Several members of the State's General Assembly introduced a bill Monday that would increase the penalties for a number of crimes committed during a State of Emergency.
Bill A-3524 was introduced after legislators said there were a spate of looting, robbery and unlawful trespassing incidents, among other crimes, that took place during Gov. Chris Christie's declaration of a state of emergency following Hurricane Sandy.
Bill A-3524 would see crimes such as robbery committed during a state of emergency upgraded from a second degree crime to first degree. Burglary would become a second degree crime and shoplifting, regardless of the value of the property stolen, would be upgraded to a second degree crime, among other heightened punitive measures.
The bill was introduced by Assembly Republicans Dave Russo, R-40, Scott Rumana, R-40, and Monmouth County Assembly members Mary Pat Angelini, R-11, and Declan O'Scanlon, R-13.
"This most recent series of disasters really opened our eyes to the tragedies that can occur during times of hardship,” O’Scanlon said in a release. “With nature wreaking havoc and ruining people’s lives it is incomprehensible to think that there are those who would take advantage of the folks who are suffering most. This bill is a message to all would-be thieves and burglars – a state of emergency does not mean the fruit is ripe for picking."
According to the release, a first degree crime is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000; a second degree crime is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine; a third degree crime carries a penalty of 3 to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and a fourth degree crime is punishable by 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
the use of a motor vehicle storage site on a large parcel in Barnegat Township ... the parcel is located in Barnaget's PI zoning district a Pinelands Forest Area ... such a motor vehicle storage yard is not permitted land use. There was no prior approvals for the proposed use as a debris management Solid and Hazardous Waste ... call for an immediate removal in including a date by which removal must be completed ... another OC-GOP move to with the arrogance of the county and or township officials ??? Letter has been sent to Mayor Cirulli, Township Engineer John Hess Secretary Township Planning Board among other officials.
of vehicles from several locations thoughout the area including LBI, Stafford Township ... site is an old sand pit along Rt. 72 ...
Praising the police departments for doing an awesome job (keeping looters out of storm ravaged areas) and telling people not to believe what "legislators" claim about looting because they are playing on Fears....not facts, that gets DELETED?? But people screaming about martial law and utility companies scamming them and keeping them out of their homes/neighborhoods for sinister reasons... those comments stay. Nice.
enjoyed rule in many townships for many years ... granted with Obamination there is not much of a chance to rid ourselves of the power to do what ever they wish ... FOLLOW THE RULES ... OR ARE THEY FOR THE CITIZENS ONLY??? HOW THE HELL DID THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN USED WITHOUT A PERMIT OR SPECIAL PERMISSION FOR A PERSONAL ENTERPRISE ... THE FINES FOR SUCH USE ARE HEAVY ... LET'S SEE IF THEY APPLY ... WONDER WHO WILL COME FORWARD AND ADMIT THE DEBACLE ... OR IS THIS GOING TO COST THE TAXPAYERS OF BARNEGAT ...
What really takes the cake is the bird cages. Birds poop (a lot), and there were still several piles of dried feces in the bottoms of their cages that I hadn't cleaned up in a while. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE MOLD GROWING ON THE PILES. But sure enough, I was walking down the street a block or so from my house when a pickup drives by with a familiar white cage. v0v