Galloway Township News

(GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP) — Law enforcement officials from Galloway Township will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. BeginningDecember 9, 2016 and continuing through January 1, 2017, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. “During the last five years New Jersey has experienced approximately 41,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in more than 800 fatalities," said Lt. Rich Barber. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent.”

Last year, 29% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over2016 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for holiday season:

Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
If you are 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 or escort you to your doorstep.
Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

MAYS LANDING – A 32-year-old Ventnor woman pled guilty today to Aggravated Manslaughter for the death in January of her 7-month-old daughter, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

In response to a 9-1-1 call, officers of the Ventnor City Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded in the early morning of Friday, January 3, 2016 to a residence on the 5700 block of Monmouth Avenue, Ventnor, NJ, for a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, CPR was performed and the baby was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center—City Division, then transferred to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit also responded to the scene.

The child’s mother, Lisa M. Scalia, now 32, of the same address, was charged on January 4, 2016 with Endangering the Welfare of a Child—a crime of the 2nd degree, and four counts of Possession of Controlled dangerous Substances: suboxone, oxycodone, heroin, and Lyrica. Scalia was arrested and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $100,000 full cash bail set by Municipal Court Judge Mary C. Siracusa. The State alleged that Scalia, while being under the influence of narcotics, rolled onto the baby causing her injury.

The child was pronounced dead at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Friday, January 8, 2016.

The continuing investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Ventnor City Police Department resulted in Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton’s authorization on September 27, 2016 to charge Scalia with Aggravated Manslaughter—a crime of the 1st degree.

The State alleges that Scalia did “recklessly cause the death of [the child] under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, specifically by administering methadone, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, to [the child] which caused her death while under the clear custody and care of Lisa Scalia.”

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office detectives served the complaint-warrant to Scalia September 27, 2016, at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, where she had been held since her arrest last January. Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Damon G. Tyner set bail on the new charge at $100,000, cash only.

Today, Thursday, December 8, 2016, as part of a negotiated plea agreement, Lisa Scalia pled guilty to 2nd degree Aggravated Manslaughter, before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael J. Blee.

According to the plea agreement, Scalia is subject to a sentence of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison for 8 years. Pursuant to the No Early Release Act (NERA), Scalia must serve 85% of the sentence—6 years and 9 months—before becoming eligible for parole.

Acting First Assistant Prosecutor Pam D’Arcy represented the State in the matter.

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.

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.

Galloway Township Police responded to 813 calls for service during November 27, 2016 through December 3, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 4 Burglaries, 2 Car Burglaries, 26 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 89 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 22 Arrests, 12 Domestic Violence, 4 Fire Calls, 21 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

200 Mannheim Ave.

200 E. White Horse Pike

Sussex Place

200 Oakbourne Ave.

Vehicle Burglaries:

100 Kensington Dr. (Multiple)

Leeds Point Rd.

ARRESTS:

Nico J. Diaz, 24 Egg Harbor Twp., NJ was arrested by Ofc. Richard Boyle and charged with Possession of CDS & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on Dec. 3

Shiloh T. Pressley, 33 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Gary Brenner and charged with DWI, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest & Hindering on Dec. 2

Gregory Thomas Jenkins, 24 of Galloway was arrested by K-9 Sgt. Scott Winneberger and charged with Possession of CDS on Dec. 1

Samantha J. Weiss, 25 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Alexander Bennett and charged with Hindering on Dec. 1

Timothy E. Guld, 41 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Cody Trout and charged with Criminal Mischief on Nov. 29

Joseph M. Ochoa, 32 of Roselle Park, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Alexander Bennett and charged with Possession of CDS on Nov. 27

Juveniles:

A 15 year old Male from Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Sajan Patel and charged with Possession of a Weapon (Knife) at School on Nov. 30

A 13 year old Male from Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Brent Grunow and charged with Theft of Movable Property on Nov. 28

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 Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10:50am the Absecon Police Department received information that a stolen 1997 Nissan Maxima could possibly be coming into Absecon. The vehicle had been reported stolen the night before in Pleasantville.

Patrol units observed the accused vehicle traveling east on Rt. 30 in the area of Shore Rd. A motor vehicle stop was conducted on the vehicle and both occupants were taken into custody.

The driver, Marcel Johnson Jr. of Pleasantville, was charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle. He was lodged into Atlantic County Jail on $10,000.00 bail.

The passenger, Gerald E. Spence of Galloway Twp., was charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was lodged into Atlantic County Jail on $10,000.00 bail.

On December 12, 2016 at 2:53 p.m., the Galloway Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a school bus and two other vehicles.

According to Police, a Dodge Ram driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile was traveling East on Jimmie Leeds Road when it rear ended a Honda Accord driven by Kristina Southavong. The Accord was stopped in traffic on Jimmie Leeds Road and after the collision was then pushed into the rear of an Integrity School Bus driven by Alonzo Tennant, also stopped in traffic.

The bus was carrying 33 students from Cedar Creek High School at the time of collision and no one on board sustained injuries. Southavong was transported to ARMC – Mainland Division for a minor injury. The eastbound lane was shut down for approximately 40 minutes while the scene was cleared and investigated.

The juvenile male driver was issued a summons for following to close.

The Galloway Township Police Department would like to thank the Integrity driver for his professionalism and calm demeanor, as well as the students, and responding parents for the organized and safe response to a very chaotic and busy scene.

The Galloway Township Ambulance Squad and DP Towing were assisting agencies.

On Friday, December 16, 2016 at 10:20am two male subjects, Lenny and Kenny Stewart, allegedly stole numerous packages of bar soap from the front entrance display shelf of Shoprite.

The brothers ran from the store and from management without paying. The accused males ran directly towards an Absecon Patrol unit that was in the parking lot at the time regarding a separate incident.

Lenny was taken into custody by Ptl. Cavileer without incident. Kenny continued to run, but ran directly to Ptl. Williams who was patrolling in the Rite Aid parking lot. After briefly attempting to flee from Ptl. Williams, Kenny was taken into custody.

Lenny Stewart 48 of Atlantic City was charged with Shoplifting and was lodged into the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of $2,500.00 bail.

Kenny Stewart 48 of Atlantic City was charged with Shoplifting and Resisting Arrest and was lodged into the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of $2,500.00 bail.

MAYS LANDING — An Atlantic County Superior Court judge denied an ex-Margate City firefighter’s appeal to overturn the forfeiture of his public employment after his conviction for shoplifting last year, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

On September 10, 2015, Ashton G. Funk, 34, of Rick Lane in Northfield, NJ, was charged and arrested on a summons complaint for shoplifting from the Wawa Store in Margate, NJ. The State alleged that, on August 17, 2015, Funk carried away several items from the Wawa Store without paying. The value of the merchandise was $7.98.

Funk was not on-duty but was employed as a Margate City firefighter or a beach patrol employee at the time of the offense.

Because the case involved a public employee, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office superseded local authorities in the investigation and the prosecution of the matter.

After a trial held before Municipal Court Judge H. Robert Switzer in Egg Harbor Township Court Municipal Court on December 15, 2015, Judge Switzer found Funk guilty of the shoplifting charge.

The State made application to the court—upon the finding of guilt—for the forfeiture of Funk’s public employment with the Margate City Fire Department and with the Margate City Beach Patrol, arguing that a public employee or official—whether on-duty of not— was subject to the forfeiture of current employment if convicted of an offense involving dishonesty.

On January 8, 2016, Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court Judge H. Robert Switzer ordered that Funk must forfeit his current employment as a firefighter and lifeguard for the City of Margate, as a result of his conviction for an offense of dishonesty. Funk appealed the decision to Superior Court.

Yesterday, December 14, 2016, Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. found that Funk “is hereby found guilty of shoplifting on de novo appeal,” and that “At all relevant times, the defendant was employed by Margate City as a firefighter and a member of the beach patrol,” and that “the defendant now having been convicted of an offense involving dishonesty,” he “ordered that defendant shall immediately forfeit his positions of employment with Margate City.”

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutors Cameshia Caldwell and Courtney Cittadini represented the State in the matter.

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 inAtlantic County.

On December 18^th, 2016, at 7:56 am, Galloway Police Officers responded to Tri-Way Motel (248 E. White Horse Pike) for the report of an armed robbery in progress. Upon arrival, patrol learned that two males had entered the lobby wearing white plastic face masks.

One held a tire iron and the other brandished a rifle. The suspects assaulted the owner/manager and stole items prior to fleeing. A short time later Patrol located a suspicious vehicle, approximately one block away, in the area of E. White Horse Pike and 6^th Avenue which was occupied by a male and a female.

A second male was observed re-entering the vehicle as the officer approached. The vehicle displayed a fictitious license plate and all exterior factory markings were covered with duct tape.

While speaking with the occupants, patrol observed one of the white masks used in the robbery sticking out from under the driver’s seat. All occupants were detained at that time.

A later search of the vehicle revealed the other white mask, latex gloves, a tire iron, and items stolen from the Tri-Way motel. The rifle was recovered a short distance from the vehicle, near where the second male had walked from.

The firearm, suspect clothing, and other items recovered from inside the vehicle all matched what was observed on security camera footage provided by Tri-Way Motel.

The firearm is an AMD-65 AK-47 Semi Automatic Rifle 7.62x39, manufactured by KBI. The firearm also had a 30 round high capacity magazine, however it contained no bullets at the time it was recovered.

Matthew Lynch (26 y/o of Galloway) and Emanuel Heath (22 y/o of Pleasantville) were both charged with the following offenses:

Robbery
Conspiracy to commit Robbery
Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose
Possession of an unlicensed assault firearm
Possession of large capacity ammunition magazine
Possession of other weapon
Burglary
Theft
Aggravated Assault

Honorable Howard Freed set bail at $250,000 full cash, and both Lynch and Heath were lodged in Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Rohit Surti, of Tri-Way Motel was treated on scene for non-life threatening injuries he sustained during the robbery.

MAYS LANDING – A Lumberton woman was sentenced to jail last Friday for recklessly causing a two-car collision in 2013 that resulted in serious bodily injury to the other driver, and for leaving the scene of the collision, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

On August 24, 2013, at 12:28 p.m., Hammonton Police responded to the intersection of 2nd Road and 14th Street, Hammonton, for a reported motor vehicle collision.

Investigation determined that Christina N. Marino, then 20-years-old and a Hammonton resident, was operating a motor vehicle—a Ford Focus—northbound on 14th Street at a stop sign while texting on her cellphone, when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic, entered the intersection, and struck a vehicle traveling eastbound on 2nd Road, driven by James Badagliacco, 36, of Hammonton. Marino left the scene of the accident.

The impact from Marino’s vehicle caused Badagliacco’s vehicle—a Ford pickup truck— to leave the roadway and strike a tree. When police arrived, Badagliacco was entrapped inside the vehicle. Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Collision Unit also responded.

Emergency personnel extricated Badagliacco from the vehicle, and he was flown by New Jersey State Police helicopter to the Cooper Hospital Trauma Unit in critical condition with a head injury.

Marino and her vehicle were located in Winslow Township. The vehicle was impounded by police. Marino was examined and cleared by medical personnel, then interviewed by police.

Marino was charged on motor vehicle summonses with:

Failure to stop or yield at a stop sign,
Leaving the scene of an accident, and
Improper use of a cellphone.

The victim, Mr. Badagliacco, was kept on life support for 4 days at Cooper Hospital, and has continued to obtain treatment for injuries caused by the collision, in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

On August 20, 2014, Hammonton Police charged Marino criminally with:

Assault by Auto, for “driving a vehicle recklessly and causing serious bodily injury to James Badagliacco specifically by texting with her cellular phone while operating her motor vehicle”—crime of the 4th degree, and

Knowingly Leaving a Motor Vehicle Accident With Serious Bodily Injury—a 3rd degree crime,

On April 2, 2015, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Marino on both counts. On February 15, 2016, members of the U. S. Marshal Service arrested Marino in the State of Florida as a fugitive from justice. Marino was extradited back to New Jersey and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility, and was subsequently released from jail pending court.

Marino pled guilty to both crimes before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Damon Tyner on September 20, 2016.

On Friday, December 16, 2016, pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia M. Wild sentenced Marino, now 23-years-old, to 364 days in the Atlantic County Justice Facility during which she will be ineligible for the community release program, to 5 years of probation, and ordered that Marino pay $23,455 in restitution to the victim for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Before sentencing Marino, Judge Wild said, “This is an example of the danger of texting while driving.”

After sentencing, Atlantic County Sheriff Officers placed Marino in handcuffs, and escorted her to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer, who represented the State in the matter, said, “The case illustrates the danger of inattentive driving. What really compounded this situation and made it a more serious crime was the fact that Marino left the scene of the accident while the victim was seriously injured and trapped in a vehicle from which he had to be extricated. Because of her actions, this man now suffers with a lifelong injury.”

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. Members of the public 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 – An Atlantic City man was charged with murder last Thursday, in connection with the shooting death of an Atlantic City woman on the Tuesday before, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

An intensive 2-day investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department led to the issuance of a warrant complaint for murder and weapons possession charges against Joseph McCoy, 43, of 326 North Tennessee Avenue, Apartment 3, Atlantic City, NJ.

Atlantic City Police responded on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 4:22 a.m., to 326 North Tennessee Avenue, Apartment 3, Atlantic City, NJ, for a report that a woman had been found dead inside the home.

Atlantic City EMS, AtlanticCare paramedics, and detectives of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit also responded.

Upon arrival, police found Jacqueline Hoyle, 23-years-old, of the same address, dead of an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

An autopsy performed on Thursday, December 22, 2016, by the New Jersey Southern Regional Medical Examiner Office determined the cause of death to be a single gunshot wound, and the manner of death: homicide.

On the same day, Thursday, December 22, 2016, detectives charged McCoy with:

Murder, that he “did purposely or knowingly cause the death of Jacqueline Hoyle...by shooting her at close range”—a crime of the 1st degree;
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and
Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon—2nd degree crimes.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia M. Wild set bail on the charges at $750,000 full cash / no bond.

McCoy has not yet been located and arrested.

A conviction for murder carries a potential sentence of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison for a period of 30 years to life. A 2nd degree conviction carries a potential sentence of 5-10 years in prison.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department continue the investigation of the crime, and the search for McCoy.

Anyone with information about this incident, or the location of the defendant, is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666. Witnesses may also contact the Atlantic City Police Department Investigations Division at (609)-347-5766.

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.

Galloway Township Police responded to 913 calls for service during December 11, 2016 through December 17, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 0 Car Burglaries, 27 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 97 Tickets issued, 0 Driving While Intoxicated, 16 Arrests, 9 Domestic Violence, 3 Fire Calls, 18 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

100 Block of E. Jimmie Leeds Rd.

100 Block of E. Crestview Ave

200 Block of Beanfield Pl.

Arrests:

Karen A. Coburn, 25 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with Hindering on Dec. 15

Erik C. Hoffman, 27 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with Hindering on Dec. 15

Balil Y. Burton, 26 of Pleasantville, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau Jr. and charged with Robbery on Dec. 14

Emanuel T. Heath, 22 of Weymouth, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Alex Bennett and charged with Possession of CDS on Dec. 12

On December 12, 2016, Galloway Twp. Police were dispatched to the Highlander Motel, located at 304 E. White Horse Pike, for the report of an armed robbery.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim had been bound with Duct Tape and held at gunpoint in a motel room. The male suspect robbed the victim of $250.00 prior to fleeing eastbound on the White Horse Pike.

During the course of the investigation the suspect was identified as Joshua Holmes, 23 of Piscataway. With the assistance of Piscataway Police, Joshua Holmes was taken into custody on December 29, 2016, while in possession of a firearm.

Assisting in the investigation was D/Sgt. Ryan Goehringer #67 and Ptl. Christian Magazzu #97 of the Galloway Twp. Police Department. Joshua Holmes was formally charged with four offenses; Robbery, Criminal Restraint, Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose.

Judge Freed set bail on Joshua Holmes at $250,000 full cash. Joshua was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility in default of bail.

On December 30, 2016 at 12:16 p.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Upland and Second Avenue.

According to Police, a Jeep, driven by Peggy Cooper, 63 of Columbia SC, was traveling west on Upland Avenue when she ran a stop sign and struck a Chrysler driven by Lauren Frye, 33 of Galloway as she was traveling south on Second Avenue.

Police stated the impact of the collision pushed the Chrysler into a utility pole coming to a rest on the west side of Second Ave. Frye had to be extricated from her vehicle by Bayview Fire Company.

Prior to extrication, AC Electric responded to disconnect all power lines. Frye was transported by Galloway Twp EMS to ARMC – Mainland Division for moderate non-life threatening injuries.

A three block section of Second Ave was shut down for several hours while vehicles/debris was cleared and repairs were made. Cooper was issued a summons for failure to stop and yield. GTPD Traffic Unit is investigating.

GT Ambulance Squad, Done Right Towing, Atlantic City Electric and Bayview Vol. Fire Department assisted in the accident.

Warning: Graphic Content Described in Article

BELLMAWR, NJ – A Bellmawr man was arrested yesterday, charged with the sexual assault of a 7-year-old child in 2014, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

After a 2 year investigation of Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives, James R. Ward, 30, of East Browning Road, Bellmawr, NJ, was arrested in Bellmawr, NJ, yesterday, Friday, December 30, 2016 at approximately 11:30 a.m.by Special Victim’s Unit detectives. Ward was charged with:

Aggravated Sexual Assault, “by digitally penetrating a 7-year-old [child]’s vagina”—a crime of the 1st degree,

Sexual Assault, by “rubbing his penis on the outside of [the victim’s] genital area”—a 2nd degree crime, and

Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for committing the above crimes “while having legal duty to care for child ...“while her mother was not home”—a 2nd degree crime.

The arrest was made without incident. Ward was transported to the Prosecutor’s Office in Mays Landing, processed for the arrest, then lodged in Atlantic County Justice Facility on $350,000 full cash bail, set by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr.

The State alleges that Ward was the fiancé of the victim’s mother, and committed the crimes during a time that he was watching the child in their home in Brigantine, NJ, and responsible for the child’s care and safety in her mother’s absence.

A conviction for a 1st degree crime carries a potential penalty of 10-20 years of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison. The potential penalty for a 2nd degree conviction is 5-10 years in prison.

Anyone with information regarding child abuse or the exploitation of children in Atlantic County is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at: (609) 909-7800.

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.

Galloway Township Police responded to 764 calls for service during December 18, 2016 through December 24, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 2 Car Burglaries, 33 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 93 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 22 Arrests, 16 Domestic Violence, 2 Fire Calls, 25 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

100 Block of Sylvan Ave.

200 Block of E. White Horse Pike

200 Block of Beanfield Place

Vehicle Burglaries:

100 Block of Cara Mia Lane (Multiple)

100 Block of E. Mourning Dove Way

Arrests:

Nazirah Z. Ridley, 22 of Pleasantville, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Patrick Neal and charged with Possession of CDS on Dec. 22

John J. Egnatowicz, 43 of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ was arrested by K-9 Sgt. Scott Winneberger and charged with Shoplifting on Dec. 20

Jamie M. Lampkin, 61 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Paul Smith and charged with DWI & Resisting Arrest on Dec. 20

Daron T. Chatman, 23 of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ was arrested by Ofc. Sajan Patel and charged with Bail Jumping on Dec. 19

Lauren M. Georgio, 34 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Christian Magazzu and charged with Criminal Mischief on Dec. 19

Matthew Lynch, 26 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker and charged with Robbery, Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Assault Firearm, Aggravated Assault & Burglary on Dec. 18

Emanuel T. Heath, 22 of Pleasantville, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker and charged with Robbery, Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Assault Firearm, Aggravated Assault & Burglary on Dec. 18

ATLANTIC CITY – An Atlantic City man has been charged with the murder of a man whose body was discovered this morning in Atlantic City, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

Atlantic City Police responded on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 8:43 a.m., to the 1200 block of Adriatic Avenue, Atlantic City, for a report that a dead man’s body had been discovered in a trashcan. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene.

The victim, identified as Ricky L. Ward, 52, of the 400 block of Delta Avenue, Atlantic City, was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene.

Investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department led to the location and detention at approximately 5:15 p.m. of Thomas Green, 64, of the 1300 block of Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, who was subsequently charged with Murder, for purposely and knowingly causing the death of the victim “by hitting him in the head multiple times with stones,” and with Possession of a Weapon For an Unlawful Purpose (stones), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (stones).

Green was processed for the arrest and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on 1,000,000 full cash bail set by Superior Court Judge John C. Porto.

A conviction for murder carries a potential sentence of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison for a period of 30 years to life. .

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department continue the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666. Witnesses may also contact the Atlantic City Police Department Investigations Division at (609)-347-5766.

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.

Andrew Watts

On Sunday, January 1, 2017, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a London Court Condos, in the Farmington section of the township, in reference to a vehicle burglary.

Witnesses saw the suspect inside of a unlocked vehicle, gave a description and a direction the suspect was heading. Officers Christopher Berry and Paul Janetta located the suspect and took him into custody.

Arrested was Andrew Watts, 31 years of age from Galloway Township. He was charged with Burglary, Theft and Possession of drug paraphernalia. A warrant was authorized by Municipal Court Judge Nehmad and Watts was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

The Egg Harbor Township Police Department wants to remind its residents and visitors to lock their vehicles. Don’t become a victim of this easily prevented crime.

In 2016 there were 183 reported vehicle burglaries and an unknown number that were unreported. Most could have been prevented by just locking the doors to their vehicle.

MAYS LANDING – A 48-year-old woman was extradited from Arizona to New Jersey last week and arraigned yesterday in Superior Court for a 2015 indictment for the Stalking and Cyber Harassment of a Hammonton woman and her juvenile son, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton announced.

An investigation by the City of Hammonton Police Department led to charges against Christina Merlo-Kline, of the 6000 block of E. Knowles Way, Cave Creek, Arizona, issued by police on four separate occasions: November 5, 2014, December 17, 2014, May 5, 2015, and August 3, 2015.

On each date, Merlo-Kline was charged with Stalking and Cyber Harassment, the alleged crimes taking place “purposely and repeatedly” for nearly 3 years, between 2012 and 2015.

The complaints allege that Merlo-Kline used “social media and other computer devices to monitor and harass repeatedly” Theresa Macri, of Hammonton, NJ, and her juvenile son.

On September 16, 2015, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Merlo-Kline on one count of Stalking—a 4th degree crime, for “purposely and knowingly [engaging] in a course of conduct directed at Theresa Macri that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her safety or the safety of a third person or suffer emotional distress.” The Grand Jury also indicted Merlo-Kline for Cyber Harassment—a 4th degree crime, for “while making a communication in an online capacity via any electronic device or through a social networking site with the purpose to harass another, did knowingly send, post, comment, request, suggest, or propose ...lewd, indecent, or obscene material... with purpose to emotionally harm a reasonable person or place a reasonable person in fear of physical or emotional harm.”

A Warrant on Indictment was issued the same day by the Atlantic County Superior Court, setting bail on Merlo-Kline at $15,000 cash or bond.

On September 16, 2016, Merlo-Kline was located and arrested in Maricopa County, Arizona, on the charges.

On December 29, 2016, at the conclusion of extradition proceedings, Merlo-Kline was extradited to New Jersey on a Governor’s Warrant applied for by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officers transported Merlo-Kline to New Jersey and lodged her in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Yesterday morning, January 3, 2017, Merlo-Kline was arraigned post-indictment before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia M. Wild.

Judge Wild set bail on Merlo-Kline at $2500.00 cash or bond, and further ordered that, if released on bail, Merlo-Kline is not permitted to leave New Jersey, is prohibited from the use of computers and posting on any social media sites, and is prohibited to have any contact with the victims.

Judge Wild set the next court date to be February 14, 2017.
Atlantic County Assistant Prosecutor Harlee Stein represents the State in the matter.

A conviction for a 4th degree crime carries a potential penalty of up to 18 months of imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison.

On January 4, 2017 at 6:55 a.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at Jimmie Leeds Road and Ash Avenue.

According to Police, a female pedestrian identified as Dorcas Frimpong, 52 of Atlantic City was attempting to cross the westbound lane of Jimmie Leeds Road when she was struck by a 2006 White Dodge Durango driven by Zeika Gomez, 39 of Galloway.

Police stated the impact forced the pedestrian into the eastbound lane of Jimmie Leeds Road where she may have been struck by an unidentified dark colored pick-up truck, according to surveillance video, traveling east on Jimmie Leeds Road. The unidentified pick-up truck continued east and did not stop at the scene.

According to Police, the pedestrian did die as a result of the collision.

Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Atlanticare Medics and Galloway EMS assisted in the accident.

Anyone with additional information regarding this motor vehicle collision is asked to contact Ofc. Neal at (609)652-3705 ext 071 or Ofc. Smith at (609)652-3705 ext 079.

Galloway Township Police responded to 884 calls for service during December 25, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 0 Car Burglaries, 24 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 137 Tickets issued, 4 Driving While Intoxicated, 30 Arrests, 18 Domestic Violence, 9 Fire Calls, 22 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

400 Block of Apple Dr.

200 Block of Beanfield Pl.

200 Block of W. Todd Ave.

ARRESTS:

Lauren D. Rhine, 65 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Steven Garrison and charged with DWI on Dec. 31

Brandon L. Diaz, 33 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. James L. Mulholland and charged with Possession of CDS on Dec. 31

Matthew J. Bee, 20 of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ was arrested by Sgt. Kevin Welsh and charged with Possession of CDS and DWI on Dec. 31

Barbara R. Gonzalez, 37 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Costa and charged with DWI on Dec. 30

Vernon O. Jenkins, 18 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Alexander Bennett and charged with Possession of CDS on Dec. 30

Joshua U. Holmes, 23 of Piscataway, NJ was arrested by Det. Jason Kiamos and charged with Robbery, Possession of a Firearm for Unlawful Purpose, Possession of a Handgun and Criminal Restraint on Dec. 29

Michael A. Scott, 42 of Atlantic City, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Richard Boyle and charged with Obstruction on Dec. 27

Erick A. Chavez, 45 of Egg Harbor City, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Costa and charged with Possession of CDS and DWI on Dec. 27

Kenneth J. Burrell, 39 of Egg Harbor City, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Dominic Fabrizio and charged with Distribution of CDS, Possession of CDS and Hindering on Dec. 26

Leonard D. Allen, 26 of Buena Borough, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Dominic Fabrizio and charged with Distribution of CDS, Possession of CDS and Hindering on Dec. 26

Shaakira S. Muhammad-Irizarry, 26 of Galloway, was arrested by Ofc. Alexander Bennett and charged with Resisting Arrest and Hindering on Dec. 25

Juvenile:

A male juvenile from Galloway Twp. was arrested by Ofc Fabrizio and charged with Curfew Violation on Dec. 28^th

Galloway Police Participate in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Ventnor Woman Guilty in Daughters Death; Eight-Year Sentence in Prison

Galloway Police Blotter November 27 - December 3, 2016

Galloway Resident Charged with Possession of Stolen Vehicle

School Bus, Two Vehicles Involved in Galloway Collision; One Injured

Two Arrested After Fleeing from ShopRite Management and Ran into Absecon Patrol

Judge Rules Margate Firefighter to Forfeit Public Employment After Shoplifting Conviction

Galloway Police Catch Masked Robbers of Local Motel; Seize Semi-Automatic Rifle

Lumberton Woman Sentenced to Jail in 2013 Collision After Texting and Driving

Atlantic City Man Charged with Murder in Shooting Death of AC Woman

Galloway Police Blotter December 11 - 17, 2016

Piscataway Man Arrested in Galloway Motel Robbery

Galloway Woman Injured in Motor Vehicle Collision

Bellmawr Man Charged with Sexual Assault of 7-year-old Child

Galloway Police Blotter December 18 - 24, 2016

Atlantic City Man Charged with Murder of Man Discovered in Trash Can

Galloway Man Arrested in EHT for Vehicle Burglary

Arizona Woman Charged with Stalking & Cyber Harassment of Hammonton Woman and Son; Extradited to NJ

Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Galloway; Police Seek Information on Possible Second Vehicle Involved

Galloway Police Blotter December 25 - 31, 2016