BRICK, NJ—Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that two Brick Township residents have entered guilty pleas to serious charges stemming from a 2022 investigation. Michele Nycz, 60, and Aimee Lonczak, 51, faced the court on different charges linked to the same case, with proceedings held before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P.
On June 24, Michele Nycz pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty. Aimee Lonczak also appeared in court the same day, pleading guilty to Child Neglect and two counts of Animal Cruelty. The investigation that led to these charges began on December 2, 2022, after police were alerted to a potential puppy mill operation at their residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in Brick Township.
During their initial visit, officers from the Brick Township Police Department were met with a strong odor and the sound of barking from inside the residence. Upon entry, they found deplorable conditions, with numerous dogs and cats crammed into stacked crates. The situation necessitated evacuation and hazmat intervention, resulting in the rescue of approximately 172 animals and the discovery of two deceased dogs.
Both defendants were arrested and later released under New Jersey’s Bail Reform guidelines. They are scheduled for sentencing on August 16, and the State is seeking 364 days in the Ocean County Jail for each defendant, along with a lifetime ban on owning or working with animals and mandatory community service that does not involve animals.
Prosecutor Billhimer has commended Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni for her management of the case and expressed gratitude to the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in the investigation and rescue operation.