County Crime: Ponzi Scheme, Radio Turned Weapon and Knife Wielder

Patch reported a plethora of crimes and police incidents throughout Monmouth County this week. In case you happened to miss any of them, we've rounded them up for you here:

Q: When is a mobile police radio not a mobile police radio?

A: When it’s a weapon, which is what authorities say Michael J. Dougherty, of West Long Branch, turned the radio into when he used it to assault a Howell police officer.

Blacks in New Jersey and across the country are far more likely to be arrested on marijuana-related charges than whites even though both groups are almost equally likely to use the drug, according to a report released this week by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Monmouth County Corrections Officer Admits Forging Prescription For Drugs

A Monmouth County corrections officer pleaded guilty on Thursday to altering a prescription to get pain medication and will immediately resign from his position within the county Sheriff's Office, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

NJ State Trooper Carried Woman to Safety From Burning Car

A fast-thinking New Jersey state trooper rescued a Mount Laurel woman Tuesday morning when her SUV caught fire after a three-vehicle accident on the Aberdeen portion of the Parkway. 

Local Broker Faces Prison Sentence After Guilty Plea in Ponzi Scheme

A Red Bank-based financial adviser and broker has been sentenced to seven years in prison and three subsequent years of supervised release for his role in a ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of more than $9 million, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Wednesday.

Driver Charged with DWI in 3-Car Crash on Leonardville Road

Middletown Township police say a Hazlet man was under the influence during the crash on Leonardville Road near 12th Street Friday night. Mark Gorski, 51, was charged with the driving while intoxicate and additional charges related to the accident may be pending, police said.

An Aberdeen man allegedly assaulted a woman and threatened her with a knife before damaging her home and fleeing with jewelry and electronics, according to Police Chief John Powers. 

Broken Down Prison Van On I-195

New Jersey State Police were monitoring a broken down prison van on I-195 with prisoners inside while a working van is brought to transport the prisoners, authorities said.