Galloway Township News

Chief Patrick Moran

Promotional process is underway for the new Chief of Police as the current Chief of Police Patrick Moran is set to retire by the end of month.

Candidates for the position of Chief are Captain Christopher Doyle, Lieutenant Donna Higbee and Lieutenant Joseph Picardi.

Higbee and Picardi were promoted to Lieutenant in January 2015. Higbee is the township’s first female police lieutenant.

Township Manager Susan Jacobucci has formed a committee that consists of members of Township Council, former manager Arch Liston, and a retired Police Chief who has not been named, all of which will begin the interview process and recommendation for the new Chief of Police.

Meet the Candidates

Donna Higbee

Donna Higbee

Higbee graduated the Police Academy in 1999 and worked as a Class II Officer for the City of Wildwood before serving in Hamilton Township. She joined Galloway Police Department in 2002. Higbee has served as Corporal and Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant before being promoted to Lieutenant in January 2015. She has also served as Acting Captain for a short period of time.

Higbee also serves as the Departments and County Hostage Negotiator. Director of the Honor Guard for approximalty 10-years, and is the Departments Public Information Officer. She also performed duties such as Field Trainer Officer and Bike Instructor. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Stockton University and dual Masters Degree from Seton Hall University in Human Resources Management Education and Management Leadership.

Joseph Picardi

Joseph Picardi

Picardi has served with the Galloway Police Department since 1994, and has served as Corporal, Sergeant and now Lieutenant. Picardi has performed duties such as Field Training Officer, CPR/AED Instructor, Child Passenger Safety Technician, COPS5 Officer and Union Shop Steward. Picardi is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and has volunteered for the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad, and volunteer firefighter.

Christopher Doyle

Christopher Doyle

Doyle graduated the Police Academy in 1993 and was hired by Hillsborough Police Department before joining Galloway Police Department in 1995. Doyle served as Detective in 1998 and was promoted to Corporal in 2003, Sergeant in 2005, Lieutienant in 2011 and was promoted to Captain on April 24, 2013.

Doyle previously served as Commander for the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team (SWAT) from 2005 to 2014. He holds a Bachelors degree from Stockton University, was a COPS5 Officer and currently serves on the Schools Safety and Advisory Committee.

Doyle serves as the department’s Operations Commander, Picardi is the Patrol Bureau Commander and Higbee serves as the Support Services Commander for Administrative Services.

ATLANTIC CITY – Law enforcement is investigating the circumstances that led to an infant being transported from an Atlantic City casino hotel to a hospital Monday evening in critical condition, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Atlantic City Police and emergency medical services responded to the Bally’s Atlantic Hotel and Casino on Monday evening, May 25, 2015, at approximately 7:30 p.m. for a report of an infant having difficulty breathing. The 2-month-old child—whose identity is not being released—was airlifted to Children Hospital of Philadelphia, in critical condition.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic City Police Department, and the State Division of Protection and Permanency (CP&P) are investigating the matter.

No additional details are being released at this time.

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.

ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed criminal charges against one of two men charged in connection with a 2014 sexual assault in Atlantic City, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

The charges issued in Atlantic City on October 7, 2014 against Andrei Torres, 34, of New York, for aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault alleged to have been committed at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on April 24, 2014, were administratively dismissed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office last Friday, May 22, 2015.

The same charges issued against Devon Thomas, 35, of New York—1st degree and 2nd degree crimes, respectively—continue under grand jury review.

The victim’s name is not being released.

Galloway Township Police responded to 969 calls for service during May 17, 2015 through May 23, 2015.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 18 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 131 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 23 Arrests, 13 Domestic Violence, 10 Fire Calls, 15 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

100 Block of W. Jimmie Leeds Rd

Arrests:

Bernard R. Gaskill Jr.,59, of Galloway was arrested by Det. Matt Worth and charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person on May 22.

Ryan C. Jarvis, 36, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Justin Butler and charged with hindering apprehension on May 21.

Lamar Q. Tyshaad, 25, of Somers Point was arrested by Ofc. Dominic Fabrizo and charged with burglary (2 counts) on May 21.

Algie Griffin, 31, of Egg Harbor City was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Costa and charged with DWI on May 21.

Thomas G. White, 30, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Bill Kline and charged with simple assault on May 20.

Antwan T. Cunningham, 22, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Dan Weigle and charged with distribution and possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana on May 19.

James W. Bollinger Jr., 36, of Egg Harbor Township was arrested by Ofc. Pat Neal and charged with DWI suspended (2 counts) on May 19.

Xochitl Arellano, 25, of Brigantine was arrested by Ofc. Dan Weigle and charged with simple assault on May 18.

Rafael A. Tejeda-Jimenez, 31, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with contempt on May 17.

Per Galloway Township Police Department, persons listed here as arrestees are considered innocent until or unless otherwise adjudicated otherwise in court. Be advised, arrests and names of individuals not listed in a Police Blotter are those arrests related to deaths when a next-of-kin has not been notified, any arrests in relation to a domestic violence case, and names of juveniles.

On May 31, 2015 at approximately 5:11 AM Absecon Police responded to the area of Absecon Boulevard and the Shore Road intersection for a two car accident in the westbound lane.

Upon patrols arrival, it was discovered one vehicle was lying on its side against the concrete barrier with the driver trapped inside. Absecon Fire Department as well as Absecon Ambulance was requested both of which responded a short time later.

Traffic was diverted off of Absecon Boulevard onto Turner Avenue with the assistance of Pleasantville Police Department. Traffic was disrupted for approximately one hour as Fire and EMS worked hard to extract the driver.

After the driver, later identified as, Robert Marcone was removed from the vehicle he was transported to the hospital due to his injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was also transported to the hospital for her injuries by Pleasantville Ambulance.

The accident is under investigation by Officer Winkel of the Absecon Police Department. If anyone was a witness to the accident, they are asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at (609) 641-0667.

The Absecon Police along with the FBI arrested an Atlantic City man for a bank robbery that occurred on June 2, 2015 at approximately 1:14 PM.

The Absecon Police Department responded to the Absecon Branch of TD Bank located on the White Horse Pike (RT 30) and Mill Rd. for a bank robbery. The suspect, described as a black male approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall weighing about 300 lbs. with a beard, wearing a light color shirt with dark pants and a black knit cap gave the teller a note demanding money.

The teller complied with the note and handed over an undetermined amount of cash to the suspect. The suspect fled the bank and headed south on Mill Rd on foot. The suspect was observed getting into a TRICARE Ambulance and headed south towards Ohio Ave.

The ambulance was recovered in Egg Harbor Twp. and was impounded.

The suspect was identified through surveillance photos as Joseph P Wilson, age 26 of Atlantic City. Wilson was located at a residence in Pleasantville and was taken into custody without incident. Wilson was charged with one count of robbery.

His bail was set at $100,000.00 cash. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Det. Leigh Gadd and Ptl. Mark Williams of the Absecon Police Department along with the Special Agent Joe Furey of the FBI investigated the incident. Anyone with additional information can call the Absecon Police Department Detective Bureau at (609)641-0667 Ext. 216, or Crime Stoppers at (609)652-1234.

Galloway Township Police responded to 1,008 calls for service during May 24, 2015 through May 30, 2015.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 32 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 168 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 19 Arrests, 16 Domestic Violence, 8 Fire Calls, 26 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

1500 Block of W. Cleveland Ave.

40 Block of Driftwood Ct.

200 Block of S. New York Rd.

Arrests:

John C. Malluck,58, of Egg Harbor City was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with obstructing administration of law on May 30.

Florence Browning, 35, of Ventnor was arrested by Ofc. Justin Butler and charged with DWI on May 30.

Luis J. Torres, 37, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Dominic Fabrizo and charged with hindering apprehension on May 29.

Christie S. Linkins, 24, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Rita Abatemarco and charged with simple assault on May 27.

Jasmine I. Bracero, 22, of Weymouth was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau and charged with simple assault on May 26.

Anthony D. Kirton, 24, of Hamilton Twp. was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau and charged with DWI, possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on May 26.

Gregory E. Deal Jr., 19, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Dan Weigle and charged with possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on May 24.

On June 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a dirt bike and teenager. The accident occurred in the 100 block of Frankfurt Avenue.

According to Police, Anthony Dagostino 81, of Galloway Township was traveling northbound on the 100 block of N. Frankfurt Avenue in a 2007 Black Jeep Grand Cherokee when he struck a blue Yamaha YZF dirt bike that was being operated by a 13-year-old male juvenile from Galloway Township.

The initial police investigation reveals that Dagostino was traveling northbound on North Frankfurt Avenue when the juvenile exited a driveway without stopping and entered the roadway on his dirt bike. After the collision, the jeep went off the roadway and struck a tree.

Dagostino and his passenger were both transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center Mainland Division for minor injuries.

The juvenile male was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center City Division for non-life threatening injuries. Both vehicles were severely damaged as a result of the collision.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, Patrolman Nicholas Stewart at 609-652-3705 extension 107.

MAYS LANDING – Two Galloway Township men were sentenced to prison last month for the armed robbery last year of two teenagers, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

On February 21, 2014, shortly after 11:00 p.m., Galloway Township police received a report from two Galloway Township teenagers that they—and a third person, later identified as John D. Harvey Jr., then 21, of Cheshire Drive, Galloway—had been robbed at gunpoint an hour and a half earlier, while on the walking path near Colonial Court. The two victims said that the man was armed with a handgun, and took their cash and electronics, and took a bag containing a laptop and digital camera from Harvey.

A two-week investigation led to the arrests of John D. Harvey Jr. on March 7, 2014, and of Abdul L. Parker, 43, of Cheshire Drive, Galloway, on March 8th, for the robbery.

The State alleged that Harvey lured the two teenagers to the walking path on the pretense that he had arranged for the two victims to meet a person who would sell them marijuana, and that he pretended to be robbed by Parker, along with the two victims.

On May 13, 2014, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted both men for robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Harvey entered a guilty plea to robbery before Atlantic County Superior Judge Mark Sandson on September 15, 2014; Parker pled guilty the morning of jury selection for trial, on February 18, 2015.

On May 22, 2015, Judge Mark Sandson sentenced Abdul L. Parker to 15 years of incarceration in New Jersey State prison.

Pursuant to the No Early Release Act (NERA), Parker must serve 85% of the robbery sentence—12 years and 9 months—before becoming eligible for parole. Upon release, Parker will be subject to 5 years of parole supervision.

On May 29, 2015, Judge Sandson sentenced John D. Harvey Jr. to 5 years of incarceration in New Jersey State prison. Pursuant to NERA, Harvey must serve 85% of the sentence—4 years and 3 months—before becoming eligible for parole.

Assistant Prosecutor Raphael Ortega represented the State in the matter.

MAYS LANDING – Atlantic County Grand Juries indicted a Raleigh, North Carolina Contractor, Christopher Mihalic, age 35 of Raleigh, N.C. yesterday for Failure to Register with the Division of Consumer Affairs, Tampering with Public Records or Information, Theft by Deception and Theft by Illegal Retention for contracting work directly related to Super Storm Sandy, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit conducted investigations into Christopher Mihalic and his business Mihalic and Son Contracting, LLC after receiving information from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

The State alleges that in November 2012, Mihalic defrauded each of the Atlantic County Victims (six in total) of over $500.00 each after Mihalic became involved with the victims directly after Super Storm Sandy impacted the State and their individual residences. It is alleged that Mihalic promised to do rehabilitation work on the victims’ storm damaged homes. In some instances, Mihalic and Son Contracting, LLC did perform some work but failed to complete the contracted work as promised.

It is further alleged that in some instances Mihalic knowingly engaged or attempted to engage in the business of making or selling home improvements while not being registered as a Home Improvement Contractor with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and/or provided false information on an application for a Home Improvement Registration application to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Mihalic was indicted on 7 counts of Failure to Register with the Division of Consumer Affairs, a crime of the 4th degree, 1 count of Tampering with Public Records or Information, a crime of the 3rd degree, 6 counts of Theft by Deception, a crime of the 3rd degree and 7 counts of Theft By Illegal Retention, a crime of 3rd degree.

A crime of the 3rd degree carries a potential sentence of three to five years of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison. A 4th degree crime carries a potential sentence of imprisonment not to exceed 18 months.

Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer represented the State in the cases.

These indictments are merely accusations and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, an indicted defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Credit: Press of Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – An Atlantic City school principal was charged today with theft and official misconduct, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Concluding a year-long investigation, Detectives of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Official Corruption Unit served summons complaints this afternoon to Lakecia C. Hyman, 41, at her home on the 100 block of New Bridge Road, Egg Harbor Township, for the charges of:

Official Misconduct—a crime of the 2nd degree, and
Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property Received—a 3rd degree crime.

The State alleges that, while serving in her capacity as Principal of the Uptown School Complex in Atlantic City, Hyman collected and retained over $10,000 in cash and checks intended for Uptown Complex fundraising accounts, and kept the money as her own.

Hyman was suspended from her employment with pay by the Atlantic County Board of Education in February 2014.

Hyman is scheduled for her first court appearance in Atlantic City Municipal Court on June 17, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.

A 2nd degree crime carries a potential penalty of 5-10 years of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison; the potential penalty for a 3rd degree conviction is 3-5 years in prison.

These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged

defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ***

ATLANTIC CITY – A New York man was indicted today for the 2014 sexual assault of a woman in an Atlantic City Casino/Hotel, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on April 25, 2014, Atlantic City Police responded to the Trump Taj Mahal for a 9-1-1 report of the sexual assault of a female victim that had occurred in the hotel.

A 6-month investigation by the Atlantic City Police Department led to the arrests on October 7, 2014 of Devon Thomas, 36, of 195th Street, Hollis, NY, and a second man, Andrei Torres, 32, also of New York, both charged with aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault, for having sexual intercourse with the victim while she was intoxicated and unable to resist, and by using physical force.

On May 27, 2015, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office administratively dismissed the charges against Torres.

This morning, June 10, 2015, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Thomas, on one count each of aggravated sexual assault—a crime of the 1st degree, and sexual assault—a 2nd degree crime. Thomas remains free, pending court, on a posted surety bond for $175,000 bail set by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Noah Bronkesh.

A crime of the 1st degree carries a potential penalty of 10-20 years of incarceration in New Jersey State prison; a 2nd degree crime carries a potential penalty of 5-10 years in prison.

The victim’s name is not being released.

These indictments are merely accusations and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, an indicted defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.***

Galloway Township, NJ – Stockton University’s softball team honored the late Tara Jean Barker, a former star athlete and student, by donating $800 in tips raised at concession stands during the ShopRite LPGA Classic tournament, held May 29-31 at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, to the Tara Jean Barker Memorial Scholarship endowment.

Barker, a two-time Stockton graduate who earned a Biology degree (2006) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (2008), was the first softball player to be inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013, which is the year she lost her 17-month battle with cancer. Her parents, Greg and Beverly Barker, established a memorial scholarship endowment through the Stockton University Foundation in their daughter’s name.

Tara Barker was passionate about helping others, and the memorial endowment established by her parents supports scholarships for graduate students within the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Barker wrote in her Facebook page description, “I am a happy person, and I smile constantly. I love my job. I heal people for a living. You can’t beat taking someone’s pain away.”

Val Julien, Stockton’s head softball coach who will soon be moving into a new role in game management and operations, said, “Tara was a remarkable individual who truly embodied the Stockton spirit. She was so special and very important to us. We are so pleased her incredibly courageous parents worked with the university to create this fabulous memorial scholarship and we are so pleased to be able to donate this money to the scholarship and to remember Tara in that way.”

Barker worked as a student athletic trainer in high school and continued that tradition for six years at Stockton. After finding work as a physical therapist, she returned to Stockton every year to participate in job fairs and career days to promote Stockton’s physical therapy program.

The Tara Barker Memorial Scholarship was awarded this past academic year and was recently awarded for next academic year.

Photo Caption: Members of the Stockton Softball Team with Dr. Harvey Kesselman, Coach Val Julien, Assistant Coach Adele Calimer and Talon the Osprey at the ShopRite LPGA Classic held at Stockton Seaview May 29-31. Coach Julien holds a basket of money with a sign that reads, “All tips will be generously donated to the Tara Jean Barker ’06, DPT ’08 Memorial Scholarship.”

Galloway Township Police responded to 908 calls for service during May 31, 2015 through June 6, 2015.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 23 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 121 Tickets issued, 3 Driving While Intoxicated, 17 Arrests, 16 Domestic Violence, 4 Fire Calls, 22 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

BURGLARIES:

700 Block of Jersey Woods Rd

JUVENILES:

A 16 y/o, female, of Galloway was arrested and charged with Improper Behavior on June 6, 2015 by Det. Matt Worth.

ARRESTS:

Franklin A Zelaya, 37, of Pleasantville was arrested and charged with DWI on May 31, 2015 by Ofc. Kevin Costa.

Tyler T Roses, 22, of Howell Twp was arrested and charged with DWI and Possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana on May 31, 2015 by Ofc. Steve Vernon.

Verna C Watkins, 49, of Galloway was arrested and charged with Theft on June 1, 2015 by Ofc. John Mooney.

Jillian Vogelman, 20, of Egg Harbor City was arrested and charged with Forgery, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property on June 2, 2015 by Det. Jason Kiamos.

Florence Browning, 35, of Ventnor was arrested and charged with Assault by Auto, Endangering the Welfare of Children, Being Under the Influence of CDS on June 3, 2015 by Ofc Justin Butler.

Emanuel Heath, 21, of Pleasantville was arrested and charged with 2 counts each of Burglary and Theft on June 5, 2015 by Det. Jason Kiamos.

Paige K Meyers, 25, of Galloway was arrested and charged with Hindering Apprehension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of CDS on June 6, 2015 by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau.

Aileen M Coyle, 45, of Galloway was arrested and charged with DWI on June 6, 2015 by Sgt. Jerry Houck.

Diane Daley, 57, of Galloway was arrested and charged with Shoplifting on June 6, 2015 by Ofc. John Mooney.

ATLANTIC CITY – Two men were charged today in connection with the shooting death 5 months ago of Atlantic City resident Kenneth Moore in his home, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

On January 31, 2015, at 12:13 a.m., officers of the Atlantic City Police Department responded for a 9-1-1 call of a disturbance at 19 North Bellevue Avenue, a multi-family dwelling. Upon arrival, police found the body of Kenneth Moore, 61, in his home.

An autopsy performed the next day by the NJ Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the death was a homicide, from a gunshot wound to the chest.

A 5-month investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department resulted today in the arrests of:

Rahmir A. Skinner, 34, of the 2500 block of Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, and

Mario Blocker, 38, of Glen Park, Bridgeton, NJ.

The State alleges that Skinner and Blocker killed Moore during the commission of a robbery.

Both men were charged with murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun and conspiracy to unlawfully possess a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and conspiracy to possess a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession, receiving, or transferring a community gun and conspiracy to possess, receive, or transfer a community gun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Skinner was served the charges in New Jersey State prison, where he is serving a sentence on an unrelated matter. Blocker was transported from the Atlantic County Justice Facility—where he is lodged on an unrelated matter—served the criminal complaints, and returned to jail.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Mark H. Sandson set bail for each man’s charges at $1,000.000 full cash.

The murder charge carries a potential penalty of 30 years to life in New Jersey State prison. 1st degree robbery carries a potential penalty of 10-20 years of imprisonment. The conspiracy to commit robbery, and the weapons possession and conspiracy to possess weapons charges are 2nd degree crimes; each carry a potential penalty of 5-10 years in prison.

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

On June 17, 2015 at approximately 2:30 AM Absecon Police Communications received a 911 call in reference to an armed robbery at the Red Roof Inn located at 405 Absecon Boulevard.

The caller and victim in this incident was the night front desk clerk. According to the victim, a male entered the hotel through the front doors and approached the front desk while pointing a black and silver handgun at the victim.

The male still pointing the handgun at the victim demanded money saying “I don’t want to shot you but I need to feed my family”. The victim opened the cash register and turned over approximately $400.00 in the cash.

The accused male at this time ran out the front doors and left the area in a vehicle traveling eastbound on Absecon Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a black male with a deep voice, approximately 6”2” with dark colored eyes, wearing a black ski mask, dark green hooded sweatshirt dark colored gloves and dark colored cargo style pants.

The only description of the suspect vehicle is a dark colored sedan.

Anyone who may have been in the area of the Red Roof Inn at the time of the incident and seen a male or vehicle matching the above description is asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at (609) 641-0667 Ext: 0.

MAYS LANDING – A former Atlantic City Police Officer was sentenced today for official misconduct, theft and tax fraud, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In March of 2012, Atlantic City Police Officer Michael L. Jones, 41, was arrested after the State of New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation Office of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Official Corruption Unit initiated a joint investigation after learning that Officer Jones’ lease in Stanley Holmes Village was terminated by the Atlantic City Housing Authority for failure to comply with the terms of the Live-In Police Officer Program.

The Live-In Police Officer Program allows police officers to lease public housing for substantially discounted rent and required Jones to reside on the premises, provide police related services outside of his employment with the police department provide quarterly reports and provide a police officer presence to the residents of Stanley Holmes.

On February 14, 2013 an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Jones, on four criminal counts including; Official Misconduct, Theft by Deception, Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns and Failure to Pay State Tax in connection with subletting his Stanley Holmes apartment, which he received at a discounted rate as a participant in the Live-In Police Officer Program.

On May 6, 2015 after a 7-day trial before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor, an Atlantic County jury found Jones guilty of all counts: Official Misconduct, a 2nd. degree crime, Theft by Deception, a 3rd. degree crime, Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns, a 3rd. degree crime and Failure to Pay State Tax, a 3rd. degree crime.

Judge Connor, at the request of the State, following Jones’ finding of guilty issued an order forfeiting the defendant’s public position and forever disqualifying Jones from holding any office or position of honor, trust or profit under this State or any of its administrative or political subdivisions.

Today, Jones was sentenced by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor to a 7-year prison sentence for the misconduct charge with Jones having to serve a minimum of 5 years prior to being eligible for parole and a 4-year prison sentence for Tax Fraud to run consecutively with the 7-year prison term for the misconduct charge.

Judge Connor also ordered Jones to pay $12,760.02 in restitution for outstanding taxes and fines related to Jones’ failure to pay taxes and not filing tax returns.

First Assistant Prosecutor Diane Ruberton represented the State in the case.

Galloway Township Police responded to 887 calls for service during June 7, 2015 through June 13, 2015.

Additional statistics include: 0 Burglaries, 16 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 60 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 27 Arrests, 14 Domestic Violence, 3 Fire Calls, 20 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries: 0

Arrests:

Frank W. Dorofee Jr.,28, of Galloway was arrested by Sgt. Scott Winneberger and charged with contempt on June 13, 2015.

Peter C. Panzarella, 47, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Carolyn Buckley and charged with resisting arrest, terroristic threats, aggravated assault and contempt on June 12.

Shonta M. Deming, 40, of Pleasantville was arrested by Ofc. Fenil Gandhi and charged with obstructing administration of law on June 12.

Taylor L. Hall, 25, of Berlin was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker and charged with hindering apprehension on June 11.

Bradley G. Goddard, 47, of Absecon was arrested by Sgt. Jerry Houck and charged with DWI on June 10.

Jonathan W. Shourds , 28, of Glassboro was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with possession of hypodermic needle on June 9.

Matthew D. Frystock, 29, of Toms River was arrested by Sgt. Ryan Goehringer and charged with possession of CDS on June 7.

Yen K. Hall, 67, of Pleasantville was arrested by Ofc. Fenil Gandhi and charged with DWI on June 7.

On June 18, 2015 at approximately 12:36PM, the Absecon Police Department responded to a single car motor vehicle crash that occurred on the Delilah Road on-ramp just west of Route 30. The vehicle, a 2004 Ford Taurus, was operated by Glenn Lowe of Bridgeton, NJ.

The initial investigation revealed the operator lost control of the vehicle as he negotiated the ramp. The vehicle ran off the roadway and struck the guardrail attenuator. The impact caused the vehicle to spin, which later came to rest in the embankment.

The operator and front seat passenger were extricated from the vehicle by the Atlantic City Fire Department. Both were transported to AtlantiCare – City Division, for non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators later learned from witnesses that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. Two additional passengers of the vehicle, a male and female, were observed fleeing the scene prior to the arrival of patrol. Anyone that can assist investigators in the identification of those individuals are urged to contact police.

The Delilah Road on ramp was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated. The accident is being investigated by Ptl. C. Cavileer #843 and Ptl. J. Mazer #851 of the Traffic Safety Unit.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have any information can contact the Absecon Police Department at 609-641-0667.

Severe Storms Leave More than 250,000 Without Power

MAYS LANDING, N.J. — Atlantic City Electric crews are out assessing damage and making repairs after severe storms moved through the region and left more than 250,000 customers without power Tuesday evening. Crews will work through the night as they begin restoring service to customers who lost power as severe thunderstorms brought high winds, lightning and intense rain.

Damage is still being assessed, but several high-voltage transmission lines were affected. In addition to internal crews, Atlantic City Electric has contractors available. The company has also requested mutual assistance crews to assist in the restoration effort.

Safety is our No. 1 priority. We urge our customers to stay clear of working crews and any wires hanging loose from poles or lying on the ground. Customers should always assume that downed wires are energized and avoid them.

Customers can report outages by calling 1-800-833-7476, visiting atlanticcityelectric.com or through our mobile app, available for download at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobile app.

It is important that customers report their outages and request a call back to verify their power has been restored.

Customers need to be prepared for the possibility of service interruptions and should check their emergency supply kits. Tips on preparing for a storm can be found on our website, atlanticcityelectric.com.The storm center at atlanticcityelectric.com highlights important information for customers through all stages of the restoration effort and allows them to easily report and track outages.

Three Candidates Vie for Chief of Police in Galloway Township

Police Investigating Circumstances at Casino Involving Infant Medical Emergency

Atlantic County Prosecutor Drops Sexual Assault Charges Against NY Police Officer

Galloway Police Blotter May 17 - 23, 2015

Drivers Injured in Crash with Overturned Vehicle in Absecon; Police Investigate

Bank Robber Caught By FBI and Absecon Police; Ambulance Used in Robbery Impounded

Galloway Police Blotter May 24 to May 30, 2015

Dirt Bike and Vehicle Collide Sending Three People to Hospital

Galloway Men Sentenced to Prison for Armed Robbery of Teens in 2014

Contractor Indicted on Charges Including Theft and Records Tampering

Atlantic City Principal Charged with Theft and Official Misconduct

NY State Trooper Charged with Sexual Assault from 2014 Incident in Atlantic City

Stockton Softball Team Donates LPGA Concession Tips to Memorial Scholarship Endowment Honoring Late Player Tara Barker

Galloway Police Blotter May 31, 2015 to June 6, 2015

Murder Charges Filed in Connection with Death of Atlantic City Man

Clerk at Absecon Motel Robbed at Gunpoint; Police Search for Suspect

Former AC Police Officer Sentenced for Misconduct, Theft and Tax Fraud

Galloway Police Blotter June 7 - June 13, 2015

Two Injured in Single Car Crash; Passengers Fled Scene

Crews Assessing Damage from Storm, Making Repairs to Restore Service