Brownsville CBP officers seize $156K in cocaine (2024)

FREEHOLD, NJ—A Neptune Township man, William A. Herndon, 41, was convicted of armed robbery at a local 7-Eleven, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

The incident occurred early morning on March 31 last year, when Neptune Township Police responded to an alarm at the convenience store on Route 35 South. The robbery involved Herndon brandishing a sawed-off shotgun and attempting to steal money from the cash register while a store employee was giving change to a customer.

Herndon was arrested on April 18, 2023, and has been held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution since. The evidence presented at trial included physical clues, witness accounts, and video footage, which notably showed Herndon modifying the shotgun used in the robbery.

The jury delivered a guilty verdict this Monday following the trial overseen by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua.

CUMBERLAND, MD—On Monday, a Cumberland Police Department officer pulled over a vehicle for multiple traffic violations. During the stop, the driver, alone in the car, failed to produce a driver's license and gave a name and birthdate.

The officer called for a Police K9 to sniff the vehicle.

The K9 signaled the presence of narcotics, leading to a vehicle search. It was then discovered that the driver's name was false, which she admitted after being told of the K9’s alert.

Further investigation revealed that the driver, Ashley Marie Decarlo, 37, had a bench warrant from the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Maryland. The search also uncovered drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle. Decarlo faced additional charges for cocaine possession, obstructing, making false statements, and driving with a suspended license. She was detained and taken to Allegany County Detention Center, where a detainer was placed for her existing warrant.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) has successfully apprehended Kenneth Pride Jr., a 56-year-old man, linking him to a series of burglaries across the city.

Detectives have pinpointed Pride as the primary suspect in three specific incidents: the first occurring on May 29 in the 100 block of S. Lynnhaven Rd., the second on May 6 in the 700 block of Independence Cir., and the third on March 15 in the 400 block of Viking Dr.

Pride faces 14 felony counts of entering a building at night with intent to commit larceny, three felony counts of possessing burglarious tools, one felony count of credit card larceny, one felony count of monument damage greater than $1000, and three misdemeanor counts of petit larceny.

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ – With temperatures forecasted to soar past 90 degrees this week, the Burlington County Office on Aging is distributing free 20-inch box fans to senior citizens at risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institutes of Health has identified seniors as particularly vulnerable during intense heat periods.

Seniors in need of a fan to help alleviate the risk of heat stress can contact the Office on Aging at 609-265-5069. The staff is ready to assist and ensure the safety and comfort of the elderly community during the hot summer months.

Furthermore, Burlington County Library System libraries across the county are available as cooling centers for all residents seeking relief from the heat.

MURRYSVILLE, PA—Murrysville Police have charged two individuals, Keirstin Trout and Michael Svilar, in connection with an attempted burglary and trespassing incident in the borough.

On May 30, police were alerted to a suspected burglary at a residence on Jackson Court. The homeowner reported damage to a basem*nt window and window on the basem*nt door, with the incident partially captured by the home's security system. The footage showed a man, later identified as Michael Svilar from Monroeville, attempting to enter through a side door and climbing scaffolding around the house.

Two days before this incident, a red SUV was seen outside the home, from which two females exited and approached the property. One of the women, identified as Keirstin Trout from Pitcairn, was recognized by the homeowner as 'Kiki'. Trout, seen in the video attempting to pry open a window with a garden stake, was later contacted by undercover officers through an online adult website where she was depicted. She was detained on several active arrest warrants.

Trout is charged with attempted burglary, criminal attempt, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief. Svilar was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday. The public's assistance was crucial in identifying Svilar from the surveillance video. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

RINGOES, NJ—Prosecutor Robeson and Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office members participated in the 9th annual Hunterdon County Community Day this past Saturday. The event, held at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, showcased local organizations, municipalities, and businesses, each providing valuable information and resources to the community.

The event's highlight was Operation Helping Hand, a grant-funded initiative through the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. This program emphasizes the role of law enforcement in aiding individuals with opioid addiction by connecting them to crucial services. These services include the assistance of a recovery coach who helps clients with everything from detox to reintegration into the community.