Three fugitives wanted in connection with lottery fraud in Newark

NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Department of Public Safety is asking the public for help in identifying three male suspects involved in a lottery scam that occurred Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred outside the Citizens Bank on Lafayette Street, where a female victim was tricked into withdrawing money from her account.

According to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, police were called to the scene around 4 p.m. after the victim reported the theft. The woman stated that she was approached by two men who claimed they needed her financial assistance to claim her lottery winnings. After convincing her to withdraw money, more unauthorized withdrawals were made from her account, totaling $385.

The suspects fled the scene and the woman immediately returned to the bank to report the incident. Investigators are currently working to identify the three men involved and are asking the public for any information that could help in their capture.

“We urge anyone who recognizes these individuals or has information about this incident to come forward,” Director Fragé said in a statement. The department has released images of the suspects and is looking for clues that could lead to their identification.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newark Police Department while the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are actively pursuing leads and hope that public cooperation will lead to a quick resolution of the case.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo police are asking the public's help in locating Jerome Hornbeak, a 12-year-old boy reported missing from the 200 block of North Fearing Boulevard. Jerome was last seen wearing an orange and green shirt.

According to Toledo police, Jerome is described as 6'3″ tall and weighing about 160 pounds. The circumstances of his disappearance have not been disclosed, but authorities are treating his case as urgent due to his young age.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Jerome or has information on his whereabouts to contact us immediately,” Toledo police said in a statement. Concerned citizens can provide information by calling or texting Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.

As the search for Jerome continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any possible sightings. Police are actively investigating and following up on leads in the hope of bringing Jerome home safely.

TINTON FALLS, NJ — Authorities in Tinton Falls are asking the public for help in identifying three people who allegedly abandoned a dog at the Hawthorne Suites on Park Road early Friday morning. Tinton Falls Police, in conjunction with the Monmouth County SPCA Law Enforcement Division, are currently investigating the incident, which occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. on August 23, 2024.

According to Tinton Falls Police, the dog was found tied to a post. She was malnourished and required immediate veterinary attention. Officers noted that the dog appeared to have recently given birth, raising further concerns about the puppies' welfare.

The suspects are described as two men and a woman, all believed to be either white or Hispanic. They were last seen leaving the area in a mid-2000s Toyota Corolla, police said.

“We are determined to find those responsible for this act of cruelty,” said Police Chief Michael Ballas of the Tinton Falls Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Ballas at 732-542-4422 or via email at. [email protected].