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Source: Princeton New Jersey PD / Princeton PD
A woman in New Jersey is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing a bank with a toy water gun which she painted to look like a real weapon.
On Tuesday (February 11), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced that they were charging Ciara Brascom with robbing a bank in Princeton of $60,500, which was done with Brascom using a toy water pistol that was spray painted black to make it look like a real weapon. If convicted, the 38-year-old could receive a prison sentence of up to 20 years along with a fine of $250,000.
According to reports, on the afternoon of July 28, 2004, Brascom entered the TD Bank located on Route 206 at 1:58 P.M. She wore a blue hat and red prescription glasses along with a blue medical face mask as she entered the bank. Soon afterward, she handed a note to one of the tellers demanding money, threatening to use her weapon if the teller triggered the alarm. Brascom then took out what appeared to be a gun from her pants pocket and aimed it at the teller, who informed her that their drawer was empty. The teller and another bank employee led Brascom to a safe, where they handed her the $60,500 in cash. Brascom then fled the scene with the cash in hand, having forgotten to take a bag to put it in.
After an extensive investigation, local law enforcement called Brascom in for questioning last September. During the interrogation, she spoke about “certain financial difficulties, which fueled her desire to rob the bank,” and described her search for a replica pistol to use during the robbery, which was unsuccessful. It led Brascom to buy a pack of water guns. She then “painted one of the guns with black paint to make it look more realistic.”
Brascom was charged with robbery, criminal restraint, theft, terroristic threats, money laundering, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. She appeared in court for the charges later that Tuesday. There was no report of the status of her local charges. She was released after posting a $150,000 bond and is currently on home detention with orders not to return to the bank.
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Donald Trump gave praise to the popular movie villain Hannibal Lecter during his campaign speech over the weekend.
Former President Donald Trump praised another big name during a campaign rally held on the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey, over the weekend. The cannibalistic (and fictional) serial killer Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs, made famous on the film and television screen by actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Mads Mikkelsen. Trump made the statements while disparaging immigrants arriving at the nation’s southern border.
“Silence of the Lamb,” Trump said. “Has anyone ever seen The Silence of the Lambs? The late great Hannibal Lecter is a wonderful man,” the former President said. “He oftentimes would have a friend for dinner. Remember the last scene? ‘Excuse me. I’m about to have a friend for dinner.’ And this poor doctor walks by,” he continued. “I’m about to have a friend for dinner. But Hannibal Lecter,” he added before finishing: “Congratulations. The late great Hannibal Lecter. We have people that are being released into our country that we don’t want in our country.”
Trump’s praise of a macabre serial killer wasn’t the only verbal gaffe that he made to the crowd in attendance, at one point stating that he was “up here screaming like a lunatic” during another attack on President Joe Biden. The audience was reported to have 80,000 people, with New York Giants Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor making an appearance. But one reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer noted that many began to leave as Trump began to speak.
The former president and presumptive Republican nominee held court over only his third campaign rally since the beginning of his “hush money” trial involving adult film star Stormy Daniels, taking place in New York City. The trial, now in its fourth week, has restricted Trump from doing more due to his being required to attend save for Wednesdays when the court is in recess. He spent time calling the proceedings a “Biden show trial,” and even called the trial “bull—“, encouraging some in the audience to chant the obscenity. That trial resumed on Monday (May 13) with his former fixer Michael Cohen on the stand, with expectations that the prosecution will rest at the end of the week.
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Raekwon is about to conquer more land. The Chef has been granted conditional approval to open a dispensary in Newark, New Jersey.
As spotted on HipHopDX the Wu-Tang Clan member is taking his talents to the cannabis industry. According to NJBiz Newark Central Planning Board did not approve an application by Hashstoria, an Oregon based franchise that The Chef has partnered with, earlier this year. But the news outlet reports that the board changed their mind and at their July 24 hearing the committee granted the organization conditional approval to open up shop at 799-805 Broad St.
On Friday, August 4 the “Ice Water” rapper took to social media to make the announcement. “THANKYOU NEWARK , NEW JERSEY !!!!!!!!!!and all my Amazing Partners @jeddcanty @bakarisellers @cthagod on this wonderful and culture shifting Endeavor .” he wrote. “@hashstoria is Guaranteed to be the top tier consumption lounge / dispensary to hit the east coast period ! you heard it from chef himself .we will be right in the heart!”.
Rachael Grochowski, founder of RHG Architecture+Design, also expressed her enthusiasm about working on the project. “Design plays a crucial role in elevating the overall cannabis experience, and we are committed to creating an environment that offers a sophisticated, inclusive, and enjoyable experience. The cannabis industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the vision and creativity of innovative designers and creatives, leaders from across the industry who are revolutionizing cannabis consumption” she explained. “We are so excited to craft a space that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and sensory engagement, ultimately enhancing the journey of both seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and the cannabis-curious alike.”
The final step in the process for Raekwon and company is getting approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. According to their website the agency seeks to “establish and grow a responsible, regulated medicinal and recreational cannabis industry.”
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The young son of Flo Rida is in an intensive care unit in serious condition after suffering a fall from an apartment building in New Jersey.
According to reports, 6-year-old Zohar Dillard is in intensive care after falling five stories from his family’s apartment in Jersey City, New Jersey. The incident occurred three weeks ago, leaving the boy with multiple pelvis fractures, fractures in his left foot, a grade three liver laceration, internal bleeding, and collapsed lungs. This was disclosed in a civil lawsuit filed by his mother, Alexis Adams on Monday (March 27th).
“As a single mom to a special needs child, this feels like a nightmare,” Adams said in a statement according to local news reports. “My heart is broken into a million pieces. It is devastating to see my child go through such pain and trauma knowing that this could’ve been avoided.I am devastated, angry, and struggling to come to terms with the fact that my only child has suffered severe injuries due to willful negligence of our landlord and others involved In failing to take necessary safety measures.” Zohar suffers from hydrocephalus, a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles.
Adams is suing the owners of the apartment complex as well as its managers, a window installer, and others claiming that the building had “incorrect-sized guards,” creating a “hazardous condition.” She is seeking payment for Zohar’s medical bills, damages, and attorney’s fees.
The “Right Round” rapper has not offered any public comment to the press. Adams has gone on record of stating that the Grammy Award-nominated artist has not been heavily involved in his child’s life. “Flo Rida has only seen his son once during the paternity test [in December 2016] but kept his shades on and his back turned,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail in 2018.
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Bamboozle Festival, celebrating 20 years since its first gathering, is back for 2023 with an all-star lineup that was finalized and announced today. Among the headliners, Rick Ross, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Trippie Red, and Joey BadA$$ among others are named performers.
Bamboozle Festival, originally known as The Bamboozle or the Great Bamboozle, first launched in 2003 and ran until 2012. The festival’s revival for its 20th reunion will take place at Bader Field in Atlantic City, N.J. on the dates between May 5-7. Along with the aforementioned acts, The Acacia Strain, Murda Beatz, Charly Jordan, Coi Leray, and more will rock the stages over the weekend.
The festival will also feature amusement park rides, a B-Boy dance competition with $25,000 as the top cash prize, the Break Contest, which is a local band competition, pro wrestling, art installations, food vendors, and more.
For those looking to learn more about Bamboozle Festival, including purchasing ticket pages, please click here.
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Photo: Bamboozle Festival
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