New Jobs for Thee: Helmy Packs U.S. Senate Office With Jobs for Phil Murphy Insiders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) introduced his senior staff Friday, outlining their roles as he begins his term representing New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. Helmy also announced three office locations, two in New Jersey and one in Washington, D.C., where constituents can reach out for assistance.

Helmy, a high-ranking official in the Murphy administration, has packed his office with Murphy aides as the governor’s term in office winds down, and Murphy allies could be looking for new jobs next year.

“Representing New Jersey in the United States Senate requires a dedicated team of individuals devoted to public service and our state,” Helmy said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have a staff with vast professional backgrounds and experiences who I know have a shared vision for the success of our office.”

Helmy’s senior team includes Danny Smith as Chief of Staff. Smith previously worked at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and served as Chief Counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee for Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). David McCallum, a veteran Senate staffer with experience working for several senators, including Democratic Leader Harry Reid, will serve as Senior Advisor.

Robert Kelly, with over 18 years of federal service for New Jersey senators, will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. Rajiv Venkataramanan, previously Chief Counsel and Acting Legislative Director for Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), has been appointed Chief Counsel and Legislative Director.

Rudy Rodas, who previously worked as a senior aide to Senator Menendez and in the office of Governor Phil Murphy, will serve as State Director. Leila Collins, a former Senior Advisor in the Murphy administration, is Senior Policy Advisor. Michael Gray, previously District Director to Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), has been named Senior Outreach Advisor, and Tyler Jones, former Deputy Press Secretary to Governor Murphy, will serve as Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor.

Senator Helmy encouraged constituents to reach out to his offices for assistance, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and advocacy.

The job selection process was apparently closed to New Jersey Democrat party insiders. There was no equity or inclusion to be found during the process.

QUEENS, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City Police Department officer was arrested early Friday morning in Queens on charges of driving while intoxicated, according to police.

The officer, identified as 32-year-old Gilberto Reyes Carmona, was taken into custody at 3:49 a.m. within the confines of the 113th Precinct. He faces charges of DWI and driving while ability impaired.

Reyes Carmona is an active member of the NYPD. Details surrounding the arrest have not been released, and it remains unclear whether the officer was involved in any incidents prior to the arrest.

The NYPD has not commented on the arrest at this time. An internal investigation is expected to follow.

Reyes Carmona has been a New York City Police Officer since 2021 and has no violations or valid complaints in his service record.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating a suspected DUI crash that injured a firefighter early Friday morning on the Inner Loop of Interstate 495 near University Boulevard in Montgomery County.

According to authorities, the crash occurred around 3 a.m. when a BMW sedan drove through a lane closure marked with traffic cones and flares. The vehicle struck two unoccupied Maryland State Police patrol cars and injured a firefighter at the scene. The firefighter, identified as Michael Doyle, 54, was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the BMW, identified as Alberto Zurita, 45, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and taken to the Rockville Barrack for processing. No other injuries were reported.

The incident took place as first responders were investigating an earlier crash between a Lexus sedan and a tractor-trailer. Several lanes had been closed for the investigation, and emergency lights were activated at the time of the second crash.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service responded to assist with road closures. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.