November 18, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
William Hoyer (DOB 3/10/73), of 9 Fillmore Way, Sicklerville, was indicted today by a Gloucester County grand jury on charges that he kept a $3163 down-payment for a Monroe Township residential roofing job and did not perform the promised work.
A second count of the indictment accuses Hoyer of failing to maintain the required annual registration of his home improvement business with the state Division of Consumer Affairs. The business, believed to be defunct, was called A Better Life.
The third-degree theft by unlawful taking charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in state prison and the fourth-degree unregistered contractor charge is punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
The theft offense is alleged to have occurred May 4, 2008.
The Monroe Township homeowner who hired Hoyer eventually filed criminal and consumer affairs complaints against him. The Gloucester County Office of Consumer Affairs referred the matter to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.
Gloucester County urges consumers to check the registration of contractors before signing a contract, said county Freeholder Joe Chila, who oversees the Consumer Affairs office. Consumer Affairs and the GCPO “have been warning both consumers and home improvement contractors about this for several years,” Chila said.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Camden man pleads to Deptford burglary
November 18, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Mark Fersner (DOB 12/22/82) of 713 N. 25th St., Camden, faces four years in New Jersey state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary in connection with a break-in at a Deptford home coupled with a threat to harm the homeowner’s son on Dec. 19, 2008.
Fersner, who lived in Lindenwold when the crime occurred, entered a guilty plea Tuesday (11/17) as jury selection was to begin for his trial. In a negotiated plea, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend sentencing as a third-degree offender to four years in state prison and a requirement that he serve 85 percent of his term before parole is possible. Deputy Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin prosecuted.
Fersner was charged with breaking into an unoccupied house at 716 Highland Ave. through a back door. He was accused to threatening the homeowner’s 25-year-old son, who arrived from work while the burglary was taking place. The son spotted Fersner dragging a safe from the house across the lawn on a blanket and called police from a neighbor’s home. Deptford Township police officers arrested Fersner in a shed two blocks from the victim’s home.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Mark Fersner (DOB 12/22/82) of 713 N. 25th St., Camden, faces four years in New Jersey state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary in connection with a break-in at a Deptford home coupled with a threat to harm the homeowner’s son on Dec. 19, 2008.
Fersner, who lived in Lindenwold when the crime occurred, entered a guilty plea Tuesday (11/17) as jury selection was to begin for his trial. In a negotiated plea, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend sentencing as a third-degree offender to four years in state prison and a requirement that he serve 85 percent of his term before parole is possible. Deputy Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin prosecuted.
Fersner was charged with breaking into an unoccupied house at 716 Highland Ave. through a back door. He was accused to threatening the homeowner’s 25-year-old son, who arrived from work while the burglary was taking place. The son spotted Fersner dragging a safe from the house across the lawn on a blanket and called police from a neighbor’s home. Deptford Township police officers arrested Fersner in a shed two blocks from the victim’s home.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Man faces 12 yrs NJSP in sex assault on elderly woman
PRESS RELEASE
November 13, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Sodoc A. Mayhue (DOB 10/13/89) of 58 Woodstown Rd., Mullica Hill pleaded guilty Thursday (11/12) to aggravated sexual assault during the course of a burglary at the home of the victim, a 74-year-old woman who lived in the same apartment complex with the defendant.
Under a plea agreement, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend Mayhue be sentenced to 12 years in New Jersey state prison. He would have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, would be required to register with police as a sex offender under Megan’s Law after release from prison and be subject to community supervision for life.
Sentencing was deferred until Mayhue undergoes an evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, a facility for sex offenders at Avenel NJ. Appearing before Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson, Mayhue acknowledged he forced his way into the victim’s apartment on Oct. 8 2008, had forcible sexual intercourse with her and took $60 from her. Police arrested him shortly after the attack outside the victim’s apartment. He remains in the Gloucester County Jail in default of $125,000 bail.
Senior Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Audrey Curwin said the victim concurred with the negotiated plea, which spares her from testifying at a trial.
November 13, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Sodoc A. Mayhue (DOB 10/13/89) of 58 Woodstown Rd., Mullica Hill pleaded guilty Thursday (11/12) to aggravated sexual assault during the course of a burglary at the home of the victim, a 74-year-old woman who lived in the same apartment complex with the defendant.
Under a plea agreement, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend Mayhue be sentenced to 12 years in New Jersey state prison. He would have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, would be required to register with police as a sex offender under Megan’s Law after release from prison and be subject to community supervision for life.
Sentencing was deferred until Mayhue undergoes an evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, a facility for sex offenders at Avenel NJ. Appearing before Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson, Mayhue acknowledged he forced his way into the victim’s apartment on Oct. 8 2008, had forcible sexual intercourse with her and took $60 from her. Police arrested him shortly after the attack outside the victim’s apartment. He remains in the Gloucester County Jail in default of $125,000 bail.
Senior Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Audrey Curwin said the victim concurred with the negotiated plea, which spares her from testifying at a trial.
Sicklerville man gets 7 yrs NJSP for weapons, tampering
PRESS RELEASE
November 13, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Jahsul Shabazz (7/24/81) was sentenced today to seven years in New Jersey state prison for possession of a weapon by a convicted person in connection with a shooting incident in Deptford Township on August 3, 2007.
Shabazz was convicted Sept. 18 of two weapons charges, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice in the 2007 incident on Club Court in the Locust Grove section, where seven shots were fired toward a crowd during a fight. No one was wounded, but bullets struck three vehicles. Shabazz was charged with tampering and obstruction for attempting to destroy a shirt he was wearing by flushing it down a police station toilet after his arrest, so that it could not be tested for gunpowder.
In sentencing Shabazz, Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson ordered that a four-year prison sentence for unlawful possession of a weapon be served concurrently with the seven- year term. Also to be served concurrently will be four years for obstruction and 18 months for tampering, Judge Allen-Jackson said.
Shabazz will be ineligible for parole for five years.
The defendant’s prior record included pleading guilty to drug possession in 2003. As a result, he was convicted Sept. 18 of the second-degree offense of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Joseph Brook, representing the State, argued against a defense request for a five-year sentence.
November 13, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Jahsul Shabazz (7/24/81) was sentenced today to seven years in New Jersey state prison for possession of a weapon by a convicted person in connection with a shooting incident in Deptford Township on August 3, 2007.
Shabazz was convicted Sept. 18 of two weapons charges, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice in the 2007 incident on Club Court in the Locust Grove section, where seven shots were fired toward a crowd during a fight. No one was wounded, but bullets struck three vehicles. Shabazz was charged with tampering and obstruction for attempting to destroy a shirt he was wearing by flushing it down a police station toilet after his arrest, so that it could not be tested for gunpowder.
In sentencing Shabazz, Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson ordered that a four-year prison sentence for unlawful possession of a weapon be served concurrently with the seven- year term. Also to be served concurrently will be four years for obstruction and 18 months for tampering, Judge Allen-Jackson said.
Shabazz will be ineligible for parole for five years.
The defendant’s prior record included pleading guilty to drug possession in 2003. As a result, he was convicted Sept. 18 of the second-degree offense of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Joseph Brook, representing the State, argued against a defense request for a five-year sentence.
Appeals court reinstates attempted murder count in stabbing
PRESS RELEASE
November 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
A New Jersey appellate court panel today reversed a decision to dismiss an attempted murder charge against a Pennsauken man in a March 2007 stabbing.
The three-judge panel unanimously found it was not vindictive or retaliatory for the prosecution to re-indict defendant Ediberto Ruberte (DOB 5/21/55), of 7160 Highland Ave, adding attempted murder to his original charges.
In a fight between two motorists who pulled onto the shoulder of Route 55 in Mantua Twp., Ruberte allegedly used a small knife to stab Stephen Pupo six times. Pupo, 37,of Mt. Laurel, survived the wounds.
Ruberte was initially charged with aggravated assault, weapons offenses, obstructing justice and tampering with evidence (the weapon was discarded). After he rejected a plea agreement, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office re-presented the case to a grand jury, which voted to add the attempted murder charge.
In an appeal, Ruberte contended this was done to force a guilty plea. In an 18-page ruling, the appeals court wrote that the attempted murder count was dismissed erroneously on a motion argued Feb. 10, 2009. The defense had presented no evidence of vindictiveness and federal and state case law has determined the prosecution can revise charges pre-trial, the ruling says.
GCPO Deputy Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin, who is prosecuting the Ruberte
case, said he is pleased the appellate decision “echoes” the prosecution’s legal analysis of the issues involved.
November 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
A New Jersey appellate court panel today reversed a decision to dismiss an attempted murder charge against a Pennsauken man in a March 2007 stabbing.
The three-judge panel unanimously found it was not vindictive or retaliatory for the prosecution to re-indict defendant Ediberto Ruberte (DOB 5/21/55), of 7160 Highland Ave, adding attempted murder to his original charges.
In a fight between two motorists who pulled onto the shoulder of Route 55 in Mantua Twp., Ruberte allegedly used a small knife to stab Stephen Pupo six times. Pupo, 37,of Mt. Laurel, survived the wounds.
Ruberte was initially charged with aggravated assault, weapons offenses, obstructing justice and tampering with evidence (the weapon was discarded). After he rejected a plea agreement, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office re-presented the case to a grand jury, which voted to add the attempted murder charge.
In an appeal, Ruberte contended this was done to force a guilty plea. In an 18-page ruling, the appeals court wrote that the attempted murder count was dismissed erroneously on a motion argued Feb. 10, 2009. The defense had presented no evidence of vindictiveness and federal and state case law has determined the prosecution can revise charges pre-trial, the ruling says.
GCPO Deputy Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin, who is prosecuting the Ruberte
case, said he is pleased the appellate decision “echoes” the prosecution’s legal analysis of the issues involved.
Deptford man charged with luring minors for sex
PRESS RELEASE
November 11 , 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
In an investigation by the Deptford Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Michael Bonaventure (DOB 12/1/67) of 125 Patriots Ridge Drive was arrested Tuesday (11/10) and charged with luring three teenage boys with offers of cash in exchange for oral sex.
Bonaventure is being held in the Gloucester County Jail, Woodbury, in default of $100,000 bail, set by Superior Court Judge Eugene J. McCaffrey Jr.
Charges against Bonaventure: second-degree endangering the welfare of a child; second-degree sexual assault; second-degree luring and third-degree soliciting prostitution of a minor.
Victims cited in the complaints are three males, ages 15, 16 and 17.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home on Tuesday for the purpose of inspecting computers and his car. It is believed the solicitations occurred on-line.
The investigation is ongoing. Information about any other minors who may have had contact with the suspect can be provided to Det. George Johnson of the Deptford Township Police Department at (856) 845-6300 (ext 1272) or Det. Stacie Lick of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at (856) 384-5608.
November 11 , 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
In an investigation by the Deptford Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Michael Bonaventure (DOB 12/1/67) of 125 Patriots Ridge Drive was arrested Tuesday (11/10) and charged with luring three teenage boys with offers of cash in exchange for oral sex.
Bonaventure is being held in the Gloucester County Jail, Woodbury, in default of $100,000 bail, set by Superior Court Judge Eugene J. McCaffrey Jr.
Charges against Bonaventure: second-degree endangering the welfare of a child; second-degree sexual assault; second-degree luring and third-degree soliciting prostitution of a minor.
Victims cited in the complaints are three males, ages 15, 16 and 17.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home on Tuesday for the purpose of inspecting computers and his car. It is believed the solicitations occurred on-line.
The investigation is ongoing. Information about any other minors who may have had contact with the suspect can be provided to Det. George Johnson of the Deptford Township Police Department at (856) 845-6300 (ext 1272) or Det. Stacie Lick of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at (856) 384-5608.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Glassboro man faces 5 yrs NJSP in cocaine, weapon case
PRESS RELEASE
November 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Nehemiah Garcia (DOB 2/20/84) of 51 South Academy St., Glassboro pleaded guilty Monday (11/9) to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing and possession of a weapon by a convicted person in connection with a Dec. 26, 2008 arrest at his residence.
Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson accepted the negotiated plea, which calls for Garcia to be sentenced to five years in New Jersey state prison. He will be ineligible for parole while serving the entire sentence. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 26, 2010. Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Paul Colangelo represented the State.
In the 2008 arrest, the Glassboro Police Department special investigations unit seized 79 bags of crack cocaine and a .25 cal. handgun from the defendant’s home. Garcia pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2003, was sentenced to 18 months in state prison and therefore was not permitted to possess a weapon.
Garcia is currently free on $40,000 bail.
November 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Nehemiah Garcia (DOB 2/20/84) of 51 South Academy St., Glassboro pleaded guilty Monday (11/9) to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing and possession of a weapon by a convicted person in connection with a Dec. 26, 2008 arrest at his residence.
Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson accepted the negotiated plea, which calls for Garcia to be sentenced to five years in New Jersey state prison. He will be ineligible for parole while serving the entire sentence. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 26, 2010. Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Paul Colangelo represented the State.
In the 2008 arrest, the Glassboro Police Department special investigations unit seized 79 bags of crack cocaine and a .25 cal. handgun from the defendant’s home. Garcia pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2003, was sentenced to 18 months in state prison and therefore was not permitted to possess a weapon.
Garcia is currently free on $40,000 bail.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Operation Medicine Cabinet
November 4, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Re.: Operation Medicine Cabinet preparations
Collection boxes have been distributed this week throughout Gloucester County for Operation Medicine Cabinet, an effort by law enforcement and other partners to remove from homes unused prescription medicines that are commonly abused.
Anyone who has unused and expired medications can drop them off at all 24 police departments in the county and the County Store in the Deptford Mall on November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with no questions asked. Labels on medicine vials can be peeled off, inked out, or the medications can be placed in a plastic bag.
In addition to all municipal police departments and the Rowan University Police, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, Underwood-Memorial Hospital and Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services are assisting.
This is part of a statewide effort headed by the New Jersey Division of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New Jersey office of the Attorney General and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. It is the first statewide initiative of its kind in the nation.
The collection program addresses a well-recognized problem of abusing or misusing medicines, especially among the young.
“Law enforcement is concerned with the alarming trend in the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, with potential access to these drugs coming from the medicine
MORE
cabinets of family and friends,” said Gerard P. McAleer, DEA Special Agent-in-
Charge.
“This operation will reduce the availability of potent drugs that lead kids down a path of addiction,” said New Jersey Attorney General Ann Milgram.
“With Operation Medicine Cabinet, we are calling on New Jersey residents to see
their medicine cabinets through new eyes- as an access point for potential misuse and abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton said he was pleased with the 100 percent participation of the county’s law enforcement agencies. “Unused medications lying around the house can be as dangerous as a weapon in the wrong hands. We are asking everyone to drop off their old medications at their local police departments to help make their community safer.”
Following are the collection sites:
Clayton Police, 125 N. Delsea Dr., (856) 881-2301.
Deptford Police, 1011 Cooper St., (856) 845-2223.
East Greenwich Police, 159 Democrat Rd., (856) 423-4322.
Elk Police, 667 Whig Lane Rd. Monroeville, (856) 881-6688.
Franklin Police, Coles Mill Rd., (856) 694-0221.
Glassboro Police, 1 So. Main St., (856) 881-1501.
Rowan University Police, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., (856) 256-4922.
Greenwich Police, 421 W. Broad St., (856) 423-1950.
Harrison Police, 137 N. Main St., Mullica Hill, (856) 478-6839.
Logan Police, 125 Main St. Bridgeport, (856) 467-0061
Mantua Police, 405 Main St., (856) 468-1920.
Monroe Police, 125 Virginia Ave., Williamstown, (856) 728-9800.
National Park Police, 114 Crown Point Rd., Westville, (856) 456-9444.
Newfield Police, 18 Catawba Ave., (856) 697-0577.
Paulsboro Police, 1211 N. Delaware St., (856) 423-1101.
Pitman Police, 110 S. Broadway, (856) 589-3501.
South Harrison Police, 664 Harrisonville Rd., (856) 769-3737.
Washington Twp. Police, 1 McClure Dr., (856) 589-6650.
Wenonah Police, 1 S. West Ave., (856) 468-6262.
West Deptford Police, 400 Crown Point Rd., (856) 853-4599.
Westville Police, 114 Crown Point Rd., (856) 456-9444.
Woodbury Police, 200 N. Broad St., (856) 845-0065.
Woodbury Heights Police, 500 Elm Ave., (856) 848-6707.
Woolwich Police, 120 Village Green Dr., (856) 467-1667.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Re.: Operation Medicine Cabinet preparations
Collection boxes have been distributed this week throughout Gloucester County for Operation Medicine Cabinet, an effort by law enforcement and other partners to remove from homes unused prescription medicines that are commonly abused.
Anyone who has unused and expired medications can drop them off at all 24 police departments in the county and the County Store in the Deptford Mall on November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with no questions asked. Labels on medicine vials can be peeled off, inked out, or the medications can be placed in a plastic bag.
In addition to all municipal police departments and the Rowan University Police, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, Underwood-Memorial Hospital and Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services are assisting.
This is part of a statewide effort headed by the New Jersey Division of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New Jersey office of the Attorney General and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. It is the first statewide initiative of its kind in the nation.
The collection program addresses a well-recognized problem of abusing or misusing medicines, especially among the young.
“Law enforcement is concerned with the alarming trend in the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, with potential access to these drugs coming from the medicine
MORE
cabinets of family and friends,” said Gerard P. McAleer, DEA Special Agent-in-
Charge.
“This operation will reduce the availability of potent drugs that lead kids down a path of addiction,” said New Jersey Attorney General Ann Milgram.
“With Operation Medicine Cabinet, we are calling on New Jersey residents to see
their medicine cabinets through new eyes- as an access point for potential misuse and abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton said he was pleased with the 100 percent participation of the county’s law enforcement agencies. “Unused medications lying around the house can be as dangerous as a weapon in the wrong hands. We are asking everyone to drop off their old medications at their local police departments to help make their community safer.”
Following are the collection sites:
Clayton Police, 125 N. Delsea Dr., (856) 881-2301.
Deptford Police, 1011 Cooper St., (856) 845-2223.
East Greenwich Police, 159 Democrat Rd., (856) 423-4322.
Elk Police, 667 Whig Lane Rd. Monroeville, (856) 881-6688.
Franklin Police, Coles Mill Rd., (856) 694-0221.
Glassboro Police, 1 So. Main St., (856) 881-1501.
Rowan University Police, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., (856) 256-4922.
Greenwich Police, 421 W. Broad St., (856) 423-1950.
Harrison Police, 137 N. Main St., Mullica Hill, (856) 478-6839.
Logan Police, 125 Main St. Bridgeport, (856) 467-0061
Mantua Police, 405 Main St., (856) 468-1920.
Monroe Police, 125 Virginia Ave., Williamstown, (856) 728-9800.
National Park Police, 114 Crown Point Rd., Westville, (856) 456-9444.
Newfield Police, 18 Catawba Ave., (856) 697-0577.
Paulsboro Police, 1211 N. Delaware St., (856) 423-1101.
Pitman Police, 110 S. Broadway, (856) 589-3501.
South Harrison Police, 664 Harrisonville Rd., (856) 769-3737.
Washington Twp. Police, 1 McClure Dr., (856) 589-6650.
Wenonah Police, 1 S. West Ave., (856) 468-6262.
West Deptford Police, 400 Crown Point Rd., (856) 853-4599.
Westville Police, 114 Crown Point Rd., (856) 456-9444.
Woodbury Police, 200 N. Broad St., (856) 845-0065.
Woodbury Heights Police, 500 Elm Ave., (856) 848-6707.
Woolwich Police, 120 Village Green Dr., (856) 467-1667.
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