Crime of the Week
If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at or submit a Web Tip . You do not have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay a cash reward of up to $1000 and you can remain anonymous.
Fraud Alert: Law Enforcement Impersonators Scam
March 04, 2025
Law enforcement impersonation scams have been prevalent in Middlesex County. The fraud is constantly evolving with the advent of cryptocurrency and payment applications. Scammers often utilize a phone call but also use email, text messages, social media messages or U.S. mail to pretend to be an agency or organization to gain your trust.
Scammers are emailing and texting pictures of real and doctored law enforcement credentials and badges in an attempt to ‘prove’ they are legitimate to scam you out of money. They will threaten an arrest, fines, or other penalties to scare you into immediate action. The scammer may also provide you a code or password to provide to the impersonating ‘law enforcement agent’ or courier that will arrive at your residence.
Versions of this scam include but are not limited to:
- A package that was seized with your name on it and they need your driver’s license and money to fix the issue.
- An investigation into failure to show up to a criminal case regarding a jury summons which led to an arrest warrant being issued in your name.
- CSAM (child sexual abuse material) was located in your email or computer and payment will resolve this matter.
- Payments from your bank account have been linked to narcotics sales in other countries and you need to pay fines to the government to avoid further issues.
- Overdue/outstanding EZ Pass payments that need to be collected.
To protect yourself and others from these scams, consider the following:
- Federal, State, and Local law enforcement will NEVER ask for payments
- Never provide money to strangers – Do not provide cash, gift cards, gold bars or cryptocurrency payments.
- Avoid Sharing Information – Do not provide your personal information, driver’s license number, social security number or bank account information.
- End the Call – Scammers can spoof the number of a law enforcement agency. Obtain the caller’s name and end the call. Then call back the agency to verify the legitimacy of the phone call.
- Call 911 – If someone is at your residence and requires cash payment, or you are told not to call local police or family members, CALL 911.
- Block any phone numbers and send emails to junk for any suspected fraud attempts.
Please call 9-1-1 or your local police department if you believe you are being victimized. You can also report scams to the Better Business Bureau https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/reportscam or to the Federal Trade Commission https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Murder investigation in he City of New Brunswick
December 05, 2024
STATUS: OPENOne of the suspects was Arrested and Convicted in Federal Court on November 13, 2024
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Anthony A. Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department have identified the two men who died in the shooting which took place outside of 32 Delafield Street in the City on September 13, 2020.
A video, which was released to the press, shows a vehicle stopping near the residence. Four individuals exit the vehicle and open fire with handguns. They return to the vehicle and leave the area.(The video is contained in the NJ.COM link below).
Lionel Macauley, 28, of Somerset, and Anthony Robinson 23, of New Brunswick were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and died from the injuries they sustained in the shooting.
An additional victim in the shooting has come forward, bringing the total to nine victims. During the shooting this victim received minor injuries which did not require hospitalization.
Four victims remain hospitalized, three in stable condition and one in serious/critical condition.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Erika DiMarcello of the New Brunswick Police Department at (732) 745-5200, or Detective Julissa Alvarado of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office (732) 745-3848.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County, Inc. A reward is available for information leading to an arrest(s) for this crime.
Tip information may be provided anonymously by calling 1-800-939-9600 or submitted online at www.middlesextips.com. Tips may also be sent by text messaging 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword: “midtip” followed by the tip information.
NJ.COM news article 9/14/2020
TAX SCAMS TO BE WARY OF.....
December 05, 2024
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! In recent years, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communication. This page looks at the different scams affecting individuals, businesses, and tax professionals and what do if you if you spot a tax scam.
REMEMBER: The IRS doesn`t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. In addition, IRS does not threaten taxpayers with lawsuits, imprisonment or other enforcement action. Being able to recognize these telltale signs of a phishing or tax scam could save you from becoming a victim.
Scams Targeting Taxpayers
Automated calls requesting tax payments in the form of iTunes or other gift cards.
IRS-Impersonation Telephone Scams
Surge in Email, Phishing and Malware Schemes
Pretending to be from the tax preparation industry.
Tax Refund Scam Artists Posing as Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
Soliciting W-2 information from payroll and human resources professionals.
Fictitious “Federal Student Tax” scam targeting students and parents and demanding payment.
How to Report Tax-Related Schemes, Scams, Identity Theft and Fraud
To report the various types of tax-related illegal activities, refer to our chart explaining the types of activity and the appropriate forms or other methods to use. You may also report instances of IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON THE EXTERNAL LINK
Be on the lookout for Skimming Devices placed on ATM's
December 05, 2024
What is a skimming device?
A skimming device is an attachment to an ATM machine that looks just like the card reader on the machine. The skimmer is usually accompanied by a pinhole camera placed above the ATM`s key pad to record the PIN being entered.
Where have they been found?
Banks, convenience stores, hotels, other stores and gas stations. Many businesses are now checking their machines for these devices.
What do you do if you think a skimming device is on the ATM you are using?
Do not try and remove the device. If the business is open let them know what you have found or call the local police department.
If you have used your card and discover a skimming device call your bank immediately and report it.
INFORMATION NEEDED ON PERSONS AIMING LASERS AT PLANES
December 05, 2024
There has been multiple incidents reported to law enforcement in Middlesex Countya as well as over the nation concering unknown persons pointing lasers at commercial aircraft.
The FBI is offering a $10,000.00 reward for information that leads to the arrest of anyone who aims a hand held laser at an airplane.
Excerpt form the NJ.Com article posted June 3, 2014:
"It`s part of a national awareness program being run by the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration in conjunction with state and local officials to make the public aware of the dangers associated with pointing a laser light at a pilot.
The reward will be available for the next 90 days, the FBI said.
In northern New Jersey airspace, there have been 26 reported laser incidents in 2014 as of May 15, said Barbara Woodruff, a spokeswoman for the FBI`s Newark office.
The actual number is likely much higher, she emphasized, noting that media, rescue and law enforcement helicopters are common targets.
If you have any information please send a tip or contact your local FBI office.
UNSOLVED HOMICIDE OCCURRED IN NORTH BRUNSWICK (Update)
October 08, 2024
STATUS: OPENON MAY 8, 2000 THE BODY OF GAIL HARITON WAS DISCOVERED IN HER APARTMENT
The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office and the North Brunswick Police Department need your help identifying the person or persons responsible for the death of Gail Hariton. Gail was found in her apartment located on Pardun Road in North Brunswick on May 8, 2000 after the landlord went and checked on her since she had not been seen by a neighbor for a few days. It was determined that Gail was the victim of a homicide. The prosecutors office and the police department need your help in solving this crime.
A special reward of $15,000.00 for information leading to an arrest has been raised by the New Brunswick High School Class of 1958.
NJ.Com news article
The Edison Police needs assistance in identifying a Car Jacking suspect
March 21, 2024
STATUS: APPREHENDEDOn March 15th, 2024 at around 4:55PM Edison Police officers responded to 1681 Oak Tree Rd (Patel Brothers) for a report of an attempted carjacking.
The victim parked his 2017 orange Bentley SUV in the parking lot of the business. As he opened his driver-side door, he was suddenly confronted by three black males wearing masks.
One of the suspects assaulted the victim while the other two entered and attempted to start the SUV. The victim was able to break free and call the police. The suspects were unable to steal the vehicle. The three suspects fled on foot toward the Metropark Train Station where they boarded a train.
The suspects were later observed getting off the train at the Rahway Station.
Two of the male suspects have been apprehended and were from Rahway. Both were juveniles.
The remaining suspect was wearing a white t-shirt, grey hooded sweatshirt, black sneakers and black pants. Pictures obtained by the police are in this tip.
Anyone who has information regarding the identity of this suspect is urged to either call Middlesex County Crime Stoppers, submit a web tip or download and enter the information into the P3 Tip App for Android and IOS.
Middlesex County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the subject’s identification and arrest.
Edison Carjacking caught on Camera from NBC News
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN PERTH AMBOY ON 8/13/2023.
August 25, 2023
The Perth Amboy Police Department along with the MIDDLESEX County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with an incident that occurred in Perth Amboy.
On 08/13/2023 at approximately 8:56 pm, officers responded to Sadowski Parkway and Brighton Avenue for a report of an injured male. The male sustained serious injuries and was reportedly assaulted by a group of individuals wearing dark clothing and masks.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and is now home and currently recuperating from his injuries.
Large scale act of vandalism in Sayreville on January 6,2023
January 13, 2023
(Click on the link for a photo of the damage)
Police suspect that heavy equipment was used to cause damage sometime between 3 am and 5 am Friday
A large scale act of vandalism occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday January 6, 2023 between the hours of 3:00am and 5:00am. The incident location was on Cheesequake Rd. at the Ashland construction project. In this incident, on site heavy machinery was used to significantly damage a new retaining wall that borders the intersection of South Minisink and Cheesequake Road. This purposeful act is being investigated by the Sayreville Police Department in conjunction with our State and County partners. Residents with information that may be relevant to this investigation, or who may have traveled this corridor with car video activated during these hours are asked to email DetBureau@Sayreville.com or leave a voicemail with Det. Pirigyi 732-525-5411 or Lt. O’Donnell 732-525-5426 or or NJSP Hamilton Station DB at 609-584-5000 Ext. 5286 Detective Sergeant Goelz.
You can also submit a tip thru this site. A reward is available.
Assistance needed in identifying a Sexual Assault Suspect
October 27, 2021
STATUS: APPREHENDEDThis incident has similarities to a sexual assault that occurred in Duke Island Park, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, on Sunday evening, July 18, 2021.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage in the area is asked to contact Detective Sue Kowalski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3287, Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609) 799-2333, or Detective Dominick De Lucia of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4646.
For those that have information relating to a suspect and wish to remain anonymous, you may submit a tip through Middlesex County Crime Stoppers
*Cash rewards are paid if your information leads to an arrest*
Assistance needed for a hit and run accident in 2009
August 06, 2021
A Sayreville woman died in April of 2009 after being struck by a hit and run motorist on Bordentown Avenue.
Karen Costello, 52, of the Parlin section, was hit by a vehicle at 9:24 a.m. March 20, according to police.
No witnesses came forward with a vehicle description or any other information regarding the suspect, according to Lt. Robert Moser of the Old Bridge Police Department.
“We don’t know what kind of car, [or] what had happened,” Moser said. He said police are investigating the incident.
The incident occurred in the area of a sharp curve in the road on Bordentown Avenue near Waterworks and Cheesequake roads, Moser said. The speed limit along that part of Bordentown Avenue is 40 mph, but it is not known how fast the driver was going when the pedestrian was hit.
The driver faces a charge of leaving the scene of an accident, and additional charges would depend on a variety of factors as police continue to investigate the incident.
Help Needed to Identify a vehicle and suspects for a Homicide in New Brunswick
July 07, 2021
STATUS: OPENInvestigation of a fatal shooting in New Brunswick
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Anthony A. Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department announced today that authorities are investigating a fatal shooting which took place on Tuesday December 1, 2020.
At approximately 8:13 P.M., New Brunswick police officers responded to the area of Suydam Street and Throop Avenue in response to a shooting. Following their arrival, the officers determined Dawson Bey, 20, of Bound Brook, had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. Bey was then transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Another victim was located at a nearby hospital.
A vehicle believed to have been involved in the murder was captured on video in the area of the crime.
New Brunswick Patch Story
Suspect sought in connection with South Amboy homicide
June 03, 2020
STATUS: APPREHENDEDThe suspect was arrested by the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, the South Amboy Police Department, NJ Transit Police and other agencies involved in the investigation.
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Darren LaVigne of the South Amboy Police Department said that authorities are actively searching for a suspect after a fatal attack in the area of the South Amboy Train Station on May 29, 2020 at approximately 9:14pm.
The victim, Robert Spiegel, 32, of South Amboy was found in the area of the South Amboy Train Station where he was pronounced dead, the victim of apparent stab wounds.
Acting Prosecutor Kuberiet and Police Chief LaVigne are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating this man. They are asking anyone with information to contact Detective An Wang of the South Amboy Police Department at (732) 721-0111 or Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3927.
Tip information may be provided anonymously by calling 1-800-939-9600 or submitted online at www.middlesextips.com. Tips may also be sent by text messaging 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword: “midtip” followed by the tip information.
Those who provide information will be given a unique numerical code that that allows them to communicate with the program and collect a reward should their information lead to an arrest. All reward amounts are approved and set by Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County Inc.
LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON ABOVE BURGLAR, PAST JOBS OR PRESENT
May 14, 2020
STATUS: WANTED
************LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON ABOVE BURGLAR, PAST JOBS OR PRESENT************
Two deceased newborn children found in New Brunswick
May 12, 2020
STATUS: OPENOn February 19, 2020 workers at the Colgate Paper Stock Company, located on Industrial Drive in New Brunswick (A company that buys paper and other recyclables) located two deceased new born babies within the recycling.
The newborns are unidentified at this time, were not born in a hospital setting, and may be from anywhere in the surrounding area or from other counties. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office and the New Brunswick Police Department are looking to speak with anyone who may have information about a woman who may have been pregnant and does not have the babies or any suspicious or unnatural circumstances surrounding a pregnancy and/or delivery that may have been suspiciously explained.
If you have any information concerning this investigation please submit a tip to this site or contact New Brunswick Police Detective Raymond Quick at 732-745-5200, or Middlesex County Prosecutors Office Detective Sean Sullivan at 732-745-4060.
Link for a recent news story from NJ.com
NJ.com news story February 20, 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance
May 01, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to continue outreach to our further isolated communities vulnerable to exploitation. There are a number of scams appearing relating to COVID-19 including but not limited to: cures, misinformation, IRS scams, and cash advance scams. The office has compiled a quick reference with resources to disseminate to your at-risk communities without having to make physical contact with people.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
(https://www.FTC.gov/PassitOn)
“Pass it On” Consumer information provides a reference point for all scams and it valuable even outside COVID-19 scams. This covers ID Theft, Unwanted Calls, Imposter Scams, Health Care Scams, You’ve Won Scams, Home Repair, Work from Home and Charity scams. There has been a significant uptick in work from home and charity scam activity relative to COVID-19.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams)
This resource is a succinct guide to recognizing SMS and telephone scams with actual sound bites. This resource is updated and provided in multiple languages. The FCC offers the following tips within the guide: Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
· Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
· Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately. · Scammers often spoof phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
· Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren't hacked. · Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating. (Learn more about charity scams.)
Center on Disease Control (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus)
The CDC provides a resource on what to do if you’re sick and also preventative measures. This resource offers clarity for some of the distributed misinformation from scammers.
US Department of Justice (DOJ) (https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus)
On Monday March 30, 2020 the United States Department of Justice announced a Federal-State COVID-19 Task Force. This site provides resources on the Federal-State partnership as well as the following: combatting Coronavirus fraud, combatting hoarding and price gouging, as well as other federal resources for information on COVID-19.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
(https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-expects-a-rise-in-scams-involving-cryptocurrency-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic)
FBI is warning of increases in fraud involving both crypto-currency as well as healthcare fraud. The linked article cautions against crypto fraud in the wake of nationwide economic uncertainty leading to an uptick in crypto.
US Department of the Treasury (https://home.treasury.gov/services/report-fraud-waste-and-abuse/covid-19-scams)
The above resource warns of you calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards. The Treasury clarifies that these are scams. Please contact the FBI at www.ic3.gov so that the scammers can be tracked and stopped
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) (https://www.ic3.gov/)
The IC3 accepts online Internet crime complaints from either the actual victim or from a third party to the complainant.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
Division of Consumer Affairs “Disaster Hotline” to report COVID-19 Frauds (866-720-5721) (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/COVID19/)
This New Jersey based resource allows residents to directly report price gouging, prescription hoarding, or violations of Executive Order #107. This site also offers resources covering healthcare professionals, temporary licensing for out-of-state providers, COVID-19 news, scam warnings and frequently asked questions.
Middlesex County COVID-19 Information (http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/2019-CoV.aspx)
The Middlesex County website contains information on testing as well as the 2-1-1 hotline to call for COVID-19 information. This site offers the ability to make appointments for the Middlesex County testing site as well as other resources; Health Topics, Government Resources, Resident Resources, Videos and additional resources.
Wanted for Murder in New Brunswick
April 29, 2020
* THE SUSPECT TURNED HIMSELF INTO THE POLICE*
Suspect Sought in New Brunswick Murder
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Director Anthony Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department said that authorities are actively searching for a suspect in the fatal stabbing of his brother last night in the City.
Roberto Lopez, 33, of New Brunswick, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Lopez is 33 years of age, approximately 5”8” in height, and weighs 180 pounds. When last seen he was wearing a brown jacket and a red hat.
The murder took place on April 27, 2020, at approximately 9:00 pm inside the residence they shared on Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick.
Henry Lopez, 43, of New Brunswick was pronounced dead by medical personnel and police who arrived at the scene.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is still working in conjunction with the New Brunswick Police Department to locate and apprehend Roberto Lopez.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Victor Delgado of the New Brunswick Police Department at (732) 745-7200, or Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3927.
Tip information may be provided anonymously by calling 1-800-939-9600 or submitted online at www.middlesextips.com.
Those who provide information will be given a unique numerical code that that allows them to communicate with the program and collect a reward should their information lead to an arrest. All reward amounts are approved and set by Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County Inc.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Lopez are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty
Commercial Burglaries in South Plainfield and Edison
February 14, 2020
The Middlesex County Crime Stoppers, in conjunction with the South Plainfield and Edison Police Departments, are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a male suspect who has been connected to a rash of commercial burglaries over the past year near the Route 287 corridor. The suspect is described as a black male, between 30 - 40 years of age, 6’0” - 6’3” in height, weighing approximately 200 – 230 lbs, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, ski mask, and gloves. Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County Inc. is offering a cash reward to anyone who anonymously provides information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information pertaining to the suspect vehicle is asked to contact Detective Joseph Glowacki of the South Plainfield Police Department at 908-226-7669 or Detective Dominic Decarlo of the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7540 or submit a tip thru this site.
Police asking for assistance in fatal South Brunswick hit and run
December 19, 2019
STATUS: OPENMiddlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce today that authorities are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the driver that fled after striking a 49-year old bicyclist on Route 522 on the evening of December 13, 2019.
Police are actively searching for the driver of a red 2018-2020 Honda Accord Sedan Sport or Touring with damage to the front end of the driver’s side. The driver was traveling on Route 522, struck the victim and then fled the scene.
At the time of the impact, Ronald VonThun, 49, of South Brunswick was riding his bicycle in South Brunswick, at approximately 10:06 pm, and was struck between Georges Road and Kingston Lane on Route 522. He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he was pronounced dead from the injuries he sustained in the hit and run.
Acting Prosecutor Kuberiet and Police Chief Hayducka are requesting the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Michael Leung of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4646, or Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County, Inc., a non-profit organization that partners with law enforcement to enable the public to anonymously submit crime information and will pay a cash reward should it lead to an arrest.
Tip information may be provided anonymously by calling 1-800-939-9600 or submitted online at www.middlesextips.com. Tips may also be sent by text messaging 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword: “midtip” followed by the tip information.
Help solve an Aggravated Arson in Old Bridge
May 30, 2019
East Brunswick Patch and ABC News New York Story
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