Belmar, NJ – Belmar, the Jersey Shore’s go-to spot for sun, sand, and, apparently, a little too much law enforcement. What started as a routine beach badge check turned into a chaotic scene that’s now the talk of social media. Let’s dive into the waves of outrage that have crashed upon the Belmar Police Department after their latest blunder.
Picture this: You’re soaking up the sun, maybe catching some waves, and then bam! You’re suddenly in handcuffs over a $10 beach badge. Sounds ridiculous? That’s exactly what happened to 28-year-old Liam Mahoney, and it’s sparking more drama than a season of Jersey Shore. Mahoney, who was just trying to enjoy a day at the beach, ended up with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges. His crime? Not flashing his beach badge fast enough. 😬
The Belmar Police Chief doubled down despite the public backlash over the absurd response to such a trivial interaction with a tourist.
“The Belmar Police Department has been made aware of a video circulating on social media depicting a person being arrested on the beach in Belmar on Tuesday, August 20,” the department said. “The individual, 28-year-old Liam Mahoney of Junction City, California, has been charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, both disorderly persons offenses, as well as Obstruction of Justice, a petty disorderly persons offense. He was also issued a borough ordinance for Beach Badge Required. A thorough review of the circ*mstances of the arrest will be conducted, in accordance with applicable New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG) guidelines.”
This surfer was arrested in New Jersey for not having a “badge” to use the beach. Did you know you need to pay to surf in Jersey?! Just another reason why the free state of Florida is the best state in America. pic.twitter.com/axQiaaJ4ne
— Florida Grand (@florida_grand) August 22, 2024
The video of Mahoney’s arrest went viral faster than you can say “GTL,” and the internet had thoughts. From local residents to outraged tourists, everyone chimed in. Jason Miskiewicz, a local dad, summed it up best: “This is absolutely disgusting to watch! Belmar, you need to do better.” His concern? That his own kids could be next. And he’s not alone—comments like “This officer needs de-escalation training big time” and “I support the police, but this was absolutely unacceptable” flooded the department’s social media.
The crux of the issue? The badge was in a backpack just a few feet away. Multiple witnesses, including Mahoney’s sister, tried to explain this to the officers, but it seems they were more interested in flexing their authority than solving the problem. It’s a classic case of “just let them grab the badge” turning into “let’s make an example out of someone.” 🤦♀️
Belmar locals are fuming, and it’s not just about this one incident. It’s about what it represents—an ongoing tension between residents and the heavy-handed police presence at the beach. “If there is a lawsuit, let’s please take it out of Belmar police funds,” said Joshua Michael Eagle, capturing the growing sentiment that the department needs a serious reality check.
Instead of taking a step back and reassessing the situation, the Belmar Police Department’s response has only added fuel to the fire. Their statement, which basically amounted to “we’ll look into it,” didn’t sit well with anyone. As one commenter put it, “The department’s response shows a complete lack of accountability.”
With the internet buzzing and the video gaining international attention, the pressure is on for the Belmar Police Department to clean up this mess. And for Liam Mahoney? Let’s just say his next surfboard might be financed by the town of Belmar after the inevitable settlement.
This incident isn’t just about a beach badge—it’s about the need for better training, more common sense, and a little bit of compassion. As one resident aptly put it, “This is why people are losing trust in the police.” Here’s hoping this latest viral moment will lead to some much-needed change, both in Belmar and beyond.
So, what do you think? Is this just another day at the shore gone wrong, or a sign of bigger issues at play? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going! 🏖️👮♂️🚨
Michigan Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Michigan man has been arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, an event that disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
Nathan Thornsberry, 42, of North Branch, Michigan, was taken into custody today by the FBI in Davison, Michigan. He faces several charges, including a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. Additionally, Thornsberry is charged with four misdemeanors: entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, committing an act of physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds.
According to court documents, Thornsberry was identified among a group of rioters on the Lower West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol grounds on January 6. Starting at approximately 2:06 p.m. EST, Thornsberry was captured on police body-worn camera footage pushing metal bike-rack barriers against law enforcement officers as part of the crowd's efforts to breach the police line.
Thornsberry allegedly resisted officers from the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Capitol Police near the media tower on the Lower West Plaza. He was seen repeatedly pushing himself backward against a metal bike rack barricade that officers were attempting to control. Despite officers' efforts to push the crowd back, Thornsberry and others resisted, with Thornsberry audibly challenging the officers by yelling, "Bring It!" multiple times.
Following his arrest, Thornsberry made his initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Michigan. The case will be prosecuted in the District of Columbia, where the charges were filed.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Federal Informant, Drug and Gun ChargesBUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to his role in the murder of a federal informant, as well as multiple drug and firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced on Friday.
Gregory Hay, also known as Gunner, Franklin Gambino, and Reggie, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and the discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is prosecuting the case, stated that Hay, along with co-defendant Alphonso Payne and others, conspired to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and heroin from early 2016 until August 28, 2019. Initially, Hay operated in Salamanca, NY, before expanding his drug distribution activities to the Olean area, where he enlisted Payne to assist in selling drugs.
In April 2017, Buffalo Police stopped Hay's vehicle and seized quantities of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. A month later, Salamanca Police also stopped Hay's vehicle, seizing marijuana and a digital scale. A search warrant executed at Hay’s residence in May 2019 resulted in the seizure of two firearms, several magazines, ammunition, cash, a digital scale, and multiple cell phones. Throughout this period, Hay used social media to display himself with firearms, signaling his ability to protect his drugs and money.
The criminal conspiracy continued until Hay's arrest in July 2019. Following his arrest, Hay became convinced that an individual named Joshua Jalovick had provided information to law enforcement, leading to the search of his residence and his subsequent arrest.
On July 1, 2019, Hay, Payne, and another co-conspirator lured Jalovick to a residence on Freund Avenue. Payne fired approximately 11 rounds at Jalovick, striking him multiple times. As Jalovick lay wounded, Hay initially ran down the driveway but then returned, stood over Jalovick, and shot him five more times. The Erie County Medical Examiner's report confirmed that Jalovick died from more than 15 gunshot wounds. After the murder, Hay disposed of the firearms used in the killing and discarded his cell phone.
Hay is scheduled for sentencing, where he could face the mandatory minimum of five years in prison, up to life imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case is part of the ongoing effort by law enforcement to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the Western District of New York.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty After Crashing Car into Fire Station, Found with Stolen Firearm and DrugsALBANY, G.A. — A Columbus man with previous felony drug convictions has pleaded guilty in federal court after crashing his car into a fire station and being found in possession of a stolen firearm and illegal drugs.
Joseph Harold Taylor, 38, entered a guilty plea on August 20 to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Taylor now faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to life imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and a potential fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, and under federal law, there is no parole.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 15, 2023, when Taylor crashed his car into Fire Station 11 on Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Columbus Police Department officers responded to the single-vehicle crash and discovered that Taylor, who was uninjured and the sole occupant of the sedan, had veered off the roadway, collided with the fire station, and struck a truck belonging to a fire department employee.
During the investigation, officers noticed a bullet hole in Taylor's vehicle and detected the smell of marijuana. A search of the car revealed a stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a high-capacity 21-round magazine on the driver's side floorboard. Additionally, a satchel found inside the car contained cocaine, suspected marijuana, and other items commonly associated with drug distribution. Taylor, who has two prior state felony drug convictions, was arrested at the scene.
“It is fortunate that no one was injured when the defendant crashed his car into a fire station, and that police were able to remove a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine from the streets of Columbus,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe and upholding federal law, especially when it pertains to offenders caught with stolen assault weapons.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring that criminals face serious consequences for illegal firearm possession. Columbus Police Department Chief Stoney Mathis also highlighted the danger posed by Taylor's actions, stating, "Joseph Taylor's reckless actions put lives at risk. Possessing a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine while engaged in illegal drug activity is a serious threat to our community."
