ABC violation charges expected against the Mi Casita Bar and Restaurant management.
By: Donna Lukiw
Police say they expect to file charges of violations of ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) laws against the Mi Casita Bar and Restaurant management after a March 9 fight behind the bar that resulted in two brothers being charged with assaulting five people with a baseball bat and box cutter.
Police did not reveal what those charges will be or when they will be filed.
On April 5, Juan G. Jimenez, 22, of Plainfield was charged with five counts of second-degree aggravated assault after five individuals were assaulted in the 1:53 a.m. incident.
Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest said when an individual exited the bar and saw Mr. Jimenez with a box cutter, he was struck in the head with a baseball bat by Boesel Avenue resident Jonathan Jimenez, Juan’s 19-year-old brother.
Mr. Forrest said as the victim fell to the ground the older Jimenez stood over him with the box cutter.
"Four other bar patrons that were in the area attempted to come to the aid of the victim," Mr. Forrest said. "While attempting to help, the other four patrons were also assaulted by Juan and Jonathan with the box cutter and bat."
All five victims required medical treatment at the Somerset Medical Center.
The older Jimenez was found and charged when he appeared at Bridgewater Municipal Court for a traffic violation on April 5.
He is being held at the Somerset County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Detectives have also obtained a warrant for Jonathan’s arrest charging him with five counts of aggravated assault.
Mr. Forrest said it is not yet definite if this is gang related but "it is a matter we’re considering."
Manville detectives and the Somerset County prosecutor’s office handled this case together.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Manville police Detective Division at 725-1900, the Somerset County prosecutor’s office Major Crimes Squad at 575-3300 or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers TIPS Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All calls are confidential.
The Borough Council revoked MiCasita’s liquor license in September, which the bar’s owners appealed to the state Alcohol and Beverage Control Board, which was heard March 9.

