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In a move to protect consumers, the New Jersey attorney general and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs have taken decisive action against a realty company and its principals. The company is accused of violating the state’s Consumer Fraud Act by engaging in deceptive practices related to its “Homeowner Benefit Program” (HBP). Simultaneously, the New Jersey Real Estate Commission in the Department of Banking and Insurance has issued an order to show cause, targeting the company’s real estate licenses and specific individuals associated with the alleged misconduct.

The complaint lodged against the defendants reveals that the HBP was marketed to consumers as a low-risk opportunity to receive upfront cash ranging from $300 to $5000. In exchange, the defendants would act as the consumers’ real estate agents if they decided to sell their homes in the future. Importantly, the program was not presented as a loan, and consumers were assured that they had no obligation to repay the defendants or sell their homes later on. However, the complaint contends that the HBP effectively functions as a high-interest mortgage loan. It grants the defendants the right to list the property for a staggering 40 years, even extending beyond the homeowner’s death. Furthermore, the HBP imposes hefty early termination fees on homeowners. The complaint further alleges that the defendants failed to disclose the true nature of the program and neglected to provide upfront information about its terms.

In addition to these troubling allegations, the defendants are also accused of engaging in unsolicited telemarketing practices. Despite lacking the necessary license as telemarketers in New Jersey, the defendants allegedly made unsolicited phone calls to consumers in order to promote the HBP.

The complaint seeks a court order that would compel the defendants to release all liens against homeowners, provide restitution and disgorgement, and pay civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

Simultaneously, the order to show cause issued by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission addresses violations of the state’s Real Estate License Act. The defendants are required to justify why their real estate licenses should not be suspended or revoked and why fines or other sanctions, including restitution, should not be imposed. To comply with this order, the defendants have agreed to halt any further attempts to engage New Jersey consumers in the HBP agreement until the matter is resolved.

This legal action underscores New Jersey’s commitment to safeguarding consumers and holding businesses accountable for deceptive practices. The state authorities are dedicated to ensuring transparency and fairness in the real estate market, sending a clear message that misleading and predatory tactics will not be tolerated.

SAYREVILLE, NJ – In a significant development, authorities announced on Tuesday that an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone addressed the media during a press conference, revealing that Rashid Ali Bynum, a 28-year-old resident of Portsmouth, Virginia, was apprehended by the police.

Bynum was taken into custody without incident in Chesapeake City, Virginia, and is now awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Ciccone detailed the charges against him, stating that he is facing first-degree murder charges, as well as second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.

The tragic incident occurred on the evening of February 1 when Dwumfour, a respected councilwoman from Sayreville, was shot to death while seated in her car. Law enforcement authorities responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire, discovering the lifeless body of the 30-year-old councilwoman with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

During the investigation, witnesses provided crucial information that helped track down the suspect. According to Ciccone, one witness reported observing a suspicious white Hyundai Elantra with Virginia license plates in the vicinity. Using E-ZPass logs and license plate trackers, investigators were able to trace the movements of a white Hyundai Elantra traveling between Virginia and New Jersey.

Another witness described seeing a thin Black male with braids, approximately 5’10” in height, in the area where the murder took place. Surveillance footage also captured an individual matching these characteristics near the scene of the crime, further bolstering the case against Bynum.

Law enforcement authorities were able to establish a connection between Bynum and the victim through various pieces of evidence. A cellphone registered to Bynum was tracked traveling from Virginia to New Jersey and then back to Virginia after the shooting. Additionally, investigators discovered that Dwumfour had saved Bynum’s contact information as “FCF” in her phone. Ciccone revealed that “FCF” stood for Fire Congress Fellowship church, which was linked to the Champions Royal Assembly, a church that Dwumfour attended. However, no further details were provided regarding the connection between these religious institutions.

Further examination of records revealed that Bynum had conducted online searches about the Champions Royal Assembly and the Sayreville area on the day of the murder. Additionally, in the days leading up to the crime, Bynum had searched for magazines compatible with a specific handgun, according to Ciccone.

During the press conference, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin expressed his condolences to Dwumfour’s grieving family, assuring them that law enforcement had spared no effort in the investigation. He praised their extraordinary work and the exhaustive pursuit of justice in this tragic homicide case.

The arrest of Rashid Ali Bynum offers hope that justice will be served in the untimely death of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, providing some solace to her family and the community mourning her loss.

GLEN ROCK, NJ – From evading sales tax to engaging in criminal activities under the guise of anonymity, the demand for fraudulent license plates has given rise to an illicit market. Local authorities are taking notice and cracking down on this disturbing trend.

On June 6, 2023, at 11:34 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a citizen’s report regarding the sale of fraudulent temporary New Jersey vehicle registrations in the parking lot of 175 Rock Road. The transaction had been advertised on Facebook, according to police sources.

Following an immediate on-scene investigation, the police took Keith Miller, a 40-year-old resident of Iselin, NJ, into custody. Miller was charged with the offense of Unlawfully Selling Fraudulent Documents, as he was found in possession of six counterfeit temporary registrations.

Subsequently, Miller was transported to the police headquarters, where he underwent processing. He was later released on his own recognizance, pending an appearance before Central Judicial Processing at the Superior Court in Hackensack.

Chief Dean Ackermann of the Glen Rock Police Department shed light on the broader issue at hand, highlighting the department’s ongoing investigation into the escalating cases of temporary license plate abuse throughout New Jersey. “Drivers resort to using counterfeit and deceptive temporary tags for various reasons,” Chief Ackermann explained. “These range from driving without proper car insurance, evading sales tax on vehicle purchases, and avoiding payment of tolls and tickets. Additionally, individuals with nefarious intentions utilize fraudulent temporary tags to perpetrate more serious crimes, as these tags allow them to operate vehicles without the plates being connected to their true identity and address. Incidents involving counterfeit temporary tags have been linked to robberies, shootings, and hit-and-run incidents.”

The Glen Rock Police Department is working diligently to combat this growing concern and ensure the safety and integrity of the community. Through proactive investigations and enforcement, they aim to curb the illegal practices surrounding fraudulent license plates and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

As authorities maintain vigilance and continue their efforts, it is crucial for residents and motorists to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice.

NEW JERSEY – Law enforcement agencies in Maplewood, Scotch Plains, and Union are intensifying their efforts to solve a series of brazen burglaries that have targeted jewelry stores throughout the state. In just the past two weekends, approximately a dozen establishments fell victim to these smash-and-grab robberies, with the most recent incident occurring early Monday morning.

Authorities were alerted to the burglary at Union Jewelers Exchange on Route 22 in Union when an alarm company reported multiple motion activations at approximately 3:58 a.m. Surveillance footage captured the thieves forcefully entering the store through the front door, wielding a tire iron and a sledgehammer. In a swift and calculated operation, they made off with a substantial amount of jewelry, valued at thousands of dollars.

Responding officers spotted a white Jeep Cherokee exiting the parking lot. A pursuit was initiated, but the vehicle managed to evade capture. Union Police Department Chief Scott Breslow revealed that officers were in close proximity to the scene and arrived within minutes, but the suspects’ swift escape hindered apprehension. “Then (they) chased the Jeep to Newark and then followed up on the license plate number, went to the house of a person whose license plate was missing,” Chief Breslow explained. The only evidence left behind by the robbers was a trail of gold scattered throughout the parking lot, indicating that they were dividing the spoils of their criminal activities.

Approximately 16 minutes later, at approximately 4:14 a.m., another jewelry store burglary took place at Trimarco Jewelers in Maplewood. Police responded to an alarm activation and discovered that the front door windows had been damaged. An undisclosed amount of gold jewelry was stolen during the incident.

Deputy Chief Scott Breslow of the Union Police Department revealed that these recent incidents are part of a larger pattern of similar robberies. Since June 2nd, a dozen jewelry stores across various locations, including Linden, Woodbridge, Middletown, Eatontown, Green Brook, Hainesport, Robbinsville, Long Branch, and Westfield, have been targeted in similar fashion. In each case, multiple suspects, often operating during the nighttime hours, employ a Jeep as their getaway vehicle.

Chief Breslow suspects that the Jeep captured in the surveillance footage was stolen, along with the license plate, further complicating the investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to gather additional information and apprehend the culprits responsible for these brazen robberies.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities coordinate their efforts and analyze the evidence at hand in hopes of bringing an end to this wave of jewelry store burglaries that has left local business owners on high alert.

NORTH WILDWOOD, New Jersey – The North Wildwood Police Department is reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying two individuals connected to an ongoing burglary investigation.

According to officers, the burglary occurred in the Anglesea section of North Wildwood between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on June 4. Authorities are now seeking information regarding the identities of the suspects believed to be involved.

Authorities reported that the burglary took place in the Anglesea section of North Wildwood during the early hours of June 4, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. In an effort to advance the investigation, the police are seeking any information regarding the identities of the suspected individuals involved in the incident.

The alleged burglars were observed driving a white Pontiac G6 with New Jersey license plates. However, specific details regarding the stolen items have not been disclosed by the police at this time.

The alleged perpetrators were reportedly spotted driving a white Pontiac G6 bearing New Jersey license plates. However, specific details regarding the stolen items have not been disclosed by the police at this time.

If anyone has any information regarding the identities or whereabouts of these suspects, the North Wildwood Police Department urges them to contact their office at 609-522-2411.

New Jersey’s economy heavily relies on the strength of its small businesses. According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, these enterprises make up 99.6% of businesses in the state and employ 49.2% of the workforce. However, a recent report from the Garden State Initiative titled “New Jersey’s Red Tape & Fees are Hurting Small Businesses” reveals concerning indicators for the future of small businesses in our state, largely due to burdensome government taxes, regulations, and fees. Fortunately, there are practical policy reforms that can reinvigorate small businesses and drive economic growth.

While it is widely known that New Jersey has had one of the least favorable business tax climates in the country for years, independent studies have ranked the Garden State as the second worst state for entrepreneurship and the fourth worst state to start a business.

These rankings have tangible consequences, as reflected in census data. While there has been a significant increase in business applications since the pre-pandemic era, indicating a desire to start businesses in our state, the formation of new businesses, as measured by the Census, is declining. This suggests that while people are interested in establishing new businesses, the process of becoming a business in New Jersey is becoming increasingly challenging.

Several factors contribute to hindering small business development in our state:

First, the cost of registering and maintaining a small business or LLC is comparatively high when compared to neighboring states. Registering a business in New Jersey is more expensive than in New York and Pennsylvania, our immediate neighbors. While Delaware has higher registration fees, it offers savings for businesses by not imposing state or local sales tax. Therefore, small businesses conducting numerous sales may find the higher Delaware registration fee more cost-effective than paying sales tax.

Second, New Jersey faces a labor shortage due to unnecessary job mandates. Small businesses account for 85% of all hiring, serving as an entry point for many individuals entering the workforce. However, the shortage of available workers poses a challenge for aspiring entrepreneurs. In our current low-unemployment environment, reducing red tape can help reintegrate unemployed individuals into the workforce.

Third, certain laws, such as occupational licensing laws, create barriers to job creation. The Institute for Justice reports that licensed occupations in New Jersey result in a loss of 422 calendar days each year due to regulatory burdens. For instance, security alarm installers in New Jersey face one of the highest burdens in the nation, requiring 1,460 hours of education and four years of experience. In contrast, New York mandates only 81 hours and no experience, while Delaware requires simple registration and Pennsylvania does not necessitate a license for these services. Similar challenges exist in lengthy licensing processes for locksmiths.

Fourth, recent legislation has not adequately supported small-business entrepreneurs. Despite the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Senate passing a bill to establish a permanent commission that would review regulations and rules hampering economic growth, Governor Phil Murphy vetoed it in 2021. Reevaluating burdensome and anti-growth regulations could alleviate the challenges faced by small businesses in our state.

While our elected officials have introduced a new small business manual proposal in Trenton to address common queries regarding permits and other concerns, they have yet to effectively tackle the pressing issues entrepreneurs face.

Danielle Zanzalari, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Economics at Seton Hall University and a contributor to the Garden State Initiative. Eileen Kean is the New Jersey State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – A lawyer who operated a practice in Middletown has been criminally charged with engaging in the unauthorized practice of law in Monmouth County. Allen Yusufov, a 37-year-old resident of Monroe Township, faces multiple counts of unauthorized practice of law and one count of uttering a forged instrument.

Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso announced the charges on May 25. The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office had been investigating Yusufov since January. They allege that he provided legal services related to four real estate transactions that occurred between August 2020 and September 2022. Yusufov operated out of offices on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan and Newman Springs Road in Middletown, with the latter location having a Red Bank mailing address.

The transactions in question involved properties on Randall Drive in Manalapan, Devon Place in Marlboro, McKinley Drive in Ocean Township, and Woodruff Place in Hillside (Union County).

Upon examining records, authorities discovered that Yusufov did not possess a valid New Jersey law license during the time he provided legal services. Furthermore, he possessed a forged document containing grammatical errors that falsely indicated his “good standing” to practice law.

It should be noted that Yusufov is licensed to practice law in the state of New York.

Yusufov was arrested without incident and has since been released, awaiting his first court appearance.

Individuals with information regarding Yusufov’s activities are encouraged to contact MCPO Detective Robert Afanasewicz at the toll-free number 1-800-533-7443. Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, the Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit, has been assigned to the case.

NEW YORK – Lawyers representing a New Jersey doctor convicted of sexually abusing patients have raised concerns about threats and extortion their client has been facing while awaiting sentencing at a federal jail in Brooklyn. The lawyers are requesting a three-year prison term, significantly less than the potential decades-long sentence he could receive.

Robert Hadden, a 64-year-old gynecologist from Englewood, New Jersey, has allegedly become a target for violence due to a mistaken belief among inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center that he is a child molester. In a presentence submission filed in Manhattan federal court, his attorneys stated that Hadden has been subjected to threats, forced to surrender his personal belongings, and lives in constant fear.

According to the lawyers, Hadden has experienced significant physical and emotional distress since his trial. He spends most of his time in his cell, avoiding interactions, and suffers from trembling hands, rashes, and a substantial weight loss of 35 pounds.

In an effort to cope with the challenging jail conditions, Hadden has turned to religious activities and has been tutoring other inmates, the lawyers noted.

Hadden was convicted in January following a two-week trial during which nine former patients testified against him, recounting instances of sexual abuse during medical examinations. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24, with victims given an opportunity to make statements on June 28.

The federal charges against Hadden, which involve enticing victims to cross state lines for sexual abuse, carry a potential sentence of multiple decades in prison. In 2016, he pleaded guilty in state court to charges related to a smaller number of victims. While the plea deal resulted in the surrender of his medical license, it did not entail any jail time.

Hadden previously worked at renowned Manhattan hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, before his career came to an end due to complaints about his misconduct. The hospitals have agreed to pay over $236 million in civil settlements to more than 200 former patients.

During the trial, Hadden’s defense did not dispute the allegations of patient molestation but argued that the federal charges were inappropriate as the state court plea deal had already addressed those crimes. The Bureau of Prisons and federal prosecutors have not yet provided comment on the matter.

Newark, NJ – As the Juneteenth holiday approaches in 2023, Newark residents have a variety of events and activities to participate in throughout the week to commemorate this significant occasion. Juneteenth, which is derived from June 19, marks the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. In 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation declaring Juneteenth a state and public holiday. Here are some of the highlights of what’s happening in Newark this year.

Closures and Services: On Monday, June 19, City Hall will be closed, and most non-emergency municipal services in Newark will be suspended in observance of the holiday. However, police, fire, and other uniformed emergency services will continue as usual. Trash and recycling services will operate as scheduled, with residents advised to place their bins out on the evening of Sunday, June 18. Services such as health clinic, inspection services, transportation for seniors, and the Bureau of Vital Statistics will not be available on the holiday. The Municipal Court will also be closed, although a judge will be available for bail hearings. Residents can make online payments for parking and traffic tickets through the website www.njmcdirect.com.

Juneteenth Festival: A Juneteenth festival will take place in Newark’s South Ward on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will be located on Bergen Street between Lyons Avenue and Hawthorne Place. Attendees can expect a vibrant celebration featuring vendors, food, live DJs, amusement activities, performances, carnival rides, and a dedicated health and wellness zone. Councilman Patrick Council of the South Ward highlights the historical significance of Juneteenth, symbolizing the liberation of African American people from slavery in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. The festival will also include a traditional libation ceremony to honor ancestors conducted by Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele, a respected history and Africana studies teacher at Weequahic High School.

Reparations March and Rally: A Juneteenth march and rally advocating for reparations will be held on Monday, June 19, starting at 2 p.m. The event will commence at the Lincoln Statue, located at 12 Springfield Avenue in Newark, at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and West Market Street. The rally will feature prominent speakers, including activists, elected officials, and representatives from labor, clergy, and the community. Supported by various organizations such as the People’s Organization For Progress and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, this demonstration aims to demand reparations for African Americans who have endured centuries of enslavement, apartheid, segregation, and ongoing systemic racism. The organizers urge the New Jersey State Legislature to pass the reparations commission bills and call for the establishment of a federal reparations commission by Congress.

Expungement Clinic: Ayr Wellness and Blaze Responsibly, in collaboration with the City of Newark and the municipal council, will host a free community expungement clinic on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will take place at Good Neighbor Baptist Church, located at 100 Chancellor Avenue. Attendees will have the opportunity to consult with volunteer attorneys and learn about expungement, address any pending fines or open warrants, and receive support in obtaining identification documents. Additionally, the clinic will offer assistance to veterans, provide healthy meals, and focus on promoting a clean slate for individuals affected by the consequences of the failed War on Drugs.

These events and initiatives in Newark provide opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful activities that commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth while addressing issues such as reparations and social justice.

Sanibel Island, FL – Thomas F.X. Foley, a distinguished attorney, retired municipal court judge, and former mayor of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away on May 30, 2023, at the age of 78. Foley, who had been temporarily residing in Alexandria, VA after being displaced by Hurricane Ian, had an illustrious career serving several municipalities in and around Monmouth County, NJ.

Born on January 22, 1945, in New York, NY, Foley grew up in Douglas Manor, NY. Recognized for his natural athletic abilities from a young age, he achieved national recognition at the age of ten by breaking a record in butterfly swimming. During his high school years, Foley worked as a swim coach and lifeguard at the Sands Point (NY) Bath and Tennis Club, where he first crossed paths with Mary O’Callaghan and her family. In August 1970, Foley and Mary married, embarking on a lifelong journey together.

Foley graduated from Manhattan’s Xavier High School and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. At his graduation in 1966, he was honored with the Crusader of the Year award, the most prestigious student-athlete accolade presented by the Varsity Club of Holy Cross. He captained the swim team and participated in football and lacrosse.

In 1969, Foley earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Following his time as an attorney in Los Angeles, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps when drafted. Achieving the rank of Corporal, Foley served as a lawyer, football player, coach, and mentor to young marines and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA during the Vietnam War. He garnered their admiration and earned the nickname “The Reverend Dr. Thom” for his counseling efforts.

Upon his return to New Jersey after his military service, Foley joined his uncle Edward Bowes at Bowes, Milner in Newark. He later became the Executive Director and legal counsel for the NJ Motor Truck Association. In 1973, Foley established his own law practice in Colts Neck and, a few years later, co-founded the law partnership Foley, Shelly and Niemann in Holmdel, NJ.

Driven by his passion for politics, Foley immersed himself in local affairs and was elected to the Colts Neck Township Committee in 1979. In 1983, he assumed the role of mayor of Colts Neck.

Foley’s career as a municipal court judge began in 1985 when he was appointed in Colts Neck. He subsequently served as a judge in various municipalities in and around Monmouth County, including Freehold Township, Borough of Sea Bright, Hazlet Township, Marlboro Township, Old Bridge Township, and Middletown Township. He was admitted to the state bars of New Jersey and California, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Federal Circuit and District Courts. Additionally, Foley shared his expertise by teaching college courses at Rutgers University and Brookdale Community College. Even after retiring from municipal courts in 2014, he continued to serve as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.

Foley was an active member of St. Isabel Catholic Church in Sanibel and had previously been affiliated with St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish in Spring Lake and the Parish of St. Mary in Colts Neck. He held long-standing memberships at the Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club, the Sanctuary Golf Club on Sanibel, and the Captiva Island Yacht Club.

Throughout his life, Foley remained dedicated to athletics and achieved numerous accolades in swimming, triathlon, and USLA lifeguard competitions at local and national levels. Lifeguarding skills and training remained a passion that extended well into his professional career, as he continued to compete with and mentor lifeguards along the Jersey Shore for nearly five decades. His favorite sports included swimming, surfboarding, windsurfing, biking, running, and rowing.

Foley was a devoted husband and loving father, always making time for his children. He even coached while dressed in his suit, sometimes rushing straight from court, and made every effort to never miss a game or a swim meet.

Known for his strong moral compass, Foley approached his role as a jurist with integrity and a commitment to upholding the law impartially and fairly. He took great pride in his country and his service as a Marine, exemplifying a deep passion for serving his community, God, and his nation.

Foley was preceded in death by his father, John J. Foley, his mother, Mary Ida “May” (Gallagher) Foley, and his brother, Col. Peter K. Foley.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary, his daughter Myleen Foley Lankford and son-in-law L. Blaine Lankford of Alexandria, VA, his daughter Gretchen Foley Van Brackle and son-in-law Steven L. Van Brackle of Oakton, VA, his son Thomas F.X. Foley II and daughter-in-law Jean Burke Foley of Old Hickory, TN, as well as seven grandchildren: Meghan, Shannon, and Caitlyn Lankford; Heidi and Henry Van Brackle; and Ava and Mya Foley. Foley is also survived by his brother, John J. Foley Jr., and his sister, Mary “Mimi” Foley Downey.