Police officer again a suspect in illegal eatery

[admin]

Police officer again a suspect in illegal eatery

Cop, his tenant, pleaded guilty in '06
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/1/07
BY ALEX BIESE
AND NICK PETRUNCIO
STAFF WRITERS

FREEHOLD — Multiple summonses are expected to be issued to a Wall police officer and the tenant of a borough home he owns after officials found evidence of an illegal restaurant being operated out of the building, borough Business Administrator Joe Bellina said.

The officer, Douglas Borst of Wall, and the listed tenant, Petra Hernandez, pleaded guilty to similar summonses in municipal court in the fall after a restaurant was found to be operating out of the home in August 2006.

"We were upset the first time this happened, and now this is the second time," Mayor Mike Wilson said. "We're not upset, we're outraged that a law enforcement officer could break the law like this twice."

Borst could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Hernandez repeatedly denied running a restaurant out of the residence.

"There is no business in this house," Hernandez said in her native Spanish. "There is no restaurant."

Bellina said the borough received an anonymous tip May 21 that the business was being operated out of the home, at 58 Mechanic St.

Following a reconnaissance operation by code enforcement officers, officials obtained an administrative warrant. At dusk on Wednesday, Bellina said, members of the borough police department, two code enforcement officers and representatives from the Health Department entered the home.

Bellina said officials discovered evidence that a restaurant was being operated out of the building, including boxes of food stored in closets and the basement, freezers and refrigerators full of food and beer, 30 additional cases of warm beer, take-out containers and a table set up in the basement. A propane tank was also found in the basement, Bellina said.

Summonses from the borough and the health department will be issued to Borst and Hernandez for zoning violations, operating a business without a permit, overcrowding, not having fire extinguishers and having disconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Bellina said.

Borst was issued a summons Thursday afternoon from the Freehold Health Department stating that a "person in charge shall ensure that retail food establishments are not conducted in a private home," while Hernandez was issued summonses stating that food sources were not documented from a regulated facility and that food prepared in a private home is not to be sold in a retail food establishment.

On Thursday afternoon, Hernandez, a man inside the home who identified himself as 43-year-old Ernesto Lopez of Fourth Avenue and another man who said he was her 30-year-old brother, Ismael Hernandez, claim the gatherings of people are actually parties, some religious festivals, that take place as often as four times a year.

Bellina said Borst and Hernandez would also be receiving at least five summonses each from the borough code department either later Thursday or this morning.

The overcrowding summons will carry a fine of at least $2,000, he said, and the penalties for the other code violations would be up to the discretion of the judge.

Bellina and Wilson both said overcrowding has become a problem in the borough.

"We've had quite a significant problem over the last five to six years . . . where people, investors, gobble up our homes for investment purposes. They rent them out, and there is a lot of overcrowding. We get a lot of complaints," Bellina said. Of 600 rental properties in the borough, he said, approximately 95 percent are owned by absentee landlords.

The Hernandezes and Lopez all admitted to being in the country illegally. They said they came from Mexico to Freehold six years ago.

"I feel bad because I'm in the country against the law, but like he said, I need to eat," Lopez said. "I don't want to steal, so I work."

Lopez said he tries to get work as a day laborer doing jobs such as construction and landscaping. Ismael Hernandez said he works in construction, and his sister said she used to work at a company until it let go of illegal immigrants and now works cleaning houses.

"I'm not embarrassed because I came to work," she said. "It's honest work."

Ismael Hernandez noted that he pays his rent, does not have problems with the police and said he pays taxes.

Betty O'Flaherty, 80, sitting on the porch of a home across and up the street a bit, said she has seen a lot of people going in and out of the house where Hernandez lives and that they are different people from day to day.

"Don't they understand they'll get in trouble?" she asked.

O'Flaherty said she recently heard a man she suspected of being in the country illegally bragging at a bank one day that he would not have to pay any taxes on a $900 check.

"I don't hate them. I don't have anything against anybody. There's nice people, and there's bad. I feel if they come over to this country, they should pay taxes just like us," she said.

After speaking with Wall Police Chief David Morris, Wall Lt. Gerald Ihnken said the department is "presently conducting an investigation and acquiring all of the details we can from Freehold Borough and will be handling it as a personnel matter."

"What Wall does, as far as (Borst) is concerned, that's up to Wall," said Wilson. "We wouldn't want one of our cops doing the same thing in their town. Why should they do this here in Freehold?"

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070601/NEWS01/706010461/1004/NEWS01

[admin]

Now is the time for the town government and code enforcement to show us what they are made of.

Pull the CO of this residence. Hit them with fines. Call ICE.


This is a slap in the face to every lawful resident in our town.

Mayor, Council and all others who are in charge, show us that you are serious. Show us that you are going to take back our town from slime like those who are listed in the article.

These are not minor infractions. These are serious charges and egg on our face. This is why Freehold had developed such a bad rap.

If you want to move this town forward, set an example.

Every resident should be really angry about this nonsense going on. It is unacceptable.

Brian

[LS]

I saw no mention of state officials in the article. Where is the NJ Dept of Health? The ABC? (They would have locked up the house.) How about the IRS for illegal income? These were things previously discussed on this forum, and it was reported that the council and code enforcement looked at these ideas. One prior thread stated that a report was going to be issued by ABC from the prior bust. Did that happen?

Anyway, they are setting up their defense of small parties, but they had 30 cases of warm beer (plus a refrigerator full of beer). THe warm beer alone is 720 cans of beer!!!

[Freehold Resident]

Obviously our town officials did not have measures in place to stop this from happening again. Whatever measures there were, obviously had no teeth. Disgraceful. But will the residents remember this at election time? Have they ever, for the last 20 years? What will our town leaders do different this time?

[Freehold Resident]

Wow. Unbelieveable.

When I read that Lopez admitted in the newspaper to being an illegal immigrant, I had to keep reading it over and over. It reminds me of back in the late '70s when Steve Rubell, the owner of Studio 54, basically admitted he was committing tax evasion on national television and laughed about it. I think he said, "Let's just say what the IRS doesn't know doesn't hurt," or something like that.

FR

[Pete D]

Read the article about the new "restaurant" in town. Correction. It's not "new," just reopened. First let me say I agree 100% with Brian's recommendation. Next, the response from the mayor regarding the crooked cop was unacceptable. He should be leading a delegation of residents to the next Wall Council meeting, demanding that action be taken against this crooked cop. If the mayor doesn't, then someone else should take the lead. This is one time I wish I was still in Freehold, so that I could join such a delegation. Finnally, if Mr. Lopez is not arrested, what does that tell you. He admitted that he is here illegally, arrest him, report him to the Feds, and see what happens. If the feds do nothing, then raise hell with them. Doing nothing is not acceptable !!!!

[Marc LeVine]

Now is the time for the town government and code enforcement to show us what they are made of.

I am just gathering the facts, myself. The tip came in while I was away and the bust came immediately upon my return. I, too, am outraged and expect that we will deal with this matter in the appropriate way. I will be very vocal about this as the process unfolds and will demand that all necessary actions be taken to punish the offenders and discourage the copycats.

Remember, that what you currently know of this matter is coming from cursory newspaper reporting. It is, very likely, incomplete information.

Also, realize that not everything we think should/can be done to these individuals will be in the best interests of our chances to succeed in the courts. This is why I (and the rest of council) need to learn all the details, especially from Kerry Higgins. The judge also plays an important part in determining the end result, apart from anyone else's opinion.

Once we do know all the facts, I may not be able to share all that I know, publicly and immediately, due to the nature of the investigation, so please bear with me for a bit. We don't want to jeopardize the outcome of this case.

Thank you.

Marc

[Marc LeVine]

OK, advocates. Are you publicaly going to condemn this activity and reach out to your consituency and explain to them that this is illegal, unsafe and inappropriate behavior? Will you also tell them that such actions truly set back any efforts to build better community relations? I hope so, because this is unacceptable to everyone in Freehold Borough -- and hopefully in Wall Township, too.

Yes, Mr. Borst and his police chief also need to be held accountable. The tenant allegedly ran the illegal restaurant at his rental property and on his watch.

[Marc LeVine]

Mayor Wilson wanted me to share his view on this with all of you on the board:

"If we pulled the CO, which I not sure is legal, Kerry Higgins will have to weigh in on that. We would, then, be responsible for relocation of all tenants. That fact I am sure of. I’ve been informed by Hank Stryker that the cop is removing the tenants, himself. That’s the best way to go for us.

Second, the ABC has NO jurisdiction in this because there is no beverage license, involved.

We can inform ICE of this (illegal immigrants, involved). So what! They won’t do anything. Its not a felony!

As for the Out-of-Town comment regarding that other police department... the Wall PD is doing an internal investigation, as they should. This is already strike two or three against this officer. What happens in Wall is their business. We’ll take care of this guy in OUR own court!

As far as the one person who wrote in about us letting this happen, to all the critics, we are handling all of this in the appropriate way. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion but we must obey the laws in handling this situation and WE ARE!

To those very quick to pass judgment on this matter: I believe they are nothing more than ‘MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACKS." We'll do what we can do and nothing less.

Mayor Wilson

[fiberisgoodforyou]

ALL people have the Civil Right to eat, and lets face it, not everyone can afford a great meal at Cort Jester.

So the tenant liked to entertain hungry, hard working guests, would code enforcement have raided an underground railroad house as well?

"I feel bad because I'm in the country against the law, but like he said, I need to eat," Lopez said. "I don't want to steal, so I work."

"I'm not embarrassed because I came to work," she said. "It's honest work."

See, their just being entrepreneurs and thats very American!

[fiberisgoodforyou]

admin said:

Now is the time for the town government and code enforcement to show us what they are made of.

Pull the CO of this residence. Hit them with fines. Call ICE.


This is a slap in the face to every lawful resident in our town.

Mayor, Council and all others who are in charge, show us that you are serious. Show us that you are going to take back our town from slime like those who are listed in the article.

These are not minor infractions. These are serious charges and egg on our face. This is why Freehold had developed such a bad rap.

If you want to move this town forward, set an example.

Every resident should be really angry about this nonsense going on. It is unacceptable.

Brian

Brian, lets not go over the top, or make snap emotional decisions based on things we read in the press! Marc's correct, lets let the courts mitigate this with all the facts.

Voters can mitigate this on Primary day this Tuesday, Polls are open 6:00 AM till 9:00 PM I understand, also remember the general elections are the first Tuesday in November!

[PDeFonzo]

Marc I hate to disagree with you, but on this issue, I feel nothing has been done to the crooked cop. Obviously he feels he can get away with this behavior in Freehold, it's his second time being caught, and nothing will be done to him in Wall. Any fine that he pays is more than covered by the illegal income he is making. Fines are not enough !!! The town must take the lead in going after this guy where he works and lives. You must demonstrate that guys like this cannot hide. Put pressure on Wall to take action - get him fired, or suspended. Show the citizens of Freehold that you will not tolerate this behavior. As far as Mr. Lopez goes, detain him, call the feds. - let them make the decision, and if they do nothing, than raise hell. Also, under federal law Freehold can have a police officer trained and act on immigration issues. is this being done ?

Pete

[Marc LeVine]

Breaking News. The Mayor and I just talked again and we can report that ABC is in town, right now, investigating the illegal restaurant. They were notified and are very interested. Let's see what they do!!

Marc

[Marc LeVine]

The town must take the lead in going after this guy where he works and lives. You must demonstrate that guys like this cannot hide. Put pressure on Wall to take action - get him fired, or suspended. Show the citizens of Freehold that you will not tolerate this behavior. As far as Mr. Lopez goes, detain him, call the feds. - let them make the decision, and if they do nothing, than raise hell. Also, under federal law Freehold can have a police officer trained and act on immigration issues. is this being done ?

This is all just unfolding. I will do what I can. The full council hasn't even met on this, yet. Let's take one step at a time. ABC is here already. Just arrived. I'm with all of you on this one - believe me. I want to see the legal system work hard on this. No one wants to see these folks walk away. Who are they to us -but alleged lawbreakers? The system must prove this. We all know this. Our job is to build a strong case against these people - all of them!!!

Marc

[LS]

Marc said:

Mayor Wilson wanted me to share his view on this with all of you on the board:

"If we pulled the CO, which I not sure is legal, Kerry Higgins will have to weigh in on that. We would, then, be responsible for relocation of all tenants. That fact I am sure of. I’ve been informed by Hank Stryker that the cop is removing the tenants, himself. That’s the best way to go for us.

Second, the ABC has NO jurisdiction in this because there is no beverage license, involved.

We can inform ICE of this (illegal immigrants, involved). So what! They won’t do anything. Its not a felony!

As for the Out-of-Town comment regarding that other police department... the Wall PD is doing an internal investigation, as they should. This is already strike two or three against this officer. What happens in Wall is their business. We’ll take care of this guy in OUR own court!

As far as the one person who wrote in about us letting this happen, to all the critics, we are handling all of this in the appropriate way. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion but we must obey the laws in handling this situation and WE ARE!

To those very quick to pass judgment on this matter: I believe they are nothing more than ‘MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACKS." We'll do what we can do and nothing less.

Mayor Wilson

Mr. Mayor;

You are absolultely wrong about the ABC; it does have jurisdiction N.J. statute 33:1-3 states:

It shall be the duty of the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in the Department of Law and Public Safety to supervise the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in such a manner as to fulfill the public policy and legislative purpose of this act as expressed in section 4 of P.L. 1985, c. 258 (C. 33:1-3.1).

They should have been called with the State Police. The ABC has jurisdiction over the commerce of liquor in the State of New Jersey. ABC does not have the power to arrest, hence the need for the state troopers. Once there, the ABC can confiscate the receipts and place a lien on the property.

I suggest that the Borough attorney look at Title 33.

A prior post on this bulletin board, I believe it was by Marc, said the Samantha Daenser was expecting a report from the ABC on the prior offense.

As for the C.O., I would say that once the officer removes these tenants, the C.O. should be pulled. Then let the officer fight it in court.

[Marc LeVine]

Mr. Mayor;

You are absolutely wrong about the ABC; it does have jurisdiction N.J. statute 33:1-3 states:

Yes, he was misinformed, but was pleased to know that our town officials knew to make that very important call and involve the ABC in all this. And, that's the bottom line. This was the protocol laid out in the meetings that Joe Bellina, Kerry Higgins, Hank Stryker and I had after the original incident took place. Now let's see what comes from their investigation.

I wouldn't be surprised if a call also went out to the Prosecutor's Office, too. The Asbury Park Press fingered this cop pretty good in the story's tag line, so I think alot of attention will be given to this matter. The Press never even ran the story the first time this all happened.

Marc

[LS]

Marc said:

Mayor Wilson wanted me to share his view on this with all of you on the board:

"If we pulled the CO, which I not sure is legal, Kerry Higgins will have to weigh in on that. ... Mayor Wilson

I thought that there was already an ordinance on the books whereby the C.O. could be pulled under the 2003 landlord registration ordinance. Can someone please verify this? If so, then the research on this issue has already been done.

[unwelcome guest]

Marc said:

Mr. Mayor;

You are absolutely wrong about the ABC; it does have jurisdiction N.J. statute 33:1-3 states:

Yes, he was misinformed, but was pleased to know that our town officials knew to make that very important call and involve the ABC in all this. And, that's the bottom line. This was the protocol laid out in the meetings that Joe Bellina, Kerry Higgins, Hank Stryker and I had after the original incident took place. Now let's see what comes from their investigation.

I wouldn't be surprised if a call also went out to the Prosecutor's Office, too. The Asbury Park Press fingered this cop pretty good in the story's tag line, so I think alot of attention will be given to this matter. The Press never even ran the story the first time this all happened.

Marc

I would suggest that a call to the NJ State Division of Taxation would be in order as well. Restaurant meals are taxable in this state, and unless the illegal restaurant operator aquired a TIN and was collecting & remitting the requisite 7%; she is in violation and can (and should) be prosecuted and even jailed for that ommission.

Mr LeVine, can you tell us (if you know) whether the other rental properties owned or co-owned by Officer Dirtbag have been or are being checked out for similar activity?

[Marc LeVine]

A prior post on this bulletin board, I believe it was by Marc, said the Samantha Daenser was expecting a report from the ABC on the prior offense.

We were very unhappy with the mild interest they showed back in the Fall. They sent us forms to fill out and were more interestd in telling us what they couldn't do in matters such as ours than what they could. Let's hope that their arrival in town, this time, bears more fruit.

Marc

[Marc LeVine]

I would suggest that a call to the NJ State Division of Taxation would be in order as well. Restaurant meals are taxable in this state, and unless the illegal restaurant operator aquired a TIN and was collecting & remitting the requisite 7%; she is in violation and can (and should) be prosecuted and even jailed for that ommission.

Mr LeVine, can you tell us (if you know) whether the other rental properties owned or co-owned by Officer Dirtbag have been or are being checked out for similar activity?

I fully agree and, if this has not already been done, I will insist that it be. We did, in fact, talk about this and similar actions, last fall. There is no reason not to pull out all the stops on this one. The call costs a big dime. Let these people sweat anticipating whether or not these agencies will decide to take action against them.

Oh, yes, we are and have been on top of this guy and a few other Wall cops that own rentals in the Borough. Some have been hit with other violations in the past.

By the way- your editorials in the Press, Star Ledger and local Wall papers will also help the cause.

Marc

[LS]

unwelcome said:

I would suggest that a call to the NJ State Division of Taxation would be in order as well. Restaurant meals are taxable in this state, and unless the illegal restaurant operator aquired a TIN and was collecting & remitting the requisite 7%; she is in violation and can (and should) be prosecuted and even jailed for that ommission.

Mr LeVine, can you tell us (if you know) whether the other rental properties owned or co-owned by Officer Dirtbag have been or are being checked out for similar activity?

Borst owns the following:

16 FACTORY STREET (bought 9/19/06 - right after his last bust)
52 WEST GEORGE STREET (bought 12/16/04)
58 MECHANIC STREET (bought 12/27/04)
19 BENNETT STREET (boght 8/19/04)
24 BOND ST (bought 3/21/03)

Not bad for a policeman's salary. And wouldn't you know, he owns no other Monmouth County properties! I note in the past that he has owned unuder different corporations, such as BORMAS (the first three letters of his last name and the 1st three of his partner's name) and under DB Real Estate. So he may have some more properties under different names.

In Ocean County, he owns... well, it doesn't seem that he does not own any properties. interesting.

[unwelcome guest]

LS said:

unwelcome said:

I would suggest that a call to the NJ State Division of Taxation would be in order as well. Restaurant meals are taxable in this state, and unless the illegal restaurant operator aquired a TIN and was collecting & remitting the requisite 7%; she is in violation and can (and should) be prosecuted and even jailed for that ommission.

Mr LeVine, can you tell us (if you know) whether the other rental properties owned or co-owned by Officer Dirtbag have been or are being checked out for similar activity?

Borst owns the following:

16 FACTORY STREET (bought 9/19/06 - right after his last bust)
52 WEST GEORGE STREET (bought 12/16/04)
58 MECHANIC STREET (bought 12/27/04)
19 BENNETT STREET (boght 8/19/04)
24 BOND ST (bought 3/21/03)

Not bad for a policeman's salary. And wouldn't you know, he owns no other Monmouth County properties! I note in the past that he has owned unuder different corporations, such as BORMAS (the first three letters of his last name and the 1st three of his partner's name) and under DB Real Estate. So he may have some more properties under different names.

In Ocean County, he owns... well, it doesn't seem that he does not own any properties. interesting.

Borst is a rank amatuer compared to the Wall slumlord cop who owns 13 rentals in FB and one just over the border in Freehold Twp. And then there is the other Wall cop who currently owns 8 rentals here in town, but who, at one time, owned at least a dozen.

[LS]

very interesting news about the other Wall cops. I find it interesting that Borst does not own property in Ocean or Monmouth. He had a home in Brick, but sold it last year (presumably to finance other purchases).

[Jupiter]

typical, blaming failure on another agency. Thank goodness this is not being blamed on DYFS, yet.

there is a lack of swift and firm action due to the muzzling nature of the Oct'07 settlement our council signed off on.

What next, zoning this house for a restaurant and liquor license.

On a second offense like this, swift and decisive action needs to be taken.

This was a planned raid. Wasn't there any planning and coordination here? Was there not any post raid plan of action?

This all smells wrong! I smell the foul stench of the LLA.

[unwelcome guest]

LS said:

very interesting news about the other Wall cops. I find it interesting that Borst does not own property in Ocean or Monmouth. He had a home in Brick, but sold it last year (presumably to finance other purchases).

Look again. It was a dollar sale, to his wife/ex-wife?; probably to remove his name from the deed in the event of a judgement against him.

[unwelcome guest]

unwelcome said:

LS said:

very interesting news about the other Wall cops. I find it interesting that Borst does not own property in Ocean or Monmouth. He had a home in Brick, but sold it last year (presumably to finance other purchases).

Look again. It was a dollar sale, to his wife/ex-wife?; probably to remove his name from the deed in the event of a judgement against him.

Oops. I just notice you are talking about a property in Brick. The one he sold for $1 is in Howell. My bad (I always wanted to type that!).

Carry on.

[unwelcome guest]

LS said:

Borst owns the following:

16 FACTORY STREET (bought 9/19/06 - right after his last bust)

He bought 16 Factory from Bormas LLC (i.e. himself) who purchased it in October '04 from BORST, DOUGLAS & MASON, DANIEL ( himself, again). He's actually owned it under one name or another since June of 2004.

(Ha ha! I just noticed one of the previous previous owners of that property was "Sherlock Homes Real Estate, LLC")

[unwelcome guest]

www.bayshorenews.com/4/dg_template.php?ID=23

Scroll down to the bottom.

Gee, I wonder if they stopped by Casa Illegal for an apéritif after they left the Channel Club?

[angry guest]

Marc said:

Mayor Wilson wanted me to share his view on this with all of you on the board:

"If we pulled the CO, which I not sure is legal, Kerry Higgins will have to weigh in on that. We would, then, be responsible for relocation of all tenants. That fact I am sure of. I’ve been informed by Hank Stryker that the cop is removing the tenants, himself. That’s the best way to go for us.

Second, the ABC has NO jurisdiction in this because there is no beverage license, involved.

We can inform ICE of this (illegal immigrants, involved). So what! They won’t do anything. Its not a felony!

As for the Out-of-Town comment regarding that other police department... the Wall PD is doing an internal investigation, as they should. This is already strike two or three against this officer. What happens in Wall is their business. We’ll take care of this guy in OUR own court!

As far as the one person who wrote in about us letting this happen, to all the critics, we are handling all of this in the appropriate way. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion but we must obey the laws in handling this situation and WE ARE!

To those very quick to pass judgment on this matter: I believe they are nothing more than ‘MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACKS." We'll do what we can do and nothing less.

Mayor Wilson



Yes, he was misinformed, but was pleased to know that our town officials knew to make that very important call and involve the ABC in all this. And, that's the bottom line. This was the protocol laid out in the meetings that Joe Bellina, Kerry Higgins, Hank Stryker and I had after the original incident took place. Now let's see what comes from their investigation.

I wouldn't be surprised if a call also went out to the Prosecutor's Office, too. The Asbury Park Press fingered this cop pretty good in the story's tag line, so I think alot of attention will be given to this matter. The Press never even ran the story the first time this all happened.

Marc


typical, blaming failure on another agency. Thank goodness this is not being blamed on DYFS, yet.

there is a lack of swift and firm action due to the muzzling nature of the Oct'07 settlement our council signed off on.

What next, zoning this house for a restaurant and liquor license.

On a second offense like this, swift and decisive action needs to be taken.

This was a planned raid. Wasn't there any planning and coordination here? Was there not any post raid plan of action?

This all smells wrong! I smell the foul stench of the LLA.

There are a couple of things I wanted to say here...

First of all, Marc, I do not agree with your defending the Mayor. Reading his little blurb that you posted for him, I get the impression the mayor wants those of us in town who are angry about the fact that this has happened AGAIN by the same people in the same location, to simply butt out and let the town deal with it. It's as if he's just sick and tired of hearing from people who dare to call him out for his lack of action.

The problem is, the town is exactly who has not been dealing with these issues decisively for 10 years now!!! Others on here have talked about the fact that the town council sat up there years ago when citizens started making noise about the illegal immigrants in town, and said something to the effect of "these poor people have nowhere else to go and no one else will let them live in their town"....well now you know why, and those of us who spoke up back then, knew then what this was going to degrade into...but our town officials simply turned a blind eye.

I don't know you personally, Marc, but I have to say that I get sick and tired of listening to town officials claiming that they're doing all that they can...that is flatly not true. As PDeFonzo mentioned, where is the effort to deputize one of the town police under the Illegal Immigration Reform....Act of 1996??? This piece of legislation has been mentioned on this site a number of times, and still I do not know of any answer as to what the town is doing to pursue this option.

And what about that quote from Jupiter? This was obviously a planned raid by the town, if you were so set on really making a strong statement, why weren't all of these other agencies contacted beforehand? Why are the people on this site coming up with all of the ideas that our elected leaders and their appointed officials failed to look into?? It just absolutely stinks of ineptitude.

Getting back to the mayor's quote..."We can inform ICE of this (illegal immigrants, involved). So what! They won’t do anything. Its not a felony! "

Why am I not surprised? Once again, Mayor Wilson would rather not deal with the issue of people being here illegally, he'd rather just brush that fact under the carpet, blaming it on some other government agency.

Side note - any truth to the rumor that he was associated in some way with the real estate firm that brokered the Rug Mill project?? Will someone please vote this guy out of office??!!!

I have to agree with the last quote that I put above, that wonderful settlement the town agreed to back last fall seems to be restraining them from having the guts to go after anyone or anything even remotely related to illegal immigrants in town. Gotta wonder if at least some of them signed that knowing it would give them an excuse for any lack of action in the future??

Tell you what, why don't we just give up? Why bother? Why don't we all just look for homes in another town, and let the absentee landlords continue to rent out to the tons of illegal aliens that will continue to flock to this AMNESTY TOWN? Mayor Wilson can sit on his high horse and look down at a once beautiful town that was full of character and history, which turned to ruin under his watch.

I really hope you're proud of yourself Mr Mayor...you've been a fantastic politician...but what Freehold needed over the last 10 years was a leader

[admin]

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