HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – A house fire at 13 Woodstown Drive prompted a rapid response from the Howell Township Police Department at approximately 3:35 PM today.
Upon arrival, officers reported the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, all occupants evacuated safely without injuries.
Firefighting units from Adelphia Fire, Squankum Fire, Southard Fire, Jackson Station 55, and Freehold Township Independent Fire worked together to extinguish the fire. Support was also provided by Howell Township Police EMS and Howell Township First Aid.
Currently, the Howell Township Fire Bureau and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported among the responding emergency personnel.
- Skydiving Easter bunny greets guests in Wall Township
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Wall Township Police Department teamed up with the Glendola Fire Department this past weekend to help the Easter Bunny complete a busy schedule of community appearances, including a high-flying holiday stunt.
Officers and firefighters escorted the Easter Bunny to the Annual Wall Easter Egg Hunt, ensuring a safe arrival for the seasonal guest to greet children and hand out candy. But the festive fun didn’t end there.
Later in the day, the Easter Bunny took to the skies at the Monmouth Jet Center, skydiving out of a plane to make a dramatic entrance at another Easter Egg Hunt celebration. Police were on-site to help ensure a safe landing and smooth transition into the event.
Skydiving Easter Bunny – File Photo
Key Points
- Wall Police and Glendola Fire escorted the Easter Bunny to the town’s Easter Egg Hunt.
- The Bunny made a surprise skydive at Monmouth Jet Center to delight attendees.
- Officers ensured safe landings and festivities at both events.
Wall Township officials say the weekend events brought smiles to local families and showcased strong community coordination.
- Monmouth County taps Van Cleef for $50K on-call engineering contract
FREEHOLD, N.J. — The Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC for on-call professional engineering services not to exceed $50,000.
The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Foster and seconded by Commissioner Butch, was adopted following a vote by the board. The contract was awarded through a fair and open process under state procurement law N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4.
Van Cleef Engineering Associates, located in Freehold, submitted its proposal on February 20, one day prior to the required submission date.
The proposal outlined engineering services to be delivered as needed over an anticipated twelve-month contract period.
The contract permits engineering services up to the $50,000 cap, with any additional work requiring prior board approval. The proposal, referenced under contract numbers #25-10 and PS #20-25, was reviewed and accepted by the Purchasing Department.
“Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC… will provide ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES… in an Amount Not To Exceed $50,000.00.”
The firm, with offices at 3 Paragon Way, Suite 600 in Freehold, is expected to support a range of engineering needs for recreational initiatives throughout the county.
- Howell woman pleads guilty to $4 million theft and tax fraud after years of embezzlement
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – Jeanette Avellan entered a guilty plea before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Natalie S. Watson, admitting to second-degree theft of movable property, third-degree failure to pay income taxes, and third-degree filing of a fraudulent tax return.
Avellan worked for West End Express Co. in South Brunswick since 2005 and was responsible for managing the company’s finances. Between January 2017 and January 2023, she stole approximately $4 million and used the funds to support a gambling habit.
Unreported income and false tax filings exposed
In addition to the theft, Avellan admitted that she knowingly filed false tax returns, failed to report the stolen income, and did not pay taxes owed during the tax years 2019 through 2021. Authorities said she attempted to conceal her theft through these fraudulent filings.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, she will pay $4.03 million in restitution to her employer and $559,919 to the New Jersey Division of Taxation for back taxes, penalties, and interest.
Sentencing set for May in state tax and theft case
Avellan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn in Monmouth County. The state is recommending a sentence of four years in state prison.
The case was prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice Casino Prosecution Unit with assistance from the New Jersey State Police and Division of Taxation.
- Traffic stops, drug busts and robbery threats cap week for Wall Township cops
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — Wall Township Police were kept busy this past week with a series of arrests stemming from motor vehicle stops, burglary investigations, and a robbery threat at a local Walgreens, according to police activity reports from April 8 to April 13.
Key Points
- Nine individuals were arrested over six days on charges ranging from burglary to drug possession
- Walgreens robbery investigation leads to two suspects taken into custody
- Multiple DWI and traffic warrant arrests occurred during motor vehicle stops
Burglary, DWI, and drug charges dominate mid-week
On Tuesday, Patrolman Trent Powers arrested Malachi Lundy, 21, of Trenton, on a Trenton traffic warrant following a vehicle stop on Wyckoff Road. Lundy was processed and handed over to Trenton police.
Wednesday saw four arrests. Edward Faktor, 63, of Howell, was taken into custody by Patrolman Kyle Pelech on charges including burglary and theft after a River Road incident. Miguel Dominguez-Martinez, 39, of Freehold, was arrested by Patrolman Kevin Donegan for driving while intoxicated on State Highway 35 and released under John’s Law.
Later that day, Patrolmen Thomas Gavaghan and Kyle Pelech arrested Kevin McNamara, 49, of Brick, and Angelina Dellafave, 46, of Hazlet, at the Monmouth Rest Stop. Both were charged with drug-related offenses, and Dellafave was also charged with tampering with evidence.
Rest stop incident, warrant turn-ins and Walgreens robbery
On Thursday, Timothy Kukucka, 36, of Jersey City, turned himself in on a Wall Township criminal warrant. He was processed and released after posting bail. Patrolman Jared Conte handled the arrest.
A robbery call Saturday led to two arrests at a Walgreens on State Highway 35, where a suspect allegedly threatened to shoot employees—though no weapon was shown. Joelene Anderson, 35, of Neptune, and Arthur Edwards-El, 62, of East Brunswick, were charged with multiple offenses including robbery and CDS possession. They were transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
That same day, Amanda Howland, 33, of Bayville, was arrested by Patrolman Kyle Pelech for CDS and paraphernalia possession following a vehicle stop on Asbury Road. She was also taken to the county jail.
Weekend traffic stops round out arrests
Sunday included three arrests. Patrolman Vincent Collucci arrested James Sorenson, 36, of Toms River, for DWI during a stop on State Highway 35. Patrolman James Yannazzone later arrested Jazir Smith, 28, of Wall, for CDS possession after another stop on the same highway.
Renee Davis, 32, of Asbury Park, was stopped by Patrolman Clint Forgach on State Highway 33 and arrested for an outstanding Wall Township traffic warrant. She posted bail and was released.
- New Jersey town on edge after mayor appoints convicted mafia hit man to serve on governing body
ENGLISHTOWN, NJ – The small borough of Englishtown, New Jersey, a quiet community of just 2,300 residents, is reeling after Mayor Daniel Francisco appointed John Alite—a former Gambino crime family enforcer with a notorious past—to the town council. Alite, 62, who confessed to involvement in six murders, 37 shootings, and numerous violent assaults, was sworn in on March 12, 2025, to fill a vacant seat, sparking outrage, mass resignations, and a deep divide among residents.
A Controversial Appointment
John Alite / Facebook – John Alite. John Alite’s criminal history is well-documented. A Queens native, he spent 14 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2008 to racketeering charges, including two murders, four murder conspiracies, and a string of violent crimes across multiple states.
His cooperation with law enforcement, including testifying against Gambino family boss Junior Gotti, secured a reduced sentence and cemented his reputation as a “mob rat.” After his release, Alite reinvented himself as a motivational speaker, advocating against crime and drug use—a cause he says became personal after his daughter Chelsea died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022.
Mayor Francisco, a Republican, defended the appointment, citing Alite’s community involvement and outreach work.
“We know John as a neighbor,” Francisco told NJ.com, emphasizing Alite’s regular attendance at council meetings and his efforts to steer youth away from crime.
New Jersey law does not bar convicted felons from holding office unless the crimes directly relate to public service, making Alite’s appointment legally permissible.
Backlash and Resignations
The decision has not sat well with many in Englishtown. More than half of the borough’s elected officials resigned in protest, leaving only one elected councilman remaining. Former Councilman William Lewis, among those who stepped down, told New Jersey 101.5 that Francisco was consolidating power and demanded “yes men” on the council. Lewis also claimed ignorance of any specific “legal issue” Francisco cited as a reason for requesting resignations, adding to the opacity surrounding the mayor’s actions.
Residents are split. Some, pointing to Alite’s anti-drug advocacy, see his appointment as a chance for redemption. “He’s paid his debt and wants to make a difference,” one anonymous supporter wrote on X. Others are horrified. “A man who admits to six murders is now helping run our town? It’s a disgrace,” said longtime resident Karen Mitchell at a recent town meeting. Posts on X reflect similar sentiments, with users expressing disbelief at the appointment of a “convicted killer and mob rat” to a position of public trust.
A Town on Edge
The appointment comes at a time of heightened tension in New Jersey politics.
Just weeks ago, Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested for DUI with her toddler in the car, and on April 11, Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah was charged in a Lucchese crime family-linked gambling ring, further fueling public distrust of local officials.
In Englishtown, Alite’s presence on the council has raised fears about safety and governance.
“If the mayor thinks this is acceptable, what’s next?” asked resident Tom Harper, who worries about the message this sends to the community’s youth.
Others question whether Alite’s past could bring unwanted attention—or even danger—from his former associates in organized crime.
Alite’s Response and the Road Ahead
Alite recently spoke to a class at Georgian Court University thought by former Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little. Alite, for his part, has vowed to use his position for good. “I’m here to redeem my whole life,” he told the New York Post, emphasizing his desire to combat the drug crisis in Monmouth County. “The drug influence in this county is terrible. As a kid, I was part of that, and now I have a chance to change that,” he said.
