Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Police Activity Report 12/14/13 - 1/5/14

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

On December 14, 2013 Patrolman John Mele arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

James McBurney, age 24, from Navesink, NJ, arrested on December 13, 2013 by Patrolman John Mele on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $90.00 bail.

Jennifer Smith, age 35, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 14, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Harassment. She was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Matthew Grenblat, age 18, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 15, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Criminal Mischief, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Robert Pisana, age 49, from Highway 35 in Neptune, NJ, arrested on December 14, 2013 by Patrolman Donald Coates for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Wifredo Vargas, age 36, from 77th Street in Brooklyn, NY, arrested on December 17, 2013 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Laura Sheehy, age 46, from Conover Road in Colts Neck, NJ, arrested on December 17, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Gigante on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Marlboro Municipal Court. She was released after posting $240.00 bail.

James McDonald, age 26, from Main Street in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on December 19, 2013 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on bail.

Angelica Rosaperez, age 22, from Jocarda Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 19, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Suboxone and Possession of Heroin. She was held on $20,000.00 bail.

William Deyback, age 23, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 19, 2013 by Patrolman Robert Shannon on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Municipal Court. He was released after posting $149.00 bail.

Michael Juan, age 29, from Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 22, 2013 by Corporal Richard Fusella for Aggravated Assault. He was held on $5,000.00 with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Jason Kudravitsky, age 21, from Oxford Street in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 22, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Rumson Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Andrew Guilmanov, age 35, from South Wood Avenue in Linden, NJ, arrested on December 22, 2013 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Linden and East Brunswick Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $600.00 bail.

Buddy Carson, age 38, from Broadway Way in Keyport, NJ, arrested on December 21, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

Daquan Beerman, age 18, from 10th Avenue in Neptune, NJ, arrested on December 21, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Shoplifting from the Kohls store. He was released pending a court date.

Gerard Kaminski, age 62, from Throckmorton Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on December 20, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Bumbico for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Harold Johnson, age 32, from Sherman Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on December 20, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia for Shoplifting from the Sears Store and Conspiracy. He was released pending a court date.

Valerie Hedlund, age 27, from Sherman Avenue in West Keansburg, NJ, arrested on December 20, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia for Shoplifting from the Sears Store and Conspiracy. She was released pending a court date.

Michael Tenny, age 31, from Navesink Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 22, 2013 by Patrolman Jason Caruso for Disorderly Conduct. He was released pending a court date.

Richard LeComte, age27, from Kimberly Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 22, 2013 by Patrolman Jason Caruso for Disorderly Conduct. He was released pending a court date.

Edward Conte IV, age 19, from Leonardville Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2013 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was released pending a court date.

Joan Friedland, age 53, from Taylor Avenue in East Brunswick, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes for Theft and Computer Related Theft. She was released after posting $5,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Douglas Hyman, age 24, from Buckingham Drive in Jackson, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2013 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Driving While Intoxicated and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Mount Olive Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

James Johnson, age 23, from Lewis Street in Howell, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2013 by Corporal Bernie Chenoweth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Wall Municipal Court. He was released after posting $96.00 bail.

Danielle Boyce, age 38, from Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Theft and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court and a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. She was held pending a court date.

Acosha Storm, age 33, from Kimberly Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2013 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Neptune Municipal Court. She was held pending a court date.

John Kelly, age 54, from Wall Street in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2013 by Patrolman Kent Thornton for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

David Kerchner, age 30, from Colby Court in Parlin, NJ, arrested on December 26, 2013 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

Anthony Auriemma, age 25, from Navesink Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 25, 2013 by Sergeant Patricia Colangelo for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

William Blum, age 37, from Rockwell Circle in Marlboro, NJ, arrested on December 24, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Terroristic Threats. He was released pending a court date.

Martin Rafferty, age 48, from Woodcliff Boulevard in Morganville, NJ, arrested on December 24, 2013 by Sergeant Patricia Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Aberdeen Municipal Court. He was released after posting $750.00 bail.

Jason Lynch, age 30, from New Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2013 by Patrolman Brady Carr for Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.

Matthew Lamb, age 19, from Village Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2013 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan for Criminal Mischief and Aggravated Assault. He was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Sheree Hoffman, age 57, from 8th Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2013 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples. She was released pending a court date.

Melany Koehl, age 48, from Alpine Road in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2013 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Shoplifting. She was released pending a court date.

Shannon Carter, age 21, from Manalapan Road in Spotswood, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2013 by Detective Peter White for Theft. She was released pending a court date.

Damian Newell, age 21, from Nautilus Drive in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on December 29, 2013 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court. He was released after posting $164.00 bail.

Eric Hornig, age 35, from Fairview Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Simple Assault, Obstructing the Administration of Law and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Toms River and Marlboro Municipal Court. He was held on $5,000.00 bail.

Eric Greene, age 28, from East Bergen Place in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2013 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood for Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.

Robert Werthwein, age 55, from Mercer Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 29, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Heroin, Hindering Apprehension, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Being under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was held on $25,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Peter Christensen, age 21, from Florence Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on December 31, 2013 by Patrolman Ian May for Defiant Trespass. He was released pending a court date.

James McDonald, age 26, from Weehawken Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2013 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Defiant Trespass. He was released pending a court date.

Kevin Allen, age 30, from Powell Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2013 by Patrolman Richard Raike on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Atlantic Highlands, Tinton Falls and Red Bank Municipal Courts and the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $1,373.00 bail.

Wayne Russell, age 57, from Laurel Drive in Highlands, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2013 by Detective Keith Hirschbein and Officer Richard Belmonte of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Kenneth Deluca, age 52, from Monmouth Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 31, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Eric Fox, age 34, from Creek Road in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on December 31, 2013 by Officer Richard Belmonte of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Aberdeen Municipal Court. He was released after posting $114.00 bail.

Edward Rivera, age 23, from Regency Court in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2014 by Patrolman Frank Mazza for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Michael Friedman, age 57, from Buckingham Circle in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2014 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

James Dean, age 28, from Tindall Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2014 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $90.00 bail.

Maggie Edmonston, age 28, from Prospect Ave in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2014 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood for Unlawful Taking of Means of Convenience. She was released pending a court date.

Levys Sotomayor, age 31, from Monmouth Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2014 by Patrolman Kent Thornton on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Old Bridge Municipal Court and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. He was held pending a court date.

Kevin McBride, age 21, from Port Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2013 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Barnegat Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance.

John Scalzo, age 18, from Davis Lane in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2014 by Patrolman John Mele for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

Melissa Martin, age 24, from Palmer Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2014 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Marlboro Municipal Court. She was held on $1,000.00 bail.

On January 3, 2014 Patrolman Antonio Ciccone arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Red Bank, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Michael Superti, age 35, from Oakwood Road in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on January 3, 2014 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant Issued by the Jefferson Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Martin Berke, age 18, from Navesink River Road in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on January 3, 2014 by Patrolman Anthony Gigante for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Helen Meehan, age 50, from Wilson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 5, 2014 by Patrolman Frank Mazza for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

Crime Scene Middletown: Man Arrested On Multiple Warrants, Roller Blader Attacked and Other Recent Activity August 2nd - July 31

WRITTEN BY MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
ISSUED Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 - Arrests do not indicate convictions


On August 2, 2011 at approximately 2:20 am Patrolman Anthony Gigante and Patrolman Brian Dilworth responded to the area of New Monmouth Road in reference to a report of three subjects who had just damaged property at a residence. The officers located three subjects fitting the description provided by the victim a short distance from the residence.

The officers approached the group at which point one of the suspects began to run from the area. Patrolman Gigante chased the suspect, identified as Dylan Zimmerman, age 19, from Monmouth Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, and was able to apprehend him in a wooded area a few blocks away. Zimmerman was searched incident to the arrest and a lock blade knife was found in his pocket.

The other two suspects, identified as Brendan Campbell, age 18, from Kelvin Avenue in Leonardo, NJ and Jamie Ippolito, age 18, from Poricy Lane in Middletown, NJ, were also taken into custody.

Zimmerman was charged with Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was held pending bail. Campbell was charged with Criminal Mischief, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Hindering Apprehension. He was held pending bail. Ippolito was charged with Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct. She was also held pending bail.

On August 1, 2011 at approximately 5:40 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates of the Quality of Life Unit attempted to serve arrest warrants at a residence on Baldwin Avenue for a suspect, identified as Joseph Porter, age 49, from Baldwin Avenue in Middletown, NJ. Porter was wanted on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Keyport and Lakehurst Municipal Courts, a warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court and a Fugitive Warrant issued by the State of Florida.

Upon arrival the officers identified themselves as police officers at which point Porter began to run from the officers. The officers chased him on foot and were able to apprehend him in a backyard of a nearby residence. He was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with the additional offense of Obstructing the Administration of Law.
He was being held on $165,271.00 bail.

On August 1, 2011 at approximately 10:20 pm Patrolman Brian Dilworth was on patrol in the area of Beacon Hill Road when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road. The officer approached the vehicle at which point he detected a strong odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the car.

The officer conducted an investigation which resulted in the recovery of two pipes used to smoke Marijuana and a grinder used to process Marijuana inside the car. Patrolman Dilworth also located a bag of Marijuana on a rear seat passenger, identified as Thomas Brophy, age 23, from Bingham Avenue in Rumson, NJ.

Brophy was placed under arrest and was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and released pending a court date.

On July 29, 2011 at approximately 5:15 pm Patrolman Jason Caruso and Patrolman Donald Coates of the Quality of Life Unit were on patrol in the area of Tindall Road when they stopped a vehicle for failing to maintain a lane of travel. The officers approached the driver, identified as Steven Szot, age 34, from Kimberly Court in Middletown, to obtain his driving credentials. While Szot was looking for his license the officers observed a cellophane wrapper containing pills in plain view in the car.

The officers conducted an investigation which resulted in Szot being arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Xanax and Oxycodone. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and held on $3,000.00 set by Judge Richard Thompson.

On July 31, 2011 at approximately 1:00 am Patrolman Stephen Greenwood responded to the area of Brandywine Way in reference to a report of an assault that had just occurred. Upon arrival the officer was advised by the victim that he was roller blading home from a friend’s house when a vehicle drove by and yelled obscenities at him. The vehicle then drove up to him at which point three male subjects exited the vehicle, knocked him to the ground and began striking him in the head and face.

The victim provided the officer with a description of the vehicle and suspects, which was then broadcasted to other patrol units in the area. The vehicle was located a short distance away. Officer Greenwood conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Frankie Terracciano, age 18, from Moran Place in Keansburg, NJ, Edward Stoop, age 19, from Moran Place in Keansburg, NJ, and Robert Backovsky, age 20, from Pinehurst Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, for Simple Assault.

All three subjects were transported to headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date.

The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following subjects for various offenses:

Holly Moyer, age 32, from Hialeah Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 29, 2011 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Contempt of Court warrant. She was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Prasad Sripathi, age 46, from Red Barn Lane in Flemington, NJ, arrested on July 29, 2011 by Patrolman Adam Vandetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Branchburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $150.00 bail.

Mary Garulle, age 44, from Sandy Hook Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on July 30, 2011 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was held on bail.

Lawrence Welch, age 52, from Highland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on July 29, 2011 by Patrolman Brady Carr on eight Contempt of Court warrant issued by various municipal courts. He was held on bail.

Tyler Scarangello, age 26, from Highway 36 in Belford, NJ, arrested on July 31, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Lauren Harvey, age 23, from Bloomfield Avenue in Neptune, NJ, arrested on July 31, 2011 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. She was released after posting $114.00 bail.

Daniel Gilham, age 30, from Ocean Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on July 31, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Aimee McGrath, age 28, from Cliffwood Avenue in Cliffwood, NJ, arrested on July 31, 2011 by Patrolman Ralph Flannigan for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

James Coolahan, age 50, from West Hillsdale Avenue in Long Branch, NJ, arrested on July 31, 2011 by Patrolman Michael Pintilie for Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. He was held on $5,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Kenneth Scaggs, age 21, from Starkey Road in Largo, FL, arrested on August 1, 2011 by Patrolman Donald Coates and Patrolman Jason Caruso of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $478.00 bail.

Damien Kilpatrick, age 31, from Hwy 35 in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on August 1, 2011 by Detective Daniel Sullivan on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Keansburg Municipal Courts. He was held on $$1,900.00 bail.

Sandy Kuehl, age 39, from Cranbury, NJ, arrested on August 1, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Simple Assault. She was released on her own recognizance pending

Crime Scene Middletown: MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING SUNGLASSES AT SEARS STORE

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER


On March 12, 2011 at approximately 5:05 pm police responded to the Sears Store located on Highway 35 in reference to a report of a shoplifting.

Upon arrival, Patrolman Brian McGrogan was advised by store security that they had observed Todd Gunderson, age 32, from Grove Street in Middletown, attempt to shoplift a pair of sunglasses from the store.

Officer Mc Grogan placed Gunderson under arrest and transported him to police headquarters where he was charged with Shoplifting. He was processed and released on a summons pending a court appearance

Alleged Sexual Assault At Middletown's Target Never Happened

Early last week, I was a recipient of an email from several individuals which claimed that on Monday or Tuesday night at approximately 7 pm, a woman entered her vehicle after shopping at the Middletown Target store and was greeted by an individual who was hiding in the backseat. The email went on to state that the the returning shopper was held at knife point and then sexually assaulted. It conclude by warning recipients to remain ever vigilant and to keep their doors locked.

One person that forwarded me this email stated that they weren't sure if it were true or not, but thought it peculiar that if it was, why hadn't the Middletown Police department made the information public or seen a report of it in the local newspapers? On Thursday of last week, I decided to forward the email myself to Detective Lieutenant Stephen Dollinger, Detective Bureau Commander to see if I could get an answer.

Detective Dollinger was prompt in his response, the response though gave me the impression that he wasn't aware of any such incident taking place. He stated that he would need to conduct a few interviews before determining whether or not this alleged assault took place and that if I called him in the afternoon of the following day (Friday), he would have an answer for me.

On Friday afternoon, before I had a chance to call the Detective , I received the following email from him which was sent to those on his media contact list:

"Good afternoon, I have been receiving requests for information about an alleged incident at the Target store that supposedly took place on February 1st. We are currently conducting an investigation into the matter. I will make sure I release something as soon as we determine whether or not the incident took place. Until then please refrain from calling the police desk."

After receiving this email, I replied back my appreciation and my intent to wait for an official announcement that would put to rest rumors that were being sent through cyberspace. Unfortunately, that follow up email was never sent out.

Yesterday, I received a new round of emails from people asking if I was aware of or knew anything about what had happened at Target.

This time however, the email that was being forwaded was slightly different and seemed a bit more authoritarian. The originator of the email left her electronic signature/contact information of her place of employment and stated that the woman attacked was her sister's sister-in-law.

I responded to those that sent me the email by stating that I thought the email was bogus and the incident never happened. I stated that I would try and contact Detective Dollinger again for a response to see if he could shed some more light the situation, but suggested that if a response from the detective was not forth coming they should call the police desk and inquire themselves. And that is exactly what some of them did.

After calling the police station for themselves, a few people were told by the officer that answered the phone that NO SUCH INCIDENT accured in the parking lot of Target and any story of this incident is false.

This information should, I hope, bring some relief to those that have been concerned about it and other alleged unreported incidents that have been reported and end all of those emails that have been floating around cyberspace.

That being said, I can empathize with those that forward these emails. For more than a year now, I have been hearing stories from people about burglaries, robberies and break-ins that haven't been listed in local newspapers (it was for this reason that I asked to be on Detective Dollinger's contact list for press releases).

As the effects of the lingering recession and bad economy continue residents are desperate to hold onto and protect what they have left. Rumors of crime are leading many to question the effectiveness of Middletown's Police to protect their neighborhoods and properties from damage or theft.

Residents want and expect to be kept informed by those, that job it is to watch over them, of things that could impact their life. If a home in Lincroft or North Middletown is broken into, residents want to know about it when it happens so that they can take precautions against further break-ins, not weeks or months later when an arrested my have been made after further robberies or burglaries.

I don't think this is too much to ask for, an informed citizentry is a happy citizentry. Give people the piece of mind of knowing that they can keep themselves and their property safe by impowering them with information needed to form neighborhood watchgroups or other types of groups within their communities, to help pick-up the slack where the police can't patrol effectively or efficiently.

New Feature - Crime Scene, Middletown

As of today I will be adding a new feature to the MiddletownMike blog that I will call "Crime Scene, Middletown".

After hearing many complain about the lack of information available to residents about crime being committed in the neighborhoods of Middletown, I went down to Police Headquarters and asked to be placed on the email list for press releases issued by the department.

Today, I received my first two press releases from Detective Lieutenant Stephen F. Dollinger, who oversees the Township's Detective Bureau.

The first release announces the arrest of suspect Dustin Jeardon, Atlantic Street, Keyport for burglary and theft to a home located on Wilson Avenue in Port Monmouth.

The second press release details the motor vehicle stop of Rachel Goldberg, age 19, from Riverside Avenue in Red Bank. Goldberg attempted to flee the scene after being stopped. Her vehicle was pursued until it was stopped in the parking lot of the Visiting Nurse Association in Red Bank. Goldberg was placed under arrest for eluding. A search of the vehicle revealed a small purse which contained marijuana and a pipe used for smoking marijuana. After begin processed and released on her own recognizance.

You can read each of the press releases below:


Burglary Suspect in Custody

Middletown - A Keyport man is incarcerated in Union County jail for burglaries committed in Union County and Middletown Township.

Middletown Det Laurence Schachtel developed Dustin Jeandron, age 27, Atlantic Street, Keyport, as a suspect in a burglary and theft which occurred on October 29, 2010 to a home located on Wilson Avenue in Port Monmouth. Det. Schachtel signed complaints against Jeandron and Middletown Police have been actively seeking Jeadron.

Jeandron was arrested December 22, 2010 by Cranford and Clark Police Detectives during the course of committing a burglary in Union County. He is currently being held in Union County jail on a total of $90,000 bail.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether Jeandron may be responsible for other burglaries committed in the Middletown area.

Woman Arrested After Fleeing Scene

Middletown - On December 26, 2010 at approximately 1:10am Sgt. Sean Sweeney was on patrol on Highway 35 when he stopped a vehicle, driven by Rachel Goldberg, age 19, from Riverside Avenue in Red Bank, for motor vehicle violations.

After obtaining Goldberg’s driving credentials Sgt. Sweeney was in the process of issuing summonses when Goldberg began to flee the scene in her vehicle. Sgt. Sweeney pursued the vehicle until it was stopped in the parking lot of the Visiting Nurse Association in Red Bank. At this point Goldberg was placed under arrest for eluding.

A search of Goldberg by Officer Heather Pusylski of the Red Bank Police Department, who had arrived as back up, revealed a small purse which contained a green vegetation which Sgt. Sweeney recognized as marijuana and a glass pipe used for smoking marijuana.

Goldberg was transported to police headquarters where she was charged with eluding, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also issued motor vehicle summonses for a provisional license violation, careless driving, improper passing, failing to change address on license and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a vehicle.

Goldberg was processed and released on her own recognizance.

Are Local Crimes Reports Being Released?

There are some residents in Middletown wondering what’s going on around town. They have been hearing from friends and neighbor about a rash of car break-ins and burglaries that have been ongoing throughout the township. When they look in the local newspapers’ Police Blotter or Township News section for information about these crimes, there never seems to be any crimes listed or reported on from Middletown. It’s almost as if crime statistics are being covered up or not reported.

Sure there are some of crimes being reported, like the guy who punched out a Middletown Police officer at Target on the morning of “Black Friday” or the guy who attempted to shoplift a shopping cart full of items from the Port Monmouth Foodtown on November 23rd and even more recently, the bookkeeper who was stealing benefits from her boss. But very seldom do you hear news about car or home break-ins.

During the November 15, 2010 Township Committee meeting Lincroft resident Melanie Elmiger, voiced her concerns about the number of home break-ins in the Lincroft area. She stated that she could not find any information in the newspapers about these crimes and that she was made aware of them through an email chain. She said that she would like to see some type of informational alert sent out by the Police Chief using the Township’s reverse 9-1-1 system telling residents that they need to be more vigilant, and that the township’s website should have tips on how to keep homes more secure. Ms. Elmiger wanted the Committee to acknowledge that there was (is) a problem and that something is going to be done so people can feel safer.

The Township Administrator Tony Mercantante stated that this was a problem in many of the surrounding towns, not just Middletown. He said that the police have measures in place to deal with this and are actively pursuing this problem.

Ms. Elmiger then asked if the Township Committee had any answers as to how to improve the patrols around town, to which Mercantante responded that the police chief addresses the police and that while people may not see a patrol car in the neighborhood, they are being patrolled throughout the day.

Ms. Elmiger left the podium not very satisfied with the response that was given to her even though Tony Mercantante gave a credible answer that made some sense, that is, if you know there is a problem than you let those that have the expertise deal with it. You don’t want to tip off anyone that may be committing crimes in the area, by announcing that patrols would be stepped up or additional measures will be taken in different areas around town to scare would be robbers away if you may have clues or patterns to the break-ins that may lead to an arrest. And apparently 3 weeks later that is exactly what happened. On December 7th the Middletown Police arrested Manuel Cortez, from Barnegat NJ, for committing multiple residential burglaries in Middletown over a six-month period.

This was great news for Lincroft residents; they thought that their local crime problems were over. Unfortunately however, emails between neighbors are still addressing this issue, break-ins are still taking place in the Lincroft section of town, as well as others, with no notices being made about them in any sort of timely or informative manner. It is a lack of this type of information that is leading many residents wondering if crime in Middletown is somehow being covered up or under reported.

Those that control the town are very proud of the fact that Middletown has been named one of the Best 100 Places To Live in America by Money Magazine in three of it’s last five surveys. One of the few criteria that Money magazine bases its ratings on is “Local Crime Rate” and according the survey Middletown averages 15 personal property crimes per 1,000 crimes reported, which is lower than the 24 crimes per average of the rest of the Top 100 towns.

Residents question whether or not it is because of the superficial Money Magazine Top 100 ranking, that local crime reports are not being properly disseminated. They are feeling that their safety, personal property and wellbeing are less important to local officials than it is to maintain Money Magazine’s approval as one of the best places to live.

At times it sure seems that way.

Who decides what information is released after a crime is committed and what makes one type of crime more reportable than another? This is a process that residents want to know about; it seems to be a guarded secret.

By not informing residents of particular types of crimes in their area, are local officials acting responsibly? Many residents don’t think so; they want to know what is happening and what is being done to combat the problem.

If the economy continues to remain in the doldrums and many more lose their jobs in the coming year, crime will naturally continue to be a problem. I don’t think it is much to ask of our local officials, that they keep residents informed of what is happening in their community. Why should residents need to rely on email chains from family, friends and neighbors to remain informed about such issues? It doesn’t make sense.