recorded by GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher. We intend to release that recording along with other details involving cooperation by GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher with Galloway Township Police and also with other Law Enforcement Agencies regarding several criminal investigations.

**Please note, GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher is not the subject under investigation regarding any of these investigations with which we are cooperating.

A full story is anticipated to be released by Monday night. Check back for details.

GallowayTwpNews.com previously reported on emails we obtained that allegedly contained Harassment, Consequences and Violation of Policy asserted in emails by Chief of Police Patrick Moran. The release of those emails, in our opinion, thwarted an internal investigation in mid-July that resulted in one Officer allegedly being placed on Administrative Leave with pay and then further allegedly being suspended without pay.

Several sources stated to GallowayTwpNews.com, that an order was allegedly issued by Moran in mid-July stating at least one officer was placed on Administrative Leave with pay. For verification of that information, we submitted a request for comment to Chief Patrick Moran. Moran responded by stating, "internal orders to the department are mainly operational but they could be personnel issues as well. Therefore, in order to avoid an interpretation that may or may not be favorable about an employee(which may violate their rights); I have no comment in regard to your question regarding the status of any employee, assignment of any employee, or the existence of any order. However, all documents you are entitled to under OPRA will be provided appropriately. I am sorry I could not help you any further at this time."

The Publisher of GallowayTwpNews.com was contacted by Captain Chris Doyle and was requested to appear for an interview. We voluntarily agreed to the interview and cooperated with the GTPD.

On July 31, 2013, Galloway Township Police interviewed the Publisher of GallowayTwpNews.com regarding an Investigation involving Release of Information. The interview which lasted a little over two minutes, was in reference to an investigation being conducted in order to identify members of the Police Department who allegedly released information without the authority or consent of the Chief of Police. The interview was conducted by Captain Chris Doyle and Detective Sergeant Donna Higbee.

Click Here for Audio of the Interview.

During the interview, GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher invoked the NJ Shield Law by shielding the information provided to the Publisher by several sources. A law which provides for a reporter's privilege of information provided by sources.

As of August 12, 2013, GallowayTwpNews.com was notified by several sources, that the Officer who was allegedly placed on administrative leave, was now allegedly suspended without pay. Several sources confirmed the name of the Officer that Chief Moran allegedly suspended without pay. Moran was not immediately available for comment regarding the status of that Officer.

GallowayTwpNews.com agrees with the Chief of Police in protecting the rights of the employee. Therefore, we will not be releasing the name of the Officer that is now allegedly suspended. GallowayTwpNews.com will continue to follow-up on the status of this investigation and the status of the employee who is allegedly suspended.

This Investigation with Galloway Township Police was not the first in which GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher has cooperated with Law Enforcement Officials. In June 2013, GallowayTwpNews.com was served with a Subpoena from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office on behalf of the Galloway Township Police Department regarding a Criminal Investigation.

The information sought by the ACPO was not privileged under the NJ Shield Law, therefore, the information from this Publisher had to be provided to the ACPO and GTPD. The ACPO has ordered GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher to not release the "specific information" provided.

GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher is also cooperating with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office on two other investigations. One of those involving Galloway Township and another involving the City of Egg Harbor.

The investigation pertaining to Galloway Township involves at least one current Council memberand a member of the Galloway Township Republican League. GallowayTwpNews.com can not name the Elected Official, GTRL member or the information and documents provided to the ACPO. GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher is fully cooperating with the ACPO regarding this investigation.

GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher will continue to cooperate with all Law Enforcement Agencies that seek information, including providing information as required under New Jersey Law.

PLEASANTVILLE – A Pleasantville man was seriously wounded during a late night shooting yesterday, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Monday, Aug. 12, at approximately 10 p.m., Pleasantville police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of the Marina Del Rey Apartment Complex located on the 100 block of Atlantic Avenue.

Upon arrival, police discovered Jimmy A. Blake, 26, of Pleasantville, suffering from multiple gunshots wounds in front of a nearby residence on Pacific Avenue.

Blake was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, with life- threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized and in critical condition.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Pleasantville Police Department are investigating this shooting. No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes at 609-909-7667 or the Pleasantville Police Department at 609-641-6100.

MAYS LANDING – Three Atlantic County employees have been charged with theft in connection with defrauding the State of hundreds of dollars in welfare benefits following Tropical Storm Irene, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

On July 30, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit issued summonses for theft to three employees of the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development.

Following Tropical Storm Irene, the State of New Jersey in conjunction with Atlantic County conducted a quality assurance review into the administration of the Disaster Food Stamps Program (D-SNAP/Food Stamps) – a program intended to provide food stamp benefits to many households which would not ordinarily be eligible but suddenly need food assistance.

The benefits are administered through the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development, where all three defendants were employed.

Following the quality assurance review, several alleged frauds were identified and forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.

Investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit revealed that Jocelyn Roberts, 58, of Atlantic City, Rheba Lawrence, 77, of Pleasantville, and Janice Dorsey, 51, of Galloway, had all submitted various forms of falsified information in order to receive benefits they were not eligible for.

The charges allege that Roberts falsified an affidavit that she had lost an excess of $500 in food which she had not and unlawfully collected $526 in benefits that she was not entitled to.

Dorsey falsely reported the number of household members residing in her home during the time period as required by the State and therefore received $526 in aid she was not entitled to.

Lawrence falsified her total income by failing to report social security income and unlawfully received $793 in aid she was not entitled to.

All three defendants were charged with third-degree theft and served with summonses to appear in court.

Theft in the third-degree carries a prison sentence of between three to five years in New Jersey State Prison and up to $15,000 in fines. There is a presumption of noncustodial sentences on third degree offenses.

Welfare Fraud can be anonymously reported to the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development – Fraud Investigation Unit by calling the 24-hour Fraud Hotline at: 1-800-FRAUD05 (1-800-372-8305).

***These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public's assistance identifying a male found deceased in the water near 43rd street adjacent to the Lobster Loft restaurant in Sea Isle City, Cape May County.

The unidentified white male is approximately 50 to 65 years old, 5'5" to 5'10", 140 to 150 pounds, wearing black cargo shorts and a tan short sleeve collared shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police at (609)561-1800 ext. 3355

The Absecon Police Department is investigating a pedestrian motor vehicle accident that occurred on the White Horse Pike near Shore Road on Thursday August 15th at 11:15 pm.

The pedestrian, Harry DellaPietro, 49 of Absecon was illegally crossing the roadway when he jumped over the concrete median into the eastbound lane. He was then struck by a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer operated by Ivan Escano, 23 of Bayone.

Mr. DellaPietro was transported to the Atlanticare Mainland Division hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He and another pedestrian were issued summonses for improper crossing of the roadway. The driver was not injured.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at 609-641-0667. The accident is being investigated by Ptl. Daniel Krause.

Mayor Don Purdy

Over the past several months GallowayTwpNews.com has received several tips regarding Mayor Don Purdy's towing business, DP Towing. These tips began when the Township decided to amend the Township's Towing Ordinance to raise fees that may have benefited the Mayor's Towing business. Those tips were not the only thing GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher received.

After GallowayTwpNews.com posted a status on our Facebook Page on June 13, 2013, that evening we received texts and a phone call from a close friend of Mayor Don Purdy. The request was to take down several comments on our Facebook page regarding the Mayor's Towing Business or face specific consequences on behalf of Mayor Don Purdy. That incident, as well as other texts and phone calls involving that individual and Mayor Don Purdy have since been turned over to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office for Investigation.

GallowayTwpNews.com has and will continue to report on the Mayor's Towing Business and any other stories involving the Township, despite that particular incident.

One of the tips we received lead us directly to an email sent by Chief of Police Patrick Moran to Don Purdy regarding a Towing Violation in 2010. The tips continued to pour in and further tips lead us to a complaint that was filed with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office against Don Purdy and his business of DP Towing in October 2011.

GallowayTwpNews.com provided a copy of the report to Haleigh Waltz, Public Information Officer of the ACPO for a request for comment and for additional documents involving this complaint. Waltz stated, "ACPO has no documents available responsive to your request." Waltz also asked, "Was this document received in response to an OPRA Request?" In response, Township Clerk TC Kay provided the ACPO report to this Publisher in response to an OPRA Request we filed.

Detective Tracey Thompson and Sergeant Heather McManus are listed as the investigating officers for the ACPO Complaint in 2011. To our knowledge, Thompson is the same Detective from the ACPO that is also investigating threats sent to former Mayor Keith Hartman in 2011.

Additional documents were released by the Township, through the Police Department and the Township Clerk regarding several complaints against Purdy. The complaint filed with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office accused Purdy of overcharging and also working on Township Vehicles without going through the proper bidding process.

GallowayTwpNews.com is aware of several Municipal and County contracts Purdy has held over the years. We are also aware of Purdy's business with several of Galloway's Fire Department's to work on their vehicles, that are specifically owned by the Fire Departments and not the Township.

Other complaints filed were in reference to Purdy showing up to accidents in attempt to solicit business. According to the report from the Galloway Township Police Department, that complaint was unfounded.

Chief of Police Patrick Moran was not immediately available for comment. Our questions to the Chief were, "Were you aware of these continuous complaints, as well as, in your letter to DP Towing regarding an incident at Absegami High School in 2010, you indicated further violations would constitute progressive discipline. Did the Township include the 2011 ACPO complaint as part of the progressive discipline with this Towing Licensee. If so, what steps were taken? If not, what was the result of the Township's Investigation regarding the ACPO complaint?"

We will update the story if Moran responds to our request for comment.

We have released the complaints below regarding Mayor Don Purdy and DP Towing.

DP TOWING by GallowayTwpNews

GT Towing Violations by GallowayTwpNews

DP Towing Complaint by GallowayTwpNews

On August 17, 2013 at approximately 5:39 PM Galloway Township Police responded to a residence on Cherokee Dr for a report of a burglary. Samson Jenkins, 19, of Galloway was located as a suspect.

During the investigation Officer Jacqueline Crocker located a male suspect in a nearby wooded area who was bleeding from several cuts. Upon further investigation it was learned that the suspect, Samson Jenkins, had cut himself while breaking a second story window in order to enter the victim’s residence.

Stolen property from the residence was located on Jenkins as well as additional property from a burglary that was reported the day prior on Club Place. Additional stolen property including jewelry and electronics was located in the immediate area.

Jenkins was charged with two counts of burglary and theft. A warrant was issued and he was transported to the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $40,000 bail.

Officer Jacqueline Crocker and Detective Brian Casey are the arresting officers.

Credit: Purdy Collision

Hundreds Expected to Turn Out in Response to South Jersey Blood Shortage

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ (August 19, 2013) –For the second straight year, Kline Construction Company, Inc. has teamed up with Purdy Collision Centerto organize a blood drive scheduled for September 3 in response to the severely depleted blood supply in Southern New Jersey. Hundreds of Kline Construction workers and business partners will be rolling up their sleeves to donate, along with hundreds more expected as the drive is also open to the public.

While providing construction and traffic safety services to improve New Jersey’s infrastructure is his business, the true passion of Kline Construction President, Ed Kline, is in serving his community. It's that spirit to serve that has inspired his management and workers to partner with the American Red Cross to organize the blood drive.

“Being fortunate enough to have hundreds of employees at Kline Construction, we knew by hosting a blood drive and working together we could do our part to contribute to growing the blood supply in our area,” says Ed Kline, CEO of Kline Construction. “Only three out of every 100 people currently donate blood, so the American Red Cross strongly encourages and supports blood drives of this type.”

Kline’s facility doesn’t have the space needed for the drive so Galloway Township Mayor, Don Purdy, sprang into action and offered his showroom at Purdy Collision Center.

“We know Ed’s team and mine will be here donating the gift of life, but I hope the public will come out and support this drive as well,” says Mayor Purdy. “It’s not only important to give for others but you never know when you or a loved one may need blood.”

The Blood Drive will take place on Tuesday, September 3 from 6:30am to 11:30am at Purdy Collision Center (805 Third Avenue, Galloway). Appointments are preferred. For an appointment or information, please contact Ron Muchnick by calling (609) 652-3000 or sign up online at redcrossblood.org (Sponsor Code: klineconstruction).

For more information on participating in blood drives call 1-800-Red Cross.

Law enforcement officers from Galloway Township will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2013 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning August 16 and running through September 2, Galloway Township Police will join with other local and state law enforcement officers throughout New Jersey in order to locate motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period.

“Recent surveys indicate that many people harbor the dangerous belief that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road, in danger.”

In 2012 alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 19 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2013 crackdown offer the following advice:

If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Spend the night where the activity is held.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.

BURGLARIES:

August 5 on Aloe Street

CFS 811   ARRESTS 42
FIRE 24   TICKETS 100
DV 10 MVA 16
EMS 84   DWI 5

ARRESTS:

Jesse Lacey, 25, of Little Egg Harbor was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for robbery, 3 counts of possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a hypodermic needle on August 5.

Brittany A. Benedetto-Lacey, 30, of Little Egg Harbor was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for conspiracy, robbery, 3 counts of possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a hypodermic needle on August 5.

Kelly Ann Diaz, 23, of Plantation, FL. was arrested by Ofc. Bill Kline for possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic needle on August 5.

Steven R. Sims, 25, of Absecon was arrested by Ofc. Carolyn Buckley for DWI and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on August 6.

Roberto C. Diaz, 29, of Hamilton Twp. was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Costa for two charges of driving while suspended for previous DWI suspensions and DWI on August 6.

David M. Ciritron, 20, of Absecon was arrested by Ofc. Kerry Baerman for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on Aug 6.

Dawn M. Thiel, 48, of Egg Harbor Twp. was arrested by SLEO James Mulholland for DWI on August 6.

David J. Zelvis, 23, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker for DWI on August 6.

Kaveen L. Dudley, 31, of Galloway and Rashawn A. Moore, 32, Pleasantville were arrested by Ofc. Vincent Ceci for receiving stolen property on August 8.

Jamale S. Paige, 33, of Collingswood was arrested by SLEO Kyle Kuhar for hindering apprehension on August 9.

Andrew L. Smiley, 29, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on August 10.

Edward D. Branch, 25, of Newark was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for hindering apprehension on August 10.

Mark A Bankes, 42, of Boothwyn PA was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for DWI on August 10.

Maclovio C. Morales, 38, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on August 10.

Per Galloway Township Police Department, persons listed here as arrestees are considered innocent until or unless otherwise adjudicated otherwise in court.

Galloway Police responded to the Smithville Jeweler located in Historic Smithville Village on August 21, 2013 at 3:48pm for the report of a jewelry theft in the amount of $2,000. The accused, Marilyn A Mazzella of Staten Island New York took several items and fled the store into a vehicle she had waiting North on Route 9.

Mazzella and her vehicle were located by responding patrol officers shortly after the 9-1-1 call was put out. Mazzella resisted arrest while being taken into custody and was also found in possession of illegal prescription narcotics. All stolen property was subsequently recovered and turned over to Smithville Jeweler. Mazzella was lodged Atlantic County Justice Facility default of $7,500 full cash bail.

Officer Gary Brenner and Officer Steven Garrison are the investigating Officers.

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic City man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of a 6-month-old baby last year, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

Wednesday, Aug. 21, Daquan Davis, 20, entered a guilty plea to the most serious charge he faced – first-degree aggravated manslaughter.

During his plea, Davis admitted to shaking a 6-month-old baby boy on Sept. 13, 2012, which resulted in the death of the child.

The baby was left in Davis’ care at the mother’s Atlantic City apartment while she was at work. When the victim’s mother returned home from work at approximately 4 a.m., she found her son unresponsive and called 911.

The Atlantic City Police Department responded to the scene at the School House Apartment Complex located on North Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The baby was subsequently pronounced dead a short time later.

Following a joint investigation between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department, Davis was arrested that evening. Davis was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $750,000 full cash bail.

On Feb. 26, 2013, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Davis, on charges of aggravated manslaughter, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

In accordance with the plea agreement, Davis will receive a 12-year New Jersey State Prison sentence subject to the No Early release Act (NERA). Davis must serve 85- percent or approximately 10 years and two months before becoming eligible for parole.

Davis will be sentenced on October 25, 2013 by Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor.

MAYS LANDING A Pleasantville man was found guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal accident that claimed the life of an 88-year-old Atlantic City woman in 2011, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain stated.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, an Atlantic County jury convicted Jean A. Sene, 54, of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

On December 3, 2011, Sene was involved in a fatal accident which resulted in the death of Bu Do Jo. While crossing the1300 block of Pacific Avenue, Jo was allegedly struck by a taxicab driven by Sene and then fatally struck by a jitney. After the accident Sene fled the scene.

Following the accident, Sene continued to operate his cab and was stopped by police two and half hours later and charged with Title 39 (traffic and motor vehicle violations).

Office Fatal Collisions Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department, Sene was arrested and criminally charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Throughout the three-day long trial, the defense alleged that Sene had not struck the victim, but rather that she had fallen while walking across the street.

The State, represented by Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy, submitted that Sene had in fact struck the victim with his taxicab causing her to fall into the path of a jitney and then fled the scene.

After less than 30 minutes of deliberation the jury returned a guilty verdict.Following the verdict, the Court revoked Senes bail and remanded him into custody.

Sene will be sentenced on Sept. 27 By Superior Court Judge Mark Sandson.

Leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a crime of the second-degree, carries a state prison sentence of between five to 10 years and up to $150,000 in fines.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County -909-http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652- 1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

MAYS LANDING – Two former Voorhees residents, who were captured after fleeing the country, were sentenced for their involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a Somerdale man in Hammonton nearly three years ago, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

This morning, Dennis Catania, 51, was sentenced to 25 years and Diana Camacho, 28, to nine years in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Ross Heimlich, who was discovered inside a burning vehicle in Hammonton on Sept. 29, 2010.

Last month, both Camacho and Catania entered into guilty plea agreements. On Wednesday, July 10, Camacho pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and agreed to testify against Catania – her co-conspirator. The next day Catania pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.

A third defendant in the case, Damien M. Leo, 38, of Philadelphia, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter in May 2012 and agreed to testify against both Camacho and Catania.

At time of the murder, Heimlich had been missing from Voorhees for a day when Hammonton police and fire personnel responded to 3:18 a.m. 911 report of a car-fire on the 100 block of Linda Avenue in Hammonton. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. Charred human remains discovered inside the car after the fire was extinguished required weeks of forensic investigation to positively identify Heimlich.

An autopsy determined that Heimlich had been struck in the head, but was unable to determine if he was dead at the time of the car-fire.

Following the homicide, Catania and Camacho fled the United States.

A year-long collaborative investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Hammonton Police Department, the Voorhees Police Department, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force led to the criminal charges and the arrests of all three defendants.

On Aug. 11, 2011, Leo was arrested in Philadelphia and extradited to Atlantic County.

Authorities tracked Catania and Camacho, who fled to Florida, then various Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas and finally Cuba – where they were apprehended and returned to the U.S. by U.S. Marshal’s deputies and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office detectives on Sept. 28, 2011.

In accordance with the plea agreements, Catania received a 25 year prison sentence for aggravated manslaughter, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). He must serve 85-percent or 21 years and three months of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Camacho received a nine year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit murder, also subject to NERA. She must serve seven years and seven months before becoming eligible for parole, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Maher, who represented the State in the matter.

Leo’s sentencing has been postponed until Aug. 30. In accordance with his plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to nine years in New Jersey State Prison.

A Lawsuit has been filed against Galloway Township and Township Clerk Thalia C. Kay in her official capacity as Municipal Clerk and Records Custodian of Galloway Township. The lawsuit was filed by Walter M. Luers, Esq., on behalf of John Paff. Paff is the chairman of the New Jersey Libertarian Party's Open Government Advocacy Project.

The lawsuit filed in Atlantic County Superior Court on August 19, 2013, alleges the Township refused to provide Paff with "copies of emails logs that they are capable of producing and have produced in the past."

According to the complaint, on June 28, 2013, Paff submitted an Open Public Records Request seeking an email log "that shows e-mails sent by the Township Clerk between June 3, 2013 and June 17, 2013" and "that shows e-mails sent by the Township Police Chief between June 3, 2013 and June 17, 2013." Paff also submitted a copy of an e-mail log previously released by the Township in a previous OPRA Request, showing the documents clearly exist.

On July 8, 2013, Kay denied access to the requested records, stating that "IT is unable to provide logs on email communication." The complaint alleges, "on prior occasions and in response to prior OPRA Requests, Defendants have provided similar e-mail logs and, on information and belief, Defendants continue to be able to provide such logs."

According to a Letter Brief submitted to the Court by Luers, the defendant flatly disputes that e-mails logs are not able to be provided. "In the event that the Defendants claim that they lack the capability to create email logs, we request a plenary hearing on that issue and an opportunity to subpoena and present the testimony of the employee or employees of Galloway Township who previously created the email logs that were provided to the public as well as testimony of the Township Clerk."

Paff is requesting the Court to order Defendants to release the email logs as requested along with awarding Plaintiff costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and for such other or further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

After reviewing the complaint, GallowayTwpNews.com Publisher has been a member of the public that has received email logs in response to several OPRA Requests we have filed under this website as well as private citizen and employee of the Township in 2011.

GallowayTwpNews.com has also OPRA'd emails from the email logs provided by the Township Clerk as requested by the Township. GallowayTwpNews.com has provided copies of the OPRA Requests from Township Clerk TC Kay to John Paff, showing the Township previously providing those email logs in response to our OPRA Requests.

Screen Shot of Email Logs Produced by the Township and Released to GTN

The Township also releases the OPRA Log, of which we publish periodically on our site that also shows the Township fulfilling the same request in January 2013 that they have now denied to Paff.

We have provided a copy of the complaint filed by John Paff as well as an email sent to GallowayTwpNews.com by Township Clerk TC Kay fulfilling an OPRA request for email logs to this Publisher in January 2013. Township Manager, Township Solicitor and the Deputy Clerk were all copied on the email with the fulfillment of that request.

A request for comment was submitted to Township Clerk TC Kay, Township Manager Arch Liston and Township Solicitor Michael Fitzgerald. GallowayTwpNews.com did not receive a response.

A request for comment was also sent to John Paff. Paff stated he had "no particular comment" regarding the complaint.

Galloway OPRA Request : December 31, 2012 by GallowayTwpNews

PAFF01 by GallowayTwpNews

MAYS LANDING – A Linwood man was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 2011, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

On Friday, Aug. 23, Stephen Giannantonio, 58, of the 2200 block of Shore Road, was sentenced in connection with inappropriately sexually touching a 12-year-old Somers Point boy who was left in his care.

Linwood police began investigating Giannantonio after family members of the boy reported that on Nov. 9, 2011, Giannantonio – a friend of the boy’s father – had inappropriately touched the boy while he was babysitting him at his Linwood home.

On Nov. 13, 2011, Linwood police arrested Giannantonio and charged him with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

On June 4, 2013, Giannantonio pleaded guilty to the most serious offense – second- degree sexual assault.

In accordance with the plea agreement, which spared the victim and his family the burden of a public trial, the defendant – who has no prior criminal convictions – was sentenced in the third-degree range at the discretion of the Court.

“The boy’s father left his son in the care of the defendant whom he trusted and in turn the defendant chose to victimize the boy instead,” argued Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer during sentencing.

Giannantonio is required to serve 85-percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole Under the No Early Release Act (NERA). In addition, Giannantonio is required to register as a sex offender in accordance with Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life, according to Flammer.

NJ State Police Seeking Public Assistance in Locating a Missing Juvenile

Egg Harbor Township Man Found Deceased in Parked Car in Pleasantville

Absecon Police Locate Vehicle and Boat Trailer Submerged in Absecon Creek

Galloway Township Police Interview Publisher Regarding Ongoing Investigation; Publisher Cooperates with Law Enforcement Agencies

Publisher Cooperates with Galloway Police and Atlantic County Prosecutors Office Regarding Several Investigations

Pleasantville Man in Critical Condition after Suffering from Multiple Gunshot Wounds

Three Atlantic County Employees Including Galloway Resident Charged with Theft

The NJSP is seeking the public's assistance identifying a white male found deceased in the water in Sea Isle City

Absecon Police Investigating Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Accident on White Horse Pike

Tips & Complaints against Mayor Don Purdy's Towing Business Leads to more than just Investigations

Galloway Police Arrest Male Suspect for Two Burglaries; Cherokee and Club Drive

Kline Construction and Purdy Collision Center to Host Blood Drive For Second Consecutive Year

Galloway Township Police to Participate in “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

Galloway Township Police Blotter – August 4-10, 2013

Galloway Police Arrest Staten Island Woman in Jewelry Theft at Smithville Jewelry Store

Atlantic City Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in Shaking Death of 6-month-old Baby

Pleasantville Man Found Guilty of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident

Former Voorhees Residents Sentenced in the Kidnapping and Murder of Somersdale Man

Updated: Lawsuit Filed Against Galloway Township Clerk for Denying Access to the Chief of Police and Clerks Email Logs

Linwood Man Sentenced to Three Years for Sexual Assault of 12-year old boy; Must register as sex offender