Couple found dead in Old Bridge, NJ home
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief William Volkert of the Old Bridge Police Department said a couple and their dog were found dead Christmas Eve inside their home in the Cliffwood Beach section of Old Bridge Township.
Thomas Vuocolo, 55, and Cindy Marcinczyk, 47 of the Cliffwood Section of Old Bridge were found in their home on December 24, 2017.
The Old Bridge Police responded to the residence at approximately 9:00 p.m. and arrived to find a male, a female and a dog dead at the scene due to apparent gunshot wounds. A second dog who sustained a gunshot wound was taken to an animal hospital and is recovering.
“While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement has determined that there is no outstanding threat to the public” – Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.
Their death is being investigated by Detective Philip Belgio of The Old Bridge Police Department and Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.The results of the autopsies are pending by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief William Volkert of the Old Bridge Police Department said a couple and their dog were found dead Christmas Eve inside their home in the Cliffwood Beach section of Old Bridge Township.
Thomas Vuocolo, 55, and Cindy Marcinczyk, 47 of the Cliffwood Section of Old Bridge were found in their home on December 24, 2017.
The Old Bridge Police responded to the residence at approximately 9:00 p.m. and arrived to find a male, a female and a dog dead at the scene due to apparent gunshot wounds. A second dog who sustained a gunshot wound was taken to an animal hospital and is recovering.
“While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement has determined that there is no outstanding threat to the public” – Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey.
Their death is being investigated by Detective Philip Belgio of The Old Bridge Police Department and Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.The results of the autopsies are pending by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Secretly Recording Videos of Underage Girl Showering and Possession of Child Pornography
TRENTON –Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a Middlesex County man was sentenced to prison today for secretly recording videos of an underage girl naked using a camera he hid in the bathroom of the apartment where the girl lived. He also pleaded guilty to possessing multiple files of child pornography on his computer.
Gustavo Idrovo, 42, of Perth Amboy, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca Jr. in Middlesex County. He pleaded guilty on April 6 to charges of second-degree photographing or filming a child in a prohibited sexual act and third-degree possession of child pornography. Idrovo will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
Deputy Attorney General Joseph Remy took the guilty plea and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau. The charges are the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit (DTIU), the Division of Criminal Justice, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and other members of the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, assisted by the Perth Amboy Police Department.
A detective of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was monitoring a peer-to-peer file-sharing network popular with sex offenders when he downloaded two files of suspected child pornography from a computer IP address that was traced to Idrovo’s residence. Idrovo was arrested in February 2014 when members of the ICAC Task Force went to his residence to investigate. Task force members interviewed Idrovo and obtained permission to search his laptop computer, which was found to contain more than 20 videos and images of child pornography, as well as additional videos of women and an underage girl showering. Further investigation by ICAC Task Force members revealed that Idrovo had hidden a camera in the bathroom of the apartment where the women and the teenage girl lived in order to record videos of them naked. Four videos of the underage girl were found on Idrovo’s laptop computer.
“Idrovo violated the innocence of a young girl by secretly recording her most private moments,” said Attorney General Porrino. “All too frequently we find that those who sexually exploit children by sharing child pornography online also engage in hands-on predatory conduct against children. We’ve put Idrovo in prison, where he can no longer harm any child to satisfy his deviant desires.”
“Idrovo’s despicable conduct involving the hidden camera and the underage girl was uncovered after a detective found him sharing child pornography online,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to patrol the internet with our law enforcement partners to catch those who distribute child pornography and prey on children.”
“We will not tolerate offenders who prey on innocent and unsuspecting children,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The entire law enforcement community will continue to collaborate to expose these predators and bring them to justice.”
Deputy Attorney General Joseph Remy prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Julia Glass and Bureau Chief Michael Monahan. Attorney General Porrino commended the detectives and officers who investigated the case for the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the other law enforcement agencies in the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He also thanked the Perth Amboy Police for their valuable assistance.
TRENTON –Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a Middlesex County man was sentenced to prison today for secretly recording videos of an underage girl naked using a camera he hid in the bathroom of the apartment where the girl lived. He also pleaded guilty to possessing multiple files of child pornography on his computer.
Gustavo Idrovo, 42, of Perth Amboy, N.J., was sentenced to five years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca Jr. in Middlesex County. He pleaded guilty on April 6 to charges of second-degree photographing or filming a child in a prohibited sexual act and third-degree possession of child pornography. Idrovo will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
Deputy Attorney General Joseph Remy took the guilty plea and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau. The charges are the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit (DTIU), the Division of Criminal Justice, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and other members of the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, assisted by the Perth Amboy Police Department.
A detective of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was monitoring a peer-to-peer file-sharing network popular with sex offenders when he downloaded two files of suspected child pornography from a computer IP address that was traced to Idrovo’s residence. Idrovo was arrested in February 2014 when members of the ICAC Task Force went to his residence to investigate. Task force members interviewed Idrovo and obtained permission to search his laptop computer, which was found to contain more than 20 videos and images of child pornography, as well as additional videos of women and an underage girl showering. Further investigation by ICAC Task Force members revealed that Idrovo had hidden a camera in the bathroom of the apartment where the women and the teenage girl lived in order to record videos of them naked. Four videos of the underage girl were found on Idrovo’s laptop computer.
“Idrovo violated the innocence of a young girl by secretly recording her most private moments,” said Attorney General Porrino. “All too frequently we find that those who sexually exploit children by sharing child pornography online also engage in hands-on predatory conduct against children. We’ve put Idrovo in prison, where he can no longer harm any child to satisfy his deviant desires.”
“Idrovo’s despicable conduct involving the hidden camera and the underage girl was uncovered after a detective found him sharing child pornography online,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to patrol the internet with our law enforcement partners to catch those who distribute child pornography and prey on children.”
“We will not tolerate offenders who prey on innocent and unsuspecting children,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The entire law enforcement community will continue to collaborate to expose these predators and bring them to justice.”
Deputy Attorney General Joseph Remy prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Julia Glass and Bureau Chief Michael Monahan. Attorney General Porrino commended the detectives and officers who investigated the case for the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the other law enforcement agencies in the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He also thanked the Perth Amboy Police for their valuable assistance.
Former State Trooper Sentenced on Charges He Tampered With Evidence and Records to Cover Up Improper Stops of Female Motorists
TRENTON – A New Jersey state trooper was sentenced today on charges that he tampered with evidence and falsified records to cover up the fact that he conducted improper stops of female drivers in order to view the private contents of their cell phones and proposition them to meet him socially.
Marquice Prather, 38, of Linden, N.J., was sentenced to three years of probation by Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca in Middlesex County. He was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and pay a $5,000 fine. The judge also ordered that Prather have no contact with his victims. Prather pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to charges of third-degree invasion of privacy, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. He forfeited his job as a state trooper and is permanently barred from public office and employment.
Deputy Attorneys General Brian Faulk, Jonathan Gilmore and Charles Wright prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.
The New Jersey State Police Office of Professional Standards investigated numerous incidents involving Prather that reflected a pattern of pulling over women, ranging in age from 18 to 42, and soliciting them to go on a date with him or give him their phone numbers. The investigation revealed the following conduct, for which he pleaded guilty to the three charges:
TRENTON – A New Jersey state trooper was sentenced today on charges that he tampered with evidence and falsified records to cover up the fact that he conducted improper stops of female drivers in order to view the private contents of their cell phones and proposition them to meet him socially.
Marquice Prather, 38, of Linden, N.J., was sentenced to three years of probation by Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca in Middlesex County. He was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and pay a $5,000 fine. The judge also ordered that Prather have no contact with his victims. Prather pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to charges of third-degree invasion of privacy, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. He forfeited his job as a state trooper and is permanently barred from public office and employment.
Deputy Attorneys General Brian Faulk, Jonathan Gilmore and Charles Wright prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.
The New Jersey State Police Office of Professional Standards investigated numerous incidents involving Prather that reflected a pattern of pulling over women, ranging in age from 18 to 42, and soliciting them to go on a date with him or give him their phone numbers. The investigation revealed the following conduct, for which he pleaded guilty to the three charges:
- Prather requested and searched the cell phones of numerous female drivers without justification, after asking the women to unlock the phones. He looked through personal information and images on the phones and, in some cases, reproduced intimate photos and videos of the women.
- Prather disposed of suspected marijuana that he seized from the vehicle of a female motorist.
- Prather falsely reported the gender of drivers he pulled over to disguise the fact that he stopped a high number of females.
Two Men Charged In Theft Of Over $2 Million In Stock Certificates From Deceased Manhattan Woman
New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging STEPHEN DECKER and LUIS MERCADO with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to steal more than $2 million in stock certificates from the apartment of a deceased Manhattan woman, and then use those stolen assets to attempt to purchase over $2 million worth of gold coins. DECKER and MERCADO were arrested this morning in Manhattan. The defendants will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott in Manhattan federal court this afternoon. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As alleged, these defendants preyed on a deceased New Yorker’s estate by stealing millions in stock certificates from her home. Then, in an attempt to cover their tracks, the defendants allegedly sold the certificates and tried to purchase more than $2 million in gold coins so that the ill-gotten gains couldn’t be traced to them. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the defendants will now be held accountable for their brazen actions.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As alleged, when Decker and Mercado cashed out on stolen stock certificates, their right to ownership was nothing more than fool’s gold. Not only did the certificates not belong to them, their rightful owner was an elderly deceased woman with no representatives to stake her claim. Taking advantage of those who are powerless to defend themselves or their legacy has always been, and will always be, an inexcusable crime.”
According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in federal court:
From March 2016 to February 2017, DECKER and MERCADO engaged in a scheme designed to steal over $2 million from a deceased Manhattan woman (the “Victim”). As part of the scheme, DECKER and MERCADO stole stock certificates valued at over $2 million from the Victim’s Manhattan apartment after the Victim’s death in March 2016. In August 2016, based on false representations made by DECKER and MERCADO, a financial institution (“Company-1”) opened a brokerage account (the “Account”) in the Victim’s name. DECKER and MERCADO then deposited the stolen stock certificates into the Account. In September 2016, based on additional false representations made by DECKER and MERCADO, Company-1 sold the shares in the brokerage account opened in the Victim’s name, resulting in a cash balance in the Account of more than $2 million. DECKER and MERCADO then attempted to purchase over $2 million in gold coins using the assets in the Account.
The Indictment charges DECKER, 59, of Secaucus, New Jersey, and MERCADO, 53, of Manhattan, New York, each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging STEPHEN DECKER and LUIS MERCADO with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to steal more than $2 million in stock certificates from the apartment of a deceased Manhattan woman, and then use those stolen assets to attempt to purchase over $2 million worth of gold coins. DECKER and MERCADO were arrested this morning in Manhattan. The defendants will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott in Manhattan federal court this afternoon. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As alleged, these defendants preyed on a deceased New Yorker’s estate by stealing millions in stock certificates from her home. Then, in an attempt to cover their tracks, the defendants allegedly sold the certificates and tried to purchase more than $2 million in gold coins so that the ill-gotten gains couldn’t be traced to them. Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the defendants will now be held accountable for their brazen actions.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As alleged, when Decker and Mercado cashed out on stolen stock certificates, their right to ownership was nothing more than fool’s gold. Not only did the certificates not belong to them, their rightful owner was an elderly deceased woman with no representatives to stake her claim. Taking advantage of those who are powerless to defend themselves or their legacy has always been, and will always be, an inexcusable crime.”
According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in federal court:
From March 2016 to February 2017, DECKER and MERCADO engaged in a scheme designed to steal over $2 million from a deceased Manhattan woman (the “Victim”). As part of the scheme, DECKER and MERCADO stole stock certificates valued at over $2 million from the Victim’s Manhattan apartment after the Victim’s death in March 2016. In August 2016, based on false representations made by DECKER and MERCADO, a financial institution (“Company-1”) opened a brokerage account (the “Account”) in the Victim’s name. DECKER and MERCADO then deposited the stolen stock certificates into the Account. In September 2016, based on additional false representations made by DECKER and MERCADO, Company-1 sold the shares in the brokerage account opened in the Victim’s name, resulting in a cash balance in the Account of more than $2 million. DECKER and MERCADO then attempted to purchase over $2 million in gold coins using the assets in the Account.
The Indictment charges DECKER, 59, of Secaucus, New Jersey, and MERCADO, 53, of Manhattan, New York, each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Lakewood Electrical Code Inspector Sentenced to State Prison for Accepting Bribes from Contractors
TRENTON – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former electrical code inspector for Lakewood Township was sentenced to prison today for accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for preferential treatment in the form of scheduling and conducting inspections more quickly or, in at least one instance, approving work that was not actually inspected.Mitchell B. Perkins, 68, of Stafford Township, N.J., was sentenced to three years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels in Ocean County. Perkins pleaded guilty on Dec. 5 to second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery. As a result of the guilty plea, he is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.
Deputy Attorney General Pearl Minato prosecuted Perkins and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau. The charge was contained in a June 2016 indictment that was the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad and the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.
Perkins formerly was employed as an electrical sub-code official/electrical inspector for Lakewood Township. He was arrested in this case on Sept. 25, 2015, and subsequently retired from that position.
The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police received information that Perkins had been accepting bribes from contractors. Between May and September 2015, Perkins accepted four separate payments of $300 from an electrical contractor as consideration for preferential treatment. The contractor was working as a cooperating witness for the State Police at the time and requested that Perkins inspect his work more quickly. Perkins returned the first payment, but he kept the three later payments. After the first payment, Perkins, who previously had inordinately delayed inspections of the contractor’s works sites, began to conduct timely inspections of his work sites. On one occasion, Perkins approved electrical work performed by the contractor without first inspecting the work.
In addition to the payments from the cooperating witness, the investigation revealed that Perkins accepted other payments from contractors on multiple occasions dating back to 1997 to influence the performance of his work as an electrical sub-code official and inspector for Lakewood Township.
“When inspectors like Perkins take bribes from contractors, it erodes trust in government and can threaten public safety,” said Attorney General Porrino. “This prison sentence sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public by putting their authority up for sale will face stern punishment.”
“The public has a right to expect that inspectors like Perkins will focus single-mindedly on public safety, not lining their own pockets,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll aggressively prosecute any officials who corruptly use their public positions for personal gain.”
“There are few assets more valuable than a person’s home, and homeowners have a right to expect that government inspectors will focus exclusively on ensuring that homes are safe, not on satisfying contractors who pay bribes,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This sentence sends a message that the state will not tolerate any illegal behavior that could endanger its citizens.”
TRENTON – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former electrical code inspector for Lakewood Township was sentenced to prison today for accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for preferential treatment in the form of scheduling and conducting inspections more quickly or, in at least one instance, approving work that was not actually inspected.Mitchell B. Perkins, 68, of Stafford Township, N.J., was sentenced to three years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels in Ocean County. Perkins pleaded guilty on Dec. 5 to second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery. As a result of the guilty plea, he is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.
Deputy Attorney General Pearl Minato prosecuted Perkins and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau. The charge was contained in a June 2016 indictment that was the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad and the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.
Perkins formerly was employed as an electrical sub-code official/electrical inspector for Lakewood Township. He was arrested in this case on Sept. 25, 2015, and subsequently retired from that position.
The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police received information that Perkins had been accepting bribes from contractors. Between May and September 2015, Perkins accepted four separate payments of $300 from an electrical contractor as consideration for preferential treatment. The contractor was working as a cooperating witness for the State Police at the time and requested that Perkins inspect his work more quickly. Perkins returned the first payment, but he kept the three later payments. After the first payment, Perkins, who previously had inordinately delayed inspections of the contractor’s works sites, began to conduct timely inspections of his work sites. On one occasion, Perkins approved electrical work performed by the contractor without first inspecting the work.
In addition to the payments from the cooperating witness, the investigation revealed that Perkins accepted other payments from contractors on multiple occasions dating back to 1997 to influence the performance of his work as an electrical sub-code official and inspector for Lakewood Township.
“When inspectors like Perkins take bribes from contractors, it erodes trust in government and can threaten public safety,” said Attorney General Porrino. “This prison sentence sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public by putting their authority up for sale will face stern punishment.”
“The public has a right to expect that inspectors like Perkins will focus single-mindedly on public safety, not lining their own pockets,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll aggressively prosecute any officials who corruptly use their public positions for personal gain.”
“There are few assets more valuable than a person’s home, and homeowners have a right to expect that government inspectors will focus exclusively on ensuring that homes are safe, not on satisfying contractors who pay bribes,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This sentence sends a message that the state will not tolerate any illegal behavior that could endanger its citizens.”
Pakistani Man Gets Over Three Years In Jail For Particpating In International $200 Million Credit Card Scam
TRENTON, N.J. – An Iselin, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for his role in one of the largest credit card fraud schemes ever charged by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Babar Qureshi, 63, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to Count One of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Thompson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Qureshi was originally charged in February 2013 as part of a conspiracy to fabricate more than 7,000 false identities to obtain tens of thousands of credit cards. The scheme involved a three-step process in which the defendants would make up a false identity by creating fraudulent identification documents and a fraudulent credit profile with the major credit bureaus; pump up the credit of the false identity by providing false information about that identity’s creditworthiness to those credit bureaus; and finally, run up large loans. The scope of the criminal fraud enterprise required Qureshi and other conspirators to construct an elaborate network of false identities. Across the country, the conspirators maintained more than 1,800 “drop addresses,” including houses, apartments and post office boxes, which they used as the mailing addresses of the false identities. Qureshi’s role in the conspiracy was to take the phony cards and charge large amounts at complicit merchants, who would then pay him a portion of the charge. He used phony bank accounts to conceal his involvement and receive proceeds from the fraud, which he used for personal expenses, including his mortgage. In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Qureshi to five years of supervised release.
Connecticut man sentenced to four years for Westfield vehicular homicide
The Connecticut man responsible for an alcohol-related crash that killed one person and seriously injured another in Westfield in 2011 has been sentenced to four years in state prison, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park and Westfield Police Chief David Wayman jointly announced Friday.
Robert McGowan, 30, of Trumbull, Connecticut must serve at least 85 percent of that term before becoming eligible for parole under the terms set down Friday morning by state Superior Court Judge Scott J. Moynihan. Shortly after 1 a.m. on October 1, 2011, McGowan was driving his 2009 Honda Accord on Clifton Street in Westfield, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who prosecuted the case. McGowan was speeding, driving approximately 45 mph in a 25-mph zone, when he ran a stop sign at the intersection of Tice Place, striking a 2001 Cadillac Eldorado being driven by 69-year-old Peter Tyliczka, Lawlor said. Tyliczka was thrown from his car and killed. A passenger in the vehicle, Tyliczka’s then-61-year-old girlfriend, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital, where she spent months undergoing treatment and therapy.
An investigation involving the Westfield Police Department and Lt. Jason McErlean, the Union County Police Department Fatal Accident Reconstruction Team, and the Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide Task Force determined that McGowan’s blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash was over the legal limit in New Jersey.
Two of Tyliczka’s daughters read statements prior to sentencing Friday, and McGowan addressed the victims’ families to apologize for his actions. But Moynihan rejected McGowan’s attorney’s suggestion of probation as a suitable sentence.
“Probation is not a viable option here,” he said. “You (McGowan) will be able to live your life (after leaving prison), and I hope you’ll make recompense for the lives you ruined.”
The Connecticut man responsible for an alcohol-related crash that killed one person and seriously injured another in Westfield in 2011 has been sentenced to four years in state prison, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park and Westfield Police Chief David Wayman jointly announced Friday.
Robert McGowan, 30, of Trumbull, Connecticut must serve at least 85 percent of that term before becoming eligible for parole under the terms set down Friday morning by state Superior Court Judge Scott J. Moynihan. Shortly after 1 a.m. on October 1, 2011, McGowan was driving his 2009 Honda Accord on Clifton Street in Westfield, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who prosecuted the case. McGowan was speeding, driving approximately 45 mph in a 25-mph zone, when he ran a stop sign at the intersection of Tice Place, striking a 2001 Cadillac Eldorado being driven by 69-year-old Peter Tyliczka, Lawlor said. Tyliczka was thrown from his car and killed. A passenger in the vehicle, Tyliczka’s then-61-year-old girlfriend, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital, where she spent months undergoing treatment and therapy.
An investigation involving the Westfield Police Department and Lt. Jason McErlean, the Union County Police Department Fatal Accident Reconstruction Team, and the Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide Task Force determined that McGowan’s blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash was over the legal limit in New Jersey.
Two of Tyliczka’s daughters read statements prior to sentencing Friday, and McGowan addressed the victims’ families to apologize for his actions. But Moynihan rejected McGowan’s attorney’s suggestion of probation as a suitable sentence.
“Probation is not a viable option here,” he said. “You (McGowan) will be able to live your life (after leaving prison), and I hope you’ll make recompense for the lives you ruined.”
Piscataway man charged with murder
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Capt. Scott Cartmell of the Piscataway Police Department said that a township man was arrested today and charged with the murder of a 31-year-old woman who was found dead outside his home, the victim of apparent head injuries.
Christopher Koller, 39, was charged with the murder of Beth Bezek, 31, of Raritan after she was found early this morning.
Koller remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail.
He was charged during an investigation by Detective Joseph Reilly of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the investigation, it was determined that Ms. Bezek was visiting Koller at his home when she sustained what appears to be blunt force trauma to the head.
Police were called to the defendant’s home and found the woman laying outside the home on Pond Lane at 1:04 a.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:33 a.m.
The results of an autopsy by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office were not immediately available, but it appeared the victim suffered severe injury to her head.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Reilly of the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-1100, or Detective Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Capt. Scott Cartmell of the Piscataway Police Department said that a township man was arrested today and charged with the murder of a 31-year-old woman who was found dead outside his home, the victim of apparent head injuries.
Christopher Koller, 39, was charged with the murder of Beth Bezek, 31, of Raritan after she was found early this morning.
Koller remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail.
He was charged during an investigation by Detective Joseph Reilly of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the investigation, it was determined that Ms. Bezek was visiting Koller at his home when she sustained what appears to be blunt force trauma to the head.
Police were called to the defendant’s home and found the woman laying outside the home on Pond Lane at 1:04 a.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:33 a.m.
The results of an autopsy by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office were not immediately available, but it appeared the victim suffered severe injury to her head.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Reilly of the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-1100, or Detective Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300.
MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR
SELLING A KILO OF COCAINE
TO AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER AT THE DEPTFORD MALL
Philadelphia man was sentenced to state prison today for distributing a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover officer at the Deptford Mall in Gloucester County. He was arrested during an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force into a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Atlantic City.
Eduardo Colon-Lopez, 37, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, including 30 months of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in Atlantic County. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 4 to a charge of first-degree distribution of cocaine, which was contained in a March 25, 2015 indictment returned by an Atlantic County grand jury. Colon-Lopez was arrested on Sept. 20, 2014, in the parking lot of the Deptford Mall as the result of an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force (ACTF), which includes members of state, county, local and federal law enforcement agencies. He had been in the Atlantic County Jail since his arrest, with bail set at $250,000.
Colon-Lopez’s arrest was part of an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force into a conspiracy to distribute bulk quantities of cocaine in Atlantic City. Up until his arrest, Colon-Lopez was known to the ACTF only as “Papito.” To apprehend him, members of the ACTF initiated an undercover investigation through which they arranged for Colon-Lopez to sell a kilogram of cocaine for $40,000 to an undercover member of the New Jersey State Police. Colon-Lopez agreed to complete the sale at a location in Atlantic City, but at the last minute, the location was changed to the Deptford Mall. Members of the State Police TEAMS (Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists) Unit arrested Colon-Lopez in the mall parking lot on the morning of Sept. 20, 2014, after he delivered a black duffel bag containing a plastic-wrapped kilo brick of cocaine to the undercover officer.
Deputy Attorney General James Ruberton prosecuted Colon-Lopez for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau. Detective Luis Freites was the lead detective for the New Jersey State Police. Acting Attorney General Hoffman thanked the members of the Atlantic County Task Force responsible for the investigation and arrest, including the New Jersey State Police, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic City Police Department and Pleasantville Police Department. Acting Attorney General Hoffman also thanked the Pennsylvania Bureau of Narcotics Investigations for its valuable assistance.
TO AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER AT THE DEPTFORD MALL
Philadelphia man was sentenced to state prison today for distributing a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover officer at the Deptford Mall in Gloucester County. He was arrested during an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force into a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Atlantic City.
Eduardo Colon-Lopez, 37, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, including 30 months of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in Atlantic County. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 4 to a charge of first-degree distribution of cocaine, which was contained in a March 25, 2015 indictment returned by an Atlantic County grand jury. Colon-Lopez was arrested on Sept. 20, 2014, in the parking lot of the Deptford Mall as the result of an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force (ACTF), which includes members of state, county, local and federal law enforcement agencies. He had been in the Atlantic County Jail since his arrest, with bail set at $250,000.
Colon-Lopez’s arrest was part of an investigation by the Atlantic City Task Force into a conspiracy to distribute bulk quantities of cocaine in Atlantic City. Up until his arrest, Colon-Lopez was known to the ACTF only as “Papito.” To apprehend him, members of the ACTF initiated an undercover investigation through which they arranged for Colon-Lopez to sell a kilogram of cocaine for $40,000 to an undercover member of the New Jersey State Police. Colon-Lopez agreed to complete the sale at a location in Atlantic City, but at the last minute, the location was changed to the Deptford Mall. Members of the State Police TEAMS (Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists) Unit arrested Colon-Lopez in the mall parking lot on the morning of Sept. 20, 2014, after he delivered a black duffel bag containing a plastic-wrapped kilo brick of cocaine to the undercover officer.
Deputy Attorney General James Ruberton prosecuted Colon-Lopez for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau. Detective Luis Freites was the lead detective for the New Jersey State Police. Acting Attorney General Hoffman thanked the members of the Atlantic County Task Force responsible for the investigation and arrest, including the New Jersey State Police, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic City Police Department and Pleasantville Police Department. Acting Attorney General Hoffman also thanked the Pennsylvania Bureau of Narcotics Investigations for its valuable assistance.
Man, going 100+ mph, killed 9-year-old son and self in Route 78 crash, cops say
A 9-year-old boy and his father both died in the Route 78 crash that brought traffic to a standstill for hours Saturday night, after the father sped along the highway at more than 100 mph, state police said.
Stephen Weekes, 34, of Bethlehem, Pa., and his son Anthony Weekes, 9, of Jamaica, N.Y., were both declared dead at the scene, State Police said in a statement released Monday. Sgt. Jeff Flynn said police are still investigating whether Stephen Weekes had custody of his son.
According to the statement, Stephen Weekes "blew past a marked troop car" in his Honda Accord at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday night. Police have previously said the incident began in Berkeley Heights. The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch up to the car, which was travelling "well over" 100 mph, police said.
The trooper was trying to safely close the distance for more than 3 miles, but was still a long distance away when the Honda struck the side of a Hyundai Elantra and then careened off into the trees to the right side of the highway, police said.
No other police cars were involved in the pursuit, Flynn said.
That crash prompted another — the Hyundai driver, George Frisoli, 22, of Basking Ridge, and his passenger, Calvin Spann, 23, of Maywood, exited their vehicle after the collision, police said. Eliza Deck, 32, of Clinton, lost control of her Porsche Boxster as she approached the Hyundai in the left lane, striking Frisoli and Spann and their car, he said. Both cars ended up in the center median. Frisoli, Spann and Deck are all in stable condition after being transported to Morristown Medical Center, he said.
Police said they still don't know why Stephen Weekes was travelling so fast. He said there was "evidence in the car indicating possible intoxication," but didn't say what that evidence was, and a medical examiner's test will not be complete for several weeks.
State Police Fatal Crash Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation Office and Somerville Station personnel are continuing the investigation in cooperation with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, police said.
Route 78 didn't reopen until after 2 a.m. Although the state Department of Transportation described delays as ranging from 10 to 15 minutes at times, and more than an hour at others, several people trapped in the traffic took to Twitter saying they'd been there for hours.
Flynn said the road remained closed for so long because two separate accidents had to be investigated, and because one of the pedestrians was airlifted to Morristown Medical Center.
A 9-year-old boy and his father both died in the Route 78 crash that brought traffic to a standstill for hours Saturday night, after the father sped along the highway at more than 100 mph, state police said.
Stephen Weekes, 34, of Bethlehem, Pa., and his son Anthony Weekes, 9, of Jamaica, N.Y., were both declared dead at the scene, State Police said in a statement released Monday. Sgt. Jeff Flynn said police are still investigating whether Stephen Weekes had custody of his son.
According to the statement, Stephen Weekes "blew past a marked troop car" in his Honda Accord at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday night. Police have previously said the incident began in Berkeley Heights. The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch up to the car, which was travelling "well over" 100 mph, police said.
The trooper was trying to safely close the distance for more than 3 miles, but was still a long distance away when the Honda struck the side of a Hyundai Elantra and then careened off into the trees to the right side of the highway, police said.
No other police cars were involved in the pursuit, Flynn said.
That crash prompted another — the Hyundai driver, George Frisoli, 22, of Basking Ridge, and his passenger, Calvin Spann, 23, of Maywood, exited their vehicle after the collision, police said. Eliza Deck, 32, of Clinton, lost control of her Porsche Boxster as she approached the Hyundai in the left lane, striking Frisoli and Spann and their car, he said. Both cars ended up in the center median. Frisoli, Spann and Deck are all in stable condition after being transported to Morristown Medical Center, he said.
Police said they still don't know why Stephen Weekes was travelling so fast. He said there was "evidence in the car indicating possible intoxication," but didn't say what that evidence was, and a medical examiner's test will not be complete for several weeks.
State Police Fatal Crash Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation Office and Somerville Station personnel are continuing the investigation in cooperation with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, police said.
Route 78 didn't reopen until after 2 a.m. Although the state Department of Transportation described delays as ranging from 10 to 15 minutes at times, and more than an hour at others, several people trapped in the traffic took to Twitter saying they'd been there for hours.
Flynn said the road remained closed for so long because two separate accidents had to be investigated, and because one of the pedestrians was airlifted to Morristown Medical Center.
Iran nuclear talks: Deal 'near completion'
There are growing expectations that a comprehensive deal capping marathon negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme will be announced in Vienna.
Six world powers and Iran are reported to have drawn up a 100-page document detailing curbs to Iran's nuclear activity and sanctions relief.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is to make a televised address at 17:30 GMT.
The sides are trying to agree on a long-term deal which will resolve the 13-year-long crisis.
The world powers suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - something it strongly denies.
Unnamed diplomats at the talks told that negotiators planned to announce on Monday that they had reached a final accord.
The text of the document is long and the language apparently very precise, to minimise the risk either side can question later the commitments they have made.
Amid the guarded optimism there were still expressions of caution as the discussions resumed on Monday.
"No-one is thinking of another extension. Everyone working hard to get to yes today, but political will still required," tweeted Alireza Miryousefi, a member of the Iranian delegation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there "shouldn't be any extension but we could work as long as necessary to finish this".
Negotiations between the so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, Russia, China plus Germany - and Iran have been struggling over the issues of international inspections of Iran's non-nuclear sites, verification of Iranian compliance, and the pace of sanctions relief.
Officials from the two sides signalled on Sunday that they were close to a deal.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said "a few tough things'' needed to be resolved but added: "We're getting to some real decisions."
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who cancelled a trip to Africa to stay at the talks, said: "I hope we are finally entering the final phase of these marathon negotiations. I believe it."
Iran's President Rouhani said they had "come a long way".
"We need to reach a peak and we're very close," the Isna news agency quoted him as saying.
If a long-term agreement is reached, it still faces a tough ride through the US Congress, which could reject it and leave US sanctions against Iran in place.
Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, told on Sunday "I think it's going to be a very hard sell... We already know it's going to leave Iran as a threshold nuclear state."
A deal is also strongly opposed by the two main US allies in the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who feel threatened by Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused the P5+1 of "caving in" to Iran. It followed comments by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said the fight against US "arrogance" would continue regardless of the outcome of the talks.
There are growing expectations that a comprehensive deal capping marathon negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme will be announced in Vienna.
Six world powers and Iran are reported to have drawn up a 100-page document detailing curbs to Iran's nuclear activity and sanctions relief.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is to make a televised address at 17:30 GMT.
The sides are trying to agree on a long-term deal which will resolve the 13-year-long crisis.
The world powers suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - something it strongly denies.
Unnamed diplomats at the talks told that negotiators planned to announce on Monday that they had reached a final accord.
The text of the document is long and the language apparently very precise, to minimise the risk either side can question later the commitments they have made.
Amid the guarded optimism there were still expressions of caution as the discussions resumed on Monday.
"No-one is thinking of another extension. Everyone working hard to get to yes today, but political will still required," tweeted Alireza Miryousefi, a member of the Iranian delegation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there "shouldn't be any extension but we could work as long as necessary to finish this".
Negotiations between the so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, Russia, China plus Germany - and Iran have been struggling over the issues of international inspections of Iran's non-nuclear sites, verification of Iranian compliance, and the pace of sanctions relief.
Officials from the two sides signalled on Sunday that they were close to a deal.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said "a few tough things'' needed to be resolved but added: "We're getting to some real decisions."
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who cancelled a trip to Africa to stay at the talks, said: "I hope we are finally entering the final phase of these marathon negotiations. I believe it."
Iran's President Rouhani said they had "come a long way".
"We need to reach a peak and we're very close," the Isna news agency quoted him as saying.
If a long-term agreement is reached, it still faces a tough ride through the US Congress, which could reject it and leave US sanctions against Iran in place.
Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, told on Sunday "I think it's going to be a very hard sell... We already know it's going to leave Iran as a threshold nuclear state."
A deal is also strongly opposed by the two main US allies in the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who feel threatened by Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused the P5+1 of "caving in" to Iran. It followed comments by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said the fight against US "arrogance" would continue regardless of the outcome of the talks.
Russian barracks collapse kills 23 soldiers near Omsk
A section of a Russian military barracks has collapsed, killing 23 soldiers, near the Siberian city of Omsk, officials say.
A further 19 servicemen were rescued. Some have been flown to Moscow for medical treatment.
All of those killed were conscripts, with some reports giving the age of the youngest victim as just 18.
Investigators are examining whether repairs carried out on the building in 2013 are linked to its collapse.
An investigation into possible negligence has been launched.
The soldiers, who were stationed at a paratrooper training camp, had just gone to bed when the wall fell down and parts of the roof caved in.
Russia's defence ministry has been quick to announce generous compensation payments for those affected, says.
But the barracks collapse will be a political blow for Mr Putin, she says, as he has invested heavily in modernising the military and burnishing its image.
A section of a Russian military barracks has collapsed, killing 23 soldiers, near the Siberian city of Omsk, officials say.
A further 19 servicemen were rescued. Some have been flown to Moscow for medical treatment.
All of those killed were conscripts, with some reports giving the age of the youngest victim as just 18.
Investigators are examining whether repairs carried out on the building in 2013 are linked to its collapse.
An investigation into possible negligence has been launched.
The soldiers, who were stationed at a paratrooper training camp, had just gone to bed when the wall fell down and parts of the roof caved in.
Russia's defence ministry has been quick to announce generous compensation payments for those affected, says.
But the barracks collapse will be a political blow for Mr Putin, she says, as he has invested heavily in modernising the military and burnishing its image.
Rapper 50 Cent files for bankruptcy in the US
Rapper 50 Cent has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to reports in the US.
The music star, businessman and actor, reported in court papers that he has assets and debts in the range of $10m to $50m (£6.5m- £32m), according to the Wall Street Journal.
The filing comes days after a jury ruled that he must pay $5m to a woman suing over a sex tape case.
50 Cent's 2003 album Get Rich or Die Tryin' catapulted him to global fame.
Real name Curtis James Jackson III, the Grammy-award winning rapper's business interests have included clothes, boxing, drinks, and mining.
His stake in VitaminWater reportedly netted him tens of millions of dollar when Coca-Cola bought the drinks brand in 2007.
Chapter 11 allows companies time to re-organise their finances while protecting them from creditors' demands.
Rapper 50 Cent has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to reports in the US.
The music star, businessman and actor, reported in court papers that he has assets and debts in the range of $10m to $50m (£6.5m- £32m), according to the Wall Street Journal.
The filing comes days after a jury ruled that he must pay $5m to a woman suing over a sex tape case.
50 Cent's 2003 album Get Rich or Die Tryin' catapulted him to global fame.
Real name Curtis James Jackson III, the Grammy-award winning rapper's business interests have included clothes, boxing, drinks, and mining.
His stake in VitaminWater reportedly netted him tens of millions of dollar when Coca-Cola bought the drinks brand in 2007.
Chapter 11 allows companies time to re-organise their finances while protecting them from creditors' demands.
Newark ID cards bring immigrants out of the shadows
Kudos to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, for following in New York City's footsteps and creating a municipal ID program that will help unauthorized immigrants and others live their lives.
Modeled on the program New York Mayor Bill de Blasio created last year, it will benefit any person without a drivers' license or other government-issued ID. This includes not only immigrants, but also the homeless or elderly, who don't drive and often have trouble getting to a state motor vehicle office to apply for an ID.
Will the pitchfork brigade please note: This is not an end run around immigration law or state law. The photo ID card doesn't make you eligible for anything you wouldn't be otherwise. It can't be used to vote. It can't be used to drive. It simply gives people a way to prove their own identities.
We don't want witnesses to be afraid of reporting crimes to the police because they don't have an official ID. And we do want cops to be able to keep track of the homeless, and connect them to city services. This card will also allow transgender people to self-designate a gender, without having to out themselves and endure humiliating questions from a government bureaucrat.
Newark is the first city in New Jersey to start issuing its own ID cards, but hopefully won't be the last. As immigration reform remains stalled, this is a stop-gap measure to help cities integrate and promote civic engagement in their immigrant communities.
Thousands of unauthorized immigrants are living and working in our state, including in cities like Newark. It's a popular soundbite to say we should tell them all they shouldn't be here. But the reality is, they are here. Many are staying with family members who are U.S. citizens, raising children and holding down jobs, just like everyone else. Denying them identification cards will not make them go away.
The right place to enforce our immigration laws is at the point of employment -- not when an immigrant is reporting a crime to police, or visiting a child's school, and asked for ID. By launching this program, Baraka is doing what's best for Newark. It does the city no good to force large pockets of its people to remain invisible.
Kudos to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, for following in New York City's footsteps and creating a municipal ID program that will help unauthorized immigrants and others live their lives.
Modeled on the program New York Mayor Bill de Blasio created last year, it will benefit any person without a drivers' license or other government-issued ID. This includes not only immigrants, but also the homeless or elderly, who don't drive and often have trouble getting to a state motor vehicle office to apply for an ID.
Will the pitchfork brigade please note: This is not an end run around immigration law or state law. The photo ID card doesn't make you eligible for anything you wouldn't be otherwise. It can't be used to vote. It can't be used to drive. It simply gives people a way to prove their own identities.
We don't want witnesses to be afraid of reporting crimes to the police because they don't have an official ID. And we do want cops to be able to keep track of the homeless, and connect them to city services. This card will also allow transgender people to self-designate a gender, without having to out themselves and endure humiliating questions from a government bureaucrat.
Newark is the first city in New Jersey to start issuing its own ID cards, but hopefully won't be the last. As immigration reform remains stalled, this is a stop-gap measure to help cities integrate and promote civic engagement in their immigrant communities.
Thousands of unauthorized immigrants are living and working in our state, including in cities like Newark. It's a popular soundbite to say we should tell them all they shouldn't be here. But the reality is, they are here. Many are staying with family members who are U.S. citizens, raising children and holding down jobs, just like everyone else. Denying them identification cards will not make them go away.
The right place to enforce our immigration laws is at the point of employment -- not when an immigrant is reporting a crime to police, or visiting a child's school, and asked for ID. By launching this program, Baraka is doing what's best for Newark. It does the city no good to force large pockets of its people to remain invisible.
Indian national charged with millions of dollars fraud in New York
NEW YORK: Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Diego Rodriguez, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christy Romero, and Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”) announced that MARIO ALVARENGA, RAJESH MADDIWAR, and AMIR MEIRI were arrested today for participating in a scheme to fraudulently induce distressed homeowners to sell their homes to a company associated with the defendants. ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI were presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Fox.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “In what is alleged to be a brazen fraud, these defendants manipulated and took advantage of vulnerable people, and in some cases even tricked individuals into losing their homes. I would like to thank our partners – the FBI, SIGTARP, and DFS – for their ongoing assistance on this case.”
FBI Assistant Director Diego Rodriguez said: “The defendants took advantage of distressed home owners, mostly the poor and elderly, promising relief. In reality it was nothing more than a callous scheme that took advantage of the most desperate of victims. And in many cases, the owners were evicted from their homes after being tricked into selling their property to the defendants arrested today.”
Special Inspector General for SIGTARP said: “The three individuals taken into custody today stand charged with preying on struggling homeowners simply looking for a way to keep their homes from falling into foreclosure. These individuals are alleged to have dangled false promises of guaranteed mortgage modifications as a veil for secretly swindling homeowners out of their homes and forcing homeowners to vacate their properties. SIGTARP and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate allegations of fraud related to the exploitation of TARP’s housing programs and bring perpetrators to justice. SIGTARP commends U.S. Attorney Bharara, Superintendent Lawsky, and the FBI for their shared commitment to safeguarding taxpayers from TARP-related crime.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court.
Since at least 2013, ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI have defrauded distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI falsely represented to these homeowners – some of whom were elderly or in poor health – that they could assist them with a loan modification or similar relief from foreclosure that would allow the homeowners to save their homes. But rather than actually assisting these homeowners, the defendants deceived them into selling their homes to Launch Development LLC (“Launch Development”), a for-profit real estate company also affiliated with the defendants.
ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI lured victims through the Homeowners Assistance Service of New York (“HASNY”), which purported to provide assistance to homeowners who were seeking to avoid foreclosure of their homes. As part of the scheme, MEIRI directed employees of Launch Development, a company owned in part by MEIRI, to solicit owners of distressed properties and invite them to meet with HASNY representatives so that they could learn more about avoiding foreclosure and saving their homes.
When a homeowner arrived at the HASNY office, he or she met with ALVARENGA, who typically advised the homeowner that HASNY could assist him or her with a loan modification. In still other cases, ALVARENGA advised the homeowner that a loan modification could not be completed, but that the homeowner could engage in a type of short sale in which the homeowner would sell the property to a third party, Launch Development, and then within approximately 90 days arrange for a relative of the homeowner to repurchase the property from Launch Development. ALVARENGA typically explained that the homeowner could remain in his or her home throughout the entire process. ALVARENGA then typically scheduled a closing at which the homeowner would meet with MADDIWAR, who was described as the homeowner’s attorney for the transaction.
At the closing, a homeowner who had been led to believe that he or she was about to receive a loan modification or transfer his or her property to a trusted relative was encouraged to sign documents presented by MADDIWAR, which in some cases were blank. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, by signing the documents, they were selling to Launch Development the homes they had hoped to save. Homeowners often were then forced to vacate their homes soon thereafter.
ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, MEIRI are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
NEW YORK: Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Diego Rodriguez, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christy Romero, and Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”) announced that MARIO ALVARENGA, RAJESH MADDIWAR, and AMIR MEIRI were arrested today for participating in a scheme to fraudulently induce distressed homeowners to sell their homes to a company associated with the defendants. ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI were presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Fox.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “In what is alleged to be a brazen fraud, these defendants manipulated and took advantage of vulnerable people, and in some cases even tricked individuals into losing their homes. I would like to thank our partners – the FBI, SIGTARP, and DFS – for their ongoing assistance on this case.”
FBI Assistant Director Diego Rodriguez said: “The defendants took advantage of distressed home owners, mostly the poor and elderly, promising relief. In reality it was nothing more than a callous scheme that took advantage of the most desperate of victims. And in many cases, the owners were evicted from their homes after being tricked into selling their property to the defendants arrested today.”
Special Inspector General for SIGTARP said: “The three individuals taken into custody today stand charged with preying on struggling homeowners simply looking for a way to keep their homes from falling into foreclosure. These individuals are alleged to have dangled false promises of guaranteed mortgage modifications as a veil for secretly swindling homeowners out of their homes and forcing homeowners to vacate their properties. SIGTARP and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate allegations of fraud related to the exploitation of TARP’s housing programs and bring perpetrators to justice. SIGTARP commends U.S. Attorney Bharara, Superintendent Lawsky, and the FBI for their shared commitment to safeguarding taxpayers from TARP-related crime.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court.
Since at least 2013, ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI have defrauded distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI falsely represented to these homeowners – some of whom were elderly or in poor health – that they could assist them with a loan modification or similar relief from foreclosure that would allow the homeowners to save their homes. But rather than actually assisting these homeowners, the defendants deceived them into selling their homes to Launch Development LLC (“Launch Development”), a for-profit real estate company also affiliated with the defendants.
ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, and MEIRI lured victims through the Homeowners Assistance Service of New York (“HASNY”), which purported to provide assistance to homeowners who were seeking to avoid foreclosure of their homes. As part of the scheme, MEIRI directed employees of Launch Development, a company owned in part by MEIRI, to solicit owners of distressed properties and invite them to meet with HASNY representatives so that they could learn more about avoiding foreclosure and saving their homes.
When a homeowner arrived at the HASNY office, he or she met with ALVARENGA, who typically advised the homeowner that HASNY could assist him or her with a loan modification. In still other cases, ALVARENGA advised the homeowner that a loan modification could not be completed, but that the homeowner could engage in a type of short sale in which the homeowner would sell the property to a third party, Launch Development, and then within approximately 90 days arrange for a relative of the homeowner to repurchase the property from Launch Development. ALVARENGA typically explained that the homeowner could remain in his or her home throughout the entire process. ALVARENGA then typically scheduled a closing at which the homeowner would meet with MADDIWAR, who was described as the homeowner’s attorney for the transaction.
At the closing, a homeowner who had been led to believe that he or she was about to receive a loan modification or transfer his or her property to a trusted relative was encouraged to sign documents presented by MADDIWAR, which in some cases were blank. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, by signing the documents, they were selling to Launch Development the homes they had hoped to save. Homeowners often were then forced to vacate their homes soon thereafter.
ALVARENGA, MADDIWAR, MEIRI are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Michigan State Police lieutenant facing drunken driving charges after Bay County crash
BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI — A Bay County woman is recuperating from injuries sustained in a drunken driving crash involving an off-duty Michigan State Police lieutenant, authorities say.
The crash occurred about 11:42 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The 29-year-old woman was riding a 2007 Honda motorcycle on State Park Drive near Pembroke Road in Bay County's Bangor Township when she was struck by a vehicle driven by the 44-year-old lieutenant, according to Bay County Sheriff John E. Miller.
Police reports contained in court records state that sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene to find a group of people standing around a woman, later identified as Hilary A. Briggs, lying in the middle of State Park Drive just north of Pembroke. An ambulance transported her to Bangor Fire Station 7, and from there a helicopter airlifted her to St. Mary's of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw.
Deputies determined a white 1999 Lexus had struck Briggs' motorcycle from behind, according to court records. The driver of the Lexus, Jason T. Teddy, said he and a friend were heading to his Pinconning home. While driving down State Park Drive, the two men were talking when suddenly the motorcycle appeared before them, Teddy told deputies, according to court records.
Teddy told police they were coming from O'Hares Bar & Grill and Old City Hall in Bay City, according to court records. Deputies asked him how fast he was going.
"Not very fast," Teddy replied, according to police reports. "I know I wasn't speeding."
Deputies wrote in their reports that they smelled intoxicants. Teddy told them he had two or three tall beers, but didn't feel drunk. On a scale of zero to 10, he said his intoxication level was about a two, according to court records.
Teddy submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which indicated his blood alcohol level was at 0.153, court records state. In Michigan, a person is legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level is at 0.08.
Deputies arrested Teddy at the scene and transported him to the Bay County Jail. At 12:51 a.m., Teddy submitted to another breath test, which indicated his blood alcohol level was then at 0.11, according to court records.
Deputies later interviewed Briggs in the hospital. She said she had gone to Castaways, 3940 Boy Scout Road, for dinner and drank a beer and a half, court records state. She then went to Stables Martini and Cigar Bar, 804 E. Midland St., where she consumed another beer. She was heading to a house on Pembroke when the crash occurred, she said.
Briggs' blood alcohol level as of 2:50 a.m. was 0.047, court records show.
Teddy, a detective first lieutenant with the state police's Third District, bonded out of the Bay County Jail prior to arraignment. He is due to appear for arraignment in Bay County District Court on Monday, May 18, said Bay County Prosecutor Kurt C. Asbury.
Asbury said his office has issued charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury. The latter charge is a five-year felony and the former is a 93-day misdemeanor.
Teddy was immediately suspended without pay, said Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser, public relations officer for the Third District.
"The Michigan State Police has a long standing tradition of demanding the highest possible standards of conduct from its enforcement and civilian members," Kaiser said. "Regardless of whether a criminal charge results in a conviction, employees can still be subject to administrative penalties resulting from violations of department policies. All policy violations are investigated thoroughly and are acted upon in a manner consistent with current labor relations law."
The Bay County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation in the case.
Asbury on Friday morning said Briggs is in stable condition and is making improvements.
Bay County District Court staff said no attorney has yet filed paperwork to represent Teddy.
BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI — A Bay County woman is recuperating from injuries sustained in a drunken driving crash involving an off-duty Michigan State Police lieutenant, authorities say.
The crash occurred about 11:42 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The 29-year-old woman was riding a 2007 Honda motorcycle on State Park Drive near Pembroke Road in Bay County's Bangor Township when she was struck by a vehicle driven by the 44-year-old lieutenant, according to Bay County Sheriff John E. Miller.
Police reports contained in court records state that sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene to find a group of people standing around a woman, later identified as Hilary A. Briggs, lying in the middle of State Park Drive just north of Pembroke. An ambulance transported her to Bangor Fire Station 7, and from there a helicopter airlifted her to St. Mary's of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw.
Deputies determined a white 1999 Lexus had struck Briggs' motorcycle from behind, according to court records. The driver of the Lexus, Jason T. Teddy, said he and a friend were heading to his Pinconning home. While driving down State Park Drive, the two men were talking when suddenly the motorcycle appeared before them, Teddy told deputies, according to court records.
Teddy told police they were coming from O'Hares Bar & Grill and Old City Hall in Bay City, according to court records. Deputies asked him how fast he was going.
"Not very fast," Teddy replied, according to police reports. "I know I wasn't speeding."
Deputies wrote in their reports that they smelled intoxicants. Teddy told them he had two or three tall beers, but didn't feel drunk. On a scale of zero to 10, he said his intoxication level was about a two, according to court records.
Teddy submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which indicated his blood alcohol level was at 0.153, court records state. In Michigan, a person is legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level is at 0.08.
Deputies arrested Teddy at the scene and transported him to the Bay County Jail. At 12:51 a.m., Teddy submitted to another breath test, which indicated his blood alcohol level was then at 0.11, according to court records.
Deputies later interviewed Briggs in the hospital. She said she had gone to Castaways, 3940 Boy Scout Road, for dinner and drank a beer and a half, court records state. She then went to Stables Martini and Cigar Bar, 804 E. Midland St., where she consumed another beer. She was heading to a house on Pembroke when the crash occurred, she said.
Briggs' blood alcohol level as of 2:50 a.m. was 0.047, court records show.
Teddy, a detective first lieutenant with the state police's Third District, bonded out of the Bay County Jail prior to arraignment. He is due to appear for arraignment in Bay County District Court on Monday, May 18, said Bay County Prosecutor Kurt C. Asbury.
Asbury said his office has issued charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury. The latter charge is a five-year felony and the former is a 93-day misdemeanor.
Teddy was immediately suspended without pay, said Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser, public relations officer for the Third District.
"The Michigan State Police has a long standing tradition of demanding the highest possible standards of conduct from its enforcement and civilian members," Kaiser said. "Regardless of whether a criminal charge results in a conviction, employees can still be subject to administrative penalties resulting from violations of department policies. All policy violations are investigated thoroughly and are acted upon in a manner consistent with current labor relations law."
The Bay County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation in the case.
Asbury on Friday morning said Briggs is in stable condition and is making improvements.
Bay County District Court staff said no attorney has yet filed paperwork to represent Teddy.
2 Mississippi police officers slain; suspects arrested
Two police officers were shot dead in Mississippi late Saturday. It was the first time in 30 years that an officer was killed in the line of duty in Hattiesburg, the mayor said. Officers Benjamin J. Deen, 34, and Liquori Tate, 24, were making a traffic stop when they were shot, Mayor Johnny DuPree said
They were taken to hospital, but did not survive. "The men and women who go out every day to protect us, the men and women who go out every day to make sure that we are safe, were turned on tonight," DuPree said.
Police have apprehended two suspects, Marvin Banks and Curtis Banks, he said. After the shooting, the suspects stole a police vehicle, which they used to flee. The two men both have criminal records. Police also took a woman into custody who was with the suspects at the time of the shooting. They have not said whether she was involved. Deen had been named the city's officer of the year in 2012, according to Jackson newspaper The Clarion-Ledger. Tate had recently graduated from the police academy.
Deen leaves behind a wife and two children. Tate was not married and had no children, Mayor DuPree said.
After visiting the crime scene, the mayor went to the hospital, where he tended to family members until early Sunday.
"You have to search for words you say to family members how much we love them; we are here to support them," he said. The city is making grief counselors available to the slain men's fellow officers.
DuPree vowed that the perpetrators of the attack would face justice. Police in Oxford, Mississippi, sent out condolences in a tweet. "Both Hattiesburg Police Officers have died. Terrible. Prayers to the entire community and families," it read.
Two police officers were shot dead in Mississippi late Saturday. It was the first time in 30 years that an officer was killed in the line of duty in Hattiesburg, the mayor said. Officers Benjamin J. Deen, 34, and Liquori Tate, 24, were making a traffic stop when they were shot, Mayor Johnny DuPree said
They were taken to hospital, but did not survive. "The men and women who go out every day to protect us, the men and women who go out every day to make sure that we are safe, were turned on tonight," DuPree said.
Police have apprehended two suspects, Marvin Banks and Curtis Banks, he said. After the shooting, the suspects stole a police vehicle, which they used to flee. The two men both have criminal records. Police also took a woman into custody who was with the suspects at the time of the shooting. They have not said whether she was involved. Deen had been named the city's officer of the year in 2012, according to Jackson newspaper The Clarion-Ledger. Tate had recently graduated from the police academy.
Deen leaves behind a wife and two children. Tate was not married and had no children, Mayor DuPree said.
After visiting the crime scene, the mayor went to the hospital, where he tended to family members until early Sunday.
"You have to search for words you say to family members how much we love them; we are here to support them," he said. The city is making grief counselors available to the slain men's fellow officers.
DuPree vowed that the perpetrators of the attack would face justice. Police in Oxford, Mississippi, sent out condolences in a tweet. "Both Hattiesburg Police Officers have died. Terrible. Prayers to the entire community and families," it read.
USCIS Partners with City of Atlanta to Support Citizenship Education and Awareness
ATLANTA – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed a letter of agreement today to begin a partnership to strengthen citizenship education and awareness efforts. The agreement will remain in effect until December 2017.
“Our partnership with Atlanta will strengthen local efforts to help aspiring citizens find the information and resources needed to succeed during the naturalization process,” said Rodríguez. “USCIS is proud to join forces with Mayor Reed to expand citizenship education and awareness efforts and to support permanent residents as they consider the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.”
During today’s signing at City Hall, Rodríguez and Reed highlighted the need to incorporate all sectors of society in a determined effort to support aspiring citizens and create more welcoming communities. They discussed plans to establish “Citizenship Corners” at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches to make official USCIS citizenship preparation materials more easily accessible to newcomers. USCIS also plans to train librarians and other city officials about the naturalization process and the free preparation resources available to immigrant library patrons.
“The contributions of immigrants and foreign-born residents to the cultural and economic fabric of Atlanta are irrefutable,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “In the City of Atlanta, immigrants are over-represented among the self-employed, and across our state, new immigrant business owners generate business revenue of $2.9 billion a year. Despite their proven value to our city, thousands of our eligible residents have not yet completed the naturalization process. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce a joint commitment with USCIS to expand access to citizenship in Atlanta, with all its privileges and responsibilities.”
USCIS and the City of Atlanta also plan to:
ATLANTA – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed a letter of agreement today to begin a partnership to strengthen citizenship education and awareness efforts. The agreement will remain in effect until December 2017.
“Our partnership with Atlanta will strengthen local efforts to help aspiring citizens find the information and resources needed to succeed during the naturalization process,” said Rodríguez. “USCIS is proud to join forces with Mayor Reed to expand citizenship education and awareness efforts and to support permanent residents as they consider the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.”
During today’s signing at City Hall, Rodríguez and Reed highlighted the need to incorporate all sectors of society in a determined effort to support aspiring citizens and create more welcoming communities. They discussed plans to establish “Citizenship Corners” at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches to make official USCIS citizenship preparation materials more easily accessible to newcomers. USCIS also plans to train librarians and other city officials about the naturalization process and the free preparation resources available to immigrant library patrons.
“The contributions of immigrants and foreign-born residents to the cultural and economic fabric of Atlanta are irrefutable,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “In the City of Atlanta, immigrants are over-represented among the self-employed, and across our state, new immigrant business owners generate business revenue of $2.9 billion a year. Despite their proven value to our city, thousands of our eligible residents have not yet completed the naturalization process. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce a joint commitment with USCIS to expand access to citizenship in Atlanta, with all its privileges and responsibilities.”
USCIS and the City of Atlanta also plan to:
- Provide citizenship information through public schools, community centers, and other city facilities.
- Expand community partnerships to hold naturalization information sessions throughout Atlanta.
- Raise public awareness about immigration services scams.
- Air citizenship education videos and public service announcements highlighting the letter of agreement on the city’s public access television station, Channel 26, and city websites.
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