LAKEWOOD_Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Thursday, March 26, 2020, members of the Lakewood Township Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Wayne Street for a report of a gathering of approximately 40 people. On March 21, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 107, which bans gatherings of individuals, such as weddings, parties, celebrations, or other social events. The owner of the property William Katzenstein, age 39, of Lakewood was issued a summons for Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor in violation of APP.A. 9-49h. Katzenstein received a future court date and the gathering was dispersed.
“We understand that everyone’s daily routine has been effected by the coronavirus and our State’s effort to isolate and contain the spread of this outbreak. It’s not easy. We understand how difficult it is change your way of living. We are all adapting as best we can. We all need to recognize the vital role we all have in flattening the curve of this outbreak. Stay home, practice social distancing and please be considerate of the risks our men and women in law enforcement are facing every day,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“We at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office support the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and are working hand and hand with local law enforcement in assuring people are compliant as it relates to people not gathering in large gatherings,” Sheriff Michael Mastronardy said. “We do not pick and chose how we enforce the law! Sheriff Mastronardy has dealt directly with citizens complaining about non-compliance issues and resolving many of them.”
None of the elected members of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders have commented on this.