Current Most Wanted Criminals in New Jersey (2026) New Jersey law enforcement agencies — including the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the FBI — continue to search for several high‑priority fugitives wanted for violent crimes, major narcotics offenses, human trafficking, and child exploitation. All individuals listed are considered armed and dangerous. Authorities urge the public not to approach any fugitive and instead report tips immediately.

New Jersey’s Most Wanted Criminals for 2026: State Police & FBI Seek Public Assistance

The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have released updated 2026 Most Wanted lists, highlighting fugitives sought for serious and violent crimes across the state. Officials emphasize that these individuals should be considered dangerous, and any sightings should be reported immediately to law enforcement.

Top NJSP Most Wanted Fugitives (2026)

1. George Encarnacion

• DOB: 09/09/1990
• Ht/Wt: 5’09”, 240 lbs
• Hair/Eyes: Black / Brown
• POB: Dominican Republic
• Charges: Distribution of controlled dangerous substances, weapons offenses, money laundering
• Warrant Issued: May 21, 2021 (Irvington, Essex County)
• Official NJSP Bulletin: https://njsp.njoag.gov/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mostwanted2026-group.pdf

2. Kurt Young

• DOB: 03/06/1967
• Ht/Wt: 5’11”, 150 lbs
• Hair/Eyes: Gray/Brown / Brown
• POB: United States
• Charges: Human trafficking; sexual assault of a juvenile
• Incident: Dennis Township, Cape May County (Nov 23, 2019)
• Warrant Issued: Sept 21, 2023

3. Amado Rosales

• DOB: 09/13/1974
• Ht/Wt: 5’05”, 145 lbs
• Hair/Eyes: Black / Brown
• POB: Mexico
• Charges: Murder
• Incident: Lakewood, Monmouth County (Nov 28, 1998)

4. Wilfredo Rodriguez (aliases: Chari Wilfredo, Robert Ortiz, Wilfredo R. Santana)

• DOB: 11/08/1963
• Ht/Wt: 5’08”, 125 lbs
• Hair/Eyes: Black / Brown
• POB: Puerto Rico
• Charges: Murder; conspiracy to commit murder; weapons possession; hindering apprehension

5. Emeterio Alvarez‑Cruz

• DOB: 10/13/1990
• Ht/Wt: 5’03”, 140 lbs
• Hair/Eyes: Black / Brown
• POB: Mexico
• Charges: Aggravated sexual assault of a 12‑year‑old; endangering the welfare of a child
• Incident: Pilesgrove Township, Salem County (June 17, 2021)

FBI – Notable New Jersey Most Wanted (2026)

Nazeer Hameed

• Charges: Two counts of first‑degree murder (Maple Shade, 2017 stabbing)
• Reward: Up to $50,000
• Believed Location: India
• FBI Profile: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted

Ricky Vargas (alias: “Angel”)

• Charges: First‑degree murder (Garfield, NJ – Feb 2024)
• Reward: Up to $15,000
• FBI Profile: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted

Public Safety Reminder

All fugitives listed by the NJSP and FBI are considered armed and dangerous. If you see any of these individuals:

• Do not approach
• Call 911 immediately
• NJSP Fugitive Unit Tip Line: 1‑800‑437‑7839
• Email: fugitiveinformation@njsp.gov
• NJSP Most Wanted Portal: https://www.nj.gov/oag/nj-most-wanted.htm
• FBI Most Wanted: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted

🔗 Helpful Links for Readers

• Official NJSP 2026 Most Wanted PDF: https://njsp.njoag.gov/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mostwanted2026-group.pdf
• NJSP Fugitive Unit: https://www.nj.gov/oag/nj-most-wanted.htm
• FBI Fugitive Directory: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted
• Ocean County and Toms River: Mugshots – TomsRiver.org
• New Jersey Mugshots: Mugshots – NJN

New Jersey State Police Update Most Wanted Fugitive Targets

The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit has updated New Jersey’s Most Wanted List. In coordination with local law enforcement partners, the Fugitive Unit has added an individual to the list.

Jason Barrera is wanted by the Passaic Police Department for attempted murder in connection with the stabbing of a juvenile victim in late December of 2025.

For additional information on these wanted individuals, please click the link below:

https://njsp.njoag.gov/…/special…/fugitive-unit

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Barrera, you are urged to contact the NJSP Fugitive Unit immediately. Together, we can help make our communities safer places to live. Any information, no matter how small, could be critical. All tips will be kept confidential.

NJSP Fugitive Unit Tip Line: 1-800-437-7839

NJSP Fugitive Email Tip Line: FugitiveInformation@njsp.gov