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NJ RESIDENTS WANT DOCTORS TO BE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO DISCUSS THE ADDICTIVE QUALITIES OF THEIR MEDICINE

TRENTON – The majority of New Jersey residents want the legislature to mandate that their doctor tell them if their prescription medicine is addictive and believe those conversations will reduce the number of individuals who become addicted to pain medications, according to a recent survey effort between Fairleigh Dickinson University’s independent survey research center, PublicMind, and Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey.    

The study finds that the majority (78%) strongly agree that physicians should be legally required to discuss the risk of developing either a physical or psychological dependency on the prescription pain medication with patients prior to prescribing it.  More women (81%) than men (74%) strongly agree.  Individuals 35 to 59 – the cohort most likely to have been prescribed such a pain medication, are also the most likely to (82%) to strongly agree.

The study also finds that two-thirds (64%) believe that physicians discussing the potential of dependencies with patients will help reduce the number of individuals who ultimately become addicted to the pain medications, while only 30 percent say it will have no impact.    “The public is clearly on the side of more rather than less information when a doctor prescribes a potentially addictive substance,” said Krista Jenkins, director of PublicMind and professor of political science.

“The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health problem in this country.  It has become a precursor to opiate addiction and fueled the heroin epidemic”, said Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.  “We have seen firsthand in Ocean County its impact in leading to an overdose crisis.  It is imperative that we raise awareness and take steps to curb the consequences associated with abuse of prescription medications”.   

“New Jersey residents understand the key conversation between patient and provider can be lifesaving,” said Elaine Pozycki, Co-Chair of PDFNJ. She explained, “these conversations can help patients make safer choices when they understand the risks associated with certain controlled dangerous substances. It can mean the difference between living a happy and healthy life and embarking on a long and sometimes deadly path of substance abuse.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, substance use during adolescence has been associated with alterations in brain structure, function, and neurocognition.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that the prescribing of opioids by clinicians has increased threefold in the last 20 years. “Today, the number of people who die from prescription opioids exceeds the number of those who die from heroin and cocaine, combined,” explained Valente. According to the CDC, health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for painkillers in 2012, enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills and each day, 46 people die from an overdose of prescription painkillers in the United States.

CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Addressing prescription opioid abuse by changing prescribing is likely to prevent heroin use in the long term.”

Recently, the American Academy of Neurology released a statement determining that the risks of powerful narcotic painkillers outweigh their benefits for treating chronic headaches, low back pain and fibromyalgia, noting the drugs can cause serious side effects, overdose, addiction and death and that research shows that 50 percent of patients who took opioids for at least three months are still on them five years later.

Methodology

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind was conducted by telephone from February 23 through March 1 using a randomly selected sample of 901 adults in New Jersey. One can be 95 percent confident that the error attributable to sampling has a range of +/- 3.3 percentage points. The margin of error for subgroups is larger and varies by the size of that subgroup. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers.   

PublicMind interviews are conducted by Opinion America of Cedar Knolls, NJ, with professionally trained interviewers using a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. Random selection is achieved by computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a landline phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected.  Landline households are supplemented with a separate, randomly selected sample of cell-phone respondents interviewed in the same time frame.  The total combined sample is mathematically weighted to match known demographics of age, race and gender.

The sample was purchased from Marketing Systems Group and the research was funded by Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Partnership for a Drug New Jersey.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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STRIDE RITE ROBBER PLEADS GUILTY

Christopher Miller, 41, entered a guilty plea yesterday (3/9) before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. to Second Degree Robbery.  Pursuant to NJSA 2C:43-7.1, the defendant is subject to a mandatory extended term of imprisonment, making the sentencing range for his crime 10-20 years.  The Prosecution has recommended that Miller receive the maximum twenty (20) years – the No Early Release Act will apply. The defendant will be required to serve 85% of the sentence imposed by the Court. The defendant is to be sentenced on May 15, 2015.  He is currently incarcerated, serving a parole violation for committing this crime the day after he was released on parole supervision.

The guilty plea stems from his March, 22, 2014 arrest by Toms River Police Department for an armed robbery at a Toms River Stride Rite store.  The defendant was paroled on March 21, 2014, from New Jersey State Prison after serving a 15 year sentence for a November 1999 Armed Robbery of the same clerk at the Toms River Stride Rite store, as well as, two other Armed Robberies which occurred over a three (3) consecutive day period.  When he committed the most recent robbery on March 22, 2014 at the Stride Rite store, the clerk was able to identify him for police upon their arrival.  This same victim had recently been notified of the defendant’s release on parole supervision from the 1999 armed robbery.

Chief Trial Attorney Laura N. Pierro is responsible for the prosecution of Miller.

See link to past Asbury Park Press Story:  https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2014/03/24/christopher-miller-charged-with-robbery-of-toms-river-shoe-store/6830289/

christopher miller REVFollow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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LAKEWOOD MAN CHARGED IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS DRUG INDUCED DEATH

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd announce the arrest of Jashon Jamiel Brinson, 28, of Lakewood, NJ, for causing the Drug Induced Death of William Akers, 29, of Seaside Heights, NJ.  Brinson is charged with Distribution of CDS and Manslaughter.  His bail was set by Judge Francis R. Hodgson, Jr., J.S.C. at $250,000 cash only.

On October 16, 2014, at 3:25 am, the Seaside Heights Police Department was dispatched to a Boulevard address in Seaside Heights for the report of an unconscious and unresponsive male.  Seaside Heights Police, Tri Boro First Aid and MONOC Units arrived and pronounced William Akers dead at 3:50 am.

As per Prosecutor Coronato’s mandate, an immediate investigation was started by the Seaside Heights Police Department, Ocean County Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Special Operations Group and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department (CSI).  The partnering agencies immediately processed the scene, collecting all evidence of narcotic activity and isolating evidence that would possibly lead to the dealer responsible for selling Akers the illegal narcotic.

In the following months, the partnering agencies, with assistance from the Lakewood Police Department and the Toms River Police Department, would develop information identifying Brinson as a suspect.  Confirmation by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office that Akers’ death was ruled drug induced would provide the final necessary piece to charge Brinson with Akers’ death.

The United States Marshals on March 6 located Brinson in Asbury Park, NJ, and served him the OCPO outstanding arrest warrant pertaining to the death of William Akers.  He is lodged in Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

The Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor has conducted 18 Drug Induced Death Investigations to date since the appointment of Prosecutor Coronato in March of 2013. Six (6) defendants have pled guilty to Strict Liability charges and 2 codefendants have pled guilty to drug charges in the 18 separate cases.  Strict Liability enforcement is a major component of the OCPO efforts to stem the tide of opiate- related overdose deaths in Ocean County.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Jashon Jamiel Brinson REVFollow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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LACEY MAN CHARGED IN BRICK DRUG INDUCED DEATH

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Brick Township Police Chief Nils Bergquist announce the arrest yesterday (3/9) of Christopher T. Marsillo, 28, of Lacey, NJ, for causing the Drug Induced Death of Gerard Bornemann, 38, of Brick Township, NJ.  Marsillo is charged with Strict Liability for a Drug Induced Death, Reckless Manslaughter, Distribution of Heroin, Possession of Heroin and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin.  Marsillo’s bail was set by the Honorable Judge Patricia Roe, J.S.C. at $200,000, no 10% option.

On January 24, 2015, at 5:17 pm, the Brick Township Police Department received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive male at a Drum Point Road residence in Brick Township, New Jersey.  Ptl. Harry Thiebault of the Brick Township Police upon arrival at the residence found the victim lying on the bedroom floor.  Ptl. Thiebault attempted life saving measures, including the administration of Narcan, but was unable to revive the victim.  The decedent, later identified as Gerard Bornemann, was pronounced dead at 6 pm.

Investigators from the Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI immediately processed the scene, collecting all evidence of narcotic activity and isolating evidence that would possibly lead to the dealer responsible for selling Bornemann the illegal narcotic.

On January 26, 2015, a post mortem examination was conducted on the decedent at the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.   That examination by the medical examiner ultimately concluded that Borneman’s death was drug induced, specifically caused by heroin.

The partnering agencies in the following months developed information identifying the defendant as a possible suspect.  The investigation would reveal that the defendant allegedly met with the victim earlier on January 24th, selling him the heroin that would lead to the victim’s overdose death.

On March 9, 2015, Brick Township Police Department Detective Joseph Lescowski and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit Detective John Carroll, after meeting with Christopher Marsillo at his place of employment, brought him back to Lacey Police Department to continue the investigation.  Marsillo was subsequently placed under arrest at that location on the above charges and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of Bail.

The Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor has conducted 18 Drug Induced Death Investigations to date since the appointment of Prosecutor Coronato in March of 2013. Six (6) defendants have pled guilty to Strict Liability charges and 2 codefendants have pled guilty to drug charges in the 18 separate cases.  Strict Liability enforcement is a major component of the OCPO efforts to stem the tide of opiate- related overdose deaths in Ocean County.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Christopher Marsillo REVFollow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Hit & Run

On March 6, 2015 at 8:20 pm a motorist was traveling West on Route 37 near Fischer Boulevard. He observed a person lying on the side of the road just West Of Fischer Boulevard.  When Toms River Police Officers arrived they located a 27 year old Colts Neck Man who was unresponsive.  Jeffrey Michel, of Cedar Drive, was pronounced dead at the scene.  It appears that he was struck by a vehicle traveling west that may have been blue in color.  Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Ken Thomas is conducting the investigation along with Ocean County Prosecutors Office Detectives and Mike Proto and David Margentino. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit was also on hand to process the crime scene.

Anyone with information should contact Officer Ken Thomas at 732-349-0150 extension 1314 or Detective Mike Proto at 732-929-2027.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are accusations only.  Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.
For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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TOMS RIVER MAN SENTENCED IN DEATH OF MOCHA

Toms River, N.J. – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the sentencing by Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. of Clifford Robbins, 76, of Toms River, NJ, in the death of Mocha.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “I commend Assistant Prosecutor Tannenbaum-Newman’s efforts in assuring Robbins was prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  The successful conviction of Robbins to the charge of Third Degree Cruelty to Animals is the highest degree statute possible by law within the state of New Jersey.

Under the terms of the sentence, Robbins will serve two (2) years of probation, 30 hours of community service, submit to mental health counseling, surrendered his pet cat to a local animal rescue group and waive his right to ever own any companion pet for the rest of his life.

The sentencing stems from an April 14, 2014 call for police response in reference the death of Clifford Robbins’ dog Mocha.  Arriving officers found Mocha dead within a sealed animal travel carrier which had been connected by a hose to the exhaust of Robbins’ vehicle.

On May 7, 2014, officials from the NJSPCA brought the case to the attention of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office seeking legal advice regarding how to proceed with the investigation and whether charges were appropriate.  The prosecutor’s office immediately directed that a necropsy be conducted and opened its own investigation regarding the events surrounding Mocha’s death.

Robbins was subsequently indicted in connection with his involvement in Mocha’s death on August 21, 2014.  On that August morning, members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and NJSPCA, assisted by the Toms River Police Department, responded to Robbins’ Toms River residence and served him with his arrest warrant for the above charge.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.
For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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TUCKERTON OFFICER INDICTED IN AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CASE

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the return of the indictment yesterday (1/13/15) against Justin M. Cherry, a Tuckerton Borough Police Officer who is currently suspended without pay, in connection with the arrest of Wendy Tucker, a 58 year-old Barnegat resident, on January 29, 2014 in Barnegat Township.

The indictment alleges that Cherry committed aggravated assault when he released his K-9 partner “Gunner” and allowed it to attack Ms. Tucker after she had already been apprehended and was under the control of two Barnegat police officers. The indictment also charges Cherry with two separate counts of official misconduct. One official misconduct charge alleges that Cherry falsified his police reports and swore out an affidavit for Ms. Tucker’s arrest which contained false information. The other official misconduct charge alleges that Cherry utilized his position as a police officer to commit an aggravated assault upon Ms. Tucker. Cherry is also charged with False Swearing, Tampering With Public Records and Hindering His Own Apprehension. The Official Misconduct charges and the Hindering Apprehension charge are second degree crimes. The Aggravated Assault and Tampering With Public Records charges are third degree. The False Swearing charge is a fourth degree crime. Second degree crimes can result in incarceration from between five and ten years. Third degree crimes can result in imprisonment from between three and five years. Fourth degree crimes can result in incarceration for up to eighteen months.

The indictment stems from Cherry’s interactions with Ms. Tucker on January 29, 2014. Cherry and another Tuckerton officer were called to a private residence in Tuckerton where Tucker was alleged to be an unwelcomed guest. Ms. Tucker agreed to leave the residence. It was discovered that Ms. Tucker had driven her motor vehicle to the residence in Tuckerton. Tuckerton police discovered that Ms. Tucker’s driving privileges were suspended at that time. Tuckerton police asked Ms. Tucker to take the bus home to Barnegat. She agreed to, but was seen by Cherry several minutes later driving her vehicle from the area. Cherry attempted to stop Ms. Tucker’s vehicle, but she refused to do so. Police from neighboring communities were alerted. Ms. Tucker drove to Barnegat Township where she was stopped by officers from the Barnegat Police Department. The indictment alleges that Cherry followed Ms. Tucker’s vehicle to where it was stopped in Barnegat Township and allowed his K-9 to attack Ms. Tucker during her arrest when the use of the K-9 was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper. The indictment further alleges that Cherry falsified his police reports and the affidavit to try to conceal his wrongdoing.

Ms. Tucker was initially charged with driving with a suspended license and third degree Eluding. The Eluding charge has been dismissed.

Cherry is free on $15,000 bail which he posted when he was charged with Official Misconduct and Aggravated Assault on April 9, 2014. Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michel Paulhus is prosecuting the case.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.

For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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CHILD ENDANGERING ARREST

Lakewood, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson announced that on March 1st, 2015, at approximately 3 am, Lakewood Police Officer Edgardo Vega Jr. and Ocean County Prosecutor Special Victims Unit Det. Jason Steele arrested Carl A. Creadle, 47, of Lakewood, for 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The investigation alleges that Creadle engaged in sexual conduct with a 6-year-old victim who was known to him.  The conduct was witnessed by an individual who was residing in the victim’s home.  This witness reported the incident to the victim’s parents.  OCPO Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis approved that the defendant be charged with 2nd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Assisting with the investigation were Det. Sgt. Greg Staffordsmith and Det. Eric Cicerello of the Lakewood Police Department, Det. Sgt. Jamie Phillips and Stephen Capoano of the Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI Unit, and Det. Stephanie Bayha of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The defendant’s bail was set by Judge Blaney at $100,000, no 10% option, and a Nicole’s Law no contact order was issued.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

CARL A. CREADLE REV

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.

For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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Waretown Fatal Fire Update – Victim Identification

Today, Feb. 27, a supplement post mortem examination was conducted by Dr Ragasa of the Ocean County Medical Examiners Office confirming the victim’s identity of the February 24th Waretown house fire located at 74 Bonita Road.
Dr. Ragasa has identified the decedent as home resident, Lee “Skip” D’Arcangelo, 63 (DOB 2/9/52). Dr. Ragasa has ruled the manner of death accidental due to smoke inhalation caused by the house fire.
The origin of the fire is located in the area of the kitchen. The cause of the fire is undetermined pending further investigation – Al Della Fave.

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Second Gas Explosion In Less Than A Week

On March 2 at approximately 1:40 am, the Point Pleasant Beach Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to 307 – Rear Cooks Lane for a structure fire.  Upon their arrival, a burn victim was located outside the residence alert and conscious with injuries estimated to 40-50 % of his body.  

The victim, a 47 year old male, reported smelling the odor of natural gas when he awoke from his slumber.  When he went to the bathroom and turned the light switch on, the entire house ignited in flames.

New Jersey Natural Gas responded and secured the gas meter.  Point Beach Fire extinguished the remaining fire without incident.  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshall and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI responded to conduct the investigation into the origin and cause of the leak leading to the explosion.

The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and subsequently transferred to Saint Barnabas Burn Center.  The victim is currently listed in stable condition.

We remind everyone that the odor of natural gas is an extremely dangerous and volatile condition.  NJNG gives the below advice regarding potential gas leaks:

·        Since natural gas has no scent, a strong odorant that smells like rotten eggs is added to help you detect possible leaks. If you smell natural gas:

·        Remove any cigarettes or other smoking materials from the area, and then extinguish them

·        Do NOT use matches, lighters or other open flames or activate light switches, electrical appliances, flashlights, doorbells or even garage door openers, as they could create a spark.

·        Do NOT use telephones (cellular included) on the premises where the leak is suspected. Phones can create a spark.

·        Evacuate everyone from the building immediately and then call NJNG from a safe location at 800-GAS-LEAK ). Let us know where you are.

·        Do not re-enter the building until NJNG has declared it to be safe.

For your safety, NJNG promptly investigates suspected natural gas leaks as a FREE service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  For more information go to:  www.njng.com.

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