Somerset County Prosecutor's Office

09/02/2026

Closing day for this application is 10/31/2026.

09/01/2026

SEPTEMBER FUGITIVE OF THE MONTH



Robert E. Ratliff

DOB: 05/29/1982

HEIGHT: 6’1

WEIGHT: 160

HAIR: BLACK

EYES: BROWN

TATTOOS: UPPER RIGHT ARM- “ ROBERT LOVES BETTY”

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: SOMERSET, NJ ( SOMERSET COUNTY)





ROBERT E. RATLIFF is wanted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for Failure to Appear (FTA) for (1) Count of 3rd Degree Failure to Notify of Address Change-Registered S*x Offender 2C:7-2d(1) and (1) Count of 3rd Degree Failure to Verify Address-Registered S*x Offender 2C:7-2e which occurred from February 2025 to June 2026 in Franklin Township. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.



Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this individual should contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit. You SHOULD NOT take any police-action yourself other than to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit at (908) 231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports and tips will be kept confidential.



PLEASE DO NOT POST TIPS ON SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE SOCIAL MEDIA.

08/24/2026

WATCHUNG, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay, and Watchung Borough Chief of Police Scott Anderle announced the arrest of Daniel Cole, age 32, of Piscataway, New Jersey in relation to a pedestrian fatality which occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Borough of Watchung.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 4:05 a.m., Watchung Police Department received notification of a pedestrian struck on the roadway of US Hwy 22 West near Mountain Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed a pedestrian in the roadway who appeared to have sustained injuries that were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. The driver of the motor vehicle in question had subsequently fled the scene. The pedestrian, who is being identified as a 56-year-old male resident of Brooklyn, New York, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team responded to investigate along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Watchung Police Department. Investigators from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to investigate. The investigation is currently ongoing pending the results of the autopsy and the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team’s findings.

Detectives conducted further investigation that led to identifying the driver of the vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder, as Daniel Cole of Piscataway, New Jersey. On August 22, 2026, detectives obtained a Superior Court search warrant for the vehicle, residence and person of Daniel Cole. The Nissan Pathfinder was located at Cole’s residence and was determined to have heavy front end damage
consistent with a collision.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on August 22, 2026, Daniel Cole was taken into custody at his residence without incident by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes
Unit and Watchung Police Department. Defendant Cole was transported to the Watchung Police Department where he was processed on charges of 2nd degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident which resulted in death and 3rd degree Hindering Apprehension. Defendant Cole was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing on this matter. Prosecutor McDonald would like to thank the members of the Piscataway Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief McKay, and Chief Anderle request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 231-7100 or the
Watchung Police Department at (908) 756-3663 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to
your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept
confidential.

Note: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent
until proven guilty.

08/21/2026

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – The Prosecutors’ Offices of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties are proud to announce the 6th Annual Overdose Awareness Day, which will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 to raise awareness of overdose prevention, promote harm reduction strategies, and honor the lives of those lost to substance use disorder. In recognition of this important observance, the Operation Helping Hand (OHH) initiatives of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties have once again joined together to support individuals in recovery, remember those who have died from overdose, and demonstrate their shared commitment to addressing the ongoing impact of substance use disorder. Through this collaborative effort, the four County Prosecutors’ Offices seek to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, encourage meaningful conversations, and connect individuals and families with resources that foster hope, recovery, and healing.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day. The 2026 theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.”, recognizes the significant progress made over the past quarter century in raising awareness, educating communities, and saving lives, while underscoring the continued need for overdose prevention, harm reduction, and compassionate support for those affected by substance use disorder.

“Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember those we have lost, support those in recovery, and remind anyone struggling with substance use disorder that they are not alone. Through Operation Helping Hand, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to connecting individuals and families with the support, treatment, and recovery resources they need. We are proud to once again partner with the Somerset Patriots for this meaningful event, bringing our community together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire hope for those affected by addiction,” said John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor.

“The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is honored to stand alongside our partners at the Somerset Patriots Overdose Awareness Day event. This night serves as a meaningful tribute to the lives tragically cut short by overdose, while reinforcing our devotion to building a community grounded in empathy, healing, and hope. By leveraging our Operation Helping Hand program and fostering deep partnerships across law enforcement, healthcare providers, and local advocates, we remain steadfast in removing barriers to recovery and connecting those in need with life-saving support.” said William A. Daniel, Union County Prosecutor.
Jessica L. Cardone, Warren County Prosecutor, stated, “Now in its sixth year, this evening continues to grow, inspire and bring our communities together to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Our Warren County Operation Helping Hand team is honored and grateful to continue partnering with our neighboring counties and the Somerset Patriots. Each year, this game reinforces an important message: support makes a difference, recovery is possible, and no one has to face addiction alone.”

“Twenty-five years after the first International Overdose Awareness Day, significant progress has been made, but the need for prevention, education, harm reduction, and compassionate support remains. Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that behind every statistic is an individual, a family, and a community impacted by substance use disorder. Through Operation Helping Hand and our continued partnerships with neighboring counties and community organizations, we remain committed to reducing stigma, connecting people with lifesaving resources, and supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Recovery is possible, and we want those who are struggling—and the people who care about them—to know that help, hope, and support are available,” said Renée M. Robeson, Hunterdon County Prosecutor.

“The Somerset Patriots are extremely proud to be able to host such an important event at the ballpark and to partner up with our local law enforcement agencies to help spread the message of how to prevent opioid overdose,” said Somerset Patriots Vice President of Operations Bryan Iwicki. “Opioid overdose touches so many people’s lives in so many different ways. I think almost everyone knows someone who has suffered from addiction in some way, and being able to educate people on how to get help and educating others on how they can help their friends and family is so important.”

Local community partners, including Community in Crisis (Bernardsville), Parent to Parent Addiction Services Inc. (Washington), Prevention Links (Roselle), and Prevention Resources (Flemington), collaborated in planning the event.
On game day, Naloxone kits will be distributed through a partnership with the New Jersey State Department of Human Services. The kits are available to those in the community who
are at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose and/or to those in the position to administer the opioid antidote to a person experiencing an opioid overdose.

There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit Prevention Links, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Union County.

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees' Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit somersetpatriots.com.
Funding for Operation Helping Hand (OHH) is provided through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and administered by the Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR).

Established in 2016 by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Operation Helping Hand is a prosecutor-led initiative that connects individuals struggling with substance use disorder to treatment and recovery services through partnerships with law enforcement and community providers. Following its success, the program expanded to additional counties in 2018 and became operational in all 21 New Jersey counties in 2019 through state funding.

Today, OHH uses both traditional arrest-based referrals and proactive, non-arrest outreach strategies to connect individuals at risk of overdose with treatment and recovery services, helping to reduce barriers to care and improve access to lifesaving resources.
Somerset County residents: Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Meredith McKay request that anyone seeking addiction services contact OHH by calling (908) 393-8888, visiting the Somerset County OHH website at www.bit.ly/somersetohh or emailing [email protected] to be connected to services.

Union County residents: Prosecutor Daniel and Acting Chief Joe Vendas request that anyone seeking addiction services call the OHH 24/7/365 hotline at (885) 825-3275.

Warren County residents: Prosecutor Cardone and Chief Brenton Warne urge those in need to contact Parent to CARES of Warren County via (908) 835-1800 to be linked directly to services.

Hunterdon County residents: Prosecutor Robeson and Acting Chief Paul Approvato urge those in need of recovery services to contact OHH by calling (908) 788-1129 or visiting the Hunterdon County OHH website at https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/341/Operation-Helping-Hand to be connected to services.

08/18/2026

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to participate in the Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is designed to bring the community together to raise awareness about substance use disorders, celebrate recovery, and connect individuals and families with local treatment and recovery resources.

All registered participants will receive an official Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K finisher medal, a commemorative event T-shirt, and a complimentary post-race ice cream. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age division. Children ages 7 and under are invited to participate in the Kids Dash at no cost.

In addition to the 5K run and walk, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and public safety demonstrations. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will conduct a demonstration at 10:30 a.m., and the Somerset County SWAT vehicle will be on display throughout the event.

More than just a race, the Running for Recovery 5K is a community outreach event that promotes hope, healing, and support for those impacted by addiction. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk or run in support of recovery while helping reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit resource tables featuring treatment providers, recovery support organizations, prevention agencies, and community partners. Families can also explore interactive displays from local law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations.

“Recovery is a journey that no one should have to face alone,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, show support for individuals and families affected by addiction, and highlight the many resources available throughout Somerset County. Every step taken is a step toward hope, healing, and recovery.”

Operation Helping Hand is a countywide collaborative initiative that brings together local law enforcement agencies, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and community organizations to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. By working together, these partners provide compassionate outreach, connect individuals to treatment and recovery services, and help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. The program is committed to saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, supporting long-term recovery, and strengthening healthier communities throughout Somerset County. This coordinated approach reflects Somerset County’s commitment to improving public safety, saving lives, and ensuring that recovery resources are accessible to all who need them.

Somerset County Operation Helping Hand partners with CiC for Prevention and Recovery, a community-based organization supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral health challenges. Through consistent participation in Operation Helping Hand and other community outreach efforts, CiC helps build trust and meaningful connections with the community. CiC provides prevention, recovery support, education, and connections to resources from its offices in Bernardsville and Franklin Township, NJ.

This event is supported through Operation Helping Hand grant funding provided by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR). The grant reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to expanding access to treatment, recovery support services, and community-based responses for individuals impacted by substance use disorder while strengthening collaborative partnerships that promote public health and public safety.

Registration is $15 per participant. As a community awareness event, registration fees help offset the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, or simply attend to learn more about available resources, your participation helps strengthen a community committed to recovery. Recovery starts one step at a time. Join us on September 12th and take that step together. Together, recovery is possible.

For additional information or to register for the event, please visit
https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH or contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program at [email protected].

Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Meredith McKay request anyone seeking addiction services contact OHH by calling (908) 393-8888, visiting the Somerset County OHH website at www.bit.ly/somersetohh or emailing [email protected] to be connected to services.

08/18/2026

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO END IMPAIRED DRIVING!

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – From August 19 through September 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will join forces with local law enforcement agencies across the country to deter impaired driving and help prevent crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

During the 2024 Labor Day weekend, which ran from 6:00 pm August 30th through 5:59 am on September 3rd, there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of those fatalities, 34% or 170 involved a drunk driver. Additionally, 77% of the impaired drivers who were killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes during this same period, 40% had a BAC of .08 or higher.

“We want our community members to understand that our number one priority is keeping people safe. If you know you’ll be drinking, we’re asking you to plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by getting behind the wheel while impaired,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald.

If a driver intends to drink or use other substances during a Labor Day celebration, they should plan ahead for a safe ride home by designating a sober driver or arranging a taxi or rideshare. They should not wait until after they have begun drinking or using substances to figure out how they will get home. Impairment can cloud a person’s judgment, slow reaction time, and put others on the road at risk.

If an individual realizes they are unable to drive safely, they should immediately hand over their keys to a sober driver who can assist them in getting home safely. If a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive by taking away their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.

If you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement. Your phone call could help prevent a crash and save a life.

For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DrunkDriving or NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

SOMERVILLE, NJ: On August 13, 2026, Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober found David Shroitman, age 30 of Somerville, competent to stand trial in the homicide of Mary Rose Fealywho was 27 years old and lived on North Bridge Street in Somerville when she was stabbed repeatedly outside her home on January 30, 2024.

Shroitman was originally found incompetent to stand trial on April 10, 2025, after evaluations by multiple doctors who testified in court. Judge Tober ordered that Shroitman be committed to the
Ann Klein Forensic Center to be restored to competency. Another hearing was held on August 13, 2026, and following the additional testimony of doctors, Judge Tober found Shroitman competent to stand trial.

Judge Tober found that the doctor from Ann Klein, Dr. Daniel Eddins, offered one of the most honest and forthright expert opinions that the Court heard. Judge Tober noted how the defendant’s behavior changed after he was deemed competent following Dr. Eddin’s evaluation, including overstressing or highlighting his stated symptoms. Judge Tober found that Shroitman has an extraordinarily competent understanding of the facts of his case and that continued counseling and medication at Ann Klein increased the defendant’s ability to participate meaningfully in his defense.

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m. Somerville Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting an injured unresponsive female located outside of residential complex on North Bridge Street, Somerville, New Jersey. Responding Officers located Ms. Fealey with multiple apparent stab wounds. Officers initiated life-saving measures at the scene along with responding medical personnel. Ms. Fealey was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives from the Somerville Police Department along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and Medical Investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. A postmortem examination was performed on February 1, 2024, by the Medical Examiner’s Office who positively identified the victim and determined the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and ruled the manner of death as homicide.

Investigators worked relentlessly to identify the suspect involved. On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Investigators obtained a Somerset County Superior Court Ordered Search Warrant for the
residence of Shroitman, his vehicle and person. Shortly after 11:00 p.m. detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office along with Somerville Police Detectives and Somerville Patrol Officers executed the search warrant and located Shroitman who was detained by authorities. Shroitman was formally arrested and charged on Monday, February 5, 2024. The investigation revealed that defendant Shroitman was known to the victim.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael McLaughlin and Assistant Prosecutor Catlin Davis with the assistance of Paralegal Supervisor Amy Vandergoot. The next court date is September 14, 2026.

08/12/2026

AUGUST FUGITIVE OF THE MONTH



PATSY RAGONESE

DOB: 03/29/1991

HEIGHT: 5’9

WEIGHT: 130

HAIR: BROWN

EYES: BROWN

TATTOOS: N/A

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: BASKING RIDGE, NJ ( SOMERSET COUNTY)



WANTED FOR:



PATSY RAGONESE is wanted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for Failure to Appear (FTA) for Recovery Court for originating charges of (3) Counts of 3rd Degree Possession of CDS 2C:35-10a(1) and (1) Count of Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute 2C:35-5b(11) which occurred during December of 2020 (Pequannock, Morris County), June of 2021 (Bernards Township, Somerset County), January of 2022 (Warren Township, Somerset County), and January of 2023 (Lacey Township, Ocean County). In addition, Ragonese has two bench warrants out of Union County for 4th Degree Identity Theft 2C:21-17a (Springfield) and Posssession of CDS 2C:35-10a (Plainfield).

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.



Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this individual should contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit. You SHOULD NOT take any police-action yourself other than to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit at (908) 231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or SCPO.TIPS. All anonymous STOPit reports and tips will be kept confidential.



PLEASE DO NOT POST TIPS ON SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE SOCIAL MEDIA.