MCPO Spotlight

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, along with First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe, Jr., Chief of Staff Steven Padula, and Community Liaison Pastor Lyddale Akins, were honored to be on hand for the Annual Blue Mass Celebration of Law Enforcement at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold.

We will never forget all our brave men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We also honor and recognize all active and retired members of law enforcement.

A special thank-you to Principal Celebrant the Most Reverend Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Rev. Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Rector, of Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, along with the staff of the Diocese of Trenton, for the invitation and hospitality.

We at MCPO couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout and reception for the Senior Scam Awareness event we jointly co-hosted with our partners Asbury Park Police Department, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge/Deputy Chief Guy Thompson, and Neptune Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Anthony Gualario, at the Neptune Township Senior Center yesterday.

With Prosecutor Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Alonso, Chief McCabe, Investigative Director Hoda Soliman, and Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit Director Lawrence Nelsen looking on, more than 100 people gathered to hear a slate of featured speakers offer detailed information on some of the more common types of scams currently impacting individuals across Monmouth County.

Our sincere thanks to our very own MCPO Detective Deb Bassinder, Asbury Park Police Department Officer Chenice Wesley, and Neptune Township Police Department Detective Owen H. Rosenthal for their efforts not only in presenting, but for sticking around to answer questions from those in attendance – and also to the Senior Center, under the leadership of Director Randy Bishop, for being such gracious and accommodating hosts.

We at MCPO have made scam and fraud prevention and awareness a key priority this year, and this just marks one of our first steps in spreading the word further. Stay tuned to our social media feeds for a video link of this event, as well as far more background information about the most common types of scams we see – and how you and your loved ones can avoid falling victim to them.

First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, along with Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr., were so honored to be a part of the Iftar celebration Friday night at the Dibra Community Center of NJ in Freehold Borough. We were proud to be joined by our law enforcement partners which included Chief Christopher Colaner, and members of the New Jersey State Police, Freehold Borough Police Department Chief George Baumann and members of the Freehold Township Police Department and Pastor Ronald L. Sparks of the Bethel A.M.E Church.

A special thank you to our gracious host, Imam Omar for the invitation. We appreciate your hospitality and generosity.

Iftar is the meal to break the fast for Ramadan, just after the Maghrib prayer, right after sunset.

It was so fulfilling to be with so many people from different faiths and cultures in our communities, coming together under one roof, to celebrate such an amazing event.

Prosecutor Santiago would like to thank all of our faith-based leaders who attended yesterday’s Chaplaincy Program Training, led by MCPO Community Liaison Rev. Lyddale Akins.

While our chaplains hail from various diverse religions and backgrounds, they have the same goal: To provide care and compassion for victims who may find themselves in crisis or emergency situations.

We are truly fortunate to have all of you serving your congregations, communities, and residents here in Monmouth County.

Prosecutor Santiago, along with Chief McCabe and members of the #MCPONJ were proud to “go green,” this weekend and take part in the time-honored tradition of the annual Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebration.

It was such a fantastic afternoon, seeing all the smiling faces along the parade route coming together to enjoy the day.

A special thank you to all our police officers and first responders who worked the parade to ensure that all attendees were able to have a safe, and enjoyable experience.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr, would like to congratulate the members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Bureau for being honored, along with members of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, as the co-recipients of the “2024 Keith Young New Jersey Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Year Award.”

The members of the High Tech Bureau were recognized for their outstanding proficiency in identifying and locating online child predators, along with purveyors of child sexual exploitation or abusive materials, and expertly investigating these cases, ultimately bringing them to justice.

“It is with a great sense of pride that I, along with Chief McCabe, commend the members of our High Tech Bureau for their outstanding work,” Prosecutor Santiago stated. “This award highlights the unwavering dedication and tremendous efforts our detectives put forth on a daily basis to protect children from these online predators. We thank them for their commitment and professionalism while handling investigations that involve the victimization and exploitation of children. In our ongoing commitment to protecting our youth from online predators, we work alongside our law enforcement partners in the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and thank them for their collaboration.”

The award, given by the New Jersey State Police, was named after New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Keith Young, who spent the majority of his career as a leader in the NJ ICAC Task Force, prior to his passing in 2021.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago was honored to be the keynote speaker at the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Breakfast.

The event, hosted by the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County , proudly celebrates the life and legacy of MLK with a yearly breakfast in his honor. The goal is to continually grow awareness and support for the important work of Dr. King and today’s civic leaders.

As we have turned the calendar to 2025, we want to take a moment to wish a fond farewell and show our gratitude for three MCPO employees who retired as of December 31, 2024.

Wesley Mayo Sr. — We are extremely grateful for Wes’ 35 years of dedicated service with the County of Monmouth, with the last 20 years spent at our office. We are also thankful for his combined 65 years of service with the US Army, State Corrections, Long Branch Police Department and the County of Monmouth. During this impressive career, Wes obtained top-secret clearances from the Army while serving abroad, attained the rank of Captain of Detectives at Long Branch and served as the Director of the Monmouth County Police Academy. Wes is also affectionately known as Captain, Mr. Mayo or Director by countless law enforcement officers around the county who he mentored along the way. We thank you for an amazingly distinguished and decorated career.

Theresa LaFrance – Theresa handled our grants from the State and Federal Governments for 24 years. These grants provided our office funding for our VW Advocates, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Program, and Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART). Theresa was a founding member of the Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) as one of our MCPO liaisons. In that role, she traveled to Washington DC with other members of the Friends and successfully secured funding for the planning and initial construction phases of the CAC. Throughout her career, Theresa was also able to secure grants that helped fund community outreach programs including the Monmouth County Special Needs Registry, Safe Place, Operation Helping Hand, and Arrive Together. In addition, she was successful in obtaining grant funding for specialized equipment for our Special Victims Unit, Computer Crimes-Hi Tech Unit and our Narcotic Criminal Enterprise Bureau and Electronic Surveillance Unit. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001 and during COVID, Theresa secured grant funding that provided critical psychological support for Monmouth County residents and safety equipment and supplies for our office staff. The relationships that Theresa has established, both in and outside the MCPO, have proven invaluable towards many successful grant campaigns. In turn, Theresa has also has assisted other local and county agencies with their heir own grant-funding efforts. Theresa served as the Secretary on the New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office Management Association (POMA) for 15 years!

Frances Bucco – Fran began her career with the MCPO on January 7th, 2001 as a Clerk and started on Trial Team B as a Trial Secretary, then later moved on to Trial Team C. From there, Fran was assigned to the Victim Witness/Intake Unit where she opened and prepped cases. Lastly, Fran joined the Family/Juvenile Unit where she is a Discovery Clerk. Fran was one of our first Special Needs Registry volunteers and was a great representative of the program by attending numerous events throughout the County including events in Matawan, Aberdeen, Asbury Park and the Monmouth County Fair. Fran will long be remembered here at the MCPO, not only for her caring nature, generosity and willingness to help – but also for her amazing culinary skills that she so generously shared with her co-workers!

Please help us in thanking Mr. Mayo, Theresa and Fran for their many years of dedicated service to the Office and the residents of Monmouth County. We wish you all the health and happiness in your much-deserved retirements.

Prosecutor Santiago and members of the MCPO were in the full holiday spirit this weekend for one of our favorite community events of the year, the Shop with a Cop event. Thank you to Asbury Park Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, Neptune Township Police Department and the Red Bank Police Department for being part of such an amazing day and making such an impact in so many families’ lives. Officers and staff from the participating agencies spent time with local families from their communities, shopping with children to make their holidays brighter.

A special thank-you to the Monmouth Ocean Police Athletic League, along with our very own Community Liaison Pastor Lyddale Akins, for coordinating efforts and putting this entire event together.

Members of the MCPO, including Prosecutor Santiago and First Assistant Prosecutor Alonso, were proud to take part in two recent separate career fairs.

First, we joined our law enforcement partners at Monmouth University for an event hosted by the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association in conjunction with Monmouth U’s Criminal Justice Department.

The second career fair took place on the campus of Seton Hall University School of Law for their “Careers in Public Service Open House.”

These were two fantastic networking opportunities to meet and speak with students who will be or have recently graduated, and are looking towards embarking on careers in law enforcement.

We would like to thank all the organizers for supplying our Office with a such a vital platform for members of our Office to provide an overview into the law enforcement field and engage with potential candidates in law enforcement and criminal justice fields.

Recently, Prosecutor Santiago, along with members of the MCPO, family, friends and colleagues, were all proud to be part of the ceremony this week to welcome a new Assistant Prosecutor and to congratulate five officers on their promotions.

During the ceremony, Prosecutor Santiago welcomed Assistant Prosecutor Michael Cricchi, while administering the Oath of Office to Detective Sergeant Michael W. Donovan III, Detective Sergeant Daniel W. Morris, Lieutenant of Detectives Christopher Camilleri, Lieutenant of Detectives Ramon L. Camacho, Jr., and Captain of Detectives Brian D. Weisbrot.

Congratulations to everyone and we know you will continue to serve the residents of Monmouth County with the utmost dedication, professionalism and respect.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to recognize and honor the many members of the MCPO whose familial backgrounds include Hispanic or a Spanish-speaking culture. These individuals include both Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso.

The month-long celebration runs from September 15 to October 15, for notable historical reasons. Today marks the anniversary of the 1821 independence of five countries in Central America. Within the month, other Latin American countries celebrate their independence as well.

Hispanic Heritage Month offers a unique opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich diversity of American latinos and latinas that continue to enrich and shape our local communities. Roughly 70,000 Hispanic residents call Monmouth County home.

Prosecutor Santiago and First Assistant Prosecutor Alonso are proud to be accompanied in the photo by members of the MCPO with most everyone holding flags representing part or all of their Hispanic heritage, with representation from 10 different countries or territories that include: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Spain.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, for more information click here:

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Para más información, haga clic aquí: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

#HispanicHeritageMonth2024

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, Deputy First Assistant Christopher J. Decker, Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr., and members of the MCPO want to thank Chief Justin E. Macko, the officers and entire staff of the Sea Girt Police Department, along with the fire department, lifeguards, ems, public works and members of the Boro administration for their amazing hospitality this evening for their Patriot’s Day event.

It was great to be a part of such a fun evening that brings the police together with their residents.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of some of our local police departments for National Night Out 2024, even if they had to push the date back. 

We’d like to send our thanks to the following agencies: Bradley Beach Police Department, Freehold Township Police Department, Manalapan Township Police Department, Middletown Township Police Department, Neptune City Police Department, Tinton Falls Police Department and Wall Township Police Department for having us at your events.

Our second farewell involves shining a spotlight on Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Legal Secretary II Diane McClaren.

Diane joined the Prosecutor’s Office in February 1985, initially serving as an Assistant to then-County Prosecutor John Kaye and First Assistant Prosecutor Paul Chaiet. In October 1988, she was assigned to the Organized Crime Unit and Forfeiture Unit, both under the direction of Assistant Prosecutor Paul Feldman. Shortly thereafter, Diane briefly worked for the Superior Court of Monmouth County, assigned to the Honorable Alexander D. Lehrer, Presiding Judge of Family Division. She then returned to the Prosecutor’s Office in December 1989, initially assigned to the Appellate Unit before moving on to the Special Victims Bureau (formerly known as the Sex Crimes Unit), where she has spent the next 34 years. During that time, Diane has served under five Directors: Kevin Clark, Peter Boser (over two separate stints), Marc Fliedner, Tom Fichter, and Danielle Zanzuccki.

Diane, we want to recognize and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to this Office and the people of Monmouth County. We wish you the very best as you open up a new chapter in life and enjoy retirement.

Prosecutor Santiago and additional members of the MCPO Executive Staff met with our 2024 interns for a luncheon today, getting to know a bit about the individuals spending time with us this summer as part of a prelude to the launch of a host of promising careers.

There’s plenty to learn, experience, and digest at what is technically Monmouth County’s largest law firm, which handles thousands of indictable cases annually in a jurisdiction of nearly 650,000 residents living in approximately 50 municipalities. We’re happy to have them with us! 

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe, Jr., provided opening remarks to members of Monmouth County law enforcement officers, local bias liaisons and some faith-based leaders for bias and hate crime training.

A key topic of discussion was the troubling spike in anti-Semitic and other bias incidents and crimes taking place not only in parts of New Jersey, but across the country.

The key to combating such incidents and changing the landscape is communication. We not only urge faith-based groups of all types and law enforcement agencies across Monmouth County to take steps to connect with each other and maintain open lines of communication, but we also encourage everyone to practice the expression of “see something, say something.” If you believe that you have observed anything that could be labeled as a bias incident or crime, contact your local authorities so they can investigate.

Special thanks to the MCPO’s Bias Crimes Unit for putting the event together and moderating the training. We also thank members of the Anti-Defamation League, NJ  New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and New Jersey State Police for being presenters.

Prosecutor Santiago and several MCPO colleagues were honored to take part in the 10th Annual “Bike Blessing & Bike Safety Day”, jointly coordinated by Neptune VFW Post 1333 and Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank.

One of the church’s most popular annual occasions, it’s a festive and vibrant affair, with games and activities, giveaways, motorcycle exhibits, live music and entertainment, a bike rodeo, bike safety instruction, community health information and screenings, resources from local and county agencies, and more all on site.

Many thanks to all of the event sponsors, including the Neptune Township Police Department and other MCPO community partners, and of course to Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Terrence Porter.

Prosecutor Santiago was honored to join First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and serve as co-keynote speaker at the 2nd annual Jersey Shore Worship Stronger Together Breakfast in Neptune.

It was a particularly receptive and enthusiastic audience that listened about how MCPO’s key outreach initiatives align perfectly with the theme of this year’s event: “One Community.” Specifically, Santiago explained, none of these many initiatives would be possible without the support and assistance of the many partner organizations that share our mission to extend a helping hand to those who are looking to turn their lives around, regardless of the nature of their personal challenges.

Many thanks to Jersey Shore Worship Executive Director Pastor Nancey Jackson Johnson for the invitation, and to the faith-based and community leaders who attended and contributed to an interactive discussion about how the simple notion of collaboration can serve as a powerful force multiplier when seeking to do good.

Prosecutor Santiago, along with members of the MCPO, family and friends, were proud to be on hand this afternoon to welcome two new members to the MCPO Family.

During a swearing-in ceremony, Prosecutor Santiago adminstered the Oath of Office to Detective Stephanie Regina, as well as welcoming Assistant Prosecutor Charles Clark. Congratulations to Charles and Stephanie on joining the MCPO. We are so fortunate to have you both as part of the team!

The leadership of the Prosecutor’s Office was honored to join our trusted partners with Monmouth County Government and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office for a special event marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) outside the Hall of Records in downtown Freehold, intended to honor and support those affected by crime in the community – and to serve as a time to unite, remember, and advocate for victims’ rights.

Speakers included Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, and several others gathered in support of the cause, including three individuals who shared personal stories of losing loved ones as the result of a crime. MCPO Victim Witness Unit Director Barbara Barbolini also delivered remarks recognizing and honoring the office’s Victim Witness Advocates, whose daily work is focused on providing support and services to victims of crimes and their families.

The theme for NCVRW 2024 is “Hope for Survivors,” whereby the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) “asks all of us – friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals – how we can help crime victims? Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community?”

We sincerely thank each and every one of our community partner organizations and individuals who joined us yesterday in standing together in solidarity with survivors, raising awareness, and promoting healing and justice.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, and Deputy Chief of Detectives Richard Chapman met with many of MCPO’s clerical workers to mark Administrative Professionals Day, recognizing the invaluable contributions they make every day to keep the office running smoothly and effectively.

MCPO’s investigators and assistant prosecutors are the more publicly forward-facing of our staff, but their accomplishments quite literally wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of our administrative professionals behind the scenes. Today and every day, we recognize and thank you for your work as public servants.

Congratulations to the MCPO’s Trial Division Director Tara Wilson, on receiving the Attorney Excellence Award at the 2024 Monmouth-Ocean County Bar Dinner.

The award was presented to those law colleagues who have distinguished themselves in their practice and service to the Bar.

Prosecutor Santiago and the MCPO Family could not be happier and prouder of Tara for being a recipient of such a deserving award to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to the Office.

Congratulations Tara! We are all so proud of you.

Nurses might not be the first type of worker to come to mind when thinking of the various vocations of those who work at a Prosecutor’s Office, but they’re a fundamentally invaluable component of the investigative and prosecutorial work we do every day here.

As such, we can think of no better occasion than National Nurses Week to recognize and honor them. Under the leadership of Forensic Nurse Coordinator Kristen Crespo and Assistant Forensic Nurse Coordinator Erin Tyler, our team routinely makes us all proud with their attention to detail, resourcefulness, and deep sense of compassion for victims of crimes.

Today, this week, and every day, our sincerest thanks go out to you.

Representatives from the MCPO and more than half a dozen local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, came together at Long Branch Middle School earlier this week to participate in a morning of mentorship with student members of the school’s Pathways and Civic Career Exploration (PAC²E) program, through which local youths interested in public service are given an opportunity to start laying the foundation of a career.

It’s nothing short of a genuine inspiration to see so many young people already invested in making their communities better places to live, and we commend them for their ambition and commitment to the greater good.

It was truly a moving experience for Prosecutor Santiago, Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe, Jr., and Community Liaison Pastor Lyddale Akins to take part in the Mobile Holocaust Exhibit and Original Artifact Collection at Marlboro Middle School.

Hate Ends Now is an immersive, 360-degree traveling exhibit that educates audiences about the Holocaust and the dangers and ramifications of antisemitism, intolerance, and racism. Part of the immersive experience includes a replica of a World War II train car used to transport detainees.

We would like to thank everyone at The Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Multicultural Acceptance (CARMA), along with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, for the invite and for bringing such an educational experience to our local NJ schools in Monmouth County and beyond.

It is truly imperative to keep teaching our younger generations about the horrific events of the Holocaust to help us combat antisemitism, hate, and racism.

To learn more about this exhibit, visit HateEndsNow.org and Hate Ends Now: The Cattle Car Exhibit

Prosecutor Santiago and executives from both our legal and investigative staffs were honored to meet with Judge Haruna Okuyama of Japan’s Saitama Prefecture District Court yesterday afternoon, as part of her stateside visit to learn more about the contrast between the Japanese and American criminal justice systems.

Her tour of the MCPO facilities marked the latest installment in a years-long string of visits by Japanese judges, and it has become a particular favorite tradition! We thank Judge Okuyama for stopping by and wish her safe travels and all the best as her judicial career proceeds.

Members of the MCPO including Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker and Assistant Prosecutor Lindsay Ashwal were honored to present our Resource Card for Seniors to an amazing group of veterans this morning at the Wall Township Youth Center and Community Services.

The Link2Care Resource Card for Seniors provides contacts for to some helpful services within Monmouth County including available means such as transportation, food, health insurance, housing, and home repairs.

You can learn more about the Link2Care Program and see the Resource Card for Seniors by visiting the MCPO website:

https://mcponj.org/link-2-care-referral-and-follow-up…/

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso were honored to take part in the EmpowHER event recently at Monmouth County Superior Court.

The goal behind the advocacy event is to show support, along with empowering women and men in recovery. It truly is a group effort, as members of the MCPO, in partnership with the Monmouth County Vicinage, the Monmouth County Recovery Court, and the Office of the Public Defender of Monmouth County all come together in a unified effort to support these brave and determined individuals.

The event featured powerful stories from several guest speakers, as well as presentation of the Lisa P. Thornton Empowerment Award.

Congratulations to Monmouth County Public Defender Victoria Howard on being the recipient of this year’s Lisa P. Thornton Empowerment Award.

Prosecutor Santiago, along with Chief of Detectives McCabe and members of the MCPO, were honored to be part of the Stop the Bleed Initiative and Chai with a Cop at the Sri Guruvaayoorappan Temple in Morganville.

The Stop the Bleed Initiative provides training and supply kits to help people respond to bleeding emergencies. Participants learn how to control bleeding prior to medical professionals arriving on scene.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to HATCC Chairman Dharmatma Sri Dr. S. Yegnasubramanian, board members and volunteers for hosting, and for extending the invitation to participate in what was a fantastic community outreach event.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and the staff of the MCPO wish to congratulate Comunity Liaison Pastor Lyddale Akins and his wife, Pastor Traci Akins, on being the recipients of this year’s City of Asbury Park Black History Month Community Service Award. It is an Award that has been bestowed on two of the most deserving people, both of whom are so deeply entrenched in the Asbury Park community.

Here are Prosecutor Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, along with Lyddale and Traci, during the awards ceremony at the Berkley Oceanfront Hotel.

Congrats to you both.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago was honored to be part of the group of Monmouth County Law Enforcement leaders, including Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Shaun Golden Monmouth County Under Sheriff Todd Freeman and Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association President Edward Gunnell, and Warden Victor Ianello to welcome recruits on their first day at the Monmouth County Police Academy. The recruits are members of the 108th Basic Course for Police Officers, the 59th Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO) II classes, and 44th Basic Course for County Corrections Officers.

Prosecutor Santiago stressed the importance of creating and building strong communication and interpersonal skills, both with the public as well as their fellow officers.

We wish them all well as they embark on their training and look forward to all of them becoming public safety professionals and integral parts of the communities and correctional facilities they will one day be serving.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, along with members of the MCPO, family, friends and colleagues, were all proud to be part of the ceremony to welcome a new detective and to congratulate four officers on their promotions.

During the ceremony, Prosecutor Santiago welcomed Detective Sarai Lavandero, while administering the Oath of Office to Detective Sergeant Dawn Correia, Detective Sergeant Stephen Vogt, Lieutenant of Detectives Patrick Petruzziello, and Lieutenant of Detectives Nicholas S. Cattelona.

Congratulations to everyone and we know you will continue to serve the residents of Monmouth County with the utmost dedication, professionalism and respect.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago was extremely proud to be a guest speaker and presenter at the Monmouth County Police Academy Graduation Ceremony. It was the 107th Basic Course for Police Officers, the 58th Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers and the 43rd Basic Course for Correctional Police Officers.

Prosecutor Santiago presented the Outstanding Trainee Award to the top Basic Course Police Officer, Jacob W. Goldfarb of the Eatontown Police Department , and also the top Monmouth County Basic Course County Corrections Officer, Daniel Icovino.

A very special thank you to the staff of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Shaun Golden, the Monmouth County Police Academy, Director Terence Mahon, along with the entire team of training officers for setting such a shining example for our newest officers.

Congratulations to all our newest graduates as we welcome them to our Monmouth County law enforcement professionals. We wish you the very best as you embark on your new careers.

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, along with Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr., and Community Engagement Liaison Pastor Lyddale Akins were honored to be a part of the kickoff to the National Faith & Blue Weekend with an amazing Prayer Breakfast at the Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank. A special thank you to Pastor Terrence K. Porter for being such a gracious host for the event once again.

Thank you to all our speakers and guests, including members of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Red Bank Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, Sea Girt Police Department,Spring Lake Heights Police Department, our clergy and faith-based leaders who were all part of the ceremony.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Pastor Akins who proudly provided the Word of Encouragement to the group.

We are so grateful for moments such as these that bring law enforcement together with our faith-based leaders on a personal level. These events reinfornce connections and collaborations, not only just between each other, but also with the residents we all serve.

Prosecutor Santiago and members of the MCPO would like to congratulate and thank Captain Jose Cruz for his recent participation as a member of the “Ray’s Fairways” team, along with Special Olympics New Jersey Athlete Srikar Challa, at the Central Golf Regional Torunament.

The event took place at the Greenbriar Golf Club in Monroe, with Ray’s Fairways team representing Monmouth/Ocean County Special Olympics Area 6.

We’re happy to announce that Challa and Capt. Cruz tied for the bronze medal! Congratulations to both of you, as well as all the amazing athletes who competed in the tournament.

You can learn more about the gold program and the upcoming events by visiting:

https://www.sonj.org/sports/select-sport/golf-2/

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and the entire MCPO Executive Staff were honored to be on hand to present Captain Eric Singer with a couple of tokens of appreciation for his nearly quarter-century of service here, following his recent retirement.

After a brief period of service with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Singer joined the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in May 2000 and steadily worked his way up through the ranks, being promoted to Sergeant in 2012, to Lieutenant in 2015, and to Captain in 2021. Throughout that time he worked in all three Investigative Sections of the office, at various points serving in and/or supervising half a dozen various office subdivisions.

One particularly notable investigation for which Captain Singer played a pivotal role was a 2007 case resulting in the dismantling of a large illegal gambling ring and the seizure of assets worth more than $3 million. Additionally, in his capacity overseeing Administrative Services, he was responsible for building security, card access, and surveillance and building trade operations – a role in which he took great pride and displayed an extraordinarily sharp attention to detail. He was also the Investigative Division liaison/administrator of our digital records, coordinator of new hire packets and equipment distribution, and a Detective and Agent candidate panel interviewer.

The Office will undoubtedly miss Captain Singer’s innumerable contributions and incomparable commitment to ensuring that things are done right, well, and on time – but we wish him all the very best in health, happiness, and good fortune in a genuinely well-earned retirement.

The MCPO marked the official retirement of a seasoned investigator who made a lasting positive impression on the MCPO: Lieutenant Gregory Hilton.

Lieutenant Hilton started his career in public service as a teacher for the City of Camden in 1981 – five years later, he would go on to be named an Outstanding Teacher of the Year, not only by the Camden City School System, but also the Office of the Governor of New Jersey. That same year, he was selected to attend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Academy, and the next year he graduated and was assigned to the DEA’s New Jersey Field Office.

Following a decorated term of federal service that sent him across the country and around the world, in 2013, Hilton retired from the DEA with the rank of Group Supervisor, and the very next year he was hired by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and assigned to the Narcotics Strike Force (NSF). He was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, a role in which he supervised NSF’s day-to-day operations, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022.

We’ll all deeply miss Lieutenant Hilton’s investigative contributions, affable personality, and keen sense of humor — but we wish him the very best of health, happiness, and good fortune in a well-deserved retirement, and we sincerely thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Monmouth County.

We would like to highlight and recognize the retirements of two very special employees. As each of their tenures came to an end, we would like to wish a fond farewell and all the very best to a pair of public servants who have contributed outstanding service to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office: We first shine a spotlight on Keyboarding Clerk II Agnes Wissler.

Agnes or “Aggie” as her friends and co-workers refer to her, joined the Prosecutor’s Office in December 2014, shortly after inquiring about employment at an MCPO table set up at a Brookdale Community College job fair. A native of Freehold, she had previously worked in private Freehold-based law offices all her life, but this marked her first experience in public service. She was initially assigned to the MCPO Intake/Screening Unit, with her final assignment being in the Appellate Unit. Agnes tells us that her most cherished takeaway from the job has been the lifelong friends she has made; after undergoing several major surgeries, she was deeply touched by how many colleagues took the time to check up on her and make sure she was recovering well. In retirement, she is eagerly looking forward to traveling, specifically on cruises spent with her husband of 31 years and two children.

Agnes, your service to this Office and the people of Monmouth County is truly appreciated and we wish you all the best in your retirement!

First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, along with Deputy Chief Richard Chapman and members of the MCPO were so pleased to be on hand for Soccer Community Night at the Park Avenue School in Freehold.

It was a great event, bringing the community together with our law enforcement partners in the New Jersey State Police and Freehold Borough Police Department for an amazing night of fun that included pick-up soccer games and a community resource and wellness fair. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the MCPO tent to say hi!

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker were pleased to address our 2024 summer interns at the onset of their orientation this morning.

More than a dozen interns will be with us throughout much of the summer, learning about the various subsections of the Prosecutor’s Office and their respective functions and responsibilities. We wish all of them the very best as they embark upon what’s sure to be a fulfilling and fascinating glimpse of their potential futures!

Prosecutor Santiago, First Assistant Alonso, and Chief McCabe joined a host of community partners in taking part in the festivities at the Monmouth County Diversity Alliance’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival in downtown Freehold.

It was among the first of a number of annual events locally marking “Juneteenth” — a portmanteau of the month “June” and the date “Nineteenth.” The holiday celebrates the date of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people located in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from the slavery system in the United States.

Nearly 250 years passed from the time the British colonies’ first enslaved individuals arrived in Jamestown, Virginia to the time the last enslaved individuals were freed in Galveston, and the nation then endured nearly a century of Jim Crow injustice before passage of the federal Civil Rights Act – as coincidence would have it, following a 72-day Senate filibuster, that happened on June 19, 1964, or precisely 99 years to the day of liberation in Galveston.

To this day, we continue to strive to achieve the goals advanced by so many, throughout these centuries — equal treatment of all in the eyes of the law.

Prosecutor Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Alonso, and Chief of Staff Padula were honored to attend the 52nd Annual Valor Awards Luncheon of the The 200 Club of Monmouth County in Spring Lake.

They looked on with pride as three members of the MCPO investigative team — Detectives Conor Mullan (not pictured), Steve Cavendish, and Aaron Shaw — were honored for their roles in a pair of cooperative investigations with local agencies that yielded stellar results.

Detective Mullan was the recipient of a Certificate of Recognition for his role in a joint investigation with members of the Long Branch Police Department, while Detectives Cavendish and Shaw were recipients of Commendation Awards for their role in a joint investigation with members of the Asbury Park Police Department.

Also pictured is MCPO Det. Sergeant Christopher Guy (Second from right)

We extend our sincere congratulations to all three for their outstanding investigative work that together resulted in multiple felons and firearms being taken off Monmouth County streets.

In celebration of #pridemonth, Prosecutor Santiago and members of the MCPO, along with represntatives from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Chief George Baumann of the Freehold Township Police Department , Chief R. Craig Weber of the Middletown Township Police Department, NJ Lgbtq Law Enforcement Liaisons, Christian Fuscarino from Garden State Equality and Dave D’Amico, among others, gathered for a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony this morning.

As Prosecutor Santiago noted to those in attendance, “We will recognize, and stand shoulder to shoulder and support every person, regardless of the color of their skin, religion that they may practice, who they choose to love…We will stand make sure every voice is heard and every voice is treated equally.”

Happy Pride!

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago was extremely proud to be a guest speaker and presenter at the Monmouth County Police Academy Graduation Ceremony. It was the 106th Basic Course for Police Officers, the 57th Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers and the 42nd Basic Course for Correctional Police Officers.

Prosecutor Santiago presented the award for Outstanding Trainees, to the top-Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer, Maeve Cosgrove of Spring Lake Police Department, and also the top Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer, Chase R. Stephensen.

A very special thank you to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Shaun Golden, along with his entire team of training officers for being the gold standard in cadet training.

Congratulations to all our newest graduates as we welcome them to our Monmouth County law enforcement professionals. We wish you the very best as you embark on your new careers.

Members of the MCPO, including representatives from our legal, investigative, paralegal and clerical divisions were proud to be on hand today for the first Monmouth County Job Fair. Thank you to all the visitors who stopped by our table to say hi and ask questions.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Month with the official launch of three community-based initiatives intended to promote mental health services countywide.

“While the foundational responsibility for all of us in law enforcement is to ensure the public’s safety and seek justice, we have made it an accompanying priority here in Monmouth County to keep in mind that justice is not a one-size-fits-all concept; for every case and every defendant, it should be tailored to look slightly different,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. “Those defendants who are predominantly only hurting themselves with their crimes often find themselves at a crossroads in their lives by the time they encounter law enforcement: on one path is a downward spiral, while the other path can lead to a long, prosperous future. We view the initiatives being unveiled today as a mechanism through which police officers can not only point these individuals in the right direction, but connect them with the resources they need to get started on their journey.”

Sincere thanks to our many partners in this endeavor, to include the New Jersey OAG Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Monmouth County Government Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association Monmouth Bar Association Long Branch Police Department RWJBarnabas Health Monmouth Medical Center CPC Integrated Health Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and more.

Full Details: https://mcponj.org/…/mcpo-launching-three-mental…/

We at MCPO could not be prouder of our very own Lt. Andrea Tozzi, who this morning was honored as the 2024 recipient of the New Jersey OAG Pablo Santiago Resiliency Award.

With Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso, Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, and Chief of Detectives John G. McCabe Jr. looking on, Lt. Tozzi accepted the award during a ceremony in Trenton. The OAG said it selected Lt. Tozzi for the honor specifically for coupling “her background in social work with her dedication to public safety and commitment to her colleagues,” noting that she has “found ways to support the wellness of her fellow officers by proactively developing, maintaining, and supporting partnerships and programs that help officers respond to the increasing expectations of the community.”

As the investigative supervisor of the Special Victims Bureau and a central figure spearheading several office initiatives to promote mental health and wellness, not only for sworn members of law enforcement, but civilians in crisis alike, Lt. Tozzi’s efforts make her a prime example of everything a 21st-century policing leader can and should be.

Read more about Lt. Tozzi’s award, as well as the others given today, here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-platkin-announces…/

Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago was honored to travel to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Upper Elementary School in Asbury Park yesterday to join Board of Monmouth County Commissioners Director Thomas A. Arnone, Ocean Township Mayor and Asbury Park teacher John P. Napolitani, Sr., and others for a Read Across America event.

Described as the “biggest reading celebration in the country” and now in its 25th year, the National Education Association initiative falling in early March annually draws an estimated 45 million participants, all united in the common goal of promoting the importance, value, and fun of reading.