Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson Township, was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on July 15, 2024.
On July 15, 2024, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of New Egypt Road for a report of a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest. Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to an eight week-old female infant. The infant was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that the infant – Chaitovsky’s daughter – was left alone in his vehicle for an extended period of time. The investigation further determined that the act of leaving the infant in the car unattended for such a long period of time was the cause and manner of the infant’s death.
Chaitovsky was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).