The 72-year-old Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Nancy L. Argentino in 1983.

Wrestling legend Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has been charged in the 1983 death of his mistress.

The 72-year-old Snuka was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Nancy L. Argentino in 1983.

Argentino, 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was pronounced dead May 11, 1983, after authorities were called to a Whitehall Township hotel room.

Snuka was arraigned Tuesday afternoon, and sent to Lehigh County Jail in lieu of 10 percent of $100,000 bail, court records show.

Snuka, who was seeing Argentino at the time of her death, was questioned by police but never charged.

It's been more than seven months since Jim Martin decided to send evidence of the death to the investigating body. The grand jury can compel people to testify or present evidence -- a power not available to prosecutors or police during normal investigative work.

Martin previously said a letter Argentino's surviving sisters sent him prompted him to look into the case, acknowledging that Argentino "died under unusual circumstances."

Snuka and his wife live in Waterford Township, New Jersey.

Caroline Argentino, Nancy's 87-year-old mother, previously said Snuka had different stories about what happened to Nancy before she died.

Argentino was pronounced dead after authorities were called to a Whitehall Township hotel room where she was staying with Snuka.

Argentino's family said Snuka's account of what happened ranged from him telling people he pushed Nancy, to claims that she fell and hit her head on the pavement.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Crystal Evans claimed she was targeted for retaliation for going against her party.

CAMDEN -- A United District Court Judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against Gloucester Township, its mayor and other local officials by a former Democratic councilwoman who claimed she was targeted for retaliation for going against her party, according to court documents.

The lawsuit was filed by Crystal Evans in November 2014, nearly two years after she ended her only term as councilwoman. She claimed that township officials used their authority to intimidate political opponents, and that she was the target of a defamation conspiracy and malicious prosecution for going against her party.

The defendants in the case filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit claiming that the claims were untimely and that the lawsuit had not sufficiently argued charges of conspiracy and municipal liability.

The lawsuit was demised without prejudice.

Evans' attorney Vera McCoy declined to comment on the dismissal Tuesday.

According to court documents, the contention began when Evans said she was handed a copy of the township budget before her first council meeting in 2008 and told to vote in favor of it. She initially wished to review the budget before voting on it, but claimed she was told that party leadership expected her "to do as she was told."

She ended up voting in favor of the budget but went on the record saying she was only doing so to avoid a shutdown.

Following that meeting, Evans claimed that current township mayor David Mayer -- who was president of the local Democratic Party -- chastised her for speaking out at the meeting and embarrassing the party, according to the lawsuit.

She also claimed that her character was attacked during her time as a councilwoman, which made it difficult for her to get cooperation from local officials.

Evans claimed in the lawsuit that she was targeted for false arrest and malicious prosecution. She alleged that her arrest in 2012 on a charge of fourth-degree felony stalking, which was later dismissed, was politically motivated.

Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

 

Police said the men told the victim that they needed to check her water for dye.

GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Authorities are looking for men who impersonated utility workers last month, according to police.

Gloucester Township Police Department 

A resident of Honey Locust Court told police she was outside gardening on Aug. 10, when a man approached her and said he was from the water company and needed to make sure we water didn't have dye in it.

Police said she took the man into the kitchen where he checked under the sink and looked at the pipes. He asked her to go into a first-floor bathroom and turn on the water.

She said when she returned to the kitchen she heard her front door open and close. She then saw another man at the top of her stairs. He immediately started apologizing for the other man coming in without permission.

Police said he then asked to use her phone to call his supervisor even though he had a cellphone on him. Authorities believe he disabled the victim's phone so she couldn't use it.

When the men asked to look in her basement, the woman said no and the men fled on foot, according to police. She later checked the bedroom and found that some dresser drawers had been opened and some items were missing from them.

Anyone with information is urged to call Gloucester Township Police at 856-228-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 856-842-5560.

Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Since the department began using Narcan in 2014, police have saved 120 lives using the medication in response to drug overdoses.

CAMDEN -- More than 100 lives have been saved using Narcan in Camden County since May of last year, authorities said.

After a responding to Line Street for reports of an overdose Tuesday morning, police administered Narcan and saved a man using the anti-opiod medication.

Since the city department began using Narcan in 2014, police have saved 120 lives using the medication in response to drug overdoses.

In 2015 alone, police have documented 386 drug overdoses in the city of Camden, including 31 fatalities, authorities reported.

The most recent incident was just after 10 a.m. Tuesday when police responded to a parked car where a man was unconscious and not breathing in the front passenger seat after using heroin, police said.

Officer Benjamin Patti quickly administered Narcan and the victim began to breathe again, but remained unconscious. 

The man was taken to Cooper University Hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Within the past week, Camden County Police have responded to an influx of drug overdoses.

Officer Antonio Gennetta responded Aug. 26 to Yorkship Square and tended to a man who was unconscious on the ground.

Narcan was used on the man and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment, according to police.

Another man was found Aug. 24 in a bathroom on Market Street unresponsive after reportedly using heroin and Officer Michael Grace responded to the incident.

Grace used the Narcan and the man started to regain consciousness and was taken to Cooper University Hospital.

On Aug. 20, police also responded to an idling vehicle on South Merrimac Road where the driver was found unconscious after using heroin.

Officer Jesse Henderson administered Narcan and the driver became responsive and was taken to the hospital.

Later that same day, a woman was struggling to breathe after using heroin in the area of Broadway and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

City officers Baruch Zepeda and Elizabeth Ponte responded to the woman and issued Narcan. The woman regained consciousness and was tarn to the hospital for further treatment.

Camden County Police have issued public safety alerts about the danger to drug users purchasing narcotics in the city.

Law enforcement agencies throughout Camden County have used Narcan roughly 300 times since May 2014, with about 280 of the administrations successful, according to authorities.

Anyone with information about distribution, sale or use of drugs is asked to contact the department's anonymous tip line at 856-757-7042.

For information on addiction prevention, recovery treatment and other resources available for drug users and families, including crisis hotline numbers, visit the county's addiction awareness task force here.

Anyone looking for addiction help can call the crisis hotline at 877-266-8222 or dial 9-1-1 in cad of an emergency.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.

Michael Grant isn't Jesus, but try telling that to his disciples.

PHILADELPHIA -- A homeless man on the verge of tears has his face buried in his hands when "Philly Jesus" spots him. The cardboard sign says his backpack was stolen. Philly Jesus knows better, but they pray together anyway.

Not two seconds later, a couple with a wheelchair-bound daughter asks Philly Jesus to say a prayer for her -- and for a picture.

Michael Grant isn't Jesus, but try telling that to his disciples.

'These are just clothes'

"Salvation is a free gift," said the 29-year-old city resident, whose long hair, beard, robe and walking stick are used to create a visual ministry. "I don't do this to earn brownie points with God."

Grant is a former drug addict and rapper who was run over by a minivan driven by an ex-girlfriend. He got hooked on opiates and later heroin as a result of the 2005 accident. His musical career embraced the dark side and theft fueled the constant search to score dope.

After years of taking drugs, selling them and being arrested for misdemeanors, a judge ordered Grant to rehab. It's there where true salvation awaited.

"I just felt at peace," he said of the weekly bible study sessions that have kept him clean for nearly three years now. "He took my punishment for my wrongdoings. All my sins were nailed to him," Grant said of his idol -- who he merely dresses up as.

"These are just clothes," he said, adding that his appearance is just based off interpretations and paintings.

Grant, who attended Catholic grade school and was an altar server while growing up, said religion has always been instilled in him. But does he really need to wear the white robe or carry a cross for a three-hour hike up Broad Street, as he did on Saturday?

"I'm using the talent God gave me to show him in a non-denominational way," he said. "The last thing I ever thought I'd be doing in my life is this."

Good Friday

Grant was 15 minutes early to a 2 p.m. interview at LOVE Park last Friday. Out of nowhere, he appeared atop a 5-foot-tall wall, robe and hair whipping in the wind as mist from the park's iconic fountain showered him.

Just as sudden as his appearance were smiles that started to crack on the faces of those nearby. The visual ministry was under way.

"I tell them this whole life is temporary and all of us as human beings can get so caught up, we don't think about God," Grant said of the actual teaching and preaching he does.

Between citing scripture and the word of God during conversations with those who ask, Grant "baptized" three people in the fountain at LOVE Park and prayed with another man he knew.

Not everyone is having his non-denominational ministry, though. Some walk by and spit in his general direction, convinced he's on an ego trip or just walking in Jesus' sandals for personal gain.

"I just try to bring awareness that there's an afterlife. I break it down to them," he said. "The truth hurts," he said when asked how people react. "I feel compelled to tell people the truth."

Grant was arrested on disorderly conduct charges late last year after argue with a police officer about accepting money for photos. The charges were later dropped. City police said Monday that he is involved in "pending litigation," however additional requests for comment from other city departments regarding the case were not returned.

Breaking Bread

In private, Philly Jesus does end and Grant is born again. He'll stay at friends' homes, de-robe, take a shower and try to relax. Grant said Jesus' public ministries went on for three years and, now two years into the gig, said all things must come to an end.

He's mulling a career as Philly Moses years down the line when his flowing brown locks age to a weathered gray.

With Pope Francis' arrival now less than a month away, Grant said he'd cherish the opportunity for insight on Francis' transformation into a pope "if it's God's will for us to meet."

Either way, "I'll be preaching the gospel in the streets."

Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Sterling High School graduate Jarrod Haschet posted a video on Facebook to try to land a date to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball with the UFC star

A United States Marine from South Jersey got the answer he was hoping for after asking out MMA superstar Ronda Rousey in an online video that went viral.

Rousey on Tuesday accepted Sterling High School graduate Jarrod Haschet's invitation to be his date at a Marine Corps ball in December.

Haschet, 22, posted a video on his Facebook page Aug. 23 in which he called the 28-year-old mixed martial artist his "celebrity crush" and a "phenomenal person." The video has been viewed about five million times.

Rousey told TMZ.com she's free because her next fight was moved to November and asked Haschet to find dates for a few of her friends. She also warned that she's "not a first date kind of girl."

The Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight titleholder is undefeated in 12 fights as a mixed martial arts professional.

Haschet, who is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, also has an athletic background as he ran track and cross country when he attended high school in Somerdale, Camden County.

Ronda Rousey -- Hell Yeah I'll Go to Marine Ball ... But There's a Catch! http://t.co/MPXjYCSjYk

-- TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) September 1, 2015

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

 

Uber, the ride-sharing service, will host the fair at Camden County College on Sept. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of its N.J. job tour.

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP -- In an effort to swell its ranks throughout New Jersey, ridesharing service Uber has hit the road itself.

Gloucester Township officials announced the company -- which uses a smartphone app to match those in need of a ride with private drivers -- will host a job fair at Camden County College on Sept. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the company's New Jersey jobs tour. 

This March 25, 2015 file photo shows an UBER application viewed as cars drive by in Washington, DC. (AP Photo) 

RELATED: Six things to know about Uber in N.J.

According to a media release, the fair will be held in the campus' Connector Atrium and will feature remarks from Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer as well as opportunities to talk with Uber representatives and current drivers. 

The company has made headlines in the state this year following legislative attempts to regulate the growing ridesharing industry, which has come under fire from the state's taxi industry for not holding Uber drivers to the same safety and insurance regulations as taxi drivers. 

Uber drivers work as independent contractors with the company, and drive their own vehicles on their own schedules to pick up passengers who use the smartphone app.

In April, Uber launched a N.J. tour of events, which included Uber drivers speaking about their experiences and circulating a petition against the legislation to bring attention to their opposition. The bill is still making its way through the assembly.

There were no mentions of petitions or legislative issues in the announcement of the upcoming job fair in Gloucester Township, however, just further details about the event, which will include food and drinks and is expected to draw more than 100 people.

"We are excited to see the rising demand for Uber as Gloucester Township continues to grow,"  Mayer said in a statement. "Uber offers flexible jobs that fit the lifestyle of our residents."

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Marc Levine, of Camden County, was stopped in Carneys Point Township at 7:55 a.m., according to authorities.

CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- A 46-year-old Cherry Hill man was arrested on drug possession charges following a motor vehicle stop Tuesday morning, police said.

Marc Levine, 46, of Cherry Hill  

Marc Levine, of Camden County, was stopped in Carneys Point Township at 7:55 a.m., according to authorities.

Levine was found wanted out of Camden City Municipal Court and Washington Township Municipal Court on multiple outstanding warrants, police reported.

During the motor vehicle stop, Levine was also found in possession drug paraphernalia, cocaine and marijuana, according to police.

Levine was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, and possession of paraphernalia.

The Cherry Hill man was also issued summonses, was processed and released with new court dates on the warrants.

Further court action on the drug charges is pending.

 

Jahmir Mungo,of Erial, was found Sunday in the area of Pennsauken.

CAMDEN -- The 15-year-old who was reported missing this past weekend has been located safely, authorities said Wednesday afternoon.

Jahmir Mungo, 15

Jahmir Mungo,of Erial, was found Sunday in the area of Pennsauken.

Camden County Police Department released information on Mungo's disappearance when he was last seen on 37th Street on his way to Pennsauken.

Further information on Mungo was not provided by authorities.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.

 

The man argued that he did not knowingly waive his rights against self-incrimination.

CAMDEN -- A man who received a 13-year sentence for sexual assault charges against two girls will get a new trial after the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division reversed his conviction Monday, according to court documents.

 

The defendant -- who was identified only by the initials F.S.S. -- was successful in his appeal which argued that a statement he made to a prosecutor's investigators was made without a knowing waiver of his right against self-incrimination and should be suppressed.

The defendant was accused of 18 counts of sexual offenses against two girls, both family relations, according to the Appellate Division's decision.

In June 2010, two investigators from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office came to the defendant's home and said they needed to speak with him. The decision said the investigators told him he was not under arrest but drove him without handcuffs in their vehicle to the prosecutor's office.

After asking him questions about his identification, living arrangements and employment, the investigators told him "we want to talk to you about what's going on in your family," according to the decision.

He answered "okay," and they started advising him of his rights to remain silent and to have an attorney.

The decision includes the transcribed interview between investigators and the defendant. After he was read his rights, the defendant was asked if he would like to waive those rights and answer questions.

The defendant asked "what that mean?" and the investigator answered "would you like to speak to us or not?" The defendant agreed to speak and the interview got under way.

In his appeal, the defendant argued that he did not understand and did not give a knowing waiver of his rights.

The trial judge initially concluded that there was no need to inform the defendant of his rights because he was not in custody at the time of the questioning.

The Appellate Division disagreed.

The decision explains that "custodial interrogation occurs when a law enforcement officer initiates questioning after a person has been taken into police custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in any significant way." It goes on to show some circumstances that would lead the defendant to believe he was not free to go.

"Defendant was never told that he was free to leave or that he could refuse to accompany the investigators to the office," the decision said. "Moreover, defendant was transported to the office in the investigators' vehicle, and ... there was no practical way for defendant to leave."

The Appellate division believed that by having his belongings searched prior to the interview and not being allowed to answer two phone calls while it was in progress, a reasonable person would conclude that he was not free to leave at any time.

The Appellate Division also thought that the investigator's response to the defendant's question about the waiver could have left him with the impression that the waiver itself was unimportant formality and that it was unnecessary to understand it.

The decision to deny the suppression of the defendant's statements was reversed, and the Appellate Divison remanded the case to the Law Division for further hearing.

Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Chad B. Smith, 30, faces a 10-year prison sentence, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

CAMDEN -- A city man faces a 10-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty Wednesday in connection to an armed robbery in Lindenwold last year, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

 

Chad B. Smith, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree armed robbery in Superior Court in Camden. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.

The robbery was reported at the Arborwood apartment complex on Sept. 20, 2014. The 40-year-old victim was walking to a delivery vehicle at about 12: 25 a.m. when Smith approached and pointed a handgun at hime, authorities said.

The was punched in the face after his cellphone and credit card were stolen, according to police.

Police located Smith about a half hour after the incident and took him into custody.

Under the No Early Release Act, Smith will be required to serve at least 85-percent of his sentence for he is eligible for parole, according to the prosecutor's office.

Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Four vehicles in Gloucester Township were vandalized between 1 a.m. and daybreak, according to reports.

GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Authorities are investigating vandalism incidents in which the windows of vehicles were smashed in early Wednesday, 6abc reports.

Four vehicles were vandalized between 1 a.m. and daybreak, according to the report.

The car owners, who were mostly in their late teens, reportedly woke up to find their vehicles heavily damaged.

Three of the vehicles were located between Fernwood and a mile away from the area of Glendora, the report said. The incident remains under investigation.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.

 

Authorities are seeking more information in an iPhone theft that occurred at the Dollar Tree store earlier this summer.

GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Authorities are seeking more information in an iPhone theft that occurred at the Dollar Tree store earlier this summer.

Gloucester Township Police have released video surveillance from the theft that occurred June 11 in hopes of identifying the suspect dressed in medical scrubs.

Surveillance footage shows a woman dressed in blue scrubs approach the check-out register while the owner of an iPhone was paying.

The owner of the pink Otterbox covered phone put the device on the conveyor belt to make her purchase when the suspect covered the phone with white construction paper, authorities reported.

Video then shows the unidentified woman slipping the phone into her pocketbook before continuing with her own purchase.

Anyone who can identify the woman in the video or with information on the incident, please contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at 856-228-4500.

The anonymous crime tip-line is also available for anyone with information by texting TIP GLOTWPPD to 888777.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.

The incident occurred just before 2:55 a.m. Monday at the corner of North Constitution and Hornet roads when two adult males approached the victim, police said.

CAMDEN -- The Camden County Police Department is seeking information in a robbery Monday in which two armed men stole a man's wallet, phone and keys, and then fled in his car.

The robbery occurred around 2:55 a.m. at the corner of North Constitution and Hornet roads when two robbers approached the man brandishing black handguns, police said.

The robbers took the man's wallet, cell phone, and car keys, police said.

The gunman took the man's gray 2008 Chevrolet Suburban with a New Jersey license plate H83FPZ and fled the scene.

One suspect is approximately 6 foot tall with a thin build, fade-style haircut and dark clothing. The second suspect is described with a medium build and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information on the robbery or suspects is asked to contact the Camden County Police Department tip line at 856-757-7042.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.

 

 

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed in the show for the first time since 2006 Watch video

ATLANTIC CITY -- Thousands packed the beaches in and around Atlantic City Wednesday for the annual "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" airshow featuring the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.

The airshow got underway with foggy skies that soon parted to reveal demonstrations by the Geico Skytypers, U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue along with several other military and civilian aerobatic acts.

RELATED: Think WWII planes look cool from the ground?

In Atlantic City, prime viewing areas were claimed early along the beach and boardwalk. For those spectators that didn't want to fight the 90-degree temperature, the Playground pier mall jutting out from the boardwalk over the ocean offered an air conditioned view of the aerial performances.

The event concluded with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing in the show for the first time since 2006. 

Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

The report said the team is in talks with the county to remain in Camden.

CAMDEN -- After 15 years in the city, the Camden Riversharks may leave before next season, according to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Two people familiar with the situation told the Inquirer that Campbell's Field, located on Camden's Waterfront, might host a new team next year.

The team has not commented on the situation. A Camden County spokesman said they are in negotiations with the Riversharks, and there is no agreement in place for the team to play at Campbell's Field next year, according to the report.

The Hartford Courant reported, citing sources, that the Riversharks were expected to replace the departing New Britain Rock Cats. That team is moving to Hartford as the renamed Yard Goats, the report said.

The Riversharks are independent and not affiliated with a Major League Baseball club.

The man is suspected to be a 23-year-old from Marlton, but police are awaiting DNA tests to confirm his identity.

CAMDEN -- A man who was found dead in a burning minivan in Camden on Thursday died from a drug overdose, authorities announced Friday. 

The man is suspected to be a 23-year-old Marlton resident, according to a media release from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, but police are awaiting DNA testing to confirm his identity. 

RELATED: 120th life saved in South Jersey city using Narcan, police say

His body was found in the driver's seat of the minivan after firefighters responded to reports of a burning vehicle on the 2100 block of Miller Street at 1:14 p.m.

An autopsy performed Friday determined his cause of death to be from the "adverse effect of drugs" and deemed accidental, police said. 

There's no word yet on what caused the fire, and police are asking anyone with information to contact Camden County Prosecutor's Office Detective Sherman Lee Hopkins Jr. at 856-225-8623 or Camden County Police Detective Geoffrey Chiumento at 856-757-7420. Tips can be emailed as well to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

Felix Bocchicchio is being credited for saving the life of a customer on his route when he noticed she hadn't picked up her mail in three days.

Felix Bocchicchio (Submitted photo) 

MOUNT EPHRAIM -- Felix Bocchicchio was just doing his job. At least that's what he says, but for one customer on his route his job ended up saving her life.

Bocchicchio is a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service, delivering mail in the Mount Ephraim area for the past 13. He's gotten to know a lot of the people on his route. He knows when they're home, when they're on vacation, or when something is wrong, and last December knowing his customers really came in handy.

There is a 93-year-old woman he was used to seeing each day, or at least who was very attentive to picking up her mail at her Cleveland Avenue home. After seeing a few days of mail left in her mailbox, he began to get worried.

"I was nervous. I was knocking on the door," he said.

RELATED: Jersey City postal worker returns lost wallet containing $4,800

But he spoke to a neighbor who said everything looked OK and that the woman had received flowers earlier that day. The next day, however, the mail still wasn't picked up.

"I knew something was wrong," Bocchicchio said. "I looked in and could see she had fallen and wasn't moving."

He got the attention of the neighbor again, who had a key to the woman's house, but the doors were dead bolted. He called 9-1-1.

"Once the EMTs were there and I saw that she was talking, I let them do their thing," Bocchicchio added.

His customer was severely dehydrated and incoherent, but after two months in rehab was able to return home and collect her mail again.

Now, nearly nine months later, Bocchicchio is getting a lot of recognition for his attentiveness and caring as the Post Office recognizes him. A Facebook post on the USPS's page has garnered nearly 13,000 likes, 1,500 shares and more than 600 comments on the social media site as of Friday afternoon, and Bocchicchio has been fielding calls all day.

"I didn't do it for recognition. I just knew something was wrong," he said. "The hug and smile when she came home was great. I'm glad I was able to be there to help."

Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@southjerseymedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

 

She calls her students her kids and when she loses one to disinterest or the lure of the streets, it pains her as if it were her own kin.

DEPTFORD TWP. — She calls her students her kids and when she loses one to dispassion or the lure of the streets, it pains her as though it were her own kin.

When some of her students come into class hungry, which is often, she has a box of granola bars waiting for them, which she purchases from her own pocket.

Megan Spoltore, an English teacher at Camelot Camden City Transitional Academy, was taken by surprise Thursday afternoon when she entered the Walmart on Clements Bridge Road and was welcomed with a roaring round of applause in recognition for her outstanding work as an educator. She received a $513 gift card and a back-to-school survival kit which included an iPad.

Based on a 2014 survey on teachers' spending behavior — which found that teachers in the U.S. spend an average of $513 on out-of-pocket classroom supplies and other materials — Walmart donated gift cards and gift baskets to exceptional teachers all over the country.

"We are used to getting by with as little as possible," Spoltore said. "We don't have the same technology that bigger districts (receive). In today's world, we assume that everyone has a smartphone and a computer, but ... my kids don't have that."

MORE: 3 new things Camden City schools are doing for parents, students, staff

Spoltore says people also don't realize how many students go to school hungry because they are food insecure.

Which is why she does what she can to provide nutrition to her students so they can make it through the school day.

"I always have granola bars in my desk," she said. "You can't expect kids to achieve their highest potential if they are hungry."

Spoltore doesn't see this as a burden, but a duty that she said she is more than willing to accept.

For her, the job isn't merely one to be punched in and out of everyday. It follows her everywhere.

Teachers in the Camden School District often have to deal with losing students, whether because of a lack of interest in academics, the lure of the streets or street violence.

And Spoltore admits she has difficulty separating her job from her personal life. She has two young kids of her own.

"It is hard emotionally in Camden," she said. "I've lost kids. I found out I had a student get shot a few weeks ago and it's hard when you care that much, even though they are not your own."

Thankfully, she said, the student survived the incident.

But even in moments of frustration, she never allows herself to feel defeated or cynical. And, most of all, she never closes the door on any of her students if they want to come back and give school another try.

During the celebration, Spoltore choked up as Walmart store manager Joseph Bakalar thanked her for her outstanding work.

Dr. Jonathan Ogbonna, principal of Camelot Camden City Transitional Academy, said Walmart contacted the school district over the summer looking to recognize an outstanding teacher. Spoltore was randomly selected out of all the outstanding teachers in the school district evaluated on their abilities as highly effective educators.

"It was awesome. Out of all the teachers, all of the schools, she was picked," said Ogbonna, who attended the surprise celebration.

He was excited that the students would be able to use the supplies and iPad for school projects. The students will share the iPad.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. follow him on twitter @spencermkent. find the south jersey times on facebook.

Marissa Rosario was reported missing Friday night from her home on the 1200 block of North 32nd Street.

CAMDEN -- Police are looking for a missing 14-year-old Cramer Hill girl.

Marissa Rosario, 14, of Camden, was reported missing Friday, Sept. 4. (Camden County Police Department)
 

Marissa Rosario was reported missing Friday night from her home on the 1200 block of North 32nd Street, police said.

She is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 115 pounds, with brown eyes and blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie with "PINK" written in white on the back, gray sweatpants and black Vans sneakers.

Police say she could be in New Brunswick.

Anyone with information on Marissa's whereabouts is asked to call the Camden County Police Department tip line at 856-757-7042.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.