LAKEWOOD – Police responded to a funeral of about 60-70 people, charging them with attending the illegal gathering.
“The Governor has banned all public gatherings during this state and national public health emergency. This ban applies to everyone,” stated Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. “To be blunt, ignoring the Governor’s Order places lives at risk – not just the lives of everyday citizens, but the lives of our brave men and women in law enforcement who are required to respond in order to break up these unlawful gatherings. I am imploring everyone to abide by the Governor’s Order and stay at home, so that we might all get through this very difficult time together – as painlessly as possible.”
Lakewood police responded to the gathering at the corner of 8th Street and Madison Avenue at around 6:30 p.m. on April 1. They estimated about 60-70 people in attendance. This gathering was in violation of Executive Order No. 107 signed by Governor Phil Murphy on March 21, 2020, which bans gatherings of individuals, whether they be at weddings, parties, celebrations, or other social events including funerals.
The crowd became “unruly and argumentative” when police attempted to disperse them, according to the report. Officers from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office were brought in to assist.
The following individuals were charged with Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor During a State of Emergency for their attendance at the funeral: Joel Jakubowitz, 36; and Shimon Hus, 18; both of Brooklyn, New York; and Marcus Strulovic, 43; David Kaf, 37; Moshe Friedman, 20; Nossom Strulovic, 25; Solomon Strulovic, 21; Joel Strulovic, 39; Yosef Kohn, 35; Mitchell Strulovic, 24; Alexander Ellison, 64; Mordechi Strulovic, 18; Shimon Cardozo, 25; and Bernard Strulovic, 45; all of Lakewood.
Additionally, Samuel Manheim, 27, of Brooklyn, New York gave officers a fake name and social security number. He was arrested and charged with Hindering His Own Apprehension as well as Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor During a State of Emergency.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
