Freehold Teacher Drove 500 Miles To Surrender, Judge Denies Release
By Stephanie Faughnan
FREEHOLD – A Freehold Township High School
teacher drove more than 500 miles back to New Jersey and surrendered after learning police were investigating allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenage student. The decision to drive back weighed in Jesse L. Heubel’s favor, but it was not enough to persuade a judge to release him from jail.
Heubel, 37, an Englishtown resident and longtime coach, will remain detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution while facing nine second-degree charges arising from more than 30 alleged sexual encounters with the student.
Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux found that releasing Heubel could place the student,
the wife who reported him to police and Heubel himself at risk.
Assistant Prosecutor Sevan Biramian of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau described the accusations as a months-long pattern in which Heubel allegedly used his position as a teacher to gain the student’s trust and manipulate her.
“This wasn’t a one-time event,” Biramian said. “This was repetitive conduct that was long-term.”
Wife’s Discovery
According to evidence discussed during the July 22 detention hearing, Heubel’s wife found
(Teacher - See Page 2)
Local Pharmacist Turns To Community For A Miracle
By Stephanie Faughnan
JERSEY SHORE – For most of his career, Jay Greco has stood on the other side of the pharmacy counter, helping people understand their medications, manage illnesses and afford their care. Now, the 57-year-old Manahawkin resident and owner of Jersey Shore Pharmacy in Barnegat is the one waiting for help.
Asked what frightens him most about living with a failing liver, Greco’s voice
grew emotional as he answered: “Having an expiration date.”
Just weeks earlier, Greco said doctors gave him a stark assessment. Without a liver transplant, he could die within two to four years. The disease is already taking away pieces of the life he built around his family, including a 10-month-old grandchild and another grandbaby on the way. Greco is searching for a healthy adult willing
(Miracle - See Page 12)
Local Woman’s $65K Loss Highlights Growing Scam Threat
By Stephanie Faughnan
JERSEY SHORE – A Berkeley Township woman had already lost $25,000 after allowing someone posing as a Microsoft representative to access her computer. Three days later, the scammers called again.
This time, the caller claimed to be with Homeland Security and offered to help recover her money. She was instructed to withdraw $40,000 in cash, place it in a black box and meet an “agent” in the parking lot of Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River.
She followed the instructions and handed over the money. When the same person returned seeking another $19,000, Berkeley Township detectives and an investigator from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office were waiting. They arrested a man whom Mastronardy described as a Chinese national living in Mexico.
“He was putting money in a fund,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy.
“It was going to a Chinese gang.”
Mastronardy shared the case as consumer protection officials from across New Jersey compared the
frauds and questionable business practices they’ve encountered. Their accounts showed how quickly scams are evolving and why recovering money is often far more difficult than preventing losses.
“This is happening every day as we’re speaking here,” Mastronardy said. “There are people being victimized in our county, in our state.”
The discussion took place at the Toms River Yacht Club, where representatives from nine counties and state officials gathered for the annual summer meeting of the County and Municipal Consumer Agencies. Other attendees included Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Commissioner Samuel Ellenbogen and Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd. Ocean County Consumer Affairs Director Ronald Heinzman, who was recently re-elected president of the statewide association, hosted the meeting. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Senior Counsel Erin Whitty and State Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Jeremy Hollander were among those taking notes as
(Scam - See Page 6)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Jesse L. Heubel
Photo courtesy Greco family Jay Greco is seeking a living liver donor after doctors told him he could have just two to four years to live without a transplant.
Teacher:
Continued From Page 1
messages of a sexual nature involving her husband and a Freehold Township High School student on his cellphone. She confronted Heubel and recorded a conversation in which he allegedly admitted engaging in sexual acts with the student.
“He asked her not to go to the police,” Lemieux said. “Obviously, she went anyway.”
After learning police had been contacted, Heubel reached out to the student and warned her that authorities might come to her home. Defense attorney Tom Carver said there was no evidence Heubel did anything more than provide that warning.
“There is no indication or information to suggest that he tried to sway her to not cooperate, to lie or impede the investigation,” Carver said.
Biramian argued that the student could nevertheless remain vulnerable to Heubel’s influence if he were released. He cited the alleged months-long manipulation, repeated communications and what he characterized as Heubel’s continuing fixation on the student.
Heubel’s wife became one of the prosecution’s most important witnesses, complicating the defense proposal that he be released to the Englishtown home the couple shared.
“I can report to the court that he can go home to the marital residence in Englishtown,” said his attorney, Carver.
The suggestion appeared to catch the judge by surprise.
“She’s going to take him home?” Judge Lemieux asked.
“He’s allowed to go home, Judge,” Carver responded. “Whether the relationship remains intact or not, that I can’t indicate to the court.”
Carver clarified that Heubel’s wife was no longer staying there and that his client would return to an empty house. Lemieux remained troubled by the plan, saying the emotions surrounding the case could “get really ugly really fast” and potentially affect her safety and the investigation.
Allegations Began Inside School
As previously reported, investigators allege Heubel first kissed the student after school inside a classroom shortly after Thanksgiving 2025, when she was 16. The conduct allegedly escalated in February 2026 to sexual penetration inside the school’s drama classroom.
Authorities contend the sexual activity occurred more than 30 times through June at locations in Freehold Township, Red Bank, Englishtown and Manalapan. The student also told investigators that she repeatedly resisted during one encounter before Heubel allegedly forced himself upon her.
Heubel faces four counts of second-degree sexual assault involving a 16- or 17-year-old over whom he allegedly exercised supervisory or disciplinary authority, four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second-degree sexual assault by force or coercion.
Carver did not contest probable cause for purposes of the hearing, allowing the judge to find sufficient grounds for the charges to proceed without determining guilt.
Arguments For Release
Carver argued that Heubel’s decision to return from western Pennsylvania showed he was unlikely to flee or interfere with the case.
“He had the choice to turn west as opposed to east and drive away,” Carver said. “He didn’t harm himself. He didn’t harm anybody else. He didn’t flee.”
The court’s public safety assessment gave Heubel the lowest possible scores for failure to appear and risk of new criminal activity. It did not flag him as presenting a risk of new violent criminal activity, although it recommended against release because of the charges.
Carver said Heubel taught in Freehold Township for 11 years and coached football, wrestling and track during a coaching career spanning more than 20 years. He was also involved with the school’s drama and automobile clubs. The attorney said no other similar allegation was known to have been made against him.
During the hearing, a row of teenage boys sat in the rear of the courtroom, while a row of teenage girls sat closer to the front. Their connection to Heubel or the case was not identified in court.
Concern For Heubel’s Safety
Lemieux cited evidence indicating that Heubel had allegedly told the student he would take his own life if the conduct were discovered. The judge said exposure of the allegations and the possible loss of Heubel’s marriage, career and standing in the community created concern for his safety, as well as potential risks to his wife
and the student. Biramian added that authorities knew of firearms at the marital residence and at the Pennsylvania home of Heubel’s relatives. Carver countered that Heubel’s voluntary return undermined concerns that he would harm himself or anyone else. He suggested a mental health evaluation, which Lemieux said the defense could later submit as evidence of changed circumstances.
Judge’s Decision
In announcing his decision, Lemieux focused on the authority Heubel allegedly exercised over the student and the trust placed in him by families and school officials.
“He had the trust of many, many kids, many, many parents, many, many school officials,” Lemieux said. “Those same people were all manipulated by the defendant.”
Lemieux acknowledged that Heubel’s lack of a criminal history, low risk scores and voluntary return favored release. He also found little evidence of attempted obstruction, noting that Heubel did not tell the student to lie or refuse to cooperate.
The judge ultimately found those factors were outweighed by the seriousness and duration of the allegations and the potential risks to the student, Heubel’s wife and Heubel himself. He ruled that the state had demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions could reasonably address those concerns. Heubel is scheduled to return to court September 21 for a pre-indictment conference. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL
Political Parties Are A Pyramid Scheme
If you want to run for office, get in line. There are a lot of people ahead of you, and they all want their turn.
It goes a little something like this: You decide you want to help the community. You have some good ideas. People seem to like the things you say about topics. You’ve earned the respect of your immediate circle. You think it might be time to take it to the next step. But wait, first you have to pay your dues.
Before you get to call the shots, someone else has to tell you what to do. Before you practice any of your own ideas, you have to work on someone else’s.
So, you put in your time. You pound the pavement, knock on doors, and stuff envelopes for someone higher on the ladder than you.
“I’m helping,” you tell yourself, as you take another day away from your family to boost a politician you’ve never met.
The first elected position you might get is part of the county committee. Every voting district has two spots. If you get on there, then congratulations, you can then vote on who runs for board of education, council, and even the bigger spots. If you live in a tiny town with just a handful of districts, this might be a pretty big step. But if you live in a big town with dozens of districts, you’re not very special.
You’re one step higher on the
pyramid.
If you continue to toe the line, and vote for whoever the party bosses tell you to vote for, then maybe you’ll be rewarded with a spot on a volunteer committee for recreation or something – or maybe even a quasi-governmental board like the sewerage authority. Another step!
Then after a couple of years, if you keep paying your dues, schmooze, and choose the right friends, maybe then you can be an option for one of the spots you actually wanted, like board of education or council. Finally! (It should be noted that a lot of times, people run for the board of ed and then run for council because the school is seen as less important than the town.)
And then you get to look down from your high podium. You see a bunch of newbies struggling at the bottom, wanting what you have. You might think you’ve made it. But no, your political bosses still tell you what to do, where to go, and who to spend time with.
Years - maybe decades –have passed, and after many, many sacrifices, you’re no longer a little cog in the political machine. Now, you’re just a bigger cog. There are simply fewer bosses telling you what to do, but there are still bosses. There’s only one person at the top, and it ain’t you.
Chris Lundy News Editor
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!
The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.
All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
Every Signature Matters
The members of our association were busy this week with our concerns regarding the Lennar Project. The Lennar Project would be an unwanted community changing atrocity. It would remove over 100 acres of forest, being replace with 415 housing units.
People have been requesting petitions in their communities and we listened.
This past week the members of our association distributed petitions to the following clubhouses and management offices. We went to Cranberry Creek, Sea Oaks, Mystic Shores, Tall Timbers and Walnut Grove. Ask your HOAs where the petitions are for you to sign. If not available, ask, “WHY?”
If your HOAs do not put out the petitions and you would like to sign, contact me on Facebook and one of our members will come to you for your signature.
We would like to thank the homeowners of the Sunrise Bay Community for their outstanding support in signing the petitions. We would also like to thank the businesses that have placed the petitions in their establishments for signatures.
Keep going to meetings, your presence and being seen has made a difference to keep this subject alive. We cannot fight Lennar alone, we need your help and the cooperation of other groups fighting the Lennar Project. If we all work together, we will win.
Debra Versheck, Co-Founder LEHT/Tuckerton Concerned Citizens Association
Running For Council
Jack Muldowney, a 31-year Toms River resident, former small business owner, and person in long-term recovery from opioid addiction, has announced his intention to seek a seat on the Toms
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
River Township Council as an independent candidate. Muldowney moved to Toms River at the age of 10, attended Toms River schools, and graduated from Toms River High School North. As a barber, he owned and operated businesses serving residents throughout Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat for nearly two decades before transitioning into the substance use treatment field.
“My campaign is about putting Toms River residents first,” Muldowney said. “I believe our local government should focus on protecting the people who built this community, preserving the character of our town, and making decisions with transparency and accountability.”
A central focus of Muldowney’s campaign is supporting Toms River’s senior citizens. If elected, he plans to introduce proposals that explore every lawful opportunity to help seniors remain in their homes, pursue property tax relief where possible, and oppose unnecessary overdevelopment that places additional strain on roads, schools, emergency services, and local infrastructure.
Muldowney also plans to advocate for responsible economic development by supporting regulated retail cannabis dispensaries in Toms River, subject to local oversight. He believes local tax revenue generated from legal cannabis sales should be directed toward priorities such as senior services, public safety, parks, addiction prevention and recovery programs, and other initiatives that benefit township residents while helping reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Having personally overcome opioid addiction, Muldowney says Ocean County’s experience during the opioid epidemic has shaped his commitment to prevention and recovery.
“Ocean County knows firsthand the devastation opioid addiction has caused,”
Muldowney said. “Because of my own recovery and my work helping others, I believe we have a responsibility to prevent the next addiction crisis before it grows.”
If elected, Muldowney said he intends to work with Township legal counsel, public health officials, and fellow council members to examine every lawful option available to regulate or restrict the sale of kratom within Toms River. He emphasized that he does not support the sale of kratom, especially to minors, and is concerned about situations where there is no minimum age requirement. He cited concerns that kratom contains compounds that act on opioid receptors in the brain and that dependence and withdrawal have been documented.
In addition, Muldowney said government transparency will remain a cornerstone of his campaign. He plans to advocate for greater public access to township information, increased community involvement in local decision-making, and an open government that earns the trust of residents.
“I’ve spent more than three decades calling Toms River home,” Muldowney said. “This campaign isn’t about politics - it’s about preserving the community that has given me so much and ensuring it remains a place where seniors can afford to stay, families can thrive, and residents know their voices matter.”
Muldowney said additional policy proposals addressing overdevelopment, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and quality-of-life issues will be released throughout the campaign.
Jack Muldowney
Candidate for Toms River Township Council (Independent)
Can The Grand Old Party Be Grand Again?
On Memorial Day weekend while reflecting on
those brave men & women that died protecting our country and democracy, I found renewed strength to fight back and not allow the efforts by those in power to steal our democracy.
Each day multiple news sources are reporting the same news about this administration. The daily reporting of corruption, theft of taxpayer funds for illegal purposes, insider trading by high level government leaders and repeated violations of our Constitution and the law are all factually covered. If you look at more than one news source you will readily see that ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’. These corrupt actions are being allowed by the three branches of government, controlled by so-called fiscal conservative Republicans.
I say so-called because fiscal conservative Republicans claimed to support the economic philosophy of limited government, lower taxes, reduced spending, and minimal public debt. WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE BELIEFS?
On ‘Meet the Press’ Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reacted to the defeat of a Senate candidate in a Republican primary after Trump backed his rival by saying: “This is the party of Donald Trump.” Is this your Grand Old Party with all you thought it stood for or is Senator Graham correct that it is ruled by one man who governs like a king?
On November 3rd I hope you will vote for candidates that promise to take back control in Congress and protect the Constitution.
Or sadly, will your votes reflect that you favor money over all else, or wear blinders to bigotry, or simply are brainwashed by religion or Fox News?
Candy Banks Spring Lake
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Bill Helping Students Access Financial Aid Passes Senate
From The Desk Of Senator Robert Singer
TRENTON - The New Jersey Senate
passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-32nd) that builds on legislative efforts to help high school students apply to college and receive more financial aid.
In 2024, Governor Murphy signed Senator Singer’s bill requiring
the classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 to submit a financial aid application as a prerequisite to receiving a diploma from a public or charter school. Under Senator Singer’s bill, S-3245, those requirements would be made permanent for all graduating classes going forward, with certain exemptions.
“For high school students and their
families, the cost of college can feel overwhelming,” said Senator Singer. “Requiring students to complete financial aid applications helps ensure they have access to every available scholarship and grant they may qualify for, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and helping prevent decades of debt payments after graduation.”
Landmark “MediKids” Legislation Would Guarantee Healthcare For All Children
Capitol Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), introduced MediKids, monumental legislation guaranteeing healthcare to all children in America from birth to age 26.
“As parents – we promise to do all we can to look after the health and safety of our children. Nothing is more essential than caring for our kids – but as a country, we are failing to uphold that same promise,” Senator Kim said. “Millions of children are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system, and we are the only ones who can stand up and help. I built MediKids to be a step we can take right now to guarantee every single child in the United States the care they need, when they need it. No kid should go without care in our country.”
4.4 million children in America do not have healthcare coverage and 1 in 3 kids
is underinsured – meaning about 23 million kids’ healthcare coverage is unable to meet their needs. To provide free, high-quality insurance coverage to every kid, MediKids would automatically enroll every child and young adult in America in Medicaid’s robust Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, which provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children who are enrolled in Medicaid.
Specifically, this legislation would automatically enroll every child in MediKids at birth. It would provide continuous eligibility for children enrolled in MediKids until age 26, regardless of income, immigration status, or health condition; and it would cover 100% of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for this population.
MediKids is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and endorsed by: First Focus Campaign for Chil-
dren, What To Expect Project, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, (ACOG), ZERO TO THREE, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), National Association of School Nurses, National Education Association (NEA), Families USA, MomsRising, NAACP NJ, Save Our Schools, New Jersey Citizen Action, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, The Arc of NJ, The New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, and CASA of New Jersey.
“At a time when the uninsured rates for children is rising and children face unacceptably high rates of infant and child mortality, a growing mental health crisis, and declining immunization rates, Senator Andy Kim’s MediKids bill puts children back on the path toward ensuring all children have health coverage and improved access to care. No child
in this country should go without health care simply because of what their parents earn, their zip code, or whether they can navigate a complex and fragmented health care system. In an effort to improve the health, development, and well-being of children, MediKids represents the kind of ambitious, child-centered thinking that the moment demands for our children and grandchildren,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children.
“Medicaid is first and foremost a children’s program that was created with their health needs in mind, helping families receive everything from milestone checkups, to sick care, to immunizations. Pediatricians see first-hand how Medicaid works for the children and families who rely on it – support that should be available to all children, regardless of where they live or where their parents work, and MediKids would do just that. The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Senator Kim for his leadership on this bill and urges Congress to advance it,” said Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
Ocean Health Initiatives Earns Top Flu Prevention Honor
OCEAN COUNTY — Ocean Health
Initiatives Inc. has received top recognition from the New Jersey Department of Health for its efforts to promote influenza vaccination and educate the public about flu prevention.
The organization was named one of six Top Honors recipients on the state’s 20252026 New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll, ad-
HOWELL – Howell Pack 258 is seeking boys and girls from kindergarten through 5th grade to join them in their safe, fun, hands-on educational group.
ministered by the Department of Health’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Program. State health officials recognized OHI for helping residents understand the benefits of flu vaccination and encouraging people to protect themselves and others during the most recent flu season.
Vaccination is particularly important for people who face a greater risk of serious
complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Other Top Honors recipients included St. John the Baptist Church, the Hamilton Township Division of Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Preferred Care and Rutgers University.
Howell Pack 258 Seeking Members
Enjoy hiking, camping, bike riding, nature, campfires, cooking, fishing. Pinewood Derby, “big trips,” ceremonies, parades, first aid, citizenship and community service.
In Cub Scouts, boys and girls are prepared from today and for life, growing into their very best future selves. Contact them at 973-714-0143 or cub -
The Influenza Honor Roll highlights organizations that develop outreach campaigns, share prevention information and encourage vaccination throughout their communities.
Additional information about the program and its award recipients is available at nj.gov/health/cd/edu_training/vpdp_flu_ honor_roll.shtml.
scoutpack258.bsa@gmail.com. Join the Howell Cub Scout Pack 258 at beascout. scouting.org. for more information, visit MonmouthBSA.org.
Senator Andy Kim
Scam:
Continued From Page 1
county representatives described recurring problems involving impersonation scams, used-car sales, home improvement contractors, gift cards and illegal flavored vaping products.
The shared concern was not simply that scams continue. It was that perpetrators constantly change their tactics, often combining technology, official-looking documents and psychological pressure to overcome warnings from banks, police and family members.
Stepping
Up Enforcement
Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione warned that some political fundraising texts may falsely appear to support a particular candidate or campaign. “There are more and more scams coming up every day,” she said. “As soon as the people higher up think of a way to fix things, they think of another way to scam.”
Senator Carmen Amato (R-9 th) said lawmakers need to keep pace as scammers adopt new technology and find ways around existing laws. He also warned that artificial intelligence can help scammers imitate a relative’s voice or likeness when asking for money.
Amato invited consumer affairs officials to identify statutes that need updating, particularly those involving fraud against seniors and veterans.
“If you see anything that needs to be updated, please let my office know,” Amato said. “We’ll be more than happy to introduce legislation to make these penalties a little stricter.”
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9 th ) followed by emphasizing the financial consequences for seniors already struggling with New Jersey’s high cost of living. He said Ocean County has approximately 100 senior communities, making protection against financial exploitation especially important locally.
“Life is tough enough as it is; costs are high all over,” Rumpf said. “But how unaffordable is it when the scammers get ahold of our loved ones’ dollars?”
Davenport said enforcement remains necessary, but it must be paired with prevention because perpetrators may be outside New Jersey or beyond the reach of local agencies by the time a complaint is received.
“We also have to make sure that we’re doing as much as we can to not have that scam happen in the first place,” Davenport said. “We know how hard it is when folks are not subject to our jurisdiction to get that money back.”
A
Victim’s
Embarrassment
Elsie Foster’s roles as Middlesex County’s director of Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures and mayor of Highland Park converged when a senior called her municipal office asking why she was supposedly blocking money owed to him.
The man had already sent scammers $15,000 and was being asked for another $20,000. Even Foster’s staff could not initially convince him that the money did not exist, prompting a police officer to visit his home.
Foster said his embarrassment after learning the truth illustrates why some victims hesitate to report fraud.
Middlesex County has launched a campaign reminding residents that scammers are not trying to help them, no matter how convincing they sound.
Contractors And Used Car Dealers
Not every consumer loss begins with an anonymous caller. Representatives from Bergen, Passaic, Union, Monmouth and Ocean counties reported continuing or increasing complaints involving used car dealerships.
Some consumers buy vehicles marked “as is” without understanding that the designation can sharply limit their options if the car breaks down. Others sign documents electronically and later mistakenly believe the contracts are not legally binding.
Officials also described dealers advertising one price online and demanding thousands more when a customer arrives. One Hudson County dealership allegedly sold high-end vehicles to outof-state buyers but failed to deliver the titles needed to register them.
Heinzman said Ocean County has experienced an influx of complaints in -
volving both car dealerships and home improvement contractors. One of the enforcement challenges involves contractors who accept $10,000, perform a token amount of work such as digging a hole and then disappear.
Commissioner Robert Arace said the danger is particularly serious in Ocean County because of its large senior population. While serving as Manchester Township mayor, Arace said he learned of contractors using substandard materials in senior homes, including flooring so inadequate that residents fell through it.
Some seniors live alone or no longer have family members nearby to review contracts or inspect the work, he said. That makes Consumer Affairs a critical “watchdog or safeguard” for residents who may otherwise feel they have no one to turn to.
First Line Of Defense
Davenport called local consumer offices the “first line of defense” against fraud, scams, abuse and financial exploitation. Just as important as enforcement, she said, is assuring residents that someone will listen and respond when they report a problem. That trust grows when consumers see action and learn they are not alone, she said. Although government resources may be limited, Davenport told the county representatives, “We’re never limited when it comes to our creativity or our sense of urgency.”
C ommunity n ew S
Students Honored In County Poster Contest
FREEHOLD – Monmouth County officials recognized the winners of the 2026 Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey “My County” poster contest during a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. Anderson Gunn of Indian Hill Elementary School in Holmdel won first place, followed by classmate Jae Kubicka-Herchakowski in second place. Grace Gerzsenyi of H.W. Mountz Elementary School in Spring Lake received third place. More than 300 entries were submitted.
Officials praised the fourth-grade students for using their artwork to highlight Monmouth County’s history, communities and local government. The contest is held statewide to commemorate County Government Month in April. Honorable mentions went to Azteca Sacramento, Austin Andreczski, Ayaan Pittala, Dia Morris, Alicia Kong, Julianna Ibrahim, Kabir Sirohi, Samantha Schrader and Aria Nuthakki. The winning posters will be displayed at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, 33 Mechanic St., Freehold.
Photo courtesy Monmouth County
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, County Sheriff Shaun Golden and County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago honored the winners of the 2026 Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ) poster contest, including Jae Kubicka-Herchakowski, during a Commissioners meeting.
– The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption. Things will be peachy keen when you bring this lady home!
Meet Peachy, your new, fuzzy, one-year-old orange friend. She might look a little grumpy and may grumble when you first meet, but rest assured, it’s just some initial shyness. Gentle cheek and head pets, plus squeeze-up treats, will help her open up. Do other cats bother this lady? Not at all! She was found in an outdoor cat colony and has made friends at the shelter. With the proper introduction, going home to, or with, a gentle feline looking for a best friend would be great for Peachy!
Peachy has some corneal scarring on her left eye. It may look a little cloudy, but it doesn’t bother her.
Summer is the best time for peaches, so take this lady home today!
The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fill out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help find your perfect match. They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040.
County Employee Marks 50 Years Of Service
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized Susan
for 50 years of dedicated service as an employee in the Superintendent of Elections office during the Commissioner Meeting.
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners honored Susan McRae for 50 years of service with the county Superintendent of Elections office during its recent meeting. McRae began her county career in 1976 and became a trusted source of knowledge in election administration, officials said.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone praised McRae’s dedication to Monmouth County residents, while Commissioner Erik Anderson highlighted her professionalism, experience and commitment to public service.
County officials congratulated McRae on the milestone and thanked her for her continued contributions to the community.
Photo courtesy MCSPCA
Photo courtesy Monmouth County
McRae
Around the JerSey Shore
Viral Toms River Tornado Photo Exposed As AI Hoax
By Jason Allentoff
TOMS RIVER – A fabricated image appearing to show a tornado near Hooper Avenue and Route 37 spread across social media July 18, prompting a warning about the dangers of sharing unverified information during severe weather.
The Jersey Shore Hurricane News Facebook page was the first to debunk the post which spread like wildfire to the region. The National Weather Service confirmed the image was created using artificial intelligence and did not show an actual tornado in Toms River.
While fake weather images may seem harmless, they can influence decisions during emergencies. Residents may seek shelter, leave their homes, alter travel plans or contact family members based on what they see online.
False images can also create unnecessary panic, place additional drivers on already dangerous roads and make people believe severe weather is closer than it actually is.
The misinformation can have lasting conse-
quences. Once people discover a dramatic image was fabricated, they may become less likely to trust future alerts, including legitimate warnings issued during a real emergency.
The concern is especially significant in Ocean County, where many senior citizens and other residents rely on Facebook and similar platforms for local news and emergency information. Not everyone has the time or ability to verify each photograph or video before reacting.
Residents are encouraged to pause before sharing dramatic weather content, check the original source and look for confirmation from the National Weather Service, local emergency officials or established news organizations.
Questionable photographs and videos should not be circulated as authentic until they can be verified.
Bad information can lead to dangerous decisions. During severe weather, everyone has a role in preventing misinformation from spreading.
Hope Sheds Light Adds Grief Support Group
MANASQUAN – Hope Sheds Light is launching a new weekly peer support group for adults coping with grief and loss connected to addiction.
The Healing Hearts Group will begin September 19 and meet Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Sheds Light’s Monmouth County Recovery Center, 2510 Apache Road, Manasquan.
Organizers said the group is open to those whose loss is recent as well as those who have been grieving for many years. The program is
designed to provide connection, understanding and support during what can be a lifelong healing process.
The group will use the RIVER approach to peer support: Relate, Invite, Validate, Empower and Reassure.
For more information or to get connected, contact Lindsey at Lindsey@HopeShedsLight. org or 732-244-0783, ext. 133. Additional grief support groups are expected to be offered at more locations in the future.
Graphic Courtesy Jersey Shore Hurricane News
Fantasy Island’s Ferris wheel glows in patriotic red, white and blue against the night sky on Long Beach Island. Have a great Jersey Shore photo? Send it to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com for a chance to be featured and win tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure. Please include the photographer’s name and where the photo was taken.
H
ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H
Dear Pharmacist
Coffee And Your Heart: Some Surprisingly Good News
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
I should confess that I’m not exactly an impartial observer - I love coffee. For years, my daily ritual was a double-shot latte, sometimes followed by a single shot later in the day. Coffee didn’t merely wake me up, it felt like my brain in a cup!
Unfortunately, my reflux was less enthusiastic. I gave up coffee completely for six months while my esophagus healed. These days, I can tolerate only a little decaf before the burning returns. So yes, a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) made me genuinely happy.
The AHA reviewed the latest research on caffeine and cardiovascular disease: For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine daily which is about 3 to 5 eightounce cups of ordinary brewed coffee. Moderate coffee consumption has also been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and certain abnormal heart rhythms.
The apparent sweet spot was something like 2 or 3 cups (possibly even 4 cups) per day. However, this good news isn’t a prescription to start chugging coffee. I’d stick to two cups if you’re asking me. Most long-term studies were observational, meaning they found associations but couldn’t actually prove coffee caused the benefits.
Heart rhythm findings were especially interesting. Regular coffee wasn’t associated with a higher risk of AFib, and randomized data suggest it might even reduce episodes in some people. However, coffee may increase premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, so there’s that! Extra heartbeats and fluttering are a little
alarming.
Brewing method matters too. Coffee contains natural oils called cafestol and kahweol that appear to raise LDL cholesterol. Paper-filtered drip and instant coffee contain very little cafestol, while French press, Turkish, boiled coffee and espresso allow more into your cup. If your cholesterol is high, I have better ideas for you than giving it up.
It is good for your thinking cap and brain. That isn’t breaking news because we’ve seen that in cognitive studies before. Recently, a 2026 JAMA study followed more than 131,000 adults for up to 43 years. Higher caffeinated-coffee intake was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of dementia, with the strongest association around 2 to 3 cups daily. Decaf did not show the same association. I’ve always thought coffee received an unfairly grim reputation. Why?! If it gives you the jitters, worsens reflux, disrupts sleep, raises your blood pressure or makes your heart misbehave, don’t drink it. Your body has already cast its vote. But coffee doesn’t affect everyone that way, and moderate intake may offer some impressive benefits.
Coffee’s chlorogenic acid may “mug” nonheme iron by reducing its absorption (and decaf can do it too). Caffeine may also temporarily increase calcium and magnesium losses through the kidneys - what I call the drug mugging effect. But that concern applies primarily to caffeinated coffee or espresso.
For a more detailed version of this article, including coffee’s effects on blood pressure, medications, and energy drinks, visit suzycohen.com and type coffee into the search box.
Buying And Selling A Boat Are Fertile Grounds For Scammers
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
If you are considering buying or selling a boat, then you should be aware that the market is full of bogus buyers and sellers. When it comes to buying or selling a boat, if anything seems unusual then proceed with caution. While fraudulent transactions apply to both purchase and sales, this article will focus on the seller’s side of the transaction.
If selling your boat is not difficult enough, these days the last thing you need is to encounter someone, somewhere, trying to trick you at least once, if not two or more times as you try to complete the boat-selling process. Because fraud comes in all shapes and sizes, it is not possible for us to focus on one type of transaction, so we will concentrate on the most common red flags.
Obvious poor punctuation and grammar. These scammers crank out a thousand of their “inquiries” every day and many of them have a poor grasp of the English language. Also, pay attention to their use of multiple phone numbers (and/or multiple email addresses) from the same individual.
Everything the alleged buyer asked about was thoroughly detailed in your listing. Some of these scammers operate through robo or computerized forms of communication like e-mail or texting. So, if the potential purchaser is asking you for information that is already in your listing then this should raise a red flag and you should proceed with extreme caution.
Enlisting a third party to pick up the boat without the buyer ever having inspected it. Boats are not cheap. No credible buyer will purchase a boat sight unseen. A credible purchaser will at least obtain a boat survey, which is similar to a home inspection. In addition, most honest
buyers will be present when the boat is picked-up, rather than sending an agent to do take possession of your boat.
The offer to pay by cashier’s check and pick up the boat after it had been cashed. This seems like a reasonable show of good faith, but scammers have become very good at printing fake checks so realistic that banks initially accept them. It isn’t until days or even weeks later that the scam becomes apparent, and then the bank can pull those funds right back out of your account. Check with your bank to confirm its policy regarding final acceptance of funds.
Paypal or Venmo variation of payment. The phony buyer will ask for your PayPal ID in order to send you a payment, possibly for substantially more than the purchase price. Shortly after that, you will receive a fake confirmation from PayPal with your user ID for more than the agreed purchase price, and the buyer will contact you asking you to forward the extra money to a shipper. Again, you’ll lose whatever money you’ve sent.
An unwillingness to provide basic proof of identity such as a photo of their driver’s license. If they are who they say they are then there should be no issue with providing proof of their identity. Automobile dealerships will obtain proof of your identify when you try to purchase one of their vehicles. Strangers routinely share this basic information when they are involved in motor vehicle collisions, so it should not be sacred during the purchase of a boat or a car.
R.C. Shea & Associates is a full-service Law Firm. We are located at 244 Main Street, Toms River. Visit our website at www.rcshea.com or call us at (732) 505 1212.
Sail The Bay Day Offers Free Rides On Sandy Hook Bay
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – The Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club will host Sail the Bay Day 2026 on August 8, offering free sailing trips, food and a beach day for residents and visitors of all ages.
The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the club, located at 130 Center Avenue in Atlantic Highlands. A rain date is scheduled for August 9 from noon to 3 p.m. Because the event is outdoors and weather-dependent, guests are encouraged to check fleet250.org before
heading out for any last-minute updates. Members of the club’s sailing fleet will take participants on short trips around Sandy Hook Bay aboard Hobie catamarans and other sailboats, including Hobie Waves, Hobie 16s, Prindles and Nacras. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Hot dogs and burgers will also be available during the event. Additional public information can be found under the “Visit Us” tab at fleet250.org.
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
Miracle:
Continued From Page 1
to donate a portion of their liver. Potential donors can begin the confidential screening process through a link established specifically for him. Completing the questionnaire does not commit someone to donation. Medical professionals determine whether proceeding would be safe. For Greco, asking publicly does not come easily. He is accustomed to being the person others turn to for help. Asked why he was willing to share his ordeal, the answer again came down to a few words: “I need to. I need to live.”
A Career Built Around Helping Others
Greco said a family friend in the pharmacy business sparked his interest in the profession, leading to a career built around caring for people and forming lasting relationships.
He owned Medicap Pharmacy in Barnegat from 1999 until 2007 and has owned Jersey Shore Pharmacy since 2009. He chose to work independently rather than follow policies created by corporate executives removed from the pharmacy counter.
At Jersey Shore Pharmacy, service begins with recognizing people. “We know your name as soon as you walk in the door,” Greco said. Over the years, he has watched children grow into adults and served multiple generations of local families.
His commitment to community health also led him to Coastal Volunteers in Medicine, where he serves as board vice chair. The nonprofit operates
a free, nonemergency primary-care clinic in Forked River for qualified Ocean County adults without health insurance. When medications cannot be obtained through grants or other assistance programs, Greco helps provide them at cost. The work has opened his eyes to the barriers that prevent some from receiving care. “The amount of people that live and work here that are either underinsured or uninsured is astronomical,” he said. Greco’s illness has now placed him on the other side of the health care system. “It’s definitely a twist of fate where I went from being the primary caregiver to the one needing care,” Greco said. “When you need something, you don’t want to wait.”
A Disease With Few Early Warnings
Routine blood tests first revealed that Greco’s liver enzyme levels were abnormal. He had no symptoms, and doctors monitored him for approximately two years. Around Easter, the disease progressed to decompensated cirrhosis, meaning his badly scarred liver could no longer function adequately.
Greco said his cirrhosis developed from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, known as MASLD and formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. MASLD often produces no symptoms in its early stages, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some patients, it progresses to inflammation and permanent scarring. Advanced cirrhosis can cause abdominal fluid buildup, bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus, confusion, liver cancer and end-stage liver failure.
Greco undergoes weekly procedures to remove fluid from his abdomen, a condition called ascites. By the time he is due for the procedure, he becomes short of breath. He has also undergone a procedure to treat an enlarged vein in his esophagus and reduce the risk of life-threatening bleeding.
The disease has caused considerable weight and muscle loss. Greco’s weight has fallen from more than 240 pounds to as little as 188 pounds, depending partly on fluid accumulation. He no longer uses his rowing machine or takes walks, and golf is one of the few activities he has tried to retain. Despite his declining health, he continues working five days a week at the pharmacy.
The Limits Of The Waiting List
Greco is completing the evaluations necessary to be placed on the deceased-donor waiting list. However, doctors have warned that waiting for a deceased donor may not be his best chance.
A MELD score uses laboratory results to measure the severity of liver disease and help determine a patient’s priority on the transplant waiting list. Greco said his score is 17 on a scale that reaches 40.
That presents a painful contradiction. “I’m not as sick as some people that also need a liver,” he explained. “So, if a deceased liver comes in, the chances of me getting it are very slim.”
A transplant from a living donor could happen sooner and be scheduled before Greco’s health declines further. It is possible because the liver can regenerate. Surgeons transplant a portion of a healthy donor’s liver into the recipient, and
the donor’s remaining liver and the transplanted portion can regenerate after surgery.
The family’s online portal indicated that 17 submitted screening questionnaires during the first week of the search, but it does not disclose their identities or screening results. That does not mean that any of the 17 are qualified as potential donors. Cheri had hoped to become her husband’s donor but was unable to qualify for medical reasons. “I would do it tomorrow if I could,” she said.
“We Can’t Lose Him”
Jay and Cheri have been together for years and will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary in August. It is a second marriage for both, bringing together four children ranging in age from 20 to 33.
Cheri watches as the funny, strong and energetic man she knows becomes unable to maintain his usual pace. “It’s just hard,” she said, struggling to discuss the possibility of losing him. “Scared to death. Scared to death. We can’t lose him.”
Asked which ordinary moments he most wants the chance to experience, Greco did not mention the pharmacy, golf or any grand ambition. “My grandkids,” he said.
The family hopes Jay’s story reaches a healthy stranger willing to learn more. A potential donor does not need to know him personally, and people unable to donate can help by sharing his appeal. Those interested can visit nkr.donorscreen.org/register/microsite?id=20731&donationType=1.
Cheri put the family’s hope more simply: “We need to find an angel who will save his life.”
Items For
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COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY
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CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
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27 Good intel 29 Shortly 33 Flow out 34 Jeans material
35 Miss, in Mexico
36 “Carpe diem” acronym
37 “My Neighbor __”:
NBC sketch show, familiarly
1988 Miyazaki film
“The Rabbit Hutch”
Pizzeria owner in “Do the Right Thing”
Late, as a library book
First game of the sea-
38 Sr.’s course for college credit
39 Sonia Sotomayor’s alma mater
Pie in the __
“I’m cool with that”
Deadly African snakes
Release, as a carabiner
“__ loves company”
Seashore
More impolite
Dreyer’s ice cream, east of the Rockies
“The Fresh Prince of
“Atlas” actor Liu
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Today is a positive day in the Universal sky for getting things done and meeting new people if your individual cycles align. Creative solutions could arise with ease. Career magic could be brewing behind the scenes.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Investing time, energy, and/or money into your home space could build something that will both serve and please going forward. Financial energies are mixed, lean into remediation over rebellion.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Trust builds when actions match up with words, and fractures when they don’t. Someone close — even a pet - could have healing magic to offer, whether its sympathy and solidarity, wags, or purrs.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your financial situation is building more positivity but not everyone may be transparent — use care in shared investments or where shared resources are involved. Trust your path forward.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): There’s addition by subtraction and there’s also addition by addition. You are your ultimate masterpiece. Remove what’s not you; add what makes you ever more of your truest self. Take a little timeout today if you can.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The beauty of the outcome rests on two things: strong preparation and excellent timing. The next week or so are good times to prepare. Early August offers better days for launch if your individual
FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 1 - 7 BY
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
transits line up.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Some periods are better for internal experiences, other times are better for expanding your friendship network. The next month or so is for expansion. Get out there on above-zero days, better days improve odds.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you build it, they do eventually come. Build your resume, credentials, certifications, skills, knowledge base. Not one bit of learning is ever wasted, even if it seems premature at times.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you feel like an imposter, and you are, consider leading only with what you really know. If you feel like an imposter, and you’re not, consider working on releasing old fear and shame.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you’ve sometimes hungered to be seen, that may not be as much of an issue right now, your ‘all that’ should be fully visible now. More abundance is building. Show is more persuasive than tell.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your shadow is a treasure chest, but you have to get past your old shame to be able to dig it up. Have the courage to unearth your greatest gifts and talents, it’s worth it; face the past, face yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might be able to work out some serious improvements to the daily grind now. When you invest into making your own life easier, there’s a daily payoff to be grateful for. Reach out to a friend.
COOL DOWN IN HOT TEMPS WITH A NO-COOK SOUP
It is getting so hot here that all I want to prepare are no-cook dishes. I always look forward to whipping up effortless cold soups in the dog days of summer and what follows is one of my all-time favorite recipes for summer heat.
This dish is a nod to Scandinavia thanks to the dill and shrimp. This Seriously Simple warm-weather soup only requires a food processor or a blender.
Avocado and cucumber are not only a happy combination in soups but also in salads — perfect for summer dishes. Dill weed has stems and fronds (the flowery sprigs). Use the fronds for this recipe. This refreshing uncooked puree of cucumber and avocado, accented by dilled shrimp, is flexible to serve for a dinner party or a picnic.
If you plan on serving this at a picnic, here is a neat trick to keep the soup cold: Pour ice water into a thermos and let sit for five minutes. Pour out ice water and carefully pour in the soup. It will keep cool for at least three hours.
If you want to lighten up the soup you can use non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream. Adjust the seasonings of the soup once it has been chilled. Chilled soups usually need more seasoning, since the chilling process reduces the flavor. You may also want to add extra dill fronds to perk up the flavor. You can always add some extra stock or sour cream to recreate the proper flavor and
thickness as
I
chilled rose wine to accompany this soup.
Serves 4 to 6
Note: I like to garnish a soup with at least one of the ingredients in the soup; in this case, it’s the dill.
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces.
1 large European cucumber, unpeeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup finely sliced green onions
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh dill fronds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To garnish:
4 cooked shrimp, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill fronds
1. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade combine the avocado and cucumber and process until smooth. Add the chicken stock, green onions, lemon juice, sour cream and dill weed and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours.
2. Combine the shrimp with dill fronds in a small bowl. Serve the soup in small cups with a dollop of chopped shrimp and dill on top.
