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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Assaulting Woman in Atlantic City

September 20, 2013, 3:38 pm
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MAYS LANDING – A Philadelphia man was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for assaulting a Philadelphia woman while visiting Atlantic City last summer, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Friday, Sept. 20, Kevin Street, 43, who is the nephew of a former Philadelphia Mayor, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in New Jersey State Prison for second-degree aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
On Aug. 23, 2012, Street assaulted a 50-year-old woman whom he was in a domestic relationship with. While Street and the victim were staying at an Atlantic City hotel, an altercation between the two occurred. During the altercation, Street punched the victim in the face with enough force to shatter the woman’s orbital bone.

The victim fled the hotel room and flagged down Atlantic City Police Officer Michael Oldroyd, who rendered aid to the victim and called for emergency medical services. The victim was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, and treated for serious bodily injuries.
Later that day, Officer Oldroyd identified the defendant when he spotted him walking down an Atlantic City street. While the officer was placing Street into custody, he resisted arrested.
Assistant Prosecutor Tracey O’Brien represented the State in a two-day-long trial against Street last month, which resulted in the conviction of the defendant for the most serious offenses.
“Domestic Violence is a serious crime, which we will continue to prosecute vigorously,” O’Brien stated following sentencing.
Pursuant to the No Early Release Act (NERA), Street must serve 85-percent, or eight years and six months of his 10-year sentence—in addition to a consecutive 6-month sentence for resisting arrest—before he can become eligible for parole.
Street was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Albert Garofolfo.
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.
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Christie Administration teams up with the NY Jets for the 4th annual NY Jets Dream Express for Children with Autism

September 21, 2013, 7:44 am
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Football team hosts children and adults with autism at Sunday’s game

(East Rutherford)– The Christie Administration is teaming up with the New York Jets this weekend to host a group of children and young adults with autism, their families, and program staff at the Jets football game at MetLife Stadium.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ TRANSIT are partnering with the Jets for the fourth annual New York Jets Dream Express event that includes free tickets and refreshments for the group courtesy of the Jets, and complimentary NJ TRANSIT travel to and from Secaucus Junction.

This year’s event will benefit children who attend the Allegro School in Cedar Knolls and adults living in an Allegro group home. The school serves approximately 105 students ages 3-21 from 10 counties in Northern and Central New Jersey, and another 75 children and adults through its outreach and adult programs.  
“Fall brings the excitement of a new school year as well as the start of a new football season. The New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ TRANSIT are honored to work with the New York Jets to give the Allegro students and program participants, as well as their family members, an opportunity to participate in an American tradition and enjoy a fun-filled day at the game,” said NJDOT Assistant Commissioner Anthony Attanasio.
“NJ TRANSIT is very pleased to participate with the Christie Administration by supporting an event that will provide children and their families and teachers with an exciting day that will create lasting memories,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jim Weinstein. 
"Allegro School is truly grateful for this opportunity. Community access for children and adults with autism is often limited. It is our job as administrators, care givers, and family members to create community-based opportunities.  This is neither an easy or simple task,” Allegro School and Programs Executive Director Deborah Lewinson said.   “The New Jersey Jets and the New Jersey Department of Transportation have eased this path. As a result I expect the Jets will have a whole new fan group cheering them on and NJDOT will have many new train enthusiasts."

About 20 students who attend the school or adults who live in an Allegro group home, along with their family members, and school and program staff members will be attending the game.
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Richard Stockton College Partners with Zipcar for Rental Services

November 7, 2013, 7:20 pm
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Zipcar.com
Galloway Township, NJ- The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey today launched a new partnership with Zipcar, Inc., the world’s leading car-sharing network, to offer Zipcar services on campus.

The convenient transportation option is now available at an affordable rate, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and over. 

Stockton College will initially offer two vehicles, a Ford Focus and Toyota Prius, which will be located in campus parking lot 7. Zipcars are available on-demand and can be easily reserved and accessed at any time at www.zipcar.com/stockton.

This year, Stockton College members can join for $25, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35. Gas, insurance, a reserved parking spot and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. Stockton students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar on the website.

“Richard Stockton College is excited to partner with Zipcar to offer this service to our students, faculty and staff,” said Trish Krevetski, assistant vice president for Auxiliary Services at Stockton. “This program will help our community to be more mobile, while supporting alternative transportation methods as well as improving parking and increasing sustainability efforts. Richard Stockton College is a known innovator in sustainable practices in New Jersey and this service is a great addition to those efforts.”
Participating members with smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, may download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle. Reservations can also be made over the phone or on Zipcar’s website.  

“Together with Richard Stockton College, we're enabling this next generation of drivers to experience a new generation of cars and transportation in a way that is both convenient and cost-effective, not to mention fun,” said Katelyn Lopresti, general manager for Zipcar University.

With the new Zipcar program available on campus, student organizations at Stockton also now have the opportunity to participate in the “Students with Drive” grant program sponsored by Zipcar and Ford Motor Company, which provides students with Zipcar membership and driving credit to support student organizations on campus.

Through the Students with Drive grant program, Ford and Zipcar will provide $300,000 in grants to be awarded to student organizations at eligible Zipcar colleges and universities. The program is running now through April 2014 and will culminate with one student organization being awarded a grand prize of $5,000 in Zipcar driving credit, $10,000 in cash for the student organization to put toward its cause and $10,000 in cash to be awarded to the student organization’s school. For more information and to participate in the program, students can visit the “Students with Drive” tab on Zipcar’s University Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ZipcarU.

Zipcar has established relationships with more than 300 universities across North America. For more information and how to become a member of Zipcar at Stockton College, please visit www.zipcar.com/stockton. Additional information and promotions can also being found by following @ZipcarU on Twitter.


About Zipcar

Zipcar, the world's leading car sharing network, has operations in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for smart, simple and convenient solutions to their urban and campus transportation needs. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a global leader in car sharing and vehicle rental services. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.
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Manahawkin Man Arrested for Bank Robbery of TD Bank in Absecon

November 8, 2013, 12:19 pm
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Absecon Police have announced the arrest of the bank robber suspect for the robbery that occurred on September 25, 2013 at the TD Bank located at 601 White Horse Pike in Absecon. 
On November 4, 2013 the Delaware River Port Authority Police Department arrested David R. Conklin, age 32 of Manahawkin NJ. Conklin had been identified as the suspect who committed the robbery.

Conklin was charged with robbery and theft. He was also wanted by State Parole for an I.S.P. violation. 
Bail was set at $100,000.00 cash for the robbery and theft. He was lodged in the Camden County Correctional Facility.
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Galloway Fire Department Provides Assistance to Absecon for House Fire

November 8, 2013, 12:33 pm
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On November 8th, 2013 the Absecon Police Department responded to assist the Absecon Fire Department with a residential house fire. 
Neighbors called 911 reporting smoke coming from the home at 202 Wynnewood Drive, located in the Shores section of Absecon. The residents were not home at the time of the fire. 
The Absecon Fire Department, with the assistance of the Pleasantville Fire Department, the Galloway Township Fire Department as well as the Absecon Ambulance Squad, quickly extinguished the fire, with no reported injuries. 

At the time of this report, the Absecon Fire Department is still investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire.
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Publisher to Appear on the King Arthur Show at 8:05 a.m. on WIBG 1020 Radio

November 8, 2013, 3:19 pm
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Lisa Tilton - All Rights Reserved
Publisher of Galloway Township News, Lisa Tilton will appear on the King Arthur Show on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8:05 a.m. (Revised Time)

Tune in on the AM dial to 1020 Station or listen online here. 

We also will give a recap of what has been happening in Galloway Township including Election Results and what Galloway Township News has ready on the forefront after election day. 

Don't miss out, tune in!
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Hammonton Man Struck and Killed by On-Duty Mullica Township Police Patrol Vehicle

November 8, 2013, 3:24 pm
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MULLICA TWP – The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a Hammonton man who was struck by a Mullica Township Police patrol vehicle early this morning, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, shortly before 5 a.m., Frank Perri, Jr., 44, was fatally struck by the vehicle of on-duty police officer Ryan Hutton.
At the time of the accident, Officer Hutton was investigating the discovery of an abandoned vehicle, which was found crashed into a pole and disabled on the northbound side of Weymouth Road, in Mullica Township.

Hamilton Township Police, who had initially encountered the crashed vehicle, were unable to locate a driver upon discovery.
As officer Hutton was patrolling the crash area, Perri, the alleged driver of the disabled vehicle, allegedly entered the roadway directly in the path of the officer’s moving vehicle and was struck.
Perry sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Hutton was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus, for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of Perri’s body for completion of an autopsy.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing. Anyone with information pertaining to this crash is asked to call the Crash Investigations Unit at 609-909-7692.
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Galloway's New Bond Ordinance for Tax Appeals Guaranteed to Raise Tax Rate for Next Three Years

November 10, 2013, 7:51 am
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Kevin Krumaker - Facebook
In October 2013 Galloway Council authorized the borrowing of as much as $1.58 million for tax-appeal refunds. On November 5th - Election Night – the township website announced the intent to borrow an additional $2.14 million to cover more appeals. 

Interestingly, the Galloway Township manager performed the calculations just in time for that information to be released to the public on Election Night!  Obviously this borrowing that will increase the township debt was withheld from the public because it would have impacted negatively on the current administration and affected the voting on November 5th.

The opportunity to pay tax appeal settlements with bonds rather than out of the operating budget happens because the Council faces a budget that exceeds the state-mandated cap. The budget shortfall can be explained in part due to the flat funding of state aid, a lack of surplus and failure on the part of Council to act in a timely manner to falling home values.

The Governor provided municipalities a way to circumvent his own “Tax cap” law by signing a law which states the following:

“Any municipality that has ended the previous budget year with a deficit in operations caused, whether in whole or in part, by obligations created from tax appeals, may issue notes with the approval of the Local Finance Board on such conditions as the Local Finance Board deems appropriate. The amount of notes authorized pursuant to this provision shall not exceed the cash payments or tax credits due to tax appeals and shall be authorized by a bond ordinance approved by the Local Finance Board.”


This means that Townships, like Galloway, will be allowed to finance operating expenses through the “back door”. Think of it as paying your electric bill with a home equity loan. Does anyone think this is a good idea or fiscally sound?

Letter to the Editor by Kevin Krumaker
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Atlantic City Man Found Fatally Shot in Hotel Room in Egg Harbor Township

November 10, 2013, 4:54 pm
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EGG HARBOR TWP. — An Atlantic City man was found fatally shot at the Howard Johnson Inn Sunday morning, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Nov. 10, at approximately 11 a.m., Egg Harbor Township Police responded to the report of a man found by hotel staff dead inside the Howard Johnson Inn, located on the 6000 block of the Black Horse Pike.
Upon arrival on scene, police discovered the body of Kaneil Harris, 22, who had been fatally shot, in the hotel hallway.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit was dispatched to the scene and is leading this homicide investigation in conjunction with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. The victim's next of kin have been notified.
Charges have not been filed at this time. Additional information is forthcoming.
Anyone with information pertaining to this homicide is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7800 or the Egg Harbor Township Police Department at 609-927-5200.

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.
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10-year-old Pianist to Perform at Stockton's Kramer Hall Art Gallery

November 10, 2013, 8:28 pm
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Cole T. Griscom
Galloway, NJ – Stockton’s Kramer Hall celebrates Hammonton’s Third Thursday on Nov. 21, 2013 with a performance by 10-year-old Cole T. Griscom, a budding pianist who will perform several classical arrangements along with some of his original scores. 
Cole is a fifth grade enrichment student at the Warren E. Sooy Elementary School who began formal piano instruction with Susan Watson Leiser of Hammonton just over a year ago.
He will play during the Noyes Museum’s Photography Opening of “Raw,” which runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Stockton’s Kramer Hall Art Gallery, 30 Front St. 

Hundreds of images were submitted and the top 40 were chosen for this juried exhibition of images pertaining to New Jersey’s raw spirit, capturing the beauty and diversity of the state’s lands, people, animals, water and other aspects of nature.
Throughout his short time studying piano, Cole has been tackling pieces representing the Baroque, Classical and Romantic time periods.  Excelling at a rapid pace, he began to write his own music. He says he finds inspiration from his favorite romantic composers Chopin and Liszt.  His compositions range from a melodious Minuet to a mysterious Waltz to the contrasting movements showcased in his  Sonata No. 1. 
When asked how he writes his music, Cole explains, “It’s like my fingers have their own little brains.”
Cole’s recent performances include the 2013 Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival and the Susan Watson Leiser Piano Studio, Spring Recital. He has attended the Southern New Jersey Consortium for the gifted and talented Saturday program at the Galloway Township Middle School since first grade, enhancing his studies in geography, math, computers, science, art and drama. This past summer, he participated in the Hammonton Youth Theater’s musical theater production of Roald Dahl’s, “Willy Wonka.”  
Cole is the son of Lee and Laurie Griscom of Hammonton. Cole’s mother, Laurie, is director of Event Services and Campus Center Operations at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. 
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call (609) 626-3840.
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Pleasantville Man Charged with Weapon Offenses Following Homicide of Atlantic City Man

November 11, 2013, 2:37 pm
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MAYS LANDING— A Pleasantville man has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon following the homicide of an Atlantic City man Sunday morning, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Nov. 11, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office charged George Neewilly, who turned 23 today, with second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and fourth-degree aggravated assault with a firearm.
Neewilly was taken into custody at a Pleasantville residence yesterday following the homicide of Kaneil Harris, 21, who was discovered fatally shot inside the Howard Johnson Inn, located in Egg Harbor Township.

During the course of the homicide investigation, detectives discovered that subsequent to the homicide taking place, Neewilly discharged a handgun into a hotel room near where the victim was found. Neewilly is not charged as the shooter of the victim.
Neewilly has been lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility In lieu of $150,000 full cash bail.
The Medical Examiner has completed an autopsy of the victim, which declared the cause of death to be a single gunshot wound and the manner of death homicide.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Egg Harbor Township and Pleasantville Police Departments are continuing to investigate this homicide.
Anyone with information pertaining to this homicide is asked to call Major Crimes at 609-909-7666.

***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.
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Appointment of 'Hearing Officer', Stockton PILOT Agreement and a Landlord Responsibility Ordinance Top This Weeks Council Agenda

November 11, 2013, 8:19 pm
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Galloway Township Council has a full agenda set for the Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Council Meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Beginning with a Ordinance entitled Landlord Responsibility is set for a Public Hearing and final vote for adoption. 

The Ordinance was initiated after resident, Dan Carew voiced his concern at a recent Council Meeting.

Galloway Police previously broke up a large college party on Leeds Point Road in September 2013 and issued several summons for a Noise Ordinance violation. Police discovered over 200 people at that party. The new Ordinance is to hold Landlords responsible after three Quality of Life violations have been issued to the same property in a eighteen (18) month period.

Galloway Council is also set to vote on two (2) Resolutions authorizing the Township Manager to execute two (2) agreements with Richard Stockton College. The first agreement is for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes for the Seaview Stockton Hotel located on US Route 9. Stockton and the Township currently have a three (3) year agreement that is due to expire in December 2013. That Stockton PILOT Agreement was for $300,000 for three (3) years.

The new agreement is also slated for $300,000 for 2014. Arch Liston arbitrarily announced at the October 22, 2013, that he worked on an agreement with Stockton that would increase each year, for three years, starting with $300,000 for 2014, $310,000 for 2015 and $315,000 for 2016.

The second agreement with Richard Stockton College is a Payment in Lieu of Taxes for the other properties that include houses Stockton owns. The Township previously had an agreement with Stockton and is set to renew that agreement at a rate of 20% of the total amount of real property taxes, per property, the College would normally be responsible for, if the property was not tax exempt.

Council also is set to vote on a Resolution to appoint a Hearing Officer for a Personnel Issue. The Resolution lists Robert A. Verry, CPM, MA, MBA as the individual to receive this professional service, that would be issued without competitive bidding. The contract is set at a rate of $120.00 per hour, not to exceed $5,000. Verry specializes as a Disciplinary Hearing Officer, yet the Agenda does not specify the title of "Disciplinary" as the Hearing Officer.

According to Verry's website, he specializes in Police Misconduct, Labor Relations, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, Guidelines and Disciplines. Verry is the author of a book called Mechanics of a Police Internal Affairs Investigation.  It is our understanding several Internal Investigations are currently being conducted within the Police Department. 

In a request for comment, Detective Sergeant Donna Higbee could not confirm if this appointment was related to any Police Department matter. 

Galloway Township News previously reported, Publisher Lisa Tilton was cooperating with the Galloway Township Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office on several investigations.


On July 31, 2013, Galloway Township Police interviewed the Publisher of Galloway Township News 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.

Audio of Interview:

During the interview, Galloway Township News 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. 

At the time, Galloway Township News 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 Patrick Moran allegedly suspended without pay. Moran was not immediately available at that time for comment regarding the status of that Officer. 

Currently, the status of the employee is still allegedly suspended with no Reason of Separation listed, leaving that Officer still an employee of the Township. 

Galloway Township Council Meeting is located 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Roads, in Council Chambers and the meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
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Christie Administration Urges Safe and Proper Use of Woodstoves and Fireplaces in Cold Weather Months

November 12, 2013, 7:53 pm
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TRENTON - With colder weather prompting increased use of woodstoves and fireplaces in homes across the state, the Department of Environmental Protection is reminding New Jersey residents to exercise caution and consideration of fellow residents and the environment when burning wood for heat.
“Homeowners who have fireplaces or woodstoves should find an abundance of wood available this year as many trees were downed or removed after Superstorm Sandy,” said DEP Assistant Commissioner of Environmental management Jane Kozinski. “But it’s important to remember that wood smoke does contain pollutants and there are steps you can take to minimize your impact on the environment, on your neighbor’s air quality and your own safety.”

Wood smoke contains fine particles that can contribute to air pollution. But by following a few key steps, in concert with having a properly installed and maintained woodstove or fireplace, residents can greatly reduce or eliminate smoke while burning wood.
The DEP recommends the following guidelines:
  • Allow wood to season for at least six months before burning it, meaning the wood should sit outdoors for at least this period of time. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood. Wood gathered after Superstorm Sandy is most likely dry enough now for proper burning but the longer the wood sits before burning, the better that the wood will burn, provided it is stored in a dry place.
  • Use a wood moisture meter to test the moisture content of wood. Wood burns most efficiently when its moisture content is below 20 percent.
  • Store wood, stacked neatly off the ground with the top covered to avoid rainwater. Start fires with newspaper and dry kindling and keep them burning hot.
  • Regularly remove ashes to ensure proper airflow.
  • Never burn garbage, cardboard, plastics, wrapping materials, painted materials or other materials in your stove or fireplace.
  • Remember to keep anything flammable - including drapes, furniture, newspapers and books - far away from any wood-burning appliance. Keep an accessible and recently inspected fire extinguisher nearby.

The DEP also urges residents to check local air quality at http://www.njaqinow.net prior to burning wood and to consider other heating alternatives on days the air quality is unhealthy.
State regulations and some municipal ordinances prohibit the emission of visible smoke from outdoor wood boilers. These boilers heat a fluid that is circulated in homes and buildings for heating purposes. Under state regulations, these boilers may only emit visible smoke for three minutes every half-hour to allow for fire-starting.
In deciding how to heat your home this winter and reduce your exposure to fine particles from wood smoke, DEP recommends upgrading to an Environmental Protection Authority-certified wood stove or fireplace insert. The newer equipment will reduce air pollution and is much more energy efficient.
For more information on wood burning in New Jersey, visit:
http://www.nj.gov/dep/baqp/woodburning.html

For more on the EPA’s Burnwise program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/
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Galloway Township Office of Emergency Management will be hosting a Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

November 12, 2013, 8:11 pm
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The Galloway Township Office of Emergency Management along with the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management will be hosting a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting. 
What is the LEPC?
The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) works under the local OEM to plan training and to mitigate safety concerns within the township. 
The LEPC is made up of representatives from Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works, Board of Education, and representatives from the community. The LEPC identifies potential risks that our community faces and seek ways to help minimize or mitigate the risks. 
When: Wednesday November 13, 2013 5:00pm 
Where: Galloway Township Council Chambers

For additional information contact the Galloway Township Office of Emergency Management 
Office: 609-652-3705 ext. 206 (Voicemail)
Or email: GallowayOEM@Comcast.net
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UPDATED x2: Surveillance Video Released Appears to Contradict Statements in Reporters Charges Against Galloway Councilman

November 12, 2013, 8:30 pm
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Donna Weaver, Facebook
UPDATED x2 (Nov 16, 2013): Press Reporter Donna Weaver and Councilman Jim McElwee appeared in Hamilton Township Court on November 12, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Weaver represented herself as Joseph Levin, Esq., represented McElwee. 

Upon agreement between both parties, the matter has been moved to mediation. The mediation will take place in Hamilton Township Court on January 28, 2014. According to Levin, Weaver listed Mayor Don Purdy's wife and mother as her witnesses. Neither Michelle Purdy or Rita Purdy appeared in court today on behalf of Weaver.

Galloway Township News will provide updates as they become available. 

Original Story (Oct 22, 2013):
On October 9, 2013, Press Reporter Donna Weaver filed a complaint against Galloway Councilman Jim McElwee.  The complaint filed in Galloway Township, was subsequently transferred to Hamilton Township Municipal Court in Mays Landing. According to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, the complaint was transferred due to a conflict pertaining to McElwee's position in Galloway as a Councilman.  

On October 16, 2013, Hamilton Township Municipal Judge H. Robert Switzer found probable cause in Weaver's complaint and charged Jim McElwee with offensive touching.

On October 21, 2013, Hamilton Township Municipal Court released Donna Weaver's handwritten Voluntary Statement completed and signed by Donna Weaver on October 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Confirmed today by Hamilton Township Municipal Court, Weaver and McElwee are due in court on November 12, 2013 at 4:00pm. The original date in October was postponed by the Court.

Weaver's statement, as released below, gives her account as to what happened in the Municipal Court Lobby on October 8, 2013, while Council was still in Executive Session. Galloway Township News obtained the surveillance video of the Lobby and have released same to the public on October 18, 2013. The video which has over 400 hits on YouTube, might possible tell a completely different story than what Weaver provided in her statement to Police.

Weaver's statement to Police states, "I had my back to the entrance door to the Municipal Building and was speaking to a group of individuals, including (Anna Jedisky (sic) and her daughter, Mrs. Purdy (Mayor Don Purdy's wife) and Mayor Purdy's mother. All of the sudden I felt someone's body standing against my body and then I felt hands in my hair and breathing on the back of my neck. The fingers started pulling on my hair as to they continued to stand with their body against my body. I spun around and saw it was Council Jim McElwee. I immediately asked him why he was touching me. He responded ,"I'm a freak, I'm a freak." I stepped further away and then McElwee walked away to the other side of the lobby.  *When McElwee initially walked through the door Cliff Sudler was right behind."

According to the video, it clearly shows at one point prior to McElwee entering the lobby, Weaver turned her body slightly towards to the door at the same time McElwee was entering. Contrary to her statement. Weaver also states that McElwee was standing so close to her that she felt his body and breath on the back of her neck. 

According to the video, there is visible distance between her and McElwee, in fact, enough distance that Weaver was able to turn around without McElwee moving or without her touching McElwee. The alleged touching incident according to Weaver occurred within five (5) seconds of McElwee entering the Lobby. Weaver also claims the fingers of McElwee was pulling on her hair. Within those five seconds according to Weaver's statement, McElwee entered the room, walked up to her body, breathed on her and pulled her hair. McElwee appears to be twisting a rubber band in his hands at his waist 5 seconds into the video.

According to Weaver's statement, she claims she stepped further away and then McElwee walked away to the other side of the lobby.  Weaver left out of her sworn complaint that she stood talking to McElwee for 1 minute and 42 seconds after this alleged incident occurred.   

The conversation Weaver had with McElwee in part was her stating she had a four year degree in journalism and continued to speak negatively about an individual who spoke in the public portion of the Council Meeting, criticizing an article she wrote in the Press of Atlantic City about OPRA Requests and costs in Galloway Township.  Weaver continued to follow McElwee across the lobby and continued the conversation. At one point, Weaver is laughing at a comment that was made. Weaver did not include that in her statement. 

Weaver also states, Cliff Sudler was right behind McElwee when he entered the Lobby. The video clearly shows Sudler walking in the Lobby and Weaver seeing him, since it only took less than 5 seconds for Weaver to turn around.

Weaver continues in her statement, "Just after 9pm, I called McElwee on his cell phone. He did not answer. About 2 minutes later McElwee called my cell phone back and I answered."Galloway Township News was able to confirm a 3 minute phone conversation occurred between Donna Weaver and Jim McElwee at 9:17pm.

Weaver states she told McElwee on the phone, "he was never to put his hands on me again. I said what happened was inappropriate offensive and over the line. He responded that that was just him being friendly. He added that he didn't mean anything by it. I told him it was never to happen agains and he said he was sorry he offended me. I told him being friendly does not mean he can put his hands on me."

Galloway Township News was provided with several tips after news broke regarding Weaver's complaint against McElwee. The tips Galloway Township News received were specific enough that we filed an Open Public Records request for the surveillance video detailing footage from inside the Court Room, specifically for after the meeting adjourned until everyone exited the Court Room at the end of the night. 

The tip we received alleged that Donna Weaver, Mayor Don Purdy, Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola and Councilman Brian Tyrrell were discussing the incident that occurred between Weaver and McElwee. The tip also alleged that Mayor Don Purdy had placed his hands on Weaver, as well as Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola while they were alone in the Court Room. 

Galloway Township News obtained the video of the Court Room and we were able to confirm the tip and allegations we received.  At 8:36 p.m., Council reconvened into Public session and Mayor Don Purdy immediately adjourned the meeting prior to everyone entering into the Court Room. 

Mayor Don Purdy in the video footage that points to the Back of the Court Room (Click Here), clearly shows Mayor Don Purdy speaking with his wife, Michelle Purdy and his mother, Rita Purdy. After they leave, Mayor Don Purdy walks to front of the Court Room. 

In the video footage referencing the Front of Court Room (Click Here), Donna Weaver walks to the dais and begins to speak with Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola and Brian Tyrrell.  At one point, you see Weaver looking to the back of the Court Room following where Mayor Don Purdy is going as he walks to speak to his wife. During this time, Township Clerk TC Kay walks in between the conversation occurring between Weaver, Coppola and Tyrrell, several times. 

Weaver follows Coppola and Tyrrell towards the exit door and meets up with Mayor Don Purdy as he joins in on the conversation. The four continue their conversation for another eleven minutes. Township Clerk TC Kay continues to walk in between them until she exits the Court Room. After the Clerk exits, the conversation appears to turn intense between Mayor Don Purdy and Donna Weaver. At one point, Purdy is pointing at Weaver with his two fingers to his eyes and then to her eyes. 

It also appears to be a reenactment of what Weaver portrayed to be the incident between her and McElwee. It also appears at one point, Purdy moves his arm along the back of Weaver. Galloway Township Court confirmed today no complaints have been filed against Mayor Don Purdy by Donna Weaver.

Towards the end of the conversation, you see Mayor Don Purdy walking to the back of the court room to turn the lights off, at the same time, Weaver, Coppola and Tyrrell are up front and still in the room when the lights go out. The footage ends at that point.

Township Clerk TC Kay declined to comment to Galloway Township News when we asked if the conversation between the Councilman and Donna Weaver pertained to the allegations against McElwee. We can foresee when this case heads to court, Kay will mostly be called in as a witness. We also can foresee, Coppola and Tyrrell also being called in as witnesses, potentially for the defense. 

As there is no audio to the video of the conversation taking place, the body language speaks more than words could potentially say. 

Chief of Police Patrick Moran returned our request for comment by only stating he was vacation.  We asked Moran if any of the individuals were aware they were being recorded. We also asked why Moran prepared a supplemental report that is exempt as criminal investigatory records and if had viewed the video of the court room as it pertains to what might have occurred regarding touching between Weaver and Purdy. 

Interim Editor Peter Brophy, of the Press of Atlantic City had no comment regarding this new video. We also asked if Brophy was aware if Donna Weaver was allegedly coerced into signing a complaint against McElwee based on the video footage released by the Township with Weaver speaking with three members of Council after the meeting. Brophy had no comment. 

Weaver signed the voluntary statement saying she was making the statement without any threat, coercion, offer of benefit, favor or offer of favor, leniency or offer of leniency by any person or persons whomsoever. 

We asked Brophy, how Weaver being a well established reporter would mistake or perhaps, leave out such pertinent information, specifically in a criminal complaint. Weaver never stated in her complaint when she gives a timeline of events, what happened when she left the lobby, entered the court room and then called McElwee minutes later after she had a lengthy conversation with three members of Council. 

Mayor Don Purdy commented to the Current, “I am not in a position to comment specifically on the situation,” Purdy said. “Galloway Township will do what we can to assist law enforcement in their investigation and will withhold additional comment while the investigation is ongoing.”

Purdy just may have become part of the investigation based on this video released by the Galloway Township Police detailing a conversation that appears to lead Weaver to the complaint against McElwee. 

Sources indicated today, Purdy was not aware the video of the Court Room was released, in fact, we were told he believes the video would not be released. Galloway Township News has released the video in full. 

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Police Misconduct, Aggravated Assault and Battery Alleged in Tort Claim Filed Against Galloway Police Department and Officer

November 13, 2013, 8:40 pm
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Galloway Township and the Galloway Township Police Department have been served with a Tort Claim Notice alleging violation of civil rights, police misconduct, aggravated assault and battery. 
The Tort Claim was filed on October 28, 2013. The claim is asserted against Officer Robert Bauer and the Galloway Township Police Department.  According to the claim, the claimant in the matter is Joeanne L. Scott of 634 South First Avenue. The Attorney representing Scott is Linda Campbell, Esq. from Kearney and Associates, PC from Haddon Heights. 

The Tort Claim Notice alleges,"The claim is predicated as a result of police misconduct, violation of Federal civil rights, State protected rights, assault, battery, personal injury and negligence that took place on July 19, 2013 occurring at 634 South First Ave., Galloway NJ 08205. At the time and place aforementioned Officer R. Bauer grabbed plaintiff threw her down and handcuffed her and took her to a hospital." 

The Tort Claim Notice also alleges,"the officer had no justification for such action and as a result of the officers action, the plaintiff suffered, a torn rotator cuff injury to her shoulder, nerve damage, cuts and bruises. The plaintiff suffered emotional distress as a result of this attack."

Damages in this matter are expected to be in excess of $5,000 in view of the severe multiple injuries sustained to claimant, according to the Notice.

The notice alleges that the aforesaid individuals and entities engaged in careless and reckless conduct with wanton disregard. The notice also alleges Officer Bauer is guilty of violation of civil rights, police misconduct, aggravated assault and battery. 

A Tort Claim is a Notice of Potential Claims and/or Damages against the public agency. A notice is served with the intent of initiating litigation against the entity served.

Galloway Township News obtained the Tort Claim through an Open Public Records Request with the Township. 
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Atlantic City Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter for 2012 Murder

November 14, 2013, 1:08 pm
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MAYS LANDING — An Atlantic City man has pleaded guilty to strangling a 23-year-old Atlantic City woman in May of 2012, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, David J. Williams, 48, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter for killing Siddiqah Bryant, who was discovered dead inside of a parked van on the 1800 block of Arctic Avenue, behind the Atlantic City Bus Terminal, on May 17, 2012.
An autopsy later confirmed Bryant’s cause of death to be strangulation and declared the death a homicide.

On July 30, 2012, at the conclusion of an extensive investigation conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Atlantic City Police Department and the Sinton (Texas) Police Department, Williams was charged with murder and tracked to Sinton, Texas, where he was apprehended.
During the plea, the defendant admitted to strangling the victim with a telephone cord during an altercation at an Atlantic City motel on May 16, 2012. The defendant further admitted that after he strangled the victim, he placed her body into her vehicle and drove to the location where the victim was discovered; abandoning the vehicle and fleeing for Texas the next day.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Williams will be sentenced to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), according to Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer, who represented the State.
Williams must serve 85-percent of the sentence, or 21 years and three months before becoming eligible for parole.
Williams will be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Michael Donio on Jan. 31, 2014.

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.
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Township of Galloway Seeks Proposals for Municipal Professionals for 2014

November 14, 2013, 7:22 pm
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Galloway Township is seeking Request for Proposals / Qualifications for Municipal Professionals for 2014. Proposals must be submitted to Township Clerk Thalia C. (TC) Kay no later than Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 11:00AM prevailing time, according to the RFP Packet.
A CD shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and must be marked with the "Name of Position"being sought. Fax proposals will NOT be accepted, according to the RFP Packet.

The Township is seeking proposals for the following positions:
  • Municipal Auditor
  • Township Attorney
  • Township Engineer
  • Township Labor Counsel
  • Risk Management Consultant (RMC)
  • Bond Counsel
  • Special Counsel for Records Management
  • Planning and Zoning Board Engineer and/or Alternates
  • Planning and Zoning Board Solicitors and/or Alternates
  • Municipal Prosecutor and/or Alternate Prosecutor
  • Public Defender
  • Tax Appeal Attorney
  • Township Architect

The RFP Packet is listed below as released by the Township of Galloway on their Official Website.
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Updated x1: Mays Landing Man Arrested after Shooting at Hamilton Township Police

November 15, 2013, 1:02 pm
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UPDATED x1: Vincent Hamburg, age 29, of Mays Landing was additionally charged this afternoon with first degree Criminal Attempt Murder of Police Personnel. Hamburg’s bail has been increased to $750,000 full cash by the Honorable Superior Court Judge Bernard E Delury Jr. 

Original Story:
According to Chief Stacy Tappeiner, on November 14, 2013, at approximately 1157 pm, Officers from the Township of Hamilton Police Department responded to a residence in the Laureldale section of the Township for the report of a domestic disturbance. 

Upon arrival, two victims exited the home and advised police that the suspect, later identified as Vincent Hamburg, age 29 of Mays Landing, was still inside the residence armed with a high powered rifle. Hamburg barricaded himself in the residence and refused to come out. 

The Atlantic County Emergency Response Team arrived on location and a perimeter was established around the home. During the incident, Hamburg fired the rifle at a Hamilton Township police vehicle from a window of the home, striking the vehicle. 

After several hours of negotiations between Hamburg and members from the Hamilton Township Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Hamburg surrendered. 

Hamburg was charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Terroristic Threats, one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Bail was set by the Honorable JMC Switzer at $300,000 cash. 

Assisting with the investigation was the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Egg Harbor City Police Department, Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Atlantic County OEM and the Hamilton Township Rescue Squad. 


No officers were injured.
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Publisher to Appear on the King Arthur Show at 8:00am on WIBG 1020 Radio

November 15, 2013, 5:27 pm
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Lisa Tilton - All Rights Reserved
Publisher of Galloway Township News, Lisa Tilton will appear on the King Arthur Show on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. (Revised Time)

Tune in on the AM dial to 1020 Station or listen online here. 

We also will give a recap what has been happening in Galloway Township and what Galloway Township News has been working on. Galloway Township News will also discuss the tax increase that may hit Galloway Township Taxpayers. 

Don't miss out, tune in!
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