Author: ECCYC

For Immediate Release:                                      

May 4, 2022                                     

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of IBRAHIM ASARE (DOB:5/23/1996; single; unemployed) of 254 Orange Street, Apartment 207, Newark, NJ on drug and weapons charges, and BRANDON WUSU (9/16/98; single; unemployed) of 254 Orange Street, Apartment 207, Newark, NJ on ID theft and money laundering charges. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love.

On May 3, 2022, an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force revealed that IBRAHIM ASARE was transporting bulk amounts of suspected marijuana and multiple firearms through Bergen County.  During this investigation, a search was conducted on the defendant’s vehicle in Carlstadt, NJ that revealed approximately two pounds of suspected marijuana, two handguns, hollow point ammunition, and a large capacity magazine. ASARE was arrested at the scene of the search without incident.

A warranted search of ASARE’s residence revealed a fifty-round ammunition drum, a twenty-four-round high capacity magazine, a seventeen-round high capacity magazine, multiple fraudulent identifications, counterfeit credit cards, fraudulent checks, and approximately $12,500.00.  ASARE’s roommate, BRANDON WUSU, was also arrested at the scene without incident. 

IBRAHIM ASARE was charged with two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5; second-degree possession of a firearm in the commission of a drug offense, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1; third-degree possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in a quantity greater than one ounce but less than 5 pounds,   N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(b)11(b); fourth-degree possession of hollow point bullets, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f; and fourth-degree possession of a high capacity magazine, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j.

ASARE was charged in Essex County by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office with three counts of fourth-degree possession of a high capacity magazine, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j.  ASARE was remanded to the Bergen County Jail and is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.

BRANDON WUSU was charged with third-degree money laundering, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a; and fourth-degree possessing identifying information of another, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17-3(a), and was released on a summons complaint by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Prosecutor Mark Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Additionally, Prosecutor Musella would like to thank the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Newark Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

While New Jersey has yet to record a case of the mysterious hepatitis in children, state health officials are on the lookout as the string of severe liver infections grows throughout the U.S. and around the globe.

“At this time, the (New Jersey) Department of Health is not aware of any cases among children in New Jersey. We are monitoring for any reports of potential cases,” a spokeswoman for the state health department said in an email.

Roughly 30 cases of unexplained hepatitis have been reported across 10 U.S. states, and nearly 300 probable cases have been identified worldwide. Most of the patients live in the United Kingdom.

The cases have baffled experts. They could be linked to the adenovirus — a virus that can cause the common cold — but their origin remains unclear.

Here’s what you should know:

In October and November, five children were admitted to an Alabama hospital with “severe hepatitis and adenovirus,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC, along with Alabama’s state and local health departments, began an investigation.

More cases soon emerged throughout the country, in Europe and now Asia.

Hepatitis — inflammation of the liver — is a serious illness often caused by viruses and can be life-threatening.

In April, the CDC issued a nationwide health alert “to notify clinicians and public health authorities about a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection — and to ask all physicians to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments.”

Worldwide, there have been nearly 300 probable cases “of acute hepatitis of unknown origin.” In the U.S., Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Wisconsin have identified possible patients.

Belgium, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom have also seen cases, according to the World Health Organization.

They range from 1 month to 16 years old, the WHO says.

The infections have caused four deaths. At least 17 children have needed a liver transplant, and as many as 10% of cases could require one, according to the WHO.

Children have experienced fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Many had jaundice — a yellowing of the skin or eyes — and were discovered to have abnormally high levels of liver enzymes.

The adenovirus is the chief suspect.

“Adenovirus has been detected in at least 74 cases … SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus) was identified in 20 cases of those that were tested,” the WHO says. “Furthermore, 19 were detected with a SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus co-infection.”

But “while adenovirus is currently one hypothesis as the underlying cause, it does not fully explain the severity of the clinical picture,” the WHO added.

Even more curious, the virus has not been known to cause illness of this sort.

“Infection with adenovirus type 41, the implicated adenovirus type, has not previously been linked to such a clinical presentation,” WHO said.

What’s an adenovirus?

Adenoviruses are common viruses that cause a range of illness, according to the CDC. Cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and conjunctivitis can result from an adenovirus infection.

The virus usually spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with infected surfaces.

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Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.

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OUT MONTCLAIR ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED TALENT LINEUP FOR THE FIRST-EVER MONTCLAIR PRIDE FESTIVAL

NEW JERSEY NATIVE AND COMEDIAN JUDY GOLD ANNOUNCED AS EMCEE

SPECIAL SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS INCLUDE THE BROADWAY CAST OF THE TONY AWARD-WINNING “JAGGED LITTLE PILL,” “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” STAR AND TRANS ACTIVIST PEPPERMINT, TRANS SUPERMODEL CARMEN CARRERA, TONY AWARD-WINNER LAURA BENANTI, “POSE” STAR DYLLÓN BURNSIDE, FELIPE ROSE, ORIGINAL FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE “VILLAGE PEOPLE,” FAB THE DUO, J-LINE, RANDI DRISCOLL AND BRYAN RUBY, THE VANGUARD THEATER’S CAST OF “RENT,” AND MANY MORE TO COME

(Montclair, NJ – May 3, 2022) – Out Montclair, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization established in 2021 to provide community, support, and solidarity for LGBTQIA+ people and host of the inaugural Montclair Pride festival, is announcing the first special guests and entertainers for the main stage at its inaugural Montclair Pride on Bloomfield Avenue between Church and Park in downtown Montclair on Saturday, June 11th, 2022.

Emmy award-winning comedian and Essex County native Judy Gold will emcee the festivities from the main stage following a ribbon-cutting by local officials and a kick off by School of Rock. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., State Senator Nia Gill, Montclair Council Member Peter Yacobellis (also Out Montclair’s President) and the Mayor of Montclair Sean Spiller are among the local elected officials who will rally the crowd. Performers include the recent Broadway cast of “Jagged Little Pill,” Dyllón Burnside from “Pose,” as well as Felipe Rose, original member of The Village People leading the crowd in singing “YMCA.” Black Trans activist Miss Peppermint, best known from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, will perform a set too.

The festival main stage will also feature a special performance by Montclair local and Broadway legend, Laura Benanti, an appearance by trans activist, supermodel and New Jersey native Carmen Carrera, Maplewood native Randi Driscoll performing “What Matters,” the official tribute song to the late Matthew Shepard, out pro baseball player and country singer Bryan Ruby, the artist J-Line and several more to be announced.

As previously announced, Betty Who is the featured musical artist at the first-ever The Montclair Pride Concert at the Wellmont Theater with Fab the Duo and another soon-to-be-announced singer, as supporting artists and others, Saturday night, June 11th, at the Wellmont after the Pride Festival. Tickets for that event are on sale now here.

Out Montclair is also accepting applications for local and regional performers for the School of Rock Stage, sponsored by Summit Health, Montclair Local and the Bravitas Group which will be situated on Park St. near the YMCA. These local voices will help represent Montclair Pride 2022’s theme: “Be You. Be Heard.” Applications are being accepted through May 6th via Out Montclair’s website.

“I’m beyond excited about each of these individuals and the many others who we’ll announce in the future. Each of them, with many from right here in the Garden State, have incredible stories and have contributed so meaningfully to the broader movement for justice and equality in this country.”, said Out Montclair President Peter Yacobellis. “Through remarks and performance, I’m excited to have all of this talent reinforcing our theme of ‘Be You. Be Heard.’ and joining LGBTQIA+ people and our allies from all around the region,” he added.

“Where else but Montclair would a 6-foot-3 Jewish lesbian from Newark be the star of this historic occasion,” Judy Gold joked. “There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be than with my New Jersey family in this gay Mayberry, celebrating Pride with everyone in the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community. Montclair, you’re gorgeous and you know it and I love you anyway. See you in June,” said Montclair Pride emcee, actress and comedian Judy Gold.

Members of the public interested in joining the festivities in Downtown Montclair on June 11th are encouraged to express their interest in attending through the Facebook event located here.

About Judy Gold

Judy Gold is an American stand-up comedian, actress, podcaster, television writer and producer. She won two Daytime Emmy Awards for her work as a writer and producer on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. She has also been involved in many projects in various roles, including the television series All-American Girl and HBO at the Multiplex segments where she asks humorous questions of unexpecting moviegoers.

About Jagged Little Pill
The Tony® Award-winning Jagged Little Pill is a jukebox musical with music by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, lyrics by Morissette, and book by Diablo Cody, with additional music by Michael Farrell and Guy Sigsworth. The musical is inspired by the 1995 album of the same name by Morissette and deals with pain, healing, and empowerment. It premiered at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 5, 2018, directed by Diane Paulus.

The show began previews on Broadway in November 2019, and opened on December 5, 2019, and closed on December 17, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 74th Tony Awards, Jagged Little Pill won two awards on 15 nominations, the most nominations of any show of the 2019–2020 season. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

About Peppermint

Peppermint is a trailblazing actress, singer, DJ, reality star, and activist who defies limitations. A longtime key figure in queer nightlife, Peppermint’s star rose thanks to her smashing success as the first out trans contestant on Rupaul’s Drag Race where she finished as unner-up in one of the series’ most-talked-about finales. Soon after, her talent led her to become the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in the hit musical Head Over Heels. Peppermint has served on GLAAD’s Board of Directors since 2020, working to accelerate acceptance of LGBTQ people through accurate and respectful representation in the media.

About Laura Benanti

Tony® Award-winner and five-time Tony® Award nominee Laura Benanti is a highly celebrated stage and screen actress.  Benanti can most recently be seen in Amy Schumer’s LIFE & BETH, which premiered on Hulu on March 18. Benanti is also set to recur in the second season of HBO’s period drama, THE GILDED AGE, created, written and executive produced by DOWNTON ABBEY creator Julian Fellowes. Benanti joins a formidable roster including Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Michael Cerveris, Katie Finneran, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’Hara, and Robert Sean Leonard. She can currently be seen in HBO Max’s GOSSIP GIRL reboot. Benanti previously starred in Netflix’s WORTH, opposite Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci and Amy Ryan, for which she’s received significant praise, with Deadline hailing her performance as “awards-worthy.” Based on true events, WORTH is a moving reminder of the power of empathy and the value of human connection, with Benanti’s character at the crux. Additionally, Benanti reprised her role in the final season of the hit TV series YOUNGER which premiered April 2021, starred opposite Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the comedy film HERE TODAY which was released May 2021, and appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s awards-favorite, TICK, TICK…BOOM!, the adaptation of the autobiographical Off-Broadway show written by Johnathon Larson (Rent). Benanti’s other credits include appearing as a guest star on the Showtime series CINEMA TOAST created by Jeff Baena and produced by the Duplass Brothers as well as the highly anticipated variety show ZIWE featuring comedian Ziwe Fumudoh. Additionally, Benanti created and executive produced the HBO MAX special, HOMESCHOOL MUSICAL: CLASS OF 2020, co-authored a children’s board book M is for MAMA (and also Merlot): A Modern Mom’s ABC’s, co-written with Metropolitan Opera Star Kate Mangiameli and released a self-titled studio album for Sony Music Masterworks. The album is comprised of contemporary covers, jazz influenced torch songs and comedic takes on beloved favorites.

About Dyllón Burnside

A multi-hyphenate performer, songwriter and creator, Dyllón Burnside is best known to audiences for his starring role as ‘Ricky’ on FX and Ryan Murphy’s Emmy nominated FX series, “Pose.” He recently starred in AMERICAN HORROR STORIES and will confidentially next be seen in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix limited series MONSTER, opposite Evan Peters. Dyllón first captivated audiences with his Broadway debut, starring in 2014’s Holler if Ya Hear Me, a hip-hop musical inspired by the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. He currently stars on Broadway in the new production of Thoughts of a Colored Man. The Pensacola, Florida native began performing professionally at the age of 12 as a member of the Hip-Hop/R&B boy band 3D. He has toured the country performing original music alongside folks like Stevie Wonder and Rihanna in such venues as Madison Square Garden and the Nokia Theater. Burnside has performed at the US Opens Men’s final as well as headlined and produced a sold-out benefit concert for GLSEN at the Cutting Room in New York City. He has released 2 singles ‘Heaven’ and ‘Silence’ both of which gained momentum on R&B charts. He is currently in the process of putting out his first EP.  In addition to his performance work, Burnside is also passionate about producing quality arts content that promotes social change. His work as a producer includes film, theatrical and musical events that serve and/or shed light on marginalized communities. He has been honored by GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign for his continuing dedication to LGBTQ+ rights. Dyllón recently hosted “Prideland,” a one-hour special and short-form digital series for PBS that received a GLAAD Award nomination and won the Emmy award for Outstanding Short Form Daytime Non-Fiction Program.

About Carmen Carrera

As a featured model, Carmen has worked with PUMA and has walked shows at New York City Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week. In fact, she was the first transgender model to ever walk at Miami Swim Week. Her fans are very passionate, creating a petition for her to be the first transgender Victoria Secret Model, which went viral creating international media attention. In a very special project “Show Girl,” Carmen was photographed by the legendary Steven Meisel for a spread in W Magazine. She also did a special project with HBO creating Transgender Awareness in Latin America for the show “Outpost” and was the face of the New York City Health Department’s #PlaySure Campaign. Other recent highlights include Carmen partnering with Christina Aguilera performing at Radio City Music Hall and hosting events at the Sundance Film Festival for AT&T and at NYC Fashion Week for Fashion News Live on Amazon Prime. Carmen spoke at the Iowa Safe Schools Governor’s Conference, which is the largest LGBTQ Youth Conference in the country and was the special celebrity host for the Equality California Awards in San Francisco. Carmen continues to be advocate for many great causes, including Human Rights, HIV Prevention, and Discrimination against Transgender Women.

About Felipe Rose

Multi-Platinum & Gold Record recording artist, motivational speaker and 4x Native American Award Winner Felipe Rose is currently embarking on a solo tour promoting his latest release “Going Back To My Roots.” Following his 40-year career with the Village People, Felipe Rose is presently at work on an autobiography detailing his time with the group, the heyday of Disco and life as a gay biracial Native-American. To date, Felipe and the Village People have sold over 100 million records.  According to Felipe, one of his most memorable career highlights was the group receiving a ‘Star’ on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and as a Solo artist being inducted into the Native American Music Awards ‘Hall Of Fame’. “Going Back To My Roots” was originally written and recorded by legendary songwriter Lamont Dozier in 1977.  Felipe’s version features an opening Native prayer from Wanbil Ceya  (Native American Music Award nominee), Jan Michael ‘Looking Wolf’ performing Native Flute & Native Chant and Rap by Native American Hip Hop Artist (Native American Music Award Winner) Sten Joddi.

About Randi Driscoll

Randi Driscoll is an award winning singer/songwriter and actress. Randi’s original music is a blend of piano driven singer/songwriter music with elements of pop, country and jazz. Her music has been featured in film, television, and a commercial directed by Spike Lee, in which Randi also appeared. Her performance credits include appearances at Lincoln Center, Place des Arts (Montreal), The Japan Center for the Arts, The Ford Theatre and numerous universities, performance halls, nightclubs and cabarets. Randi’s original song “What Matters” has been featured in several stage productions, films and documentaries, and proceeds from the song support the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an anti-hate charity. The choral version of Randi’s song has been performed by over fifty choirs internationally, and has been featured at New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Disney Hall in California. A film about the making of Randi’s song “What Matters” has earned several awards and the song itself was named one of the top Pride Anthems, by the Advocate Magazine.

About Bryan Ruby

Bryan Ruby is a trailblazing professional baseball player and rising country music artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. In September of 2021 he became the only active professional baseball player to come out as gay, and his story was featured in USA Today as well as 100+ media outlets around the world including CBS, Yahoo, Bleacher Report and Teen Vogue. As a songwriter, Bryan has penned songs that have appeared on the Texas Country Top 50 chart and the iTunes Country Top 25 (#16), and songs he has written have been featured on both Huffington Post and People Magazine. As an artist, he won season 7 of the talent-search competition Nashville Rising Song, and is preparing for the release of his debut EP in 2022. Also in 2022, Bryan will be the subject of a feature-length documentary directed by award winning filmmaker Clay Westervelt (Life In The Doghouse, Miss You Can Do It), which will focus on his underdog path through the traditionalist worlds of baseball and country music. It will also chronicle the founding of his first-of-its kind charity, Proud To Be In Baseball, which supports and encourages LGBTQ youth in the sport. More than anything, Bryan hopes to write music that “speaks to kids who feel like he did at 14,” when his love for baseball and country music seemed at odds with the secrets he kept hidden away.

About J-Line

In the past few years, his music has garnered over 1 million streams and close to 2 million Youtube views. With a synth electro-pop sound that mirrors the brightness of the late 80’s/early 90s, J-LINE makes the underground music scene feel alive again – with an electrifying twist. An artist with a cause, J-LINE’s Anti-Bullying campaign has been seen by over 1 million people nationwide and encourages young people to take pride in who they are and stand up to bullying.

ABOUT MONTCLAIR PRIDE

The Montclair Pride festival, hosted by Out Montclair, will raise awareness and strengthen ties in our community and among all LGBTQ+ people and allies in the region, as well as provide a celebration filled with art, culture, food, music and live performances to uplift LGBTQ+ people, issues and history. Montclair Pride will be held Saturday, June 11th, in downtown Montclair.

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Lifetime has announced that it is turning the story of one of New Jersey’s most infamous murders into a movie.

In 2004, this heinous act left the state in utter shock.

Melanie McGuire was your typical mother of two from Woodbridge. Or so we thought.

McGuire worked as a fertility nurse and began having an affair with the doctor at the office she worked at in Morristown.

Usually, in these scenarios, this is where I tell you that the husband found out and things got ugly.

Except this is where the story starts to get bizarre.

Stephanie McGuire wanted to start a new life with her new lover the Doctor, but instead of approaching her husband or even continuing to sneak around, she drugged and shot her 39-year-old husband in cold blood.

It’s what happened next that earned McGuire the nickname “The Suitcase Killer.”

After murdering her husband, she dismembered his body with a power saw, packed them into three suitcases, and threw them into the Chesapeake Bay.

Spoiler alert: Melanie McGuire wasn’t arrested until over a year later when the suitcases surfaced in Virginia.

She did this all so she could have a life with the Doctor.

Nobody knows why she went to the lengths that she did.

In 2007, McGuire was convicted of the murder of her husband and sentenced to life in prison.

Shockingly, she appealed the sentence in 2011, 2014, and again in 2017.

Today, Melanie McGuire is almost 50 and is serving a life sentence at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton.

Actress Candice King who is best known for her work in the Vampire Diaries will play McGuire.

“Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story” premieres June 18 at 8 pm on Lifetime.

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