Prostitution Ring Bust Includes Two From Asbury Park

test

A duo from Asbury Park are part of a group that have been indicted on suspicion of operating a prostitution and human trafficking ring.  A four month investigation into the family run operation out of Asbury Park and Trenton led to the discovery of one juvenile and two women who were held captive and subjected to multiple sexual assaults.  A total of eight people are facing numerous related charges.

The return of a vice principal after a reported transphobic incident last year, has sparked an outcry from residents and LGBTQ+ activists.  During Monday's Neptune school board meeting, residents voiced concerns about the safety of students after Mike Smurro’s reinstatement.  In 2021, Smurro was part of an incident during which he threw his beer at people videoing his wife’s transphobic comments at a Galloway Township restaurant. He issued an apology and was suspended without pay from the Neptune school district for a period of six months.

No damage is reported after earthquakes hit portions of north Jersey.  Two of them, first around 5:15 p.m. yesterday when a two-point-three magnitude event hit just west of Morris Plains.  The other at about 6:30.  Only lasting for about 30 seconds, geophysicist Jonathan Tytell told NBC-4 it was likely connected to the active Ramapo Fault line, which runs southwest to northeast through Morristown.

A New Jersey man was sentenced to six years in state prison for trafficking ghost guns into the Paterson area. Michael Maresca was arrested in 2020 after allegedly selling two ghost guns to an undercover officer, including one that was equipped with an illegal magazine. Five ghost guns and two assault rifles were also seized from Maresca. He previously pled guilty to related charges earlier this summer.

Six Flags says that El Toro has an issue with it’s sub-structure and needs repairs.  14 people were injured when it violently lurched forward at during disembarkment last week.  Expect that ride to be closed for a long time.