Toms River Group Home Operators Indicted in Fatal Fire

The operators of a southern New Jersey group home where a resident died in a 2009 fire have been indicted on charges that they failed to provide for their residents' safety.

James and Donna Beerman of Neptune allegedly didn't comply with a state law requiring fire suppression and fire safety equipment at the group home they operated in Toms River. They could each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted on that charge

Both Beermans also face separate drug charges in the indictment recently handed up by an Ocean County grand jury, while James Beerman also faces weapons charges. It was made public Monday.

The August 2009 fire killed 23-year-old Frank Klekner of Bridgewater. The home provided transitional housing for people recovering from substance abuse.

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