Jeremiah Monell, the man accused of killing his estranged wife, appeared in Cumberland County Superior Court.

BRIDGETON -- The man accused of stabbing his estranged wife to death and then eluding police for more than two weeks will remain in Cumberland County Jail awaiting trial without bail, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Jeremiah Monell, 32, of Cedarville, allegedly killed 35-year-old Tara O'Shea-Watson on Dec. 18 in her Commercial Township home. According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, their 12-year-old son witnessed the stabbing.

Monell appeared in Cumberland County Superior Court Tuesday for a detention hearing before Judge Cristen D'Arrgio. Per bail reform, it was up to the judge to decide whether an offender is fit to be released while awaiting trial -- based off three guidelines stating whether the accused is a danger to the community, what the likelihood is of the accused not appearing for court and whether the accused could interfere with the legal process. On all three grounds, D'Arrigo ruled that Monell should remain in jail.

"This was a rather brutal homicide done in the presence of minors and, there in and of itself, shows a grave risk to the community," said Assistant Prosecutor Mike Ostrowski to the judge. "I think that the act speaks for itself and this was, as I stated, multiple lacerations and stab wounds into various parts of the body."

Monell was charged with murder, violating a restraining order and weapons offenses for the death of O'Shea-Watson. The two were married, but estranged, with two children together. According to Ostrowski, O'Shea-Watson had a restraining order against Monell since May 2016.

O'Shea-Watson was found dead in her residence on Raymond Drive in the Laurel Lake section of Commercial Township on Dec. 19. A recording of a 911 call indicates that her son ran to the neighbors for help and that Monell was at the residence earlier to help fix her brake line. Police responded to the scene and spoke with the son.

"There was an interview with a 12-year-old minor who indicated that that person actually witnessed his father stab his mother to death," Ostrowski said.

"That father being Monell?" D'Arrigo said.

"Yes, judge," Ostrowski said.

In addition to the statement from their son, authorities also have video of what appears to be Monell's truck leaving from Laurel Lake after O'Shea-Watson was killed.

Monell was charged on Dec. 19 with O'Shea-Watson's death on Dec. 19 and he remained on the run for two weeks. According to Ostrowski, Monell was camping out in a tent in the woods avoiding arrest. New Jersey State Police arrested him in a wooded area off the Black Horse Pike in Folsom, Atlantic County.

Do restraining orders work? Experts weigh in

Monell was previously indicted on charges of burglary and violating an order to stay away from O'Shea-Watson. According to Ostrowski, Monell burglarized her Raymond Drive residence in April and assaulted her -- leaving broken glass in her residence and injuring her neck and nose. A Cumberland County Grand Jury indicted Monell in August but O'Shea-Watson dropped the charges against Monell in November, weeks before she was killed.

According to Lindsey Seidel, his court appointed attorney, O'Shea-Watson would invite Monell over to her residence, despite the restraining order. D'Arrigo argued, however, that the restaining order still needs to be honored.

"Even if he's invited, it doesn't matter because the obligation that Monell has is not to the victim but to the court," D'Arrigo said. "The prosecution is indicating that his inability to comply with that order, even if, hypothetically, the victim invited him over, that only establishes that he is willing to obstruct a court order."

In addition to D'Arrigo ruling that Monell remain in jail, the judge also said that he is forbidden from coming into contact with his 12-year-old son, because the son is a witness and Monell may attempt to influence the case.

Events will benefit Code Blue and Housing First Programs

On Friday, Jan. 20 there are two big events that will raise support and awareness for our homeless Code Blue and Housing First Programs!

The 3rd Annual Code Blue Benefit Concert, sponsored by Never Forsaken Ministries will be held Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 4630 Mays Landing Road in Vineland. 

As in years past, the goal is to "Stuff the Truck" with much needed supplies for Cumberland County Warming Centers. Admission to the concert can either be a monetary donation or items such as paper products, coffee, powder drinks, cases of water, cookies, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, trial size hygiene products, etc. to "Stuff the Truck.

Musical Artists include: Dez Childs, Silent Culture, Mark J the Poet and Dana Isles & Facedown. For more information on "Stuff the Truck" contact Cathy Gardner at 1-855-818-3810, ext. 716 or email cgardner@codeblueccnj.org.

For more information: facebook.com/events/131030904009736/.

The Voice of Vineland 2.0 "talent" show is an exciting and unique fundraiser, being held at Merighi's Savoy Inn on Friday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. This show is sure to be the most entertaining and hilarious area event of 2017. The proceeds from this event will benefit six local charities, including the M25 Initiative!

Help support M25 Initiative efforts and save lives by becoming a member and texting a donation of $25 to 856-219-4673 and use the keyword "CodeBlue." Your donation provides shelter and a meal for one homeless person for five nights. Or donate online at m25initiative.org.

Become a Volunteer!

For more information visit voiceofvineland.com.

The Air Force can help you determine which of its 150 job skills you're suited for

WOODBURY -- Are you looking for a better career? How about a job that can give you 100 percent medical coverage, a no-cost retirement plan, and money for college. If you are between 17 and 39 the United States Air Force may have a job for you.

The Air Force can help you determine which of its 150 job skills you're suited for, and provide you with the training. Since Air Force bases are a lot like small towns, you will find Air Force jobs are similar to jobs in your hometown. Here is a list of some of them.

Aircraft electronics technician, aircraft mechanic, auto body repair technician, automotive mechanic, cable and antenna maintenance, cargo loading technician, computer programmer, computer repair technician, electrician, electronics technician, firefighter, heating and air conditioning, Heavy equipment operator, linguist, medical technologist., optometrist's assistant, para-rescue (EMT), physical therapy tech, policeman, purchasing Agent, radar operator, radiology technician, sheet metal worker, supply warehouse manager and weather forecast technician. 

When you join the Air Force, you don't lose your personal identity. In fact, your personal and financial independence will continue to grow, and you'll gain a sense of pride knowing you're serving your country.

Also, full or half arm tattoos are no longer a disqualifier.

Please contact Sgt. Waylon Hobbs, Air Force recruiter for more information. Her office is located on 9 S. Broad Street in Woodbury, or by phone at 609-220-3504.

This item submitted by Sgt. Waylon Hobbs for U.S. Air Force.

Steven Caraballo was charged with robbery and weapons possession.

VINELAND -- Police arrested a city man for robbing Family Dollar with a knife.

Steven Caraballo, 30, of East Oak Road, was charged Jan. 12 with robbery, possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a knife and possession of drug paraphernalia. He allegedly robbed the store on West Landis Avenue around 7 p.m.

According to Vineland police, a bearded man wearing a gray sweatshirt approached a Family Dollar clerk, brandished a knife and asked for money. The robber then reached into the clerk's cash register, grabbed approximately $146 from the till and ran from the store.

$36,000 van stolen from car lot, cops say

Police found Caraballo a short distance from the store and were able to identify him as the alleged robber through store camera footage and a positive identification from the clerk. After police arrested Caraballo, they found a pocket knife and money in his possession.

Authorities held Caraballo in the Cumberland County Jail, pending further court action.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The event will be held in the historic Landis Theater

VINELAND -- Main Street Vineland will be sponsoring its next Downtown Merchants Meet-and-Greet on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the historic Landis Theater, at 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.

The Downtown Merchants Meet-and-Greets, held every other month on the first Thursday, are meant to bring the various downtown businesses together to get to know and network with each other, and with Main Street Vineland representatives, according to Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. As the Meet-and-Greets are open to the public, it is also an opportunity for the public and the merchants to get to know and network with each other, he said.

In addition to tours of the theater, DJ Zach from NJ Premiere DJs will be on hand with great music. Chances will be available at restaurant gift certificates, courtesy of Secure Insurance Services. A repeat showing will also take place of the video about the rebranding of Vineland's downtown that was shown at last year's branding party. Refreshments will also be served as part of the event.

"The Landis Theater is one of our crown jewels -- not only of The Ave, but also a true Vineland icon -- and I cannot think of a better place to have our next meet-and-greet -- one month before this magnificent performing arts center's 80th anniversary," Swanson said. "It is a key component of The Ave's rebranding efforts."  

"Merchant networking -- to each other and to the public is so very important in a strong center-city business community and the strong turnouts we have been having create a strong network," Swanson said. "A downtown is a community of its own and the members of that community work best when they know and work with each other."

This is also opportunity for the businesses and the public to get to know what the Main Street program does and how they can benefit from what Main Street Vineland offers. Doing this on a regular basis, Swanson said, builds on the progress already established.

"We in Main Street want to keep our merchants and the public informed about what is going on in our downtown, but also we want feedback from the businesses, as well," said Main Street Vineland Associate Director and Business Development Director Robert Scarpa. "This not only includes input from the businesses but also using networking forums like this to show off what goods and services they offer the public."

The Downtown Merchants Meet-and-Greets are a regular part of Main Street Vineland's downtown mix of activities, according to Swanson, and various downtown businesses will have the opportunity to gain added exposure by taking turns hosting them.

Those attending should RSVP by calling the Main Street Vineland office or e-mailing mainstreet@vinelandcity.org no later than Tuesday, February 1.

For more information on this and all Main Street Vineland events, call the Main Street Vineland office at 856-794-8653, visit the organization's website at www.TheAve.biz, or visit it on Facebook.

This item submitted by Samuel Levy for Vineland Downtown Improvement District.

The township was one of just six grant recipients under HUD

NORTH BERGEN -- More residents of public housing in North Bergen will have access to job training and other services intended to promote self-sufficiency, under a $246,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, officials announced Tuesday.

The North Bergen Housing Authority announced it had received the funds under HUD's Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency, or ROSS, program, which makes annual allocations to local housing authorities and other public housing agencies or organizations.

North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Gerald Sanzari said the grant would be used over the next three years to expand current services including health screenings, financial planning and job training. Sanzari joined Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco in commending the housing authority staff.

North Bergen's was one of six ROSS grants to local housing authorities in New Jersey for 2017, and the only one in Hudson County. The other grants went to Atlantic City ($467,439), Camden ($475,150), Garfield ($221,079), Elizabeth ($492,000), and Vineland ($240,000).

"Helping public housing residents find decent jobs that pay a living wage is the surest path to opportunity and self-sufficiency," HUD Secretary Julian Castro said in a  statement. "This funding provides our local partners with the resources to help more Americans build a brighter future for themselves and their children."

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Jose Sosa-Ayala is alleged to have left the body of Danyelle Minerva along a rural Salem County road after the teen died in his apartment in Bridgeton.

SALEM -- A man accused of dumping a teenager's body along a rural Salem County road has declined the offer of a plea deal in the case, authorities say.

Jose Sosa-Ayala appeared in Superior Court in Salem on Tuesday, where he was ordered to submit hair samples for testing that could link him to the case. 

Sosa-Ayala, 41, is charged with disposing of Danyelle Minerva's body on the shoulder of the Alloway-Woodstown Road late in 2015 after Minerva allegedly died at his Bridgeton apartment.

Superior Court Benjamin Telsey granted a motion request from Salem County Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Forte to require that Sosa-Ayala provide hair samples.

Prosecutors want to compare those samples with any found on the blanket that Minerva's body was found on.

Sosa-Ayala's defense attorney, Leslie McNair-Jackson, said her client had no objection to the request.

"The defendant believes he will be vindicated," she told the court.

Forte confirmed Tuesday that Sosa-Ayala had been offered a plea deal in the case, which would require him to serve three years in state prison in exchange for a guilty plea to the charges against him. 

If Sosa-Ayala goes to trial and is found guilty, he could face five to 10 years in prison, officials said. 

Sosa-Ayala is to appear again in court on Feb. 6  for a pretrial conference to either enter a plea in the case or have a date set for his trial.

A court interpreter translated the proceedings into Spanish for Sosa-Ayala Tuesday.

Teen had experienced tragedy in her life

As they have been in previous hearings, members of Minerva's family were in court on Tuesday as were members of Sosa-Alaya's family. 

"We need closure. It would be nice to have closure," said Minerva's aunt, Denise Arnieri, after court Tuesday's. "We have laid Danyelle to rest, but she's not really at rest until she gets justice."

"We still live this every time we come to court," added Minerva's uncle, Frank Arnieri. 

He said the family believes the prosecutor's office, New Jersey State Police and victim-witness advocacy office staff have done "a stellar job" in helping the Minerva family get through this crisis.

The last that Minerva's family heard from her was on Oct. 14, 2015. The family searched day and night for her, focusing on the Bridgeton and Atlantic City areas.

Minerva's body was discovered along the Woodstown-Alloway-Road on Jan. 11, 2016 by workmen trimming trees along the power lines there.

On Feb. 18, State Police announced the arrest of Sosa-Ayala, 41, and Jose Felix-Sosa, 46, for allegedly leaving Minerva's body along the roadway.

Authorities allege that in October 2015, Sosa-Ayala brought Minerva to his home on North Giles Street in Bridgeton. While Minerva was there, police say, she died.

After Sosa-Ayala and Felix-Sosa, who lives at the same address, found Minerva dead, authorities say Sosa-Ayala carried Minerva's body out of the house.

He then placed her body in his 2005 Toyota Tundra, and drove to the Alloway-Woodstown Road and dumped Minerva's body, authorities allege.

They say it remains unclear what caused Minerva's death.

Sosa-Ayala was charged with conspiracy, desecration of human remains, and endangering the welfare of a victim. Felix-Sosa was charged with conspiracy.

In May 2016 the case went before a Salem County grand jury and Sosa-Ayala was indicted on all three of the charges against him.

That same grand jury failed to indict Felix-Sosa on the conspiracy charge against him.

Sosa-Ayala remains in the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township.

The column that had a really good idea of what to write right here but forgot it

The column that had a really good idea of what to write right here but forgot it

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Good morning!

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Don E. Woods | For NJ.com 

"A bus trip to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., sponsored by The South Jersey Holocaust Coalition, the Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties, and the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, will take place on Thursday, Feb. 23.

"The trip will be for educators and the public. A certificate for six Professional Development Hours (PDH) will be given to those educators participating. The Vineland School District will be granting a Professional Development Day to teachers who apply.

"The bus will be leaving the University Center at Cumberland County College , College Drive , Vineland , at 8 a.m. sharp. Those going should arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. Parking locations will be posted on the South Jersey Holocaust Coalitions website-- www.HolocaustCoalition.com. The bus will depart the museum at the 4 p.m. and will return to Cumberland County College by approximately 8:45 p.m. Stops will be made at The Maryland House on the trip to the Museum and the return trip for refreshments.

"The museum offers excellent materials for classroom use and the tour will be conducted by a docent of the Museum for the group. Everyone must stay at the Museum for the entire tour day.

"Space is very limited. Those wishing to register must e-mail the names of those going as well as any questions, to the South Jersey Coalition at holocaustcoalition@mail.com. A $30 non-refundable payment must be made no later than Monday, Feb. 20 and reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis to cover transportation costs. No entrance fee to the museum will be charged. Payment must be made to The Jewish Federation, and sent to The Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties, 1015 E. Park Ave., Vineland , N.J. 08360. Write on the check memo line "Bus Trip." Educators requesting PDH certificates should include the name of their school. Do not call the Jewish Federation office to make reservations.

"For more information on this and all South Jersey Holocaust Coalition events and activities, email holocaustcoalition@gmail.com, visit the Coalition's website at www.HolocaustCoalition.com, or visit their Facebook page."

- Jewish Federation

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Bridgeton High School senior Markquese Bell was honored by Bridgeton Board of Education on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Submitted photo)Don E. Woods | For NJ.com 

"Bridgeton High School senior Markquese Bell was honored by the Bridgeton Public School District at the monthly Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in recognition of Bell's premier athletic talents which have earned him state and national recognition. Board president Albert Morgan, Superintendent Dr. Thomasina Jones and Supervisor of Athletics Cyndi Wilks presented a resolution in Bell's honor to the student's grandmother, Pauline Bennett, who accepted on Bell's behalf. Bell was participating in a BHS varsity basketball game at the time of the Board meeting.

"Bell has been a valued athlete on the football, basketball and track and field teams for four years, earning 12 varsity letters throughout his four-year tenure at BHS. Bell was the No.1-ranked high jumper in New Jersey as a sophomore and junior, and earned 1st team All South Jersey and All State honors in football during his senior year.

"Bell became the ESPN #1 recruit in New Jersey, ESPN #4 recruit in the nation and will attend the University of Maryland on a full athletic scholarship. In addition, Bell was named an All-American athlete in football and recently participated in a nationally televised game sponsored by Under Armor."

- Bridgeton Public Schools

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MY KIND OF TOWN: Where the public defenders don't get enough credit for the good work they do

A total of 216 new birds were born in 2016 Watch video

Four decades after being pushed to the brink in New Jersey, the bald eagle population is continuing its steady recovery.

Observers recorded 172 nests last year -- 11 more than 2015, according to the 2016 NJ Bald Eagle Project Report. The report was released last week by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program and the New Jersey.

Among the nests that were monitored, 150 had eggs. A total of 216 new birds were born to 132 of those nests. The report said that's more than what's needed to help maintain the state's current bald eagle population.

The group also reported seeing 15 new eagle pairs this season -- 12 in south Jersey and three in the central part of the state.

8 facts about N.J. bald eagles

The Delaware Bay region still has the largest eagle population with 47 percent of nests in Cumberland and Salem counties, as well as the bay side of Cape May County. 

New Jersey's bald eagle program is used to monitor the species' recovery and to help protect them and their nests. GPS transmitters are attached to young eagles to follow their movements.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife said the biggest threats to the bald eagle population are habitat loss and human activity that can change eagles' behavior. Contaminants in the birds' food web can also affect nesting in the state.

Once endangered in the state, there was just one nesting pair reported in 1973 in a Cumberland County forest.

Rajeev Dhir may be reached at rdhir@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @googasmammoo. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

As traffic fatalities increased last year, the deadliest counties in the state are not the places people would immediately think of.

The counties that had the most fatal crashes last year aren't in the densely populated northern part of the state. And the crashes don't always happen on the largest, fastest highways. 

Burlington and Monmouth counties proved to be more deadly than Hudson, Union and Middlesex, based on an analysis of State Police fatal crash statistics for 2016.

Burlington led the state in both fatal crashes and the number of people killed, making it the deadliest of all 21 counties. While I-295 crosses the county, smaller highways such as Route 70 and 130 had more fatal collisions last year. 

In Hudson County, a county road rather than a state highway claimed the title of being the most deadly. County Route 501, also known as Kennedy Boulevard, had five fatal crashes in 2016, more than some of the bigger and busier toll roads and highways that criss-cross the county.

The state ended 2016 with 607 people killed in 575 crashes, which State Police said was an 8 percent increase over 2015. 

The deadly data is used for more than just record keeping, officials said.

Fatality statistics can result in highway projects to improve conditions if a trend is seen in the crash data over several years, said Stephen Schapiro, a state Department of Transportation spokesman.

"NJDOT looks at several criteria for a given location or segment of road including the number of crashes, the type of crash, the severity of the crash, and the cause of the crash," he said. "The Department compiles three years of data for a given location and uses the information to prioritize projects."

A state police analysis of 2015 fatal crashes, released earlier this month, showed a continuing trend where distracted driving was the leading factor in deadly collisions, followed by alcohol use and speeding. 

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Rachel Wells writes in support of a Cherry Hill teen who has been blocked from bringing his dog to school.

To the Editor:

Concerning the recent article "A teen and his service dog fight school policy that conflicts with law," about Ben Shore and the Cherry Hill district:

I live in Florida and have a service dog. I carry with me at all times a copy of the laws concerning service dogs.

I trained my own golden retriever/labrador mix myself since she was 8 weeks old. The reason is that I want her to do exactly what I need from her, not what others might need from a service dog.

There is not one state that requires a dog to be trained by a specially licensed trainer (as the Cherry Hill policy states). These dogs don't even need to wear a vest -- which is good, because my Mattie outgrew hers years ago.

Often, you can tell the difference in a service dog and someone who just wants to take their dog everywhere. A service dog is always under control. A regular dog isn't. A service dog will not go to the bathroom whenever or wherever. A service dog will not bark unless there is danger.

My dog has saved my life numerous times over the last 10 years. The longest we have been apart is 10 days when I was in the hospital. Unfortunately, Mattie has Stage 2 soft-tissue cancer and there is nothing that can be done. I tell her that her job is over and try to keep her comfortable until the day she looks at me and says she's too tired.

So, Ben Shore should be able to bring his service dog to school. Would the school say "no" to a translator for a deaf student? No! There shouldn't even be a question as to whether this dog is allowed.

So, dear student, keep it up. You have rights! Good luck, Ben, and love to your dog Charlie. 

Rachel Wells

 Pace, Fla. 

Feds have two faces on drug imports

To the Editor:

Concerning Roy Lehman's recent letter, "N.J.'s senators sell out to Big Pharma," which cited U.S. Sens. Cory Booker's and Bob Menendez's votes against a measure to legalize consumers' direct purchases of lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada:

There's seems to be some sort of scam going on against the American people regarding these drugs. I am currently on a Medicare supplement program that covers medications. My latest medicine was manufactured in -- Gujarat, India! 

And, when I received my prescriptions through the Veterans Administration a couple of years back, I noticed that some were manufactured in -- Canada!

So, it's OK for our government and big-business to import the drugs they have us buy, but not OK for the average Joe to purchase directly from Canada or any other foreign country.  

So much for Booker's tweet defending his vote by indicating that he favors the concept, "but we believe (Food and Drug Administration)  standards must be met."

Someone is perpetrating a giant fraud on the American people, and we are being taken to the cleaners.     

Al Zappola

Gibbstown 

Thanks for closing domestic violence loophole

To the Editor:

The United States is the most dangerous country in the developed world for gun violence against women. Each month 50 women are shot to death by a current or former partner. Women here are 16 times more likely to be a victim of gun violence than in any other developed nation.

New Jersey helped make domestic violence victims safer when Gov. Chris Christie signed Senate Bill 2483 into law after his previous vetoes. This bipartisan bill passed both houses of the Legislature overwhelmingly.

State law previously prohibited abusers from acquiring guns upon issuance of a final restraining order or domestic-violence conviction, but did not require abusers to turn in guns they already owned. This loophole, now closed, meant that a convicted abuser could return home after court and use the guns there to harm a past or current intimate partner.

As a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, my fellow advocates and I started working on anti-domestic violence legislation in January 2015. On Jan. 9, thanks to a bipartisan effort in the Legislature, and grassroots work by a coalition of advocates, we succeeded. 

I'm grateful to bill sponsors Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) and Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden) for continuing to work for passage after seeing several defeats. Thanks also to Sen.Tom Kean Jr., of Union County, a key Republican ally in getting this bill passed. 

Together we are building a safer state.

Meghan C. Adamoli

Collingswood 

Social Media Lead 

N.J. Chapter

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

Andrew Davis was sentenced in 2016 to 25 years in prison for his role in an international drug ring.

BRIDGETON -- A Jamaican dancehall DJ sentenced to prison for his role in an international cocaine ring was indicted last week for allegedly assaulting a corrections officer.

Andrew Davis, 38, is serving a 25-year sentence in South Woods State Prison for charges of cocaine distribution, money laundering and conspiracy. He allegedly assaulted corrections officer Victor Tapia on July 26.

A Cumberland County Grand Jury indicted Davis on Jan. 11 for a charge of aggravated assault against a corrections officer.

Tapia was in the medium-security section of the prison around 8 p.m. on July 26 when Davis allegedly began punching the officer. Tapia has since returned back to work, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

Davis, who performed under the names "Flippa Mafia" and "Flippa Moggela," is a former resident of Swedesboro, Gloucester County, but eventually moved to Kingston, Jamaica. He conspired to ship multiple kilograms of cocaine from California to New Jersey, using the United States Postal Service and other delivery services to traffic the drugs.

Camden chief discusses safer streets with Paul Ryan

Authorities first uncovered the ring in March 2011 when authorities from Camden and Burlington counties seized a shipment. New Jersey State Police worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Operation Next Day Air, to investigate the ring. Authorities arrested nine people, including six New Jersey residents, in 2013.

Davis was convicted in 2015 and sentenced to 25 years in prison on June 3, 2016. In addition to the sentence, he was ordered to pay $250,000 for an anti-money laundering profiteering penalty.

Unable to attend the event Bell's grandmother accepted the award for him

BRIDGETON -- Bridgeton High School senior Markquese Bell was honored by the Bridgeton Public School District at the monthly Board of Education meeting on Jan. 10 in recognition of Bell's premier athletic talents which have earned him state and national recognition.

Board president Albert Morgan, Superintendent Thomasina Jones, Ed.D., and Supervisor of Athletics Cyndi Wilks presented a resolution in Bell's honor to the student's grandmother, Pauline Bennett, who accepted on Bell's behalf. Bell was participating in a BHS varsity basketball game at the time of the board meeting.

Bridgeton Board of Education President Albert Morgan, Superintendent Thomasina Jones, Ed.D., and Supervisor of Athletics Cyndi Wilks presented a resolution in Markquese Bell's honor to the student's grandmother, Pauline Bennett, who accepted on Bell's behalf. Bell was participating in a BHS varsity basketball game at the time of the board meeting.Submitted photo 

Bell has been a valued athlete on the football, basketball and track and field teams for four years, earning 12 varsity letters throughout his four-year tenure at BHS. Bell was the No.1-ranked high jumper in New Jersey as a sophomore and junior, and earned 1st team All South Jersey and All State honors in football during his senior year.

Bell became the ESPN No. 1 recruit in New Jersey, ESPN No. 4 recruit in the nation and will attend the University of Maryland on a full athletic scholarship. In addition, Bell was named an All-American athlete in football and recently participated in a nationally televised game sponsored by Under Armour.

This item submitted by Elizabeth Garcia for Bridgeton School District.

John Midddleton writes that protesters may state otherwise, but our system doesn't work that way.

To the Editor:

On Friday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump becomes my president. People may march and protest, and state "He is not my president," but our system dictates otherwise. 

He is our president for the next four years.

However, I take comfort in the words of Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration speech: "While the people retain their virtue, and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government, in the short space of four years." 

John R. Middleton

Vineland

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

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Tickets on sale for 'The Doo Wop Project' at CCC

VINELAND - Tickets are now available for "The Doo Wop Project" coming to the Cumberland County College stage on Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Guaracini Performing Arts Center, Sherman Avenue and College Drive.

The Doo Wop Project is street corner singing for a whole new generation. Their show starts at the beginning, tracing the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing tight harmonies on a street corner, to the biggest hits on the radio today. Throughout the show, The Doo Wop Project takes audiences on a journey from foundational tunes of groups such as the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, and the Four Seasons -- all the way to Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse.

Featuring current and former stars of Broadway's smash hits "Jersey Boys" and "Motown: The Musical" The Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate, and in some cases entirely re-imagine, some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history.

Enjoy a night filled with harmonies and classic '60s hits such as Dion and the Belmonts' "I Wonder Why," Thurston Harris' "Little Bitty Pretty One," The Del-Vikings "Come and Go With Me," The Capris' "Morse Code of Love," and many more. The show also includes doo-wop-inspired renditions of contemporary songs such as Amy Winehouse's "Valerie," Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," and Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours."

The Doo Wop Project's level of talent, artistry and ability to entertain is off the charts with this show. It's an evening of pure energy and magic, where you'll be lifted from your seat with excitement by the power and charisma of these gifted young performers.

Tickets are $27-$42, based on seating preference. Tickets may be ordered online at www.click4tix.com/gpac.

Call the Cumberland County College Box Office at 856-692-8499 for more information. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

This item submitted by Nancy James for Cumberland County College.

A Cumberland County jury convicted Juan Hernandez Wednesday.

BRIDGETON -- Following a three-week trial, a Cumberland County jury convicted a Middlesex man for his role in the murder of two possible competitors to his alleged brothel business, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

Juan Hernandez, 42, of New Brunswick, was convicted of two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of first-degree promoting organized street crime. The guilty verdict was decided Wednesday.

Hernandez was allegedly one of the leaders of a statewide human trafficking and prostitution ring

Jamaican musician indicted for allegedly assaulting guard

The conviction came from the investigation of two killings in Bridgeton. Jose Ortiz, 24, was shot and killed in the roadway on Bank Street on Aug. 16, 2014. Eduardo Bernal, 32, was stabbed in an apartment being used as a brothel near the intersection of Washington and North Pearl streets on Aug. 30, 2014.

According to the prosecutor's office, Ortiz and Bernal are believed to have been competitors of Hernandez.

Hernandez faces a minimum sentence of 75 years in a state prison for the murder and organized crime charges. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Robert Malestein for sentencing on April 28.

Some people, like me, prefer "old man bars" and mourn the loss of those that have closed.

Over the past few years, a lot of craft beer bars have opened in New Jersey.

According to newjerseycraftbeer.com, there are 68 production breweries, 13 brewpubs and 21 "soon to open startups" in the state. And, of course there is a plethora of sports-themed bars doing business in the Garden State. So, it appears evident that plenty of folks are looking to "belly up" in just such places.

But there are some people, like me, who prefer the "old man bars" and mourn the loss of those that have closed.

Esquire Magazine featured an article in 2015 titled "The Subtle Differences Between an Old Man Bar and a Dive." Some of us, though, have known for decades what separates one from the other.

 

As I see it, the "old man bar" is quiet; rarely is there loud music playing. Usually, the only sound other than the voices of the patrons is a sporting event or news on a television set (typically, no flat screen TVs here).

These establishments aren't fancy; the bar, the barstools and the tables and chairs have been there a long time. The bartender, very often the owner as well, also sometimes serves as the cook and arbiter of arguments.

And, it's not a good idea to request trendy new beer or mixed drink in these watering holes.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

My wife and I had a favorite spot in Highland Park, the Homestead Tap on Raritan Avenue. There was nothing fancy about the Homestead, it just a nice place to sit and chat over a beer. One of our best memories is a rather lively debate about the merits of American-made cars versus imported vehicles; we were asked our opinions on the matter even though we knew not a soul in the room; we were welcomed into the discussions like we were regulars.

There's one more thing -- no matter how heated the conversation becomes in an "old man bar," everyone remains friends at last call. 'Last call' for the Homestead Tap was in 1993 when it changed hands and became a fancy restaurant; my wife and I raised a cold one in memory.

Here's a gallery of vintage photos of taverns and bars around New Jersey.  Be sure to have captions enabled for information about each ... and If you didn't see your favorite watering hole in this gallery, there's a good chance it appeared in one from previous years. Click here and here to view them.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Here's a roundup of recent home sales in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.

 

CARNEYS POINT TWP.

-- 389 Ives Ave., John R. Lawrence to Ann M. Jennings for $117,000.

-- 477 Harding Hwy., Charles and Elizabeth Moore Jr. to David Heredia for $117,000.

-- 118 E. Dela-A-Vue Ave., Delavue Properties LLC to Pinchus and Shaindy Friedman for $100,000.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 22 Pindale Dr., Fannie Mae to Griselda Morales Puig for $62,900.

-- 724 Landis Ave., Hudson City Savings Bank to Dewayne and Timea Johnson for $136,000.

-- 193 Morton Ave., Allison N. and William J. Szoke Jr. to Assa and Salah Ismail for $260,000.

DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 2201 Good Intent Road, Christopher Medany to Emil L. Schmidt for $189,500.

DOWNE TWP.

-- 296 Nantuxent Dr., Donna and Frances Deruschi to Hartley F. Hudson and Hartley F. Hudson II for $105,000.

EAST GREENWICH TWP.

-- 205 Brysons Way, Department of Veteran's Affairs to John J. and Amanda Manfre Jr. for $302,500.

ELSINBORO TWP.

-- 239 Sinnickson Landing Road, Tessa Bacon, administrator to Robert and Kimberly Bacon for $121,500.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 639 Washington Ave., Fannie Mae to Mary and Matthew Riches for $60,627.

-- 2162 Williamstown Road, Fannie Mae to David Leaverton for $109,900.

GLASSBORO

-- 318 Sturgess Court, D.R. Horton Inc. to Guy L. and Patricia A. Tassi for $343,440.

-- 235 Heritage Loop, D.R. Horton Inc. to Alfred R. and Eileen M. Petrosh for $305,050.

-- 244 Heritage Loop, D.R. Horton Inc. to William T. and Patricia Dutka Sr. for $299,930.

-- 136 Stoneham Dr., Edward Palmatory by attorney to Robert and Edilyn Naidas for $129,900.

GREENWICH TWP. (GLOUCESTER COUNTY)

-- 21 Harmony Road, Wawa Inc. to Kishan Sapna LLC for $300,000.

HOPEWELL TWP.

-- 508 Barretts Run Road, Douglas M. and Ninfa M. Bertucci to Donato Ruiz-Guzman for $140,000.

LAWRENCE TWP.

-- 222 Co-op Dr., Angela N. Engrem to Jeremy J. Smith for $140,000.

MILLVILLE

-- 904 2^nd St., Mary F. Peek by executor to Ella and Kerry S. McDowell for $110,000.

-- 829 S. Second St., Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Diane L and Jerry W. Morgan for $33,739.

-- 135 River Dr., Housing and Urban Development to Anthony Houser for $34,000.

-- 1201 Sassafras St., Alex Hambleton to Russell and Shana Garvey Jr. for $119,000.

-- 11 Wildwood Ave., Lauren Anne and Robert Paul Hunsicker and Kathryn Lynn Schischkin to Richard W. Ledent Jr. for $146,000.

-- 903 F St., Peggy Ann and Thomas N. Wickward to Eneida and Enrique Mateo Sanchez for $143,000.

-- 115 River Dr., Dawn M. and Oscar C. Hand Jr. to Kyle P. Hand for $150,000.

-- 408 Spencer Place, John F. and Lisa Anne Lindinger to Lisa Suggs for $198,000.

Vineland property sells for $1.3M

MONROE TWP.

-- 1637 Silver Birch Court, Lewis Gilbert and Frank A. Pintozzi III to Melanie Deblina Rivera for $208,000.

-- 288 Rushfoil Dr., Carriage Glen LLC to Brian Wong and Eileen Huang for $287,650.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 50 Dunn Lane, Bayview Loan Servicing LLC to Jonathan Santiago for $99,000.

-- 188 Lee Ave., Mary D. Davenport by attorney to Carl Perry for $142,000.

-- 129 Michigan Road, Infinity Real Estate Investments LLC to Lin Chen and Jiaren Wang for $58,000.

PILESGROVE TWP.

-- 1057 Kings Hwy., Michael S. Ridgway to Robert L. and Lorraine Reeves for $138,000.

PITMAN

-- Crafton Avenue and Oak Crest Avenue, William B. and Dona Lee Milner to John and Denise Quisto for $60,000.

-- 620 W. Holly Ave., William J. Sadler and Debra D. Davis to Robert E. and Susan C. Keeny for $189,900.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 994 Gershal Ave., Denise Krwawecz to William Levin for $275,000.

QUINTON TWP.

-- 38 Howard Ave., Daniel W. Hoffman, executor, to David Wesley Hoffman for $130,000.

SALEM

-- 134 Thompson St., Michael Vecsey to Ravipra Kash V. Nanjundappa for $30,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 9 Lebanon Road, Matthew B. Regan to Casey M. and Ronald B. Biauce Jr. for $130,000.

-- 3 Eugene Court, Justin D. and Rachel K. Iacona to Jarret Brown Jr. for $252,000.

VINELAND

-- 1802 Weymouth Road, John F. Lieske to Jaqueline Lemoine for $127,700.

-- 1964 E. Oak Road, Housing and Urban Development to Anthony Houser for $40,000.

-- 723 S. West Ave., Housing and Urban Development to Pablo Bautista Alavez for $58,000.

-- 3211 Deerberry Court, Joseph and Lara Bassetti to Soner and Zeynep Kaplan for $171,000.

-- 1187 Pixwhey Court, Bradely C. and Danielle Weir to Saneeta Nichole Hunt for $210,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 29 Ptolemy Court, Mark and Jennifer Grasso to Ali Issa for $70,000.

-- 69 Mariner Dr., Alexandra and Scott D. Seibert to Shawn P. Murray and Jami L. Harned for $215,000.

WENONAH

-- 200 E. Pine St., Gary and Susan Christensen to Angela D. Schauble and Mark Bourgeois for $180,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 721 Lynn Ave., Fannie Mae to W. Scott and Jane E. VanZandt for $72,500.

-- 55 Pleasant Valley Dr., Cheryl A. Brown, administrator, to Robert Metz for $145,000.

-- 637 Delaware St., Curt G. and Marie F. Mitchell to Donnamarie Graves for $257,000.

-- 271 N. Middlesex Court, Vincent and Jacqueline Vespe to Steven W. and Jessica Way for $215,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 21 Bowen Ave., Matthew Pirollo to Frank and Rachelle M. Hearst for $102,500.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

The awardees exemplify the characteristics of Dr. Martin Luther Klng Jr.

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration the life and legacy of King was celebrated and many community leaders were honored, as well as students, who exemplify the characteristics of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration was held on Jan. 16 at the Vineland High School North.

The  keynote speaker was Yves Salomon-Fernandez, Ph.D; president of Cumberland County College in Vineland. Other invited quest included: Celeste Reilly, Cumberland County clerk; Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci, Cumberland County Board of Freeholders and other state and county officials presented certificates and proclamations to the honorees.

The event was co-sponsored by the Vineland African American Community Development Corporation.

This year's honorees included:

• First Responder of the Year Award  -- Keristan Lowe 
• Healthcare Professional of the Year Award -- Daniel D. Phillips 
• Coach of the Year Award -- Elliott DeShields, Gerald Dunn (Posthumously) and Carl File (Posthumously) 
• Entertainer of the Year Award -- The Legendary Cisrow Family Singers, Nathaniel Offer (D2R), and Lance Sherrer 
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award -- Paul M. Padgett and Eugene Watson 
• Future Leader of the Year Award -- Tori Brown, Emily Munoz, Dejah White, Tyler Douglas, Trinity Jagdeo, and Curtis Thomas 
• King Scholar of the Year Award -- Lennasia Ross, Daquan Cosby and Tyrek Brown 
• Educator of the Year Award -- Vera Hexstall and Melissa Coursey (presentation of the award by Charles Valentine, Ed.D.) 
• Community Activist of the Year Award -- Virginia Dean, Yvonne L. Hart,  LaVena Scafe, Monique Petway, and Ernie Marcacci 
• Rosa Parks Award -- Julia Burrus-Marrow 
• Coretta Scott King Award -- Evangelist Linda Buckmon

This item submitted by Gayle Hart for Vineland African American Community Development.

Ernest M. Pierce stabbed a woman in Salem and then fled the city in a stolen car. He was captured in Bridgeton.

SALEM --  A man who attacked a woman and then stole a car to make his getaway will spend more than a decade in state prison, prison authorities say.

Ernest M. Pierce has been sent to prison for stabbing a Salem woman, officials say. (Salem County Correctional Facility) 

Ernest M. Pierce, 31, of Bridgeton attacked a woman, stabbing her in her head and neck, at Harvest Point Apartments in Salem on Jan.17, 2016.  

Pierce was captured later that day after he sought treatment at a Bridgeton hospital for wounds he received in the attack. He had fled from Salem back to Cumberland County in a vehicle he had stolen, police said at the time.

At a jury trial in Superior Court in Salem, Pierce was found guilty on Oct. 26 of aggravated assault and carjacking, according to the Salem County Prosecutor's Office.

He was found not guilty on a charge of attempted murder.

Superior Court Judge Benjamin Telsey this month sentenced Pierce to 20 years in state prison and three years of probation for carjacking, according to court records. Telsey also sentenced Pierce to nine years in prison and three years of probation for aggravated assault.

Both sentences are subject to the No Early Release Act meaning Pierce must serve 85 percent of the time before becoming eligible for parole.

Pierce's sentences will run concurrently.

The court also ordered that he make restitution of $5,050 to the victim.

Authorities believe a domestic dispute between the victim and Pierce set off the attack.