Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Raymond S. Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor

With over 50 Assistant Prosecutors and more than 80 Detectives, the Prosecutor's Office is the largest law firm in Monmouth County and one of the largest police departments. Together with a support staff of secretaries, paralegals and law clerks, we prosecute thousands of juvenile and adult criminal cases every year. The historical roots of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office are intimately ti

ed to the history of the County as one of the original four counties which comprised New Jersey in 1682.

As the Days of Awe begin this weekend, all of us at MCPO would like to wish a Shanah Tovah to all of our Jewish friends,...
09/12/2026

As the Days of Awe begin this weekend, all of us at MCPO would like to wish a Shanah Tovah to all of our Jewish friends, family, and colleagues who observe Rosh Hashanah.

Twenty-five years ago today, a breathtakingly beautiful dawn broke, giving way to a pitch-perfect late-summer morning. M...
09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, a breathtakingly beautiful dawn broke, giving way to a pitch-perfect late-summer morning.

Mere hours later, two of the most recognizable buildings in the world were gone, the seat of American military might was cut wide open, and a smoldering gash in the Pennsylvania countryside bore testament to a group of strangers' courage that undoubtedly prevented yet another deep wound to the nation's collective consciousness.

A total of 147 residents of Monmouth County were among the approximately 3,000 people lost, leaving chairs at tables in more than 100 countries suddenly empty.

Leadership from the Prosecutor's Office were honored to join local elected officials, members of law enforcement, public servants, victims' families, survivors, and individuals from all walks of life who still recall that morning like it was yesterday, at the annual Monmouth County September 11th Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill in Atlantic Highlands.

Then, now, and always, may the happy memories of those lost serve to soften the lingering sting of their absence.

MCPO First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Deputy Chief Richard Chapman were pleased to take part in the fifth ann...
09/10/2026

MCPO First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Deputy Chief Richard Chapman were pleased to take part in the fifth annual Patriot Night "Where the Cedars Meet the Sea" earlier today, as the Sea Girt Borough motto goes – it’s the annual event where members of the Sea Girt Police Department and their fellow municipal organizations comprised of first responders get together at The Plaza for an afternoon and evening of food, fun, and mingling.

We offer our sincere thanks to Chief Macko for his hospitality, and our congratulations to him and all of the organizers and supporters for Patriot Night becoming an occasion to circle on the calendar each year.

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Marlboro Man Admits Responsibility for 2024 New Year's Day Homicide FREEHOLD – A Marlboro resident ...
09/10/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Marlboro Man Admits Responsibility for 2024 New Year's Day Homicide

FREEHOLD – A Marlboro resident has admitted to killing a man in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2024.

During a hearing taking place yesterday before Monmouth County Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc C. Lemieux, 41-year-old Carl A. Richards pleaded guilty to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter.

Shortly after 12:45 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, members of the Marlboro Township Police Department responded to a residence on Texas Road in the Morganville section of the Township for an urgent request for medical attention for a male who had been assaulted there. Upon their arrival, the victim, identified as George L. Mott III, 64, was found unresponsive, with severe trauma to his head, face, and neck. Mott was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased about an hour later.

An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that Richards attacked the victim and repeatedly physically assaulted him, ultimately causing his death. It was learned that both Mott and Richards resided at the home where the attack took place, and the investigation further determined that Mott was a long-term partner to Richards’s mother. After his arrest, Richards was detained in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI); an indictment in the case was returned in March 2024.

Sentencing in the case has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at which time the State intends to seek a term of 30 years in state prison, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), which mandates that 85 percent of a sentence be served before the possibility of parole.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau.

Carl A. Richards is represented by Edwin Wu, Esq., with an office in Freehold.

"A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil." -President Gro...
09/07/2026

"A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil." -President Grover Cleveland
..for more than 130 years since President Cleveland signed a bill into law declaring Labor Day a federal holiday, we have marked the first Monday in September with this notion in mind, recognizing the immense degree of work of all kinds that have gone into quite literally building a nation.

From all of us at MCPO to all of you, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day.

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Colts Neck Police Sergeant Charged with Theft Related to Failure to Perform Duties FREEHOLD – A Col...
09/03/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Colts Neck Police Sergeant Charged with Theft Related to Failure to Perform Duties

FREEHOLD – A Colts Neck Police Department Sergeant has been charged with theft in connection with instances of failing to leave his home or respond to calls for service while he was supposed to be on duty, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.

Daniel J. Mazzucola, 40, is charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking.

An investigation led by members of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit revealed that on multiple instances from December 2025 into May 2026, Mazzucola spent significant portions of his assigned on-duty time, including overtime shifts, at his Township home, rather than on patrol or providing police services to the people of Colts Neck. On two specific occasions, the investigation found, he falsely claimed in a law enforcement database entry that he had responded to calls, despite never leaving his residence.

The total value of the theft of salary related to these instances amounted to approximately $16,500.

Mazzucola turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, September 1 and was released on a summons, pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit. Mazzucola is being represented by Tara Walsh, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Ex-Officer Sentenced for Lying About Criminal Past in Seeking Police Employment FREEHOLD – A former...
09/03/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Ex-Officer Sentenced for Lying About Criminal Past in Seeking Police Employment

FREEHOLD – A former Neptune Township Police Department Officer has been sentenced for lying about his criminal history and termination from a prior job in law enforcement while seeking and obtaining police employment in New Jersey, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.

During a hearing held last Friday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley, 39-year-old Briant K. Nixon was ordered to serve two years of probation, having earlier relinquished his position as a police officer and permanently forfeited his right to public office anywhere in New Jersey.

An investigation led by members of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit (PRU) revealed that Nixon had been employed as a police officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) from 2012 into 2017, when he was terminated for violating various departmental rules and regulations in connection with a 2015 arrest for domestic violence and for violating a restraining order.

During a June 2026 plea hearing, Nixon said that in May 2023, he filled out an application for employment with the Neptune Township Police Department in which he failed to disclose his prior DV arrest, that he had previously worked for the NYPD, or that he was terminated. He also acknowledged that he knowingly made a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation in connection with the application.

Nixon also said during the hearing that he falsely denied having prior DV arrests while filling out his Police Training Commission (PTC) License Renewal Application in March 2025.

Nixon was served the initial charges against him last August via summonses. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to fourth-degree False Swearing and fourth-degree Unsworn Falsification to Authorities.

“When a police officer violates their oath and intentionally lies, removal from office is a just result. I commend the investigation by our PRU, in collaboration with the Neptune Township Police Department, in upholding the integrity of sworn law enforcement to what it should be,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “This was not a simple omission; it was intentional deception and has no place with law enforcement professionals.”

“The actions of one individual does not reflect the professionalism, integrity and dedication of the men and women of the Neptune Township Police Department, who continue to serve our community every day,” Neptune Township Police Chief Anthony Gualario added. “We remain committed to maintaining the public’s trust and holding all members of the department to the highest standard of conduct.”

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Manasquan Woman Charged in Connection with Wall Twp. Fatal MVC FREEHOLD – A local woman has been ar...
09/02/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Manasquan Woman Charged in Connection with Wall Twp. Fatal MVC

FREEHOLD – A local woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a three-vehicle collision that left one person dead and another injured earlier this year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran jointly announced Wednesday.

Tamra G. Lawlor, 23, is charged with second-degree Vehicular Homicide and fourth-degree Assault by Auto, having previously also been charged with the traffic offenses of Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Failure to Observe Traffic Control Devices, and Possession of Open Unsealed Ma*****na in a Motor Vehicle.

Shortly after 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to the intersection of State Highway 70 and Morningstar Road to find the three vehicles involved in the collision: a Subaru Crosstrek operated by Lawlor, a Toyota Camry operated by 58-year-old Eileen Ziesmer of Brick (Ocean County), and a Nissan Armada operated by a 51-year-old female resident of Brick.

Ziesmer was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. Lawlor and the third driver were also taken to local medical facilities for non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation involving members of the Wall Township Police Department, MCPO Fatal Accident Unit, and Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART) resulted in a determination that Lawlor was operating her vehicle under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time she ran a red light and caused the collision.

Lawlor was charged earlier this week and surrendered to law enforcement yesterday, Tuesday, September 1. She was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending an upcoming appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau. Lawlor is being represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Freehold Boro Man Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Child FREEHOLD – A Freehold Borough man has been...
09/01/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Freehold Boro Man Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Child

FREEHOLD – A Freehold Borough man has been convicted of committing s*xual crimes against a juvenile at various points across more than 10 years, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.

Following a weeklong trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn, late last week 43-year-old Raul Hernandez-Teles was found guilty by a jury of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, second- and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact.

An investigation initiated by the Freehold Borough Police Department revealed that Hernandez-Teles had committed the offenses at various times, often on several occasions weekly, starting in 2008 and lasting for more than a decade, from the time the victim was 4 until she was 15.

Hernandez-Teles was arrested in November 2024 and indicted by a Monmouth County Grand Jury in February 2025. The trial began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and following several hours of jury deliberations spread across two days, he was convicted on all counts.

This case has been prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Mielke of the Special Victims Bureau. Hernandez-Teles was represented by Matthew Mordas, Esq., with an office in Freehold.
Sentencing in the case has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 3, at which time Hernandez-Teles will face a lengthy state prison term, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA) on the two most serious counts, as well as registration as a s*x offender under Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Former Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Crimes Against StudentFREEHOLD – A former Freehold ...
08/31/2026

MCPO NEWS RELEASE -- Former Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Crimes Against Student

FREEHOLD – A former Freehold Intermediate School teacher has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison for committing s*xual crimes against a teenage student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.

During a hearing held Friday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley, 45-year-old Allison Havemann-Niedrach of Jackson Township (Ocean County) was also ordered to serve a minimum of 85 percent of the term before the possibility of parole, in accordance with New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).

An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Freehold Borough Police Department revealed that the criminal conduct by Havemann-Niedrach began in January 2024 and continued for approximately six months, prior to her arrest in June 2024; the conduct involved near-constant contact with her victim via many thousands of text messages. A Monmouth County Grand Jury then returned an indictment in the case in March 2025.

In January 2026, Havemann-Niedrach pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. Her sentence also included permanent forfeiture of public office, surrender of her teacher’s license, Parole Supervision for Life, and registration as a s*x offender under Megan’s Law.

“We place such an immense degree of faith on our educators to always act in the best interests of their students, and it is difficult to conceive of a violation of that faith any more egregious than this,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “One of the most foundational and fundamental components of our service to the public is consistently ensuring that s*xual predators of children are held fully accountable for their crimes.”

This case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Director of the Special Victims Bureau. Havemann-Niedrach was represented by Matthew Mordas, Esq., with an office in Freehold.

Address

132 Jerseyville Avenue
Freehold, NJ
07728

Telephone

+17324317160

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