Letter: Judge Thompson Deserves Prison

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog.


Dear Editor,

Revelations regarding the criminality of Richard B. Thompson, a lawyer who worked as a Municipal Judge in nine Monmouth County municipalities, resulting in a felony guilty plea to tampering with records are no shock to those familiar with his modus operandi in the courtroom. But Thompson should also be charged with Official Misconduct, and the Court Administrators who enabled this must also be convicted and incarcerated.

I had previously exposed Thompson for renting a law office from the father of Middletown Township prosecutor Gerald Massell (who also had an office in the small building), a conflict given Thompson was the jury-less decider of guilt in cases prosecuted by Massell.

In a medical cannabis case I faced before Thompson, he issued chilling threats to me via a local former mayor, and upheld an illegal search by police. In a separate matter, Thompson refused to find probable cause in a complaint I made against a mentally-ill man who made a false report against me, and the police officer who failed to conduct a background check on him, despite the man being on felony probation for making bomb threats. Thompson victimized me.

Thompson benefited from this scheme as it provided him with employment in nine towns, by offering them high revenue that only corruption could achieve.

Thompson must not receive pre-trial intervention, or probation for his crimes. Thompson must go to prison, receive the maximum sentence, and forfeit his pension. All cases in which he convicted defendants must be vacated, and fines refunded.

REV. DR. ERIC HAFNER
FORMER CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE
TOMS RIVER


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Photo: Activist and retired Penn State University Chemistry Professor Dr. Julian P. Heicklen holds up a sign that said “Judge is the Criminal”

Letter: If Guilty, Mayor Lucas Could Star In Own Reality Series

Dear Editor,

In 2006, BET (Black Entertainment Television) ran a series entitled, "Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown" chronicling the last 14 days of freedom before the New Jersey based award winning female rapper entered a federal prison in Philadelphia to serve a 366 day sentence.

It has been said time and time again that politics is Hollywood for ugly people, so why should such reality TV success be limited to rap stars?

This Wednesday will mark the start of the federal criminal trial of ex-Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas who is facing multitude of serious felony fraud related charges, stemming from a controversial land deal that put $1,158,000 of taxpayer funds into Lucas' pocket.

If Mr. Lucas is found guilty, he will meet the same fate as Lil' Kim. So why not go out in style and generate some income to pay off fines and restitution?

I propose that BET produces a new series entitled "Mayor Lucas: Countdown to Lockdown" the story of one man who went from Princeton, to Politics, to Prison. He's a smart, likable guy that could help BET gain a new fan base within the Republican Party. Talk about entertainment.

Maybe if we're lucky, by the end of this sad reality show we'll see a spin-off series featuring Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry. Bring popcorn, a total lack of ethics and a cash filled envelope.

Eric Hafner
Toms River

NJ WATCHDOG: Double trouble for Christie

For immediate release:

BRIDGEGATE AND DOUBLEGATE SPELL DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR CHRISTIE

Long before Bridgegate, Gov. Chris Christie and his administration have quietly tried to escape Doublegate – an alleged $245,000 pension fraud involving Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.

New Jersey Watchdog revealed last week that an investigation by the attorney general’s Division of Criminal Justice was virtually non-existent, producing only a secret five-page report following a 13-month probe.

Today, NJ Spotlight followed up with a comprehensive report by Mark Magyar.

Bridgegate and Doublegate spell double trouble for the Christie and company. While Bridgegate has gained national fame, the details of Doublegate are still not widely known. Here is a summary comparing the two scandals:

Bridgegate is an investigation into whether the Christie Administration closed traffic lanes at the George Washington Bridge as retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee, who refused to endorse Christie in the 2013 election.

Doublegate began as an investigation into alleged pension fraud involving Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. It now focuses on whether the Christie Administration effectively sabotaged the investigation.

Bridgegate was investigated by an outside law firm hired by the governor. The inquiry was headed by attorney Randy Mastro.

Doublegate was investigated by the attorney general’s Division of Criminal Justice. Despite an apparent conflict of interest – Guadagno is a former deputy director of DCJ – Christie did not appoint a special investigator or prosecutor.

The Bridgegate report by Mastro is 360 pages. It was publicly released and posted on the Internet at http://gdcreport.com/.

The Doublegate report by DCJ is five pages. It remains a secret document, despite a public records lawsuit by a New Jersey Watchdog reporter.

During the Bridgegate probe, Mastro and his associates interviewed 75 witnesses during a two-month period

During the Doublegate probe, there is no record that DCJ contacted, interviewed or took statements from anyone during a 13-month investigation.

Christie held two press conferences to discuss Bridgegate – a two-hour marathon in January and another one in March after the Mastro report was released.

Christie and Guadagno have repeatedly refused to answer questions about Doublegate.

The Democrat-controlled State Legislature has aggressively pursued an investigation of Bridgegate that has dimmed Christie’s chances of pursuing the White House in 2016.

The State Legislature has essentially ignored Doublegate, which could bring the pension abuses of both Democrats and Republicans into the public spotlight.

New Jersey Watchdog’s latest update on Doublegate is online at http://newjersey.watchdog.org/2014/06/02/christie-guadagno-investigation-2/.

Crime Scene Middletown: Recent Police Activity Report For 11/14/13 - 12/3/13

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 - Arrests do not indicate convictions

Jusino Wilfredo, age 43, from Vermeer Drive in South Amboy, NJ, arrested on November 14, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Gigante on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,500.00 bail.

Sarah Piersol, age 31, from Snyder Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on November 14, 2013 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Michael Cebtanni, age 20, from Vermont Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 15, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Stephanie Moyer, age 35, from Hialeah Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 15, 2013 by Patrolman Charles Higgins for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Heroin and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was held on $1,100.00 bail.

Adam Kurczeski, age 32, from Mounts Mill Road in Monroe, NJ, arrested on November 15, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Improper Disposal of a Hypodermic syringe, Being under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Heroin. He was held on $5,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Timothy brown, age 21, from Miller Street in Highlands, NJ, arrested on November 16, 2013 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Justine Mattioli, age 27, from highway 36 in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 16, 2013 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Shoplifting and Theft from the Target Store. She was released pending a court date.

John Nagle, age 50, from arrested on November 16, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Aggravated Assault. He was held on $10,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Kyle Worland, age 42, from Avenue B in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on November 15, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Paul Coglianese, age 51, from Hillyer Circle in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 16, 2013 by Sergeant Douglas Wiatrak for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Colleen Patunas, age 52, from Kearney Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on November 17, 2013 by Patrolman Richard Fulham for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

John Craparo, age 33, from Lincoln Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on November 17, 2013 by Patrolman Kent Thornton for Burglary. He was released pending a court date.

Peter Christiansen, age 21, from Florence Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on November 17, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, Fraud, Uttering a Forgery, Possession of Heroin, Theft by Deception and on a Contempt of Court warrant . He was held on $18,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

John Muscenti, age 21, from Hamilton Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on November 17, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Receiving Stolen Property, Fraud, Uttering a Forgery, Theft by Deception and Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Harold Johnson, age 32, from Sherman Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 18, 2013 by Patrolman Albert Scott on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Ocean Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Nicholas Ballard, age 23, from Birchwood Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 18, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $2,500.00 bail.

Travis Connolly, age 22, from Broad Street in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 18, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Dana Coppins, age 40, from South Concourse Lane in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, arrested on November 18, 2013 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was released pending a court date.

Jackie Chodnicki, age 41, from Mulberry Lane in Holmdel, NJ, arrested on November 18, 2013 by Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Barner for Theft by Deception and Fraud. He was released on $35,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

David Hegeman, age 59, from Linda Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 19, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Shannon Kunneff, age 20, from West Lake Road in Little Silver, NJ, arrested on November 19, 2013 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Kenneth Murray, age 23, from Joys Lane in Hurley, NY, arrested on November 19, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Vendetti on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Graydon Goss, age 62, from Dellwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 19, 2013 by Patrolman Scott Davis on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Jason Ware, age 30, from Beers Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Corey Alexander, age 28, from Twilight Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. She was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Michael Cornell, age 29, from Kearney Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Kent Thorton for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was held on $5,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Kevin Hickey, age 29, from Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was held on $15,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Joseph Currier, age 32, from Collins Street in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Corporal Robert McNair for Possession of under 5o Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Jermaine Hatcher, age 36, from Atlantic Street in Keyport, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Corporal Robert McNair for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Lawrence Pfeifer, age 52, from White Road in Jackson, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Monroe Municipal Court. He was released after posting $89.00 bail.

Patti Hoverson, age 26, from Park Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Detective Adam Finck for Burglary and Theft. She was released pending a court date.

Jonathan Billups, age 48, from Seabreeze Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, arrested on November 20, 2013 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Non-Support warrant issued by the Ocean County Superior Court. He was held pending a court date.

Donald Peters, age 31, from Thompson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 23, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Receiving Stolen Property. He was released pending a court date.

Marcos Ortiz, age 24, from Grandview Avenue in Edison, NJ, arrested on November 22, 2013 by Corporal Keith MacDonald on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Daniel Ronan, age 28, from Kimberly Court in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on November 22, 2013 by Officer Richard Belmonte and Officer Keith Hirschbein of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court. He was held on $500.00 bail.

Shane Kolb, age 31, from Highway 36 in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 22, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of Heroin, Unlawful Possession of Suboxone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Woodbridge, Hazlet, Keansburg, and Middletown Municipal Courts. He was held on $6,505.00 bail.

On November 22, 2013 Patrolman Greg Buhowski arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Navesink, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released pending a court date.

Michael Patrick, age 20, from Mercer Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 21, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Simple Assault and Sexual Assault. He was held on $102,000.00 bail set by Judge English of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

Collin Binder, age 25, from Buckingham Circle in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 21, 2013 by Patrolman Christian Clark on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

John Gullo, age 22, from Grant Avenue in Whiting, NJ, arrested on November 21, 2013 by Patrolman Kent Thornton on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Spotswood Municipal Court. He was held on $240.00 bail.

Hans Mueller, age 55, from Bergen Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, arrested on November 24, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Long Branch Municipal Court. He was held on bail.

Amanda Rivera, age 33, from Kanes Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 24, 2013 by Patrolman Michael Reuter on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $164.00 bail.

Walter Williams, age 48, from Collins Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Frank Mazza on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Eatontown Municipal Courts. He was held on $837.00 bail.

On November 24, 2013 Patrolman Albert Scott arrested a 14 year old male juvenile from Port Monmouth, NJ, for Credit Card Theft and Theft. He was released pending a court date.

Colin McHarg, age 19, from Powell Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on November 26, 2013 by Detective Laurence Schachtel and Patrolman Stephen Keller for numerous counts of Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy, and Possession of Stolen Property. He was held on $120,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Cole Murch, age 18, from Latham Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on November 26, 2013 by Detective Laurence Schachtel, Detective Godley and Patrolman Stephen Keller for numerous counts of Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy, Possession of Stolen Property and one count of Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was held on $200,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Michael Simonelli, age 18, from Hosford Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested November 26, 2013 by Detective Laurence Schachtel and Patrolman Stephen Keller for numerous counts of Burglary, Theft, Conspiracy and Possession of Stolen Property. He was held on $120,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Christopher Nunez, age 33, from Highway 36 in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Brian McGrogan for Shoplifting from the Shop Rite Store. He was released pending a court date.

Evaristo Martinez, age 54, from South Broad Street in Elizabeth, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood on a Fugitive warrant issued by Puerto Rico. He was held on $50,000.00 bail set by Judge Zazzali-Hogan of the Monmouth County Superior Court.

Anthony Colasi, age 27, from Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Robert Shannon on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Jacques Johnson, age 36, from Lois Lane in Lakewood, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Disorderly Conduct and Harassment. He was held on $2,500.0 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Conor Murphy, age 22, from Campbell Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on November 25, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the River Edge Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Michelle Murphy, age 37, from Thompson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 30, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. She was released after posting $165.00 bail.

Shannon Byrne, age 19, from Stephenville Boulevard in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on November 29, 2013 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Red Bank Municipal Court. She was released after posting $215.00 bail.

Brian Handler, age 21, from Park Avenue in Freehold, NJ, arrested on November 29, 2013 by Patrolman Carl Roth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Freehold Municipal Court and a Probation warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held pending a court date.

Ana Henn, age 58, from Suffolk Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on November 29, 2013 by Patrolman Thomas Hughes on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Westfield Municipal Court. She was released after posting $115.00 bail.

Michael Wells, age 26, from Riviera Parkway in Point Pleasant, NJ, arrested on November 29, 2013 by Patrolman Carl Roth on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Jason Vandertuyn, age 39, from Andover Lane in Aberdeen, NJ, arrested on November 28, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. He was released pending a court date.

Frank Liana, age 33, from Holly Street in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on November 28, 2013 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held pending a court date.

Jason Hanzman, age33, from Montana Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on November 27, 2013 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Robert Palmer, age 23, from Hazlet Avenue in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on December 1, 2013 by Patrolman Donald Coates on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Hazlet Municipal Court. He was released after posting bail.

Jessica Ussery. Age 34, from Sycamore Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 1, 2013 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Obstructing the Administration of Law and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Stafford Municipal Court. She was held on $2,878.00 bail with a 10% option.

Keith Odo, age 33, from Sycamore Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 1, 2013 by Patrolman Adam Colfer on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Lacey Municipal Court. He was released after posting $750.00 bail.

Joseph Rosenthal, age 22, from North Fifth Avenue in Long Branch, NJ, arrested on December 2, 2013 by Patrolman Daniel Benbrook on a Violation of Probation warrant. He was held pending a court date.

Peter Christensen, age 21, from Florence Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on December 2, 2013 by Detective Keith Hirschbein for Burglary, Theft and Possession of Burglar Tools. He was held on $10,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.


Marc Melendez, age 32, from Creek Road in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 2, 2013 by Officer Richard Belmonte of the Quality of Life Unit of Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Old Bridge and Perth Amboy Municipal Courts. He was held on $234.00 bail.

Eric Wilhelm, age 24, from Carter Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 2, 2013 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting bail.

Jennifer Keeney, age 39, from Allaire Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 3, 2013 by Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Shrewsbury Municipal Court. She was released after posting $240.00 bail.

Louise Malinconico, age 59, from Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 3, 2013 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone for Simple Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. She was released pending a court date.

Joseph McCabe, age 28, from Blanchard Avenue in Binghamton, NY, arrested on December 3, 2013 by Detective Keith Hirschbein for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,000.00 bail.

John Jacobs, age 21, from Middletown Lincroft Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 3, 2013 by Detective Hirschbein for Eluding. He was held on $35,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Daniel Notaroberto, age 26, from Cherry Tree Farm Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 3, 2013 by Officer Richard Belmonte of the Quality of Life Unit on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

NJ WATCHDOG: Reality TV Rumble Stars 'Disabled' Cop Inbox x

For Immediate Release:

Reality or Fake, Police Disability Pays!


On television, Joseph Derrico pursues a monster truck on foot, pulls the driver out of the vehicle and tosses him to the ground. He is on truTV's "Bear Swamp Recovery," a reality show on vehicle repos by the "baddest towing team in Jersey."

Yet Derrico collects a police disability pension of nearly $70,000 a year. In the eyes of the State of New Jersey, the retired Hamilton Township cop is "totally and permanently disabled" by a leg injury.

No stranger to trouble, Derrico was a criminal defendant when he retired in 2010. A Mercer County grand jury indicted Derrico on a felony charge of theft by receiving stolen property.

The patrolman escaped with his pension intact – thanks to a secretive deal with Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini, who dropped the case when Derrico retired

If convicted, Derrico could have lost his pension. Instead, he has collected $180,000 in tax-free disability pay from the state Police and Firemen's Retirement System. If he reaches his life expectancy of age 80, Derrico's bad leg and behavior will be good for $2.5 million.

Bocchini claims his office has no record of the indictment or dismissal of charges against Derrico. In response, New Jersey Watchdog is suing the prosecutor in Mercer County Superior Court to produce the records or an explanation of why they no longer exist.

The Derrico case illustrates the inherent weaknesses of a $200 million a year disability pension system that's prone to abuse by police and firefighters in New Jersey.

Check out the full story – a joint investigation by New Jersey Watchdog (http://newjersey.watchdog.org) and NBC 4 New York – at http://newjersey.watchdog.org/2013/04/28/fake-or-reality/.

Crime Scene Middletown: Out With The Old, Ringing In The New; Police Report Update For 12/28/11 Thru 1/2/12

Written by Middletown Township Police Department
Wednesday,4 January 2012 -Arrests do not indicate convictions


On December 28, 2011 Detective Adam Finck arrested Jose Luciano, age 32, from Reidway Place in Freehold, NJ, as a result of an investigation into a burglary at a residence on Cypress Neck Road in the Lincroft section of Middletown. Police say Luciano was identified after a witness observed him leaving the residence.

Luciano was arrested after police in Middlesex County took him into custody on other charges. He was being held on the Middletown charges at the Middlesex County Jail on $35,000.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.


Gary Brady, age 19, from Dover Court in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was released after posting $80.00 bail.

William Johannessen, age 34, from Hollie Drive West in Belford, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Carl Roth for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Howard Eastmond, age 31, from Church Street in Belford, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $2,570.00 bail.

Kerry Smith, age 54, from Club House Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Violating a Court Order. He was released after posting $2,500.00 bail set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Kristie Lepard, age 21, from Kentucky Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 26, 2011 by Corporal James Keenan for Possession of Heroin. She was released pending a court date.

Erik Nilson, age 20, from South Lake Drive in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on December 26, 2011 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood and Patrolman Richard Fulham 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.

Anders Carlson, age 20, from Riverboork Drive in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on December 26, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Fulham and Patrolman Stephen Greenwood 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.

Jorge Lopez, age 27, from Tindall Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 25, 2011 by Patrolman James Beirne for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Joan McKee, age 57, from Pedee Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 24, 2011 by Corporal James Keenan for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. She was released pending a court date.

Venus Sharick, age 55, from New Brunswick Avenue in Fords, NJ, arrested on December 24, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples and Reckless Driving. She was released pending a court date.

Shawn Fanner, age 45, from Woodland Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2011 by Sergeant First Class William Colangelo for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was released pending a court date.

John Maynard, age 30, from Knollwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested December 23, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Raike on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal Court. He was released after posting $106.00 bail.

Christopher Danko, age 28, from Sunset Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2011 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Austin Smith, age 27, from Wake Forest Avenue in Toms River, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Brandon Lee, age 20, from Rachel Drive in Morganville, NJ, arrested on December 27, 2011 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $150.00 bail.

Michael MacDonald, age 18, from 10th Street in West Keansburg, NJ, arrested on December 24, 2011 by Patrolman Michael Reuter for Shoplifting from the Target Store. He was released pending a court date.

Daniel Scragg, age 21, from Kenneth Terrace East in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 23, 2011 by Patrolman Greg Buhowski for Theft and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Medication. He was released pending a court date.

On December 23, 2011 Patrolman Carl Roth arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.

Mirtha Alverez-Arena, age 43, from Hill Road in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2011 by Corporal Patricia Colangelo for Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

Rachel Alvarez, age 38, from Baldwin Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2011 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Neptune City Municipal Court. She was released after posting $164.00 bail.

Michael Vanalstyne, age 26, from Coffey Lane in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2011 by Patrolman Ian May on a Failure to Appear warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ, on $4,160.00 bail.

Raymond Haupt, age 39, from Woodland Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on December 28, 2011 by Corporal Gerald Weimer for Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was released pending a court date.

On December 28, 2011 Sergeant Paul Bailey arrested a 14 year old female juvenile from Red Bank, NJ, for Obstructing the Administration of Law. She was released pending a court date.

Evan Rackiewicz, age 19, from Newman Springs Road in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on December 29, 2011 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.

Jessica Swartz, age 27, from Locust Grove in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2011 by Patrolman Christian Clark for Shoplifting from the Sears Store. She was released pending a court date.

Aaron Card, age 34, from East Garfield Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2011 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Theft by Deception. He was released pending a court date.

Keith Ettis, age 25, from Collins Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2011 by Sergeant First Class William Colangelo on a Contempt of Court warrant issued in Essex County. He was released on his own recognizance.

Steven Nalbach, age 50, from Highway 36 in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2011 by Patrolman Brady Carr on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Newark Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance.

Saeeda Wilson, age 33, from Park Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2011 by Corporal James Keenan for False Reports to a Law Enforcement Officer and Providing False Information to a Police Officer. She was released pending a court date.

Salvatore Amato, age 23, from Zephyr Avenue in Staten Island, NY, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Seaside Heights Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Nicholas Batalla, age 24, from Frog Hollow Road in Forked River, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofiled for Theft by Unlawful Taking. He was released pending a court date.

Nathan Burks, age 29, from Peppercorn Way in Chesapeake, VA, arrested on December 31, 2011 by Patrolman Adam Colfer for Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

On December 30, 2011 Patrolman Felipe Benedit arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Belford, NJ, for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Terroristic Threats and Criminal Mischief. He was released pending a court date.

On December 31, 2011 Patrolman James Beirne arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Atlantic Highlands, NJ, for Disorderly Conduct and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

On December 31, 2011 Corporal Patricia Colangelo arrested a 16 year old male juvenile form Navesink, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

On December 31, 2011 Corporal Patricia Colangelo arrested a 15 year old male juvenile from Leonardo, NJ, for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. He was released pending a court date.

On January 1, 2011 Corporal James Keenan arrested a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Obstructing an Investigation and Simple Assault. He was released pending a court date.

Daniel Haggerty, age 44, from Park Street in Staten Island, NY, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Patrolman Antonio Ciccone for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Belmar Municipal Court. He was released after posting $372.00 bail.

Melody Taylor, age 29, from Laurel drive in Highlands, NJ, arrested on December 30, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Raike on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and Highlands Municipal Courts. She was held on $880.00 bail.

Nicole Eskildsen, age 23, from Louis Circle in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Patrolman Raymond Sofield for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. She was released pending a court date.

On December 28, 2011 Sergeant Paul Bailey arrested a 14 year old female from Tinton Falls, NJ, for Obstructing an Investigation. She was released pending a court date.

Jennifer Jacques, age 35, from Kings Highway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. She was released pending a court date.

Isaac Coates, age 46, from Leighton Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, arrested on January 1, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Keller on a Drug Court warrant. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.

Ryan Kelty, age 22, from Bray Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Obtaining Prescription Medication by Fraud. He was released pending a court date.

Jess Blechman, age 43, from Center Avenue in Belford, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Patrolman Felipe Benedit for Simple assault. He was held on $2,500.00 with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Rodolpho Mejias, age 48, from Bolton Gordon Road in Commerce, GA, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Patrolman Robert McNair for Unlawful Possession of a Handgun. He was held on $10,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Deborah Vaughn, age 47, from Center Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Matawan Municipal Court. She was released after posting $240.00 bail.

Christopher Malone, age 31, from West County Line Road in Jackson, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Patrolman Christopher Dee on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,453.00 bail.

Wayne Scheuermann, age 24, from Woodshore west in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, arrested on January 2, 2012 by Detective Daniel Sullivan for Theft by Unlawful Taking. He was released pending a court date.

Gallagher Update III

The following update on the Art Gallagher saga was left as a comment by Heraciltus on "Art Gallagher Turned a Dream Into A Nightmare For Betsy Penrose; Sweet deal on vending truck turned out to be a lemon" post earlier today.

According to Heraciltus, the MoreMonmouthMusings blogger had his bail hearing this morning in front of Judge Scully, where Gallagher and his lawyer were looking to have his $250,000 bail reduced with a 10% option applied.

According to the post Gallagher's lawyer Michael Laffey only slightly succeeded in his plea to have Gallagher's bail reduced. Heraciltus, who was present in the courtroom this morning, states that Judge Scully did reduce Art's bail from $250,000 to $150,000. Unfortunately for Art however, Judge Scully would not consider allowing a 10% option and it looks as if Art will be staying behind bars for the foreseeable future.

Below is what Heraciltus wrote, i'll be interested in reading what the Asbury Park Press has to say about this later:

Mike, Art Gallagher had a bail reduction hearing today before Judge Scully. I was at the hearing. This is what I saw and reported on Art's blog ...

Judge Scully lowered Art Gallagher's bail to $150,000 without a 10% option. Art looked like someone punched him in the stomach when the judge issued his ruling. Art's wife wept as the judge announced the lower bail. From the look on Art' face, I don't think Art or his family will be posting the new, lower bail.

The hearing was interesting to watch. Art was dressed in a green jump suit over a white thermal shirt. He was handcuffed and chained to to a fugitive from New York, some guy named Prisco. Art was very scared of the guy he was chained to. Art was required to stand in the jury box during the 10 minute proceeding.

Art's lawyer, Michael Laffey, was out of his league. Despite the fact that the judge lowered the bail somewhat, Laffey was unable to answer some of the judge's questions. The judge shook his head and seemed to laugh a little when Laffey suggested that repossessions often take place in the middle of the night and without going through the proper proceedures first. Laffey very much looked like the amatuer that he is. At one pointed Laffey started talking about a newspaper article that appeared in some Delaware newspaper while the judge rolled his eyes. I actually felt sorry for Michael Laffey. Laffey was literally trembling before and during the hearing. When the hearing was over, Laffey rushed out of the courtroom and stood in the hall. He did this without first consoling or even speaking with Art's wife or supporters. Laffey looked liked he was going to throw up as he collected himself in that hallway. Art blew a kiss to his wife before being led out of the courtroom in chains. He looked like he was crying as they led him away.

I counted 5 people that looked like they were in the courtroom to support Art Gallagher. Art's wife, Lori, sat next to an older man that I presume was Art's father. Art's wife also sat next to an older guy in a cheap suit. This guy was beyond creepy. He kept massaging Lori Gallagher's neck and back. It was quite clear that Mrs. Gallagher was very uncomfortable with this guy touching her. There were a couple of older women that sat in the second row -- an obese woman that read the paper the whole time and a skinny older lady who looked confused.

The prosecutor was a very professional black lady. She kicked Michael Laffey's ass in that courtroom. The prosecutor pointed out that Art knew for about 30 days that he would be charged in Delaware. Art was invited by the cops in Delaware to turn himself in. Art refused to do so, forcing the Delaware cops to obtain the fugitive warrant. That fact that Art didn't turn himself in when he had the chance to do so weighed heavily on the judge's mind. The judge also pointed out that if Art were charged with these crimes in New Jersey, they would be Second Degree crimes. The judge pointed out that if convicted, Art Gallagher is facing many years in prison

MoreMonmouthMusings Blog Taken Down

It would appear that sometime this morning that Art Gallagher's blog MoreMonmouthMusings.net has been taken down and is, at this time not operational.

The last posting to the blog made by a mysterious administrator was at 11:16 last night and was an awkward attempt to discuss a few local issues in 12th LD as reported by Eatontown Patch.

The post also attacks local republican Jim Sage, who has made it his mission in life to see that State Senator Jennifer Beck who is now seeking reelection in the newly created 11th LD, does not return to Trenton. Sage has a facebook page titled Dump State Senator Jennifer Beck that is a thorn in the side to Beck and disdained by many Republicans in Monmouth County.

No word on why the blog was shut down or when, if ever, it will return.

Details Of MoreMonmouthMusings Blogger's Arrest Beginning To Surface

A special hat tip goes out to comment poster Heraclitus for the heads up on the NewsRadio WGMD 92.7's story on the arrest of MoreMonmouthMusings blogger Art Gallagher.

If the charges in this case stick I have to agree with Heraclitus, I think Art will be doing some serious jail time.

Below are the details of Gallagher's arrest as posted online at NewsRadio WGMD:

DSP News Release: New Jersey Man Wanted in Connection With Bus Company Fraud

Location: J.C. Watson Bus Company, Townsend, DE

Date of Occurrence: Sunday, August 15, 2010 (reported 9/6/11)

Victims:

-J.C. Watson Bus Company, Townsend, DE
-Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

Suspect:

-Arthur (Art) V. Gallagher 2nd, Highlands, NJ

Charges:

-Theft Where the Property Value is $100,000 or More (2 counts)
-Forgery 3rd Degree (2 counts)


New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police Fraud Unit detectives have obtained warrants on a 53 year old New Jersey man after he defrauded a Delaware Bus Company.

The investigation into this incident began on September 6, 2011 after the 52 year old owner of the JC Watson Bus Company located in Townsend, DE, contacted the state police fraud unit. The victim advised that in August of 2005 she had leased to purchase several school buses from the Wolfington Bus Company located in Exton, PA. The victim advised that the lease was arranged by Arthur V. Gallagher through his company, Gallco Enterprises, located in Belford, New Jersey. Gallco Enterprises is a vehicle and equipment leasing company. The victim then advised investigators that in August of 2010 she had paid off all 11 of the buses that she had leased however; she never received the titles for them.

When the victim contacted Arthur Gallagher about the bus titles, he was uncooperative and then refused to return her phone calls. It was later learned that Gallagher had financed the school buses that the victim had obtained through two separate banks, New World Bank and Sovereign Bank. The total value of the 11 buses was over $776,000.00.

The victim then contacted New World Bank and Sovereign Bank who advised her that Gallco Enterprises was behind on the payments to them. It was learned from the victim that her company had been awarded a contract to transport students for the Appoquinimink School District and as such, the State of Delaware paid Gallco Enterprises directly from the bus company’s profits. A review of the State of Delaware checks written to Gallco Enterprises from September of 2005 until May of 2010 revealed that Arthur Gallagher had endorsed checks which totaled over $776,000.00.

The victim then advised investigators that in February of 2011, she had responded to her company’s bus yard where she observed that all of her buses were now missing. It was then learned that on May 15, 2011 Arthur Gallagher had responded to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and presented two fictitious letters with forged bank employee signatures advising that the liens against the 11 buses that the victim had leased through his company had been satisfied. With these letters, Gallagher was then able to obtain the titles to the 11 buses even though he did not actually own them. It was also learned that Gallagher had subsequently sold several of the buses back to the Wolfington Bus Company.

Detectives have obtained warrants on Arthur Gallagher charging him with two counts each of Theft Where the Property is Valued at $100,000.00 or More and two counts of Forgery 3rd Degree.

Arthur Gallagher was arrested on a fugitive warrant by the Highlands Police Department. He was then committed to the Monmouth County Jail for lack of $250,000.00 bail pending his extradition to Delaware.

Crime Scene Middletown: Shoplifting and Marijuana Busts Prevail

Written by Middletown Township Police Department
Tuesday,18 October 2011 -Arrests do not indicate convictions


On October 16, 2011 at approximately 6:40 pm Patrolman Michael Pintilie responded to the Sears Store in reference to a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival the officer was advised by store security that they had observed Hany Salib, age 46, from Crest Circle in Matawan, NJ, attempt to steal approximately $160.00 worth of tools.

Officer Pintilie conducted an investigation which resulted in Salib being arrested for Shoplifting. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.

On October 16, 2011 at approximately 3:50 am Patrolman John Soltysik was on patrol in the area of Oak Hill Road when he stopped a vehicle for having a rear light out. The officer approached the driver, identified as Christopher Aiello, age 24, from Fox Wood Run in Middletown, NJ, at which point he detected the strong odor of raw Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The officer also observed a grinder, which is a device used to prepare Marijuana for smoking, in plain view inside the vehicle.

Officer Soltysik conducted an investigation which resulted in Aiello being charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The officer also determined that there was an outstanding Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court for Aiello’s arrest. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after posting $89.00 bail.

On October 15, 2011 at approximately 12:55 am Patrolman Jason Caruso was on patrol in the area of Leonardville Road when he stopped a vehicle for multiple violations. The officer approached the vehicle at which point he observed a Marijuana grinder, which is a device used to process Marijuana for smoking, and a glass pipe used to smoke Marijuana which contained Marijuana residue in plain view in the car.

The officer conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Kathryn Palmer, age 18, from Pointe Circle in Tinton Falls, NJ; Anthony Colacino, age 18, from Crystal Court in Middletown, NJ; Robert Mackie, age 19, from Paul Place in Port Monmouth, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

All subjects were transported to police headquarters where they were processed and released pending a court date. Officer Michael Nolan assisted with the arrests.

On October 15, 2011 at approximately 8:10 pm Police Officer Janine Kennedy responded to the Target Store in reference to a Shoplifting. Upon arrival she was advised by security that they observed two subjects cut the plastic packaging off of a compact disk in an attempt to steal the item without paying for it.

Officer Kennedy conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Anthony Desiderio Jr, age 41, from Cortel You in Staten Island, NY; and Cliff Desiderio, age 36, from Clubhouse Drive in Middletown, NJ, for Shoplifting. Police say the two are brothers. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters where they are processed and released pending a court date.
On October 14, 2011 at approximately 4:35 pm Police Officer Janine Kennedy was on patrol in the area of Highway 36 when she stopped a vehicle for having a broken tail light. Officer Kennedy approached the driver, identified as Colleen Huderwitz, age 46, from 9th Street in Belford, NJ, at which point she detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath.

Officer Kennedy conducted an investigation which resulted in Huderwitz being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. She was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released pending a court date.

On October 14, 2011 at approximately 11:20 pm Patrolman Charles Higgins responded to a motor vehicle crash on Patterson Lane. While conducting his investigation, David King, age 20, from Church Street in Belford, NJ, attempted to pick up debris from the crash scene. Officer Higgins issued him numerous warning to stop touching the debris which was still being used in the investigation.

King refused to stop interfering with the investigation at which point he was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending a court date.

On October 14, 2011 Patrolman Anthony Gigante and Patrolman Felipe Benedit of the Quality of Life Unit arrested Michelle Distaulo, age 44, from Beechwood Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, for Obtaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance by Fraud, Forgery and Uttering as a result of investigation after Distaulo attempted to fill a prescription for Oxycodone at the Target Pharmacy.

The pharmacy contacted the police after they realized the prescription blank given to them by Distaulo was of the same series that was stolen from a local doctor’s office. Distaulo was processed and released pending a court date.

On October 13, 2011 at approximately 5:45 pm Patrolman Robert McNair was on patrol in the area of Ideal Beach when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking lot. Officer McNair approached the vehicle and conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrests of Kyle Clayton, age 19, from Thousand Oaks Drive in Atlantic Highlands, NJ; Christopher Benino, age 19, from Murphy Road in Port Monmouth, NJ, and a 17 year old female juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana.

All three subjects were processed and released pending a court date.

On October 13, 2011 at approximately 10:50 am Corporal Thomas Meckier responded to a residence on Washington Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, in reference to a report of a theft of checks. Upon arrival at the residence the officer was advised by the victim that her son, Ryan Davies, age 24, from Washington Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, had stolen and forged some of her checks.

Officer Mecker conducted an investigation which resulted in Davies being charged with Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Fraud. He was held on $5,000.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

On October 11, 2011 at approximately 11:25 Sergeant Michael Kenney was on patrol in the area of Highway 35 when he stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation. Officer Kenney approached the driver, identified as Joseph Olaya, age 33, from Donald Boulevard in Holbrook, NY, at which point he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.

Sergeant Kenney conducted an investigation which resulted in Olaya being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. He was taken into custody and was searched incident to the arrest at which point Officer Kenney located Marijuana and a pipe used to smoke Marijuana on his person.

Olaya was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with the additional offenses of Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was processed and released pending a court date.

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

William Deppisch, age 23, from Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright, NJ, arrested on October 16, 2011 by Police Officer Janine Kennedy on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $500.00 bail.

Eric Greenhouse, age 28, from Geary Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 16, 2011 by Sergeant John Werner on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Sayreville Municipal Court. He was released after posting $139.00 bail.

William Chasmer Jr, age 29, from Briar Mills Drive in Brick, NJ, arrested on October 15, 2011 by Patrolman Thomas Russo for Simple Assault. He was held on $2,500.00 with no 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Jason Venson, age 31, from Knollwood Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 16, 2011 by Corporal Ronald Chesek for Violation of a Court Order. He was released pending a court date.

David Depuma, age 32, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 14, 2011 by Patrolman Felipe Benedit and Patrolman Anthony Gigante of the Quality of Life Unit for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. He was released pending a court date.

Theodore Davis, age 87, from Hillside Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on October 14, 2011 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth for Aggravated Assault. He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Richard Thompson pending a court date.

Rudolph Jones, age 56, from Monmouth Parkway in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 13, 2011 by Patrolman Lawrence Seymour on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $1,000.00 bail.

Barry Grasser, age 65, from New Monmouth Road in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 13, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Joseph McCabe, age 26, from Bay Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 15, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keansburg Municipal Court. He was turned over to the Keansburg Police Department.

Richard Steinhart, age 29, from Jumping Brook Road in Lincroft, NJ, arrested on October 15, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was released after posting $349.00 bail.

Allyson Forte, age 40, from Gayle Street in Middletown, NJ, arrested on October 14, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Englishtown Municipal Court. She was released after posting $400.00 bail.

Charlie James, age 23, from Pine Street in Bloomfield, NJ, arrested on October 14, 2011 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein on two Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown and New Brunswick Municipal Courts. He was released after posting $1,250.00 bail.

Thomas Phillips, age 32, from Ocean Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on October 16, 2011 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte for Simple Assault with a Motor Vehicle and Driving While Intoxicated as a result of an investigation conducted by the officer into a motor vehicle crash that occurred at Thompson Avenue and Highway 36. He was released pending a court date.

Gallagher Issues Statement From Jail

Gee, I hope he didn't have to waste his one phone call from jail on this post left on his blog a short while ago.

"As I am sure all my readers are now aware I was arrested late Friday evening on a warrant issued out of the State of Delaware. On the advice of my attorney I can not discuss the charges against me at this time other then to say that they are vigorously contested and that I did not commit theft.

Right now I am concentrating on securing my release from jail so that I can properly address these charges through my attorneys.

When I am released I intend to write about my experiences of the last few days.

I thank all of you who have expressed concern for me and my family and I assure you that we are doing fine given these difficult circumstances."

MoreMonmouthMusings's Art Gallagher Arrest; Awaiting Extradition To Delaware On Fraud Charges

According to an online article posted on The Asbury Park Press this evening, Art Gallagher, author of the moremonmouthmusings blog, has been arrest on fraud charges and is being held on $250,000 bail while waiting on extradition to Delaware, at the Monmouth County Jail.

From the APP:

HIGHLANDS — A prominent blogger who is running for a seat on the Highlands Borough Council next month is in Monmouth County Jail awaiting extradition to Delaware, police said.

Art Gallagher, who runs a Republican-leaning political blog and is campaigning as an independent for council, was arrested over the weekend by borough police on a fugitive from justice warrant out of Delaware, Chief Joseph Blewitt said.

Details of Gallagher’s alleged crime across state lines are unclear, but Blewitt said the warrant was theft-related. Detective Nicholas Terranova, the lead investigator in the case for Delaware State Police, could not be reached for comment Sunday.

“That’s what it’s stemming from. It’s regarding a fraud investigation Delaware State Police conducted,” Highlands police Sgt. Joe Rogers said.

Gallagher, 53, who is also a member of the borough’s planning board, is being held on $250,000 bail. Blewitt said on Sunday afternoon “they have informed us they will extradite.”

I don't want to kick a guy while he's down but sooner or later everyone needs to answer to a higher authority for what they may have reaped in life. I hope that he and his family will able to cope well during this trying time.

Something like this however was bound to happen sooner or later to Art. I heard rumors last year that Art was going to be the subject of a WPIX News segment of "Help Me Howard ".

For those unfamiliar with "Help Me Howard", it's a segment on channel 11 news that features longtime newsman Howard Thompson. Thompson helps those who feel they have suffered injustices or have been wronged in someway.

In a segment that was to feature Art Gallagher but never aired because the incident was allegedly settled before airing, Art was accused by someone who had rented a food vending truck from his business. I don't remember all the details but the person who rented the truck was upset that the truck didn't work properly and wanted a refund of some kind. Art of course wouldn't oblige so the individual contacted Howard Thompson.

Also, Art has fancied himself a "King Maker" of sorts ever since he started MoreMonmouthMusings, blogging first anonymously as William Seward, then as himself, after he and others managed to air all sorts of Republican dirty laundry and the "take down" of Monmouth County Chairman Adam Puharic back in 2008 when he resigned from the position and opened the door for current Chairman Joe Oxley.

Art has since often warned Republican wannabes that if they want to get elected to office in Monmouth County or locally that they need to indulge his blogging and submit comments or columns to it.

Art also got himself in a bit of hot water back in 2008 when he tried to rationalize the use of the "N" word after the Reverend Jesse Jackson was caught on an open mike threatening to cut of then presidential candidate Barack Obama's "N"nuts. Art wanted to know why it was okay for Jesse Jackson, a black man, to use the "N" word but it was unacceptable for a white man to use the term.

After posting this on his blog, then Middletown Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, called a special emergency session of the Middletown Human Rights Commission to look into it thinking that his blog posting was actually printed in the Bayshore Courier where Art had at the time wrote a weekly column.

This lead to Art being censored by the local chapter of the NAACP and his column being dropped by the Courier. Afterwards Gallagher started a vendetta against the Middletown Democrats and the Courier's publisher, blaming them for somehow conspiring against him and having him labeled as a racist.

Since then, Gallagher's blog has become a the Middletown Republican's dumping ground for the dirty tricks, mudslinging and slander against Democratic candidates running for office in Middletown.

What will the Middletown Republicans do now? Will they come out and disavow Art Gallagher or will they make excuses for him and their actions.

As I said above, it is easy to kick a guy while he is down. Regardless of Art's alleged actions in this case or in the past, I do wish him and his family well. We have had a slight adversarial relationship over the past few years but I think we have always been respectful to one another.

I may not always agree with Art or his point of view but that doesn't mean I wish him any ill will. I wish him a speedy resolve to his problems and a return to his blogging.

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/23/11: Stopping Oil Market Fraud, Beginning a Clean Energy Future

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama laid out his plans to address rising gas prices over the short and the long term. While there is no silver bullet to bring down prices right away, there are a few things we can do. This week, the Attorney General launched a task force dedicated to rooting out fraud or manipulations in the oil markets. The President called for finally ending the $4 billion in taxpayer money that the oil and gas companies receive annually. And, we need to continue safe, responsible production of oil at home. But in the long term, we need to invest in clean, renewable energy. That is why the President strongly disagrees with a proposal in Congress that cuts our investments in clean energy by 70percent.

Open Letter to President Obama on Consumer Protection

I am no fan of Ralph Nader, but today he posted an open letter to President Obama on the CommonDreams.org  website which makes perfect sense to me. In his letter, Nader expresses his concerns over the economy and the need for consumer protections against fraud and deceit:

Dear President Obama:

Underneath many of our country's economic problems is the thirty-year collapse of consumer protection-both of the regulatory kind and of the self-help kind known as proper access to justice.

Last month major consumer groups sent you a letter proposing action to rein in exploitation of consumers as debtors, as buyers of oil, gas and electricity, as patients needing health insurance and as eaters wanting safe goods.

Under the Bush regime, the words "consumer protection" were rarely uttered and the Bush administration almost never initiated any pro-consumer efforts, even with massive evidence before it, such as predatory lending and credit card abuses.

You need to recognize and elevate the GDP significance of fair consumer policies along with their moral and just attributes at a time of worsening recession.

I suggest you focus on the state of the poorest consumers in the urban and rural ghettos. As you know from your days with the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG) and as a community organizer in Chicago, the consumers in these areas are the most gouged and least protected. That the "poor pay more" has been extensively documented by civic, official and academic studies, and numerous local newspaper and television news reports.

Unfortunately, neither Congress nor the Executive branch have paid adequate attention to the tens of millions of people who lose at least 25 percent of their consumer dollars to multiple frauds and shoddy merchandise. You should establish special task forces in the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission on their plight and on the many proven but unused remedies to assure a fair marketplace with effective enforcement and grievance procedures.

Working with and galvanizing local and state agencies to enlarge their capacity and staff-with stimulus monies-can produce a triple-header-making the federal effort more effective, providing valuable jobs and freeing up billions of consumer dollars from the financial sink-hole of commercial crimes.

It requires the visibility and eloquence of your personal leadership to launch this long-overdue defense of poor people.

A second area of action is simply to update major areas of regulatory health and safety that have been frozen for thirty years. These include modernizing standards for auto and tire safety, food safety, aviation and railroad safety and occupational health and trauma protection.

New knowledge, new marketing forays, and new technologies have accumulated during this period without application. It is the obsolescence of so many safety standards hailing from the fifties, sixties and seventies that permits the tricky, corporate advertising claims that products "exceed federal safety standards."

Note for example that the SEC has never come close to regulating the recent explosion of myriad collateralized debt obligations (CDOs). The massive speculation in this area is destabilizing the national and world economies.

Third, you need to articulate and provide a high profile to what western Europeans have long called "social consumerism." Citizens are consumers of government services for which they pay as taxpayers. In return they are entitled to prompt, accurate and courteous responses to their inquiries and to their perceived needs as embraced by the authorizing statutes.

To begin with, Americans need to be able to get through to their government agencies and departments. Being put on hold interminably with automated messages to nowhere, not receiving replies of any kind to their letters, and generally getting the brush-off even with the deadlines explicated in the Freedom of Information Act have been a bi-partisan failure.

However, under the Bush regime, not answering serious letters from dedicated individuals and groups on time-sensitive matters of policy and action-as with the Iraq war and occupation-became standard operating procedure-starting with President Bush himself.

This stonewalling has turned people off so much that they do not even bother to "ask their government" for assistance and that includes an astonishingly unresponsive Congress (other than for ministerial requests such as locating lost VA or social security checks.)

As you shape the Obama White House, bear in mind that the "change you can believe in" is one of kind, not just degree.

Sincerely yours,

Ralph Nader

 

FBI Opens Financial Fraud Investigations

Think Progress

The FBI has opened investigations into Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, and AIG, looking into whether “fraud helped cause some of the troubles” at these financial institutions. According to the FBI, these probes “are part of an effort to pursue allegations of higher-level fraud more sweeping than the retail-level infractions that have been at the center of most cases brought so far.”