A New Jersey couple was charged with five counts of child endangerment after hosting a party in front of their home, a violation of the state’s ban on gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, authorities said.
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Eliezer Silber, 37, and his wife, Miriam Silber, 34, both of Lakewood, were charged with child endangerment because their five children were present at the party, NJ.com reported. Eliezer Silber was also charged with violating Gov. Phil Murphy’s order. signed March 21, banning large social gatherings, the website reported.
According to the Lakewood police, dozens of people were congregating in the street, in addition to gathering on the Silbers’ lawn, WXTF reported. Police said the group blocked the street where the Silbers’ home was located, the television station reported.
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The Silbers were each given a summons and must appear in Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River, NJ.com reported.
"My office will prosecute any individual who defies or breaks the law, state of emergency or otherwise. Everyone must respect and follow the law,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a statement.
Can’t believe I have to say this at all, let alone for the second time. But here we are.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 28, 2020
NO CORONA PARTIES. They’re illegal, dangerous, and stupid.
We will crash your party. You will pay a big fine. And we will name & shame you until EVERYONE gets this message into their heads.
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Lakewood police have stopped at least three weddings since the governor’s edict, NJ.com reported. As of Sunday, there were 371 COVID-19 cases in Lakewood, the website reported.
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