Mercer County Prosecutor's Office

08/12/2026

MERCER COUNTY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE INVESTIGATION YIELDS CO***NE AND CASH

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced that a two-month investigation into the distribution of co***ne in the city of Trenton conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) culminated recently with two arrests and the seizure of 160 grams of co***ne and more than $36,000 in cash.

As a result of the investigation conducted by the MCNTF, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ewing, Hamilton, Robbinsville and Trenton police, search warrants were obtained for Andrew Anderson, his residence in Eastampton, NJ, a storage unit in Lawrence, NJ, and two vehicles.

On August 6, 2026, the MCNTF, with assistance from the Hamilton SWAT Team, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Eastampton Township Police Department and Robbinsville Township Police K-9 Rudy, executed a search warrant at Anderson’s residence on Patriots Way. Detectives seized approximately $32,000 in cash, assorted drug paraphernalia and three large digital scales. Anderson’s girlfriend, Aniyah Boone, was detained outside of the residence without incident.

A search of the storage facility on Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township revealed numerous items with Andrew Anderson’s name, 9mm live ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

Anderson was detained without incident in Trenton while operating his Ford F-150. During the ex*****on of the search warrant, Robbinsville Township Officer Ryan Meehan utilized his K-9 partner Rudy, who gave a positive indication for narcotics inside of the vehicle. Detectives then conducted a physical search and located a secret compartment within the rear of the infotainment system containing approximately 160 grams of suspected co***ne and drug paraphernalia. Detectives also located two digital scales and approximately $4,403 in cash inside of the Ford F-150.

Anderson, 35, was charged with first-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

Boone, 26, was charged with second-degree narcotics offenses and money laundering and released pending future court proceedings.

According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the approximate street value of the confiscated co***ne is $8,000.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

https://bit.ly/3TQEeDz

08/11/2026

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office will co-sponsor the 10th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event along with Mercer County, NJ – County Government, the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County, the Mercer Council, and Hamilton Township NJ.

Various resources related to health, education, prevention, treatment, law enforcement, grief and family support, and recovery groups will be available to those who attend. The evening will feature an organized program, a memorial section, family-oriented activities, and a candlelight vigil, creating a meaningful atmosphere of remembrance and optimism. Please join us at this free community event.

08/07/2026

Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey and MCPO members had a blast gathering with our neighbors at National Night Out events throughout the county! We look forward to this night every year and enjoy the opportunity to connect with the communities we serve. The positive energy, collaboration, smiles and enthusiasm we see in each location make it such an inspiring occasion. Thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers, vendors, first responders and community members who made NNO a success!

08/06/2026

VICTIM IDENTIFIED IN TRENTON SHOOTING HOMICIDE

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Trenton early Sunday morning.

At approximately 3:37 a.m. on August 2, 2026, Trenton police responded to the 300 block of East State Street for a large disturbance and shots fired. Officers located an adult male in front of 319 East State Street with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim, identified as Jemear Miller, 32, of Ewing, New Jersey, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. A second adult male victim arrived at the hospital via personal vehicle. He suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.

https://bit.ly/4hSpttM

08/04/2026

This past weekend, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey and her staff were spotted at Galilee Baptist Church Unity Day and Beauty To The Block in Trenton.

08/04/2026

🚔 National Night Out! 🚔

Tonight is National Night Out across Mercer County, and members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will be out throughout the county!

We’re looking forward to connecting with the residents, families, and community partners we proudly serve. Be sure to stop by our tables, say hello, ask questions, grab some giveaways, and learn more about our office and community programs.

We look forward to a great evening of conversation, community engagement, and strengthening the partnership between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

See you tonight, Mercer County! 🚓✨

🚓🎈 National Night Out is tomorrow, August 4!

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event in your community? Mercer County residents have plenty of opportunities to take part in National Night Out!

Meet local police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, community organizations, and neighbors while enjoying activities for the whole family.

National Night Out events will be held in:
• Trenton
• Hamilton
• Lawrence
• Ewing
• Hopewell Valley
• Princeton
• West Windsor
• East Windsor
• Hightstown
• Robbinsville

Check the flyer for locations and times, and find the event closest to you!

07/30/2026

HAMILTON MAN SENTENCED TO 46 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced that a Hamilton man was sentenced to 46 years in state prison for s*xually assaulting a juvenile on multiple occasions over a period of 10 years.

On July 28, 2026, Jose Membreno-Aguilar, 51, was sentenced by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Robert E. Lytle to an aggregate term of 46 years in state prison. Under the No Early Release Act, he must serve 85 percent of that sentence before he is parole eligible. Membreno-Aguilar was also ordered to register as a s*x offender under Megan’s Law and is subject to parole supervision for life.

On March 10, 2026, a Mercer County jury found Membreno-Aguilar guilty of all counts in the indictment, including 10 counts of first-degree aggravated s*xual assault and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The victim testified at trial and described a continuing course of s*xual abuse by the defendant. Out of respect for the victim’s privacy, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is not disclosing additional details of the crimes.

Mercer County Assistant Prosecutors Brett Berman and Erin Rein represented the state during the two-week trial before Judge Lytle.

The investigation was led by Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Detectives Natalie Martinez and Gloria Phillips, and Hamilton Police Detective Kevin Krall. MCPO Detective Nadine Elhage, Hamilton Detective Edward Devine, Hamilton Officers Ernest Baeza and Alyssa Aquino, Robbinsville Detective Robert Quinn and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Jessica Ward were all instrumental to the case.

The defendant was represented by Dominic Cerrito, Esq., and Samuel DiMatteo, Esq.

https://bit.ly/4wv9wOy

07/28/2026

🎉 National Night Out is Almost Here! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 4 as communities across Mercer County come together to celebrate.

Join us as we recognize safer, stronger, and more connected communities across Mercer County.

07/27/2026

EIGHT INDIVIDUALS CHARGED IN OPERATION GUARDIAN ANGEL

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced today that an investigation into online child exploitation by the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.

In anticipation of the increased international and domestic travel associated with the FIFA World Cup, and the expected surge of visitors to New Jersey, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began the monthslong investigation in March 2026.

Dubbed Operation Guardian Angel, the proactive enforcement operation targeted individuals utilizing social media applications to exploit and prey upon children. It focused on identifying and apprehending individuals who used online platforms to engage in unlawful communications and activities involving minors. Through coordinated investigative efforts and advanced cyber investigative techniques, law enforcement personnel successfully identified and arrested eight individuals.

“The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to protecting children from online exploitation and ensuring that those who seek to victimize minors are held accountable,” Prosecutor Marbrey said. “As major international events bring increased activity to the region, we will continue to proactively monitor and investigate threats to public safety, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations.”

The following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of Operation Guardian Angel:

1) Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, NJ
Charges: Two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

2) Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, CT
Charges: Two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal s*xual contact

3) Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton, NJ
Charges: One count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

4) Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, PA
Charges: One count of second-degree attempted s*xual assault, two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

5) Connor O’Leary, 30, of Moorestown, NJ
Charges: One count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree attempted s*xual assault

6) Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, PA
Charges: Three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

7) Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Charges: One count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, one count of second-degree attempted s*xual assault, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal s*xual contact, one count of second-degree attempted aggravated s*xual assault

8) Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, PA
Charges: Two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Operation Guardian Angel was initiated by the Mercer County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and developed over four months of investigation. It received support and resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Trenton Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Hamilton Police Division.

The investigation was led by Lieutenant Christopher Rios and Sergeant Tom Paglione of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Mennuti.

Prosecutor Marbrey urges anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or s*xual abuse of children to please contact the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

https://bit.ly/44NubkX

07/20/2026

Congratulations to Mercer County Police Academy Basic Police Recruit Class #35-26! First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis addressed the 37 graduates at last Thursday's ceremony. The new officers completed 21 weeks of intensive training with discipline, integrity and dedication, and will go on to serve in 16 law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.

Thank you to the family and friends who supported these recruits as they persevered through the demanding program and now embark on their careers in public safety.

Congratulations to all of the graduates and thank you for your commitment to protecting and serving our communities. Be safe and just!