TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, today announced enforcement actions from the past week, including coughing and spitting assaults, bias incidents and noteworthy violations of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders. The Attorney General also announced enforcement actions targeting price-gouging and consumer fraud violations.

“We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We have zero patience for those who spit on cops, gouge prices, or try to exploit this pandemic for their personal gain.”

“Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.”

Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

  • Jose A. Morales, Jr., 24, of Kearny, N.J., was charged with making terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (3rd degree), and throwing bodily fluids (3rd degree) in Kearny the evening of May 16. Morales was also charged with receiving stolen property, a vehicle, in connection with the incident, and violating the emergency orders. When Morales was taken into custody by Kearny Police, he allegedly twice indicated that he had coronavirus and spat at a Kearny police officer.
  • Christopher G. Sabini, 20, of Elmwood Park, N.J. was charged with a single count of making terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree) and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (4th degree) on May 15 after he allegedly fought with police responding to a domestic disturbance. During the incident, Sabini allegedly coughed on purpose in the direction of one officer while claiming he had coronavirus.
  • David S. Youssef, 31, of Cliffwood, N.J., was charged by the Aberdeen Township Police Department on May 18 with two counts of making terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree) (one for allegedly threatening to kill certain relatives, and one for claiming to have COVID-19 and attempting to spit on officers), aggravated assault on an officer (3rd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), throwing bodily fluids at an officer (4th degree), endangering (4th degree), and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense). When police responded to a report of domestic violence, Youssef allegedly became combative and attempted to spit on officers, telling them he had COVID. He allegedly pushed and wrestled with officers during his arrest.
  • Marquise Cadet, 26, of Jackson, N.J., was charged on May 18 by the Jackson Police Department with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (4th degree), providing false information to a law enforcement officer (4th degree), and obstruction (disorderly persons offense). Police responded to the Dollar General store at Manhattan Street Plaza because Cadet allegedly refused to wear a mask and was harassing customers. Cadet was uncooperative with police, and when they attempted to arrest him, he allegedly refused to provide a name and tried to flee. While at police headquarters, Cadet allegedly spit on an officer and told the officer he was COVID positive.
  • Randall Rivers, 53, of Gloucester Township, N.J., was charged by the Gloucester Township Police on May 21 with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), and disorderly conduct (petty disorderly persons offense). When police responded to a domestic dispute involving Rivers, he allegedly shouted profanities at them. As the officers arrested him for disorderly conduct, Rivers allegedly fought with them and kicked an officer. He allegedly told officers he had COVID-19 as he coughed on them and got his blood on them.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

  • Jose Ruiz, 51, of Jersey City, N.J., was charged on May 15 with making terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (3rd degree), throwing bodily fluids at an officer (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders after he was arrested by the Jersey City Police for allegedly committing three separate armed robberies in Jersey City. At the time of his arrest, Ruiz allegedly asked police how they could be sure he was not infected with the coronavirus. Questioned further, he allegedly told police they would find out shortly and spit in an officer’s face. In connection with the three armed robberies, Ruiz was charged with three counts of robbery (1st degree), unlawful possession of a weapon (gun, two counts, 2nd degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (gun, two counts, 2nd degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (knife, 3rd degree), and unlawful possession of a weapon (knife, 4th degree). Ruiz allegedly committed a single armed robbery in Jersey City on May 2, and two armed robberies in Jersey City on May 9.
  • Guillermo F. Garcia-Guzman, 27, of Guttenberg, N.J., was charged on May 18 by the Guttenberg Police with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) (the sedative/painkiller ketamine) (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders. Police responded to Garcia-Guzman’s apartment in the 100 block of 70th Street on a noise complaint. Upon arrival, officers observed 15 to 20 people inside with a DJ, CDS, and alcoholic beverages.