Parents in New Jersey were hit with child endangerment charges after officials said they held an event with dozens of people, violating a state order against any gatherings amid the CCP virus pandemic.
Police officers were called on Sunday to a house in Lakewood and found approximately 40 to 50 people, including children, on the front lawn and in the street in front of the residence, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Officers ordered the crowd to disperse and located the owners of the residence, 37-year-old Eliezer Silber and 34-year-old Miriam Silber.
Eliezer Silber was charged with violating Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order banning gatherings as well as endangering the welfare of his five children. He and his wife were charged with one count of endangering the welfare for each of their five children.
“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. “The men and women of the Lakewood Police Department have done an exceptional job in the face of a public health crisis.”
The Silber couple will be required to appear in court on a date in the future that hasn’t been set yet.
Murphy on Saturday issued a message reminding people to follow his order.
“Can’t believe I have to say this at all, let alone for the second time. But here we are. NO CORONA PARTIES. They’re illegal, dangerous, and stupid,” the Democratic governor said in a social media post.
“We will crash your party. You will pay a big fine. And we will name and shame you until EVERYONE gets this message into their heads.”
Murphy announced the stay at home order on March 24. The order prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, and weddings, unless otherwise authorized in the order.
People were ordered to stay at least 6 feet apart from other people whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, and romantic partners.
Stores labeled nonessential were closed, including golf courses, shopping malls, and gyms.
Friends Read Free