Prosecutor: Subpoenas to be issued over fraudulent 4am robocall

It’s been two months since 13th district Republicans were awakened by a fraudulent 4am robocall urging them to get out to vote for Senator Joe Kyrillos, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon in the Republican primary, but the perpetrators are not off the hook.

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni told MMM that the incident remains under active investigation and that subpoenas will be issued. “Stay tuned,” Gramiccioni said.

Kyrillos, who was awakened by the call, which he publicly blamed on the campaign of his opponent in the June 4th primary, Leigh-Ann Bellew, said he has been interviewed by investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office.

The voice on the 4 am call, which can be heard here, sounds very much like the voice on the recorded message on the Bellew campaign’s voice mail. Listen to the Bellew for Senate voice mail greeting here.

The New Jersey Democratic Party was fined $42,000 for making fraudulent robocalls in the 2009 gubernatorial election.  Among Republicans, Kevin Collins plead guilty, paid a $1000 fine and received a year on probation for violating the Fair Campaign Practices Act with a fraudulent robo call in a 2009 legislative primary. More serious charges against Collins were dropped in plea negotiations.

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Groper Fingered For Stuffing Bets

Jeffery Bork

Oceanport Police have arrested Jeffrey L. Bork, 65, of Eatontown and charged him with Criminal Sexual Contact.  A betting teller at Monmouth Park, Bork is alleged to have groped the breasts of several female patrons of the racetrack after putting their betting vouchers down the front of their shirts, according to a statement released by Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramicconi.

The incidents reportedly occurred between 1PM and 4PM on Saturday July 13.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oceanport Police Detective Jonathan Tucci at 732-222-6301 ext. 107.

Bork is being held at Golden’s Palace.  His bail is $15,000 as set by Oceanport Municipal Judge Richard B. Thompson.

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HELP SOUGHT IDENTIFYING COLTS NECK STABBING SUSPECT

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Colts Neck Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying the man seen in the sketch on the left.

The suspect is wanted for questioning about the stabbing of a 41-year-old Colts Neck woman inside her Bray Street home on Sunday, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

A composite sketch is a drawing approximating a suspect’s facial appearance.  Please keep in mind that appearances such as hair styles, beards and moustaches are easily changed. People gain and lose weight.

Anyone who recognizes, believes they recognize the man in the sketch or has any information about this case is asked to call Detective Andrea Tozzi, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443, or Detective Richard Zarrillo, of the Colts Neck Police Department at 732-462-4343.

If you believe you may have information regarding the identification of the person depicted in the sketch, please contact either of the listed detectives whether or not you are 100 percent sure.  All leads will be followed up in an appropriate fashion.

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Former Asbury Park Housing Director Arrested

Mark W. Holmes

Mark W. Holmes, 52 of Lawrence Township (Mercer County), the former Executive Director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority, was arrested yesterday and charged with Second Degree Theft By Deception, according to a statement released by Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiconni.

The charges allege that Holmes, also a former Mayor and Councilman in Lawrence Township, stole in excess of $75,000 while directing Asbury Park’s 587 public housing units.  The funds came from a $99,897 Department of Labor and Work Force Development grant that was intended to pay for computer training and other marketable skills for the public housing residents.

Additionally, Holmes is charged with using the Housing Authority’s debit card and an American Express for personal expenses of almost $20,000 and for submitting reimbursement vouchers for $3,397.28 in expenses he charged to the American Express card.

The investigation was conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office of Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau.  Assistant Prosecutor John Loughrey, director of the bureau, is prosecuting the case.

Holmes is currently living in public housing at Golden’s Palace in Freehold.  His bail is $70,000 with a 10% cash option. If convicted, he faces 5-10 years in State Prison.

Official Misconduct was not among the charges listed against Holmes in Gramiconni’s statement. Official Misconduct convictions in New Jersey require minimum imprisonment terms without eligibility for parole.

Holmes resigned his job suddenly in June of 2011.  In July of 2011 the Housing Commissioners asked federal housing officials and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office to investigate financial mismanagement under Holmes’ watch. Holmes had held the job since late in 2008.

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Gramiconni’s Deployment Cancelled

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramicconi’s deployment to Afghanistan as a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer has been cancelled.

A JAG Lt. Commander, Gramicconi received orders in March to report for active duty last March. He was ordered to report for a 9 month tour of duty on August 9.

Those orders have been rescinded, according to a statement issued by the Prosecutor’s Office.

“The outpouring of support from the people in my Office and people all across the state meant so much to me and my family during the lead-up to this deployment.  I am blessed to work with all these outstanding people and touched by the kindnesses extended by everyone – thank you,” Gramiccioni said in the statement

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Prosecutor Seeks Help In Manalapan Car Fire Investigation

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni is asking the public to assist detectives in the investigation of a Manalapan car fire.

Manalapan police and fire departments responded to multiple ‘911’ calls at 4:11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, reporting a car fire at 8 Elisa Court. The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported. The fire is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Charles Alaimo from the Manalapan Township Police Department at 732-446-4300 or Detective John Leibfried from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-620-4022.

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