Readers are reminded that not only are all individuals listed below presumed innocent unless proven guilty, there may also be multiple individuals who share the same name, even in the same town.
COURT HOUSE – A Cape May County grand jury handed up eight indictments March 11.
The abbreviation CDS below stands for controlled dangerous substance.
Israel Estrada-Tapia and Arisandro Estrada-Tapia were indicted for a series of sexual assaults in Wildwood in November and December of 2024. Israel Estrada-Tapia faces four counts: First-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault, one on a victim between the ages of 13 and 16, both second degree, and a third-degree count of endangering the welfare of a child. Arisandro Estrada-Tapia was named in three counts: Two for sexual assault, one of which involved a victim between the ages of 13 and 16, along with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Avery J. Dowe was indicted on a single second-degree count of endangering the welfare of a child due to the possession of child porn.
Christoph J. Beitel was named in two second-degree counts for aggravated assault and witness tampering.
Christopher R. Duffy faces a single third-degree count of possession of a CDS, methamphetamine.
Dwanta Thomas, Derrick McManus and Lafayette Hughes-Wright jointly face seven counts, including three first-degree counts, one of them for kidnapping and two for aggravated sexual assault. The indictment contains three second-degree counts, for conspiracy, aggravated assault and attempted sexual assault. The final count is in the third degree, for endangering the welfare of a child.
Shawana N. Calverly was indicted for second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in Lower Township in December.
Mark A. Cruz faces two third-degree counts, for theft and uttering a forged instrument in Ocean City in September 2023.
Mike Hewitt was indicted on two fourth-degree counts, for criminal trespass and contempt of a final restraining order.
UPDATE: Ex-Van Drew Staffer Charged in Elaborate Assault Hoax – New Info Added
Property Owners Group Pushing for Occupancy Tax
