February 3, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
The victims in a house fire early this morning (2/3/10) at 500 Wildwood Ave. in Pitman N.J. were: Barbara Powell (DOB 4/2/48), deceased in the fire, and Jane Esbjornson (DOB 3/8/25), Powell’s mother, who suffered injuries in the fire and has been transferred from Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Washington Township, Gloucester County N.J. to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. She is in critical condition.
An autopsy this morning by the Gloucester County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of Powell’s death was smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Monday, June 21, 2010
SC man convicted of eluding, cocaine charges
February 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Brian G. Sheared (DOB 4/9/79) of Swansea SC was found guilty today (2/4) by a Gloucester County N.J. jury of possession of cocaine and eluding police after an attempted stop of his vehicle on Fries Mill Rd. in Franklin Township on Dec. 13, 2008.
Sheared faces up to five years in state prison on each of the third-degree charges. Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson scheduled sentencing for March 26.
In the 2008 incident, a Franklin police officer observed the defendant’s Ford Probe speeding shortly before 11 p.m., and as the officer turned to pursue him, the vehicle left the road and drove behind dwellings on two private properties on Fries Mill Road. Sheared was arrested after leaving the car and attempting to flee on foot. Retracing the direction the defendant took, the officer found a plastic baggie containing 3.7 grams of cocaine next to a colored scrap of paper with a phone number written on it. The defendant claimed ownership of the paper, but not the baggie.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Brian G. Sheared (DOB 4/9/79) of Swansea SC was found guilty today (2/4) by a Gloucester County N.J. jury of possession of cocaine and eluding police after an attempted stop of his vehicle on Fries Mill Rd. in Franklin Township on Dec. 13, 2008.
Sheared faces up to five years in state prison on each of the third-degree charges. Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson scheduled sentencing for March 26.
In the 2008 incident, a Franklin police officer observed the defendant’s Ford Probe speeding shortly before 11 p.m., and as the officer turned to pursue him, the vehicle left the road and drove behind dwellings on two private properties on Fries Mill Road. Sheared was arrested after leaving the car and attempting to flee on foot. Retracing the direction the defendant took, the officer found a plastic baggie containing 3.7 grams of cocaine next to a colored scrap of paper with a phone number written on it. The defendant claimed ownership of the paper, but not the baggie.
Alert Heights officer arrests two in arson
February 4, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
An off-duty Woodbury Heights police officer who smelled smoke from a fire at a sprawling nearby former door assembly plant Thursday afternoon, spotted two men walking from the plant when he went to investigate, and his actions lead to the arrest of both on arson and burglary charges.
Ptl Josh Moline summoned Heights Chief George Lindsay and Ptl. Nick DiBiaso to assist in the pursuit of the suspects into a wooded area, resulting in the arrest of Rosario J. Leonardo III (6/3/91) of 746 Purdue Ave., and Roman A. Verdi (DOB 11/16/90 ), both of the Oak Valley section of Deptford Township.
The fire at the former Doorfab plant drew numerous firefighting companies from the borough of Woodbury Heights and surrounding areas because of the size of the vacant building- in excess of 200,000 square feet. There was extensive damage to an office area and the roof of the structure. An inspection by Det. Ron Koller of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and a county Sheriff’s Department K-9 trained for arson cases found indications of an accelerant in the building. Samples are to be sent to a New Jersey State Police lab for analysis.
Leonardo and Verdi are being held in the Gloucester County Jail in Woodbury in default of $35,000 bail.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
An off-duty Woodbury Heights police officer who smelled smoke from a fire at a sprawling nearby former door assembly plant Thursday afternoon, spotted two men walking from the plant when he went to investigate, and his actions lead to the arrest of both on arson and burglary charges.
Ptl Josh Moline summoned Heights Chief George Lindsay and Ptl. Nick DiBiaso to assist in the pursuit of the suspects into a wooded area, resulting in the arrest of Rosario J. Leonardo III (6/3/91) of 746 Purdue Ave., and Roman A. Verdi (DOB 11/16/90 ), both of the Oak Valley section of Deptford Township.
The fire at the former Doorfab plant drew numerous firefighting companies from the borough of Woodbury Heights and surrounding areas because of the size of the vacant building- in excess of 200,000 square feet. There was extensive damage to an office area and the roof of the structure. An inspection by Det. Ron Koller of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and a county Sheriff’s Department K-9 trained for arson cases found indications of an accelerant in the building. Samples are to be sent to a New Jersey State Police lab for analysis.
Leonardo and Verdi are being held in the Gloucester County Jail in Woodbury in default of $35,000 bail.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
County’s fatal crashes down for second year
January 25, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Gloucester County has recorded its second consecutive year with fewer motor vehicle crash fatalities than in the previous year.
The 22 deaths in 22 crashes on county roads in 2009 were the fewest in 19 years, according to figures kept by the New Jersey State Police. Fatalities were down 33 percent from 33 in 29 crashes in 2008.
Only Sussex County, with a 50 percent year-to-year decrease, from 14 to 7, had a larger percentage drop among New Jersey’s 21 counties in crash fatalities for 2009.
Gloucester County’s 2008 total, which was down 31 percent from 2007’s total of 48, was the first time since 2004 that fewer people lost their lives on county roads than in the previous year.
Many factors can contribute to a decline in fatal crashes, including fewer miles being driven for economic reasons; increased use of seat belts; proactive police efforts such as sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers; increased public awareness of safe driving practices and stricter fines and penalties for traffic violations, including tougher rules for teens driving on “graduated” licenses.
In Gloucester County, the Highway Safety Task Force was formed in 2003 under Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton with the aim of lowering what was then among the state’s highest number of road fatalities. Comprised of private and public organizations concerned with road safety, the task force seeks to accomplish its goals through driver education and law enforcement measures.
With state grants administered by the task force, police departments in Gloucester County last year conducted eight sobriety checkpoints and scheduled “saturation” patrols targeting drunk drivers, arresting 21 persons for DUI and issuing 511 summonses for other motor vehicle violations.
“While we are pleased our county’s roadways are safer than they have been in many years, there is still much work to be done,” said Prosecutor Dalton. “We need to focus our efforts, not only on impaired drivers, but on distracted driving, such as cell phone use and texting while driving.”
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Gloucester County has recorded its second consecutive year with fewer motor vehicle crash fatalities than in the previous year.
The 22 deaths in 22 crashes on county roads in 2009 were the fewest in 19 years, according to figures kept by the New Jersey State Police. Fatalities were down 33 percent from 33 in 29 crashes in 2008.
Only Sussex County, with a 50 percent year-to-year decrease, from 14 to 7, had a larger percentage drop among New Jersey’s 21 counties in crash fatalities for 2009.
Gloucester County’s 2008 total, which was down 31 percent from 2007’s total of 48, was the first time since 2004 that fewer people lost their lives on county roads than in the previous year.
Many factors can contribute to a decline in fatal crashes, including fewer miles being driven for economic reasons; increased use of seat belts; proactive police efforts such as sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers; increased public awareness of safe driving practices and stricter fines and penalties for traffic violations, including tougher rules for teens driving on “graduated” licenses.
In Gloucester County, the Highway Safety Task Force was formed in 2003 under Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton with the aim of lowering what was then among the state’s highest number of road fatalities. Comprised of private and public organizations concerned with road safety, the task force seeks to accomplish its goals through driver education and law enforcement measures.
With state grants administered by the task force, police departments in Gloucester County last year conducted eight sobriety checkpoints and scheduled “saturation” patrols targeting drunk drivers, arresting 21 persons for DUI and issuing 511 summonses for other motor vehicle violations.
“While we are pleased our county’s roadways are safer than they have been in many years, there is still much work to be done,” said Prosecutor Dalton. “We need to focus our efforts, not only on impaired drivers, but on distracted driving, such as cell phone use and texting while driving.”
Monday, January 25, 2010
Glassboro man faces prison in gun assault
January 19, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Ronnell Williams (DOB 2/21/90) of 30 East High St., Glassboro faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison after admitting that he fired a handgun at three people in the borough’s Bentley Woods apartment complex in May 2008.
Williams pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault Friday (1/15) before Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. His trial on assault, weapons and attempted murder charges was scheduled to begin last week.
Without explaining the shooting, Williams entered an “open” plea, meaning the sentence will be left to Judge Marshall’s discretion, with no recommendation from the prosecution. The sentencing range for a second-degree crime is five to 10 years in state prison. The plea was negotiated by Senior Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Paul Colangelo Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26.
In the May 24 incident, Williams was accused of firing a 25 cal. handgun at three victims who fled in a car. They were not wounded. Several bullets struck the car. Williams surrendered while Glassboro police were investigating the shooting. He is being held in the Gloucester County Jail in default of $250,000.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Ronnell Williams (DOB 2/21/90) of 30 East High St., Glassboro faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison after admitting that he fired a handgun at three people in the borough’s Bentley Woods apartment complex in May 2008.
Williams pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault Friday (1/15) before Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. His trial on assault, weapons and attempted murder charges was scheduled to begin last week.
Without explaining the shooting, Williams entered an “open” plea, meaning the sentence will be left to Judge Marshall’s discretion, with no recommendation from the prosecution. The sentencing range for a second-degree crime is five to 10 years in state prison. The plea was negotiated by Senior Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Paul Colangelo Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26.
In the May 24 incident, Williams was accused of firing a 25 cal. handgun at three victims who fled in a car. They were not wounded. Several bullets struck the car. Williams surrendered while Glassboro police were investigating the shooting. He is being held in the Gloucester County Jail in default of $250,000.
Greenwich man gets 13 years for drug-dealing
January 22, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Byron K. Jones Jr. (DOB 11/17/69), of 1304 Berkley Rd., Greenwich Township in Gloucester County was sentenced today to 13 years in New Jersey state prison after a Gloucester County prosecutor told a judge he “has made it his employment to sell cocaine.”
Jones was even selling cocaine in Pennsylvania “while he was on parole for selling cocaine,” said Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Staci Scheetz in giving the justification for an extended prison term for Jones’ Dec. 10 conviction by a jury for possessing nearly three-quarters of an ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The charges resulted from a Feb. 2, 2007 search of the defendant’s home. He was eligible for an extended term, as if his second-degree conviction had been a first-degree offense, because of prior narcotics convictions in Pennsylvania.
Jones will be ineligible for parole for six years and six months, Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. said. He receives credit for 416 days held in the Gloucester County Jail. Judge Marshall also scheduled an April 12 trial for Jones on a drug distribution charge that resulted from an undercover purchase, and that led to the search of his home. If convicted in that trial, he could be sentenced to a second, consecutive extended prison term.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Byron K. Jones Jr. (DOB 11/17/69), of 1304 Berkley Rd., Greenwich Township in Gloucester County was sentenced today to 13 years in New Jersey state prison after a Gloucester County prosecutor told a judge he “has made it his employment to sell cocaine.”
Jones was even selling cocaine in Pennsylvania “while he was on parole for selling cocaine,” said Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Staci Scheetz in giving the justification for an extended prison term for Jones’ Dec. 10 conviction by a jury for possessing nearly three-quarters of an ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The charges resulted from a Feb. 2, 2007 search of the defendant’s home. He was eligible for an extended term, as if his second-degree conviction had been a first-degree offense, because of prior narcotics convictions in Pennsylvania.
Jones will be ineligible for parole for six years and six months, Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. said. He receives credit for 416 days held in the Gloucester County Jail. Judge Marshall also scheduled an April 12 trial for Jones on a drug distribution charge that resulted from an undercover purchase, and that led to the search of his home. If convicted in that trial, he could be sentenced to a second, consecutive extended prison term.
Camden man convicted in weapons trial
January 22, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Nelson L. Jackson (DOB 7/19/77), of 4 Bentley Woods, Glassboro, faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison after his conviction on a second-degree charge of possession of a handgun without a permit.
Jackson was found guilty by a Gloucester County NJ jury late Thursday (1/21) after deliberations over two days.
He was charged June 25, 2008 after a rented Cadillac he was driving was stopped near the Bentley Woods apartment complex in Glassboro, based on a caller’s tip to police. A 40. cal handgun was found on the floor of the vehicle in the front seat area. Although the weapon did not have fingerprints traceable to Jackson, Deputy Gloucester County Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin explained to the jury that the defendant was charged under a legal theory called constructive possession, attributing control of the gun to him as the driver and renter of the car.
Under the state’s Graves Act, dealing with weapons offenses, Jackson must be sentenced to at least three years in New Jersey state prison, with no eligibility for parole during that time. The sentencing range for second-degree crimes is five to 10 years. Jackson has been held in the Gloucester County Jail since his arrest. Sentencing was scheduled by Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. for Feb. 26.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Nelson L. Jackson (DOB 7/19/77), of 4 Bentley Woods, Glassboro, faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison after his conviction on a second-degree charge of possession of a handgun without a permit.
Jackson was found guilty by a Gloucester County NJ jury late Thursday (1/21) after deliberations over two days.
He was charged June 25, 2008 after a rented Cadillac he was driving was stopped near the Bentley Woods apartment complex in Glassboro, based on a caller’s tip to police. A 40. cal handgun was found on the floor of the vehicle in the front seat area. Although the weapon did not have fingerprints traceable to Jackson, Deputy Gloucester County Trial Chief Michael S. Curwin explained to the jury that the defendant was charged under a legal theory called constructive possession, attributing control of the gun to him as the driver and renter of the car.
Under the state’s Graves Act, dealing with weapons offenses, Jackson must be sentenced to at least three years in New Jersey state prison, with no eligibility for parole during that time. The sentencing range for second-degree crimes is five to 10 years. Jackson has been held in the Gloucester County Jail since his arrest. Sentencing was scheduled by Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. for Feb. 26.
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