Defendant charged with violent sexual assault being sought by police
October 24, 2019

A Rahway man charged with committing a violent sexual assault is being sought by investigators who are requesting assistance from the public in locating him, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo announced Wednesday.

Wilfredo a/k/a “Will” Jose Gonzalez, 34, of the 400 block of Hamilton Street in Rahway, is charged with first-degree armed aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose.

An investigation initiated by the Rahway Police Department and later expanding to involve the Special Victims Unit (“SVU”) of the Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that the adult victim met the defendant in New York City’s Penn Station during the early hours of Sunday, October 13, 2019, and traveled with him to his Rahway home via train, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Tomlinson, who is prosecuting the case.

Shortly after the pair arrived at the defendant’s home, Gonzalez allegedly produced a knife, threatening her with it, and proceeded to repeatedly physically and sexually assault her, Tomlinson said. The victim ultimately managed to escape the scene and traveled to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Criminal charges were filed against Gonzalez last Thursday, October 17, and he has remained at large since. He is described as an approximately 5-foot-8, 160-pound male with a tan complexion, long black hair, a small bald spot on the back of his head, a short black beard, and thick eyebrows. He is known to frequent the areas of downtown Rahway, the Bronx in New York City, and Sunrise, Florida. On the night of the assault, he is known to have been carrying a large bag containing clothing, and wearing a black North Face baseball cap. 

“In light of the violent and predatory nature of this crime, we believe this defendant presents a clear danger to others,” Prosecutor Ruotolo said. “Therefore, we are seeking the public’s assistance in locating and capturing him.”Anyone with information about this matter, or Gonzalez’s whereabouts, is being urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Sofia Santos at 908-577-4256 or Rahway Police Department Detective Kevin Wronski at 732-827-2049. The Union County Crime Stoppers are also offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

Defendant sentenced to 23 years for role in shooting that left 1 dead, 2 injured
August 20, 2019

A Middlesex County man has been sentenced to 23 years in state prison for his involvement in a Plainfield shooting that left a man dead and two others injured in 2015, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo announced Tuesday.

Jordan Robinson, 25, of Edison must serve a minimum of 85 percent of that term before becoming eligible for parole, under the terms set down Friday by Union County Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh.

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015, Plainfield Police Division patrol units rushed to the 300 block of Evona Avenue in Plainfield’s West End to find three victims suffering from gunshot wounds: 24-year-old Anthony Bowles of Plainfield; a 33-year-old woman; and a 6-year-old girl, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutors Jillian Reyes and Bryan Tiscia, who prosecuted the case.

Bowles was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced dead, Reyes and Tiscia said. The two other victims were transported to another local hospital for emergency treatment.

An intensive joint investigation involving the Union County Homicide Task Force, Plainfield Police Division, Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Edison Police Department, resulted in Robinson being identified as a suspect in the case. He was arrested in Matawan (Monmouth County) about two weeks after the shooting, and lodged in the Union County Jail on $1.5 million bail.

This investigation remains ongoing, as additional suspects are believed to remain at large. Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to come forward. Those with information are urged to contact Homicide Task Force Lt. Jose Vendas at 908-358-3048 or Sgt. Sofia Santos at 908-577-4256. The Union County Crime Stoppers continue to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to any additional arrests and indictments in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Death following altercation under investigation
July 27, 2019

A death that took place in Elizabeth early this morning is under investigation, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo announced Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Oscar Melara of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responding to a report of an altercation at Ben’s Bar on the 600 block of Meadow Street shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday morning found Melara there, having sustained injuries, according to the preliminary investigation. Melara was transported to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

This matter remains under active joint investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police Department, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit.

Anyone with information about Melara’s death is being urged to contact Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271 or Detective Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Elizabeth Homicide Under Investigation
July 08, 2019

A fatal shooting that took place in Elizabeth over the weekend is under investigation, acting Union County Prosecutor Jennifer Davenport announced Monday.

The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Carlos Rodriguez of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responding to a report of shots being fired on the 500 block of East Jersey Street shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday found Rodriguez on a sidewalk at that location, according to the preliminary investigation. He was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead early Sunday afternoon.  

This matter remains under active joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force, Elizabeth Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit.

Anyone with information about the shooting is being urged to contact Task Force Detective Sonia Rodriguez at 908-341-3380, Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271, or Elizabeth Police Department Detective Carrie Scharpnick at 908-558-2069.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

20th Anniversary of Elizabeth Todler's Disappearance
June 26, 2019

Investigators still seeking information following 20th anniversary of Elizabeth toddler’s disappearance.

Investigators are continuing to pursue answers and ask for information from the public regarding the disappearance of a 2-year-old in Elizabeth that took place 20 years ago, acting Union County Prosecutor Jennifer Davenport announced Monday.

Kevin Sabir Barthrop was last seen near his home on the 100 block of Chilton Street in Elizabeth on Saturday, June 12, 1999, shortly after he turned 2.

As part of the continuing investigation, a New Jersey State Police sketch artist has produced an image depicting what Barthrop would look like today, with aging factored in. The image has been shared by local, county, and federal authorities online and in the neighborhood where Barthrop was last seen during the previous two weeks.

Individuals believed to have information about his fate are known to be living in Essex and Union counties, and in North Carolina.

The Prosecutor’s Office thanks the agencies and organizations that have assisted and/or continue to assist this investigation, including the FBI, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCCP), New Jersey State Police, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Elizabeth Police Department, and the Rocky Mount, North Carolina Police Department.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Kevin Sabir Barthrop is being urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Michael Manochio at 908-966-2287 or Sgt. Janet Lopez at 908-347-8491.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Barthrop being found OR an arrest and indictment being made in connection with this matter; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.  

Plainfield homicide under investigation
April 29, 2019

A fatal shooting that took place in Plainfield Sunday afternoon is under investigation, acting Union County Prosecutor Jennifer Davenport and Plainfield Police Director Carl Riley jointly announced Monday.

The victim has been identified as 19-year-old David Perez of Plainfield.

Plainfield Police Division patrol units responding to a report of a shooting in the area of West Fourth Street and Monroe Avenue at approximately 4:10 p.m. Sunday found Perez there suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the preliminary investigation. Perez was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced dead a little more than an hour later.

Perez’s death remains under active joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force, Plainfield Police Division, Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit. The North Plainfield Police Department is also providing investigative assistance.

Anyone with information about the shooting is being urged to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Danika Ramos at 908-451-7739 or Detective Sean Holcomb at 908-358-8377.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Armed Robbery - Union Taco Bell
February 03, 2019

Authorities are searching for a suspect wanted for robbing a Taco Bell in Union Township at gunpoint and having the employees tied up.

A 911 call reported the armed robbery at the Taco Bell on Route 22 early Saturday morning, Feb. 3, at 6:35 a.m. where a Taco Bell employee said he went outside to the parking lot area.

When the employee was going back inside the restaurant, a person came up from behind and held a gun to him, ordered him inside and had him tie up the other workers, Union Police reported.

The suspect stole about $5,000 in cash from the business and fled, police said.

There were no customers inside at the time of the robbery as the restaurant was not yet open for business.

Police are following up on a few leads, but could use help from anyone who has information on this crime. Anyone with information, is asked to submit a tip or contact Detective Sergio Pereira at 908-851-5030 or SPereira@uniontownship.com.

Grandchild in Distress Scam
January 18, 2019

Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run
December 11, 2018

Authorities investigating a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian in Elizabeth on Thanksgiving night have identified the type of vehicle involved and are now asking the public for information in an effort to help solve the crime, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Tuesday.

The victim, 62-year-old Candace Raymond, was a resident of Elizabeth.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 22, Elizabeth Police Department patrol units traveled to the intersection of Cherry and Murray streets near Elizabeth’s downtown to find the victim suffering from multiple injuries, according to the investigation, which determined that the vehicle involved in the incident immediately left the area in the direction of West Jersey Street. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short while later.

Several damaged pieces of the vehicle’s frame were recovered at the scene, and investigators used those to determine that it was a black Nissan Murano, model year 2003-2005. Attached to this email are digital files that depict a stock photo of the vehicle, as well as two photos of the suspect vehicle captured around the time of the incident, pulled from surveillance video footage in the area.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area that night or may have spotted a vehicle fitting that description in the days that followed to please submit a tip or contact Elizabeth Police Department Traffic Division Detective Rich Hernandez at 908-603-9679. The SUV likely would have had noticeable damage to the front bumper and fog lights.

Armed Robbery
November 27, 2018

Plainfield homicide under investigation
November 12, 2018

A fatal shooting that took place in Plainfield the evening of Sunday, 11/11/18, is under investigation.

The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Benjamin Nord.

Plainfield Police Division patrol units responding to a report of a shooting on the 400 block of Liberty Street found Nord there suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the preliminary investigation. Nord was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8:30 p.m.

This matter remains under active joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force, Plainfield Police Division, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit.

Anyone with information about the shooting is being urged to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Danika Ramos at 908-451-7739 or Detective Andrew Medeiros at 908-337-0832.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment/prosecution in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Union - Armed Robbery
August 01, 2018

Elizabeth man charged with sexual assault of child
July 12, 2018

An Elizabeth man arrested earlier this week is accused of the repeated sexual assault of a local girl when she was between the ages of 5 and 8, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Thursday.

Alejandro Londono, 54, is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

A Special Victims Unit investigation into this matter was initiated by a referral from the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Kahn, who is prosecuting the case. The investigation revealed that the victim, now 12, was allegedly sexually assaulted by Londono while in the care of one of his relatives at his home on the 700 block of 4thAvenue in Elizabeth, Kahn said.

Londono turned himself in to authorities without incident Tuesday and was lodged in Union County Jail pending a first appearance scheduled for Wednesday.

Londono has been known to frequent the 300 block of Grier Avenue in Elizabeth, as he also is facing pending charges of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact in connection with a June 15, 2018 incident involving a 14-year-old male victim at that location.

Anyone with information regarding Londono’s activities is being urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Annie Coll at 908-965-3876.

Under New Jersey’s Jessica Lunsford Act, a conviction on a charge of aggravated sexual assault against a child under 13 results in a mandatory minimum of 25 years in state prison, with the full term to be served before the possibility of parole. Convictions on second-degree charges are commonly punishable by terms of 5 to 10 years in state prison.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Suspect being sought for alleged robbery of Air National Guardsman that sparked exchange of gunfire
July 08, 2018

A man who allegedly robbed an off-duty law enforcement representative at gunpoint early Sunday in Elizabeth, prompting an exchange of gunfire between the two, is being actively sought by police, Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas Jr. announced Sunday.  

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 8, Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responded to the area of Mary Street and Trinity Place and found the victim, a member of the New York Air National Guard Security Forces.

A preliminary investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office’s Shooting Response Team determined that the suspect approached the victim as he sat in a parked vehicle, opened the vehicle’s driver’s-side door, and robbed him at gunpoint, taking his wallet and military knapsack containing other personal effects.

The victim then retrieved his firearm from his car and confronted the suspect, leading to a brief exchange of gunshots, according to the investigation. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, dropping his firearm as he ran.

Neither man was known to have been injured during the incident. The suspect is described as an approximately 30-year-old male standing approximately 5-foot-10, with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a black-and-white shirt and jean shorts.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts, or anyone with information about this incident, is being urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Nora Berrio at 908-370-3016 or Dennis Donovan at 908-527-4558.  The Union County Crime Stoppers are also offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment/prosecution in this case. Tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

The continuing investigation into this use of force by law enforcement is being conducted in strict accordance with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Directive 2006-5 and the July 28, 2015 supplemental directive, which govern all such investigations statewide.

Homicide - Information Wanted
June 25, 2018

Linden - Armed Robbery
February 27, 2018

The Linden Police Department is requesting the public’s help to identify a robbery suspect.  On Friday, February 23rd at about 2:40 a.m. the suspect, shown in the video below, entered the Walgreens store located at 22 E. St. George Ave brandishing a black handgun.  He proceeded to the Pharmacy area in the back of the store where he jumped over the counter and stole a large quantity of prescription medications, including several opioids. The exact amount and type of pills taken is still unclear.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male approximately 5’9” wearing black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, black mask, and yellow gloves.

Detectives are asking anyone with information, particularly those who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, to contact Detective Juan Velarde or DSgt Jeff Carhart at (908) 474-8537.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment/prosecution in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Assistance from public requested in finding sexual assault suspect
December 15, 2017

Investigators are requesting assistance from the public in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for the alleged luring and sexual assault of a teenager in Elizabeth last week.

On Thursday, December 7, the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit received a referral from the Elizabeth Police Department regarding the incident, which took place at approximately 5:30 p.m. the day before, Wednesday, December 6. Around that time, the 15-year-old victim was walking on Elizabeth Avenue near the U.S. Routes 1&9 entrance ramp, according to the preliminary investigation.

Driving a beige four-door sedan, the suspect approached the victim and asked her for directions to a local mall, then convinced her to enter his vehicle, the investigation revealed. The alleged sexual assault took place approximately 15 to 20 minutes later on nearby Livingston Street.

The Prosecutor’s Office today is distributing to the media a New Jersey State Police artist sketch of the suspect, described as an unknown Hispanic male, possibly in his 30s, with short-trimmed facial hair and wearing a black winter hat. Investigators are also releasing a brief surveillance video clip depicting the suspect’s vehicle traveling through Elizabeth.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts is being urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Joanne Son at 908-477-1698 or Sgt. Timothy Durkin at 973-698-9529.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment/prosecution in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Double fatal shooting in Elizabeth under investigation
November 01, 2017

Investigators have identified a vehicle believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of two women in Elizabeth shortly after midnight last Wednesday near Jackson Park, and assistance from the public is being requested to determine its connection to the person or persons responsible for the crime, acting Union County Prosecutor Thomas K. Isenhour announced Thursday.  

The Prosecutor’s Office today is releasing video surveillance footage depicting the vehicle thought to have been involved in the deaths of Rah-Zhane Lee, 22, of East 4th Avenue in Roselle and Shaniquah Richardson, 24, of Franklin Street in Elizabeth.

Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 2nd and Court streets in the city’s Elizabethport section and found Lee and Richardson with gunshot injuries at that location. The two victims were transported to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead a short time later.

The vehicle depicted in the surveillance video recovered from near the scene is a dark-colored sedan traveling at a high rate of speed.

This matter remains under joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force, Elizabeth Police Department, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit. Anyone with information about the shooting is being urged to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271 or Detective William Guy at 908-527-4648.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment/prosecution in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

Burglary Investigation
October 24, 2017

On October 24, 2017 at approximately 11:00 pm male suspect is seen on security video walking in front of a local business, China Royal, on West Westfield Ave. The suspect is seen walking into the alley next to the business and making several attempts to kick in the side door. Eventually the suspect is successful and forcibly entering the business. The suspect is then seen exiting the business with carrying a cash register and walking away, out of the alley.

Note: The same male suspect was also observed several minutes before in the parking lot of another business, McDonalds, with a unknown female in an unknown vehicle.

The male suspect is described as white male adult wearing a sweat shirt, jeans and multicolored running shoes. The female person of interest is described as white female dark hair operating a small newer model 4 Door vehicle.

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the Roselle Park Police at (908) 245-2300. To remain anonymous, contact Union County Crime Stoppers by phone at (908) 654-8477, on the internet at www.uctip.org.

Homicide Investigation (2014)
October 13, 2017

Investigators are continuing to seek assistance or information from the public as the third anniversary of an unsolved 2014 Elizabeth homicide approaches this weekend, acting Union County Prosecutor Thomas K. Isenhour said Friday.

Alonso Gordon, 39, of Elizabeth was fatally shot three years ago this Saturday.

At approximately 10:10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, police and emergency medical personnel rushed to the 200 block of Pine Street in the city’s Elizabethport section and found Gordon suffering from gunshot wounds.

Gordon had been sitting on the front steps of a building on that block when an unidentified suspect approached on foot and fired a handgun at him at close range. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Elizabeth Police Department uncovered surveillance video footage that appears to depict the shooter rounding a street corner near the site of the homicide seconds before shots rang out. The suspect is dressed in what appears to be a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, and he is also wearing beige boots and a belt with a large metallic buckle.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to think back and recall any suspicious activity they may have witnessed. The night of October 14, 2014 was unseasonably warm and humid, with temperatures in the low 70s at around 10 p.m., humidity levels around 85 percent, and overcast skies.

Anyone with information about the death of Mr. Gordon is being urged to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271. The Union County Crime Stoppers also are continuing to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information about this case that leads to an arrest and indictment/prosection; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.