Another Rutgers Student Charged In Armed Home Invasion
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Another Rutgers University student was charged this week in connection with a home invasion and robbery targeting other students.
Lloyd M. Terry, 20, of Wrightstown, was arrested Wednesday in New Brunswick and was charged with armed robbery, armed burglary, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office.
Prosecutors believe Terry was one of three masked men who stormed into a home on Prosper Street in New Brunswick and robbed five other students of money and marijuana. Prosecutors identified the other two masked suspects as former student and football player Tejay Johnson, 23, and Andre Boggs, a 20-year-old defensive back on the football team.
The latest charges came as the Rutgers University Police Department announced it was expanding off-campus security efforts as 10 current and former Rutgers students, including five members of the football team, face charges of robbing and assaulting other students.
The university on Thursday began reaching out to nearly 10,000 students who live south and west of the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick to offer window alarms and light timers, and advise them on ways to be more safety-conscious.
"The safety and well-being of all members of our community are a priority,'' Chancellor Richard Edwards told The Record newspaper.
Public safety patrols will be increased in the Fifth and Sixth wards, where many students live off-campus, Chief of University Police Kenneth Cop said.
"There was a presence in the past but this is definitely an increase from what it was," he told 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet.
Rutgers Boosts Off-Campus Security In Wake Of Home Invasions
"I'm glad they're upping patrol because we need it out there," a student named Katie said.
"I think it makes sense through all the things that have happened over the past however long," another student told WCBS 880's Levon Putney.
A total of 10 current and former Rutgers students have been charged with robbing and assaulting other students in the area during the spring semester. Five players were dismissed from the football team following their arrests last week.
Two former players and another student pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from multiple home invasions, including one at a campus dorm room. Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet said the former players took pictures of the drugs and cash they stole and left a trail of incriminating text messages.
Rutgers Boosts Off-Campus Security In Wake Of Home Invasions
Kuberiet said the home invasions involved the use of a revolver, baseball bat, a hammer and knives. The victims were targeted because the defendants believed that they would not report the crimes, Kuberiet said.
Jim Donohue, who represents one of the players, said the alleged victims were drug dealers who would say anything to get out of trouble.
An unrelated sexual assault was also reported in the neighborhood a week before fall classes started.
"Sometimes when it is darker out I get a little nervous and I want people to walk with me," Tatiana Pereira told TV 10/55's Meg Baker.
Edwards said 15 new recruits will be added to the university police department within the next few months and the department -- in partnership with New Brunswick police -- has boosted patrols. The additions bring the total number of officers to 76.
A proposal has also been made to add dozens of security cameras in nearby neighborhoods, a university spokesman said. The cameras would be in addition to the 2,700 that already exist on the New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses.
"We have both mobile and walking patrols, you will see more. In addition we'll be deploying some specialty vehicles," Kenneth Cop, Executive Director, Chief of University Police said.
Cop showed TV 10/55's Baker the 911 call center where more than 2,000 cameras are monitored.
"Rest easy, we care, we have a safe community, and we are doing all that we can," he said.
Students and staff can also request escorts from the university police if they are returning to campus from other areas in the city.
The university opened an office of off-campus living and community partnership, which is starting block watch programs and has purchased two patrol vehicles.
"We're going to focus heavily on where we've seen a problem,'' said Kerri Willson, the office's director.
Rutgers last year implemented an expanded text-alert system to inform students and staff of serious crimes in the area.
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