Crime

A former district school bus monitor faces up to 10 years in state prison following her January 13 conviction in connection with the 2023 strangling death in a bus of a special needs student. Amanda Davila, 28, of New Brunswick was convicted of 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child after a week-long trial in New Brunswick Superior Court.

Four members of the Franklin Township Police Department command staff in a December 23 ceremony in the Township Council chamber. Those promoted were:

A 52-year-old former district paraprofessional and middle school wrestling coach was arrested December 17 on charges of possessing child pornography. A search of electronic devices owned by the man, Nicholas Cringoli of Raritan, allegedly revealed “numerous images depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child,” according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

11/01/24 A Somerset resident was the victim of identity theft. The victim applied for employment with Uber and was denied the employment due to his information already being used. The victim believes someone stole his identity and opened a fraudulent account under his name. The suspect(s) is unknown.

Screenshot A Franklin Township police officer sustained injuries to her face on December 10 after she lost control of the department SUV she was driving on Weston Road and crashed into a tree and utility pole, according to police. The crash investigation report, obtained by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate through an Open Public Records request, shows that the officer …

The Franklin Township Police Department is collecting new toys and gently used or new clothing for those in need, now through December 14. The items can be dropped off at the FTPD Community Relations Bureau, 935 Hamilton Street, or at police headquarters, 495 DeMott Lane.

A 20-year-old Somerset man was one of seven people recently charged with operating an online drug supermarket available exclusively to Rutgers University students. Dubbed “Operation RU Pharm,” the months long investigation involved a number of law enforcement agencies, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Stage 3 fire restrictions have been lifted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, but authorities urge caution. Drought conditions persist, so safety tips should be followed, according to a press release from Franklin Township.

Gerald Chapman. (Photo Som. Co. Pros. Off.) A Highland Park man was sentenced recently to five years in state prison for a 2023 road rage incident in which he fired a gun at another driver on Easton Avenue. Gerald S. Chapman, 41, was sentenced on November 15. He faced 10 years in prison.

10/01/2024 A business located on Somerset St. was the victim of a theft during the morning hours in the area of Dayton Ave. An employee left his work vehicle running outside of his residence. The unknown suspect(s) stole the running vehicle valued at $12,000.00. The vehicle was later recovered in an outside jurisdiction. The suspect(s) is unknown.