Friday, July 31, 2009

MORRIS COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
ROBERT A. BIANCHI, ESQ.
PROSECUTOR
Administration & Records Bldg.
P.O. Box 900
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0900
___________________________
Telephone: 973- 285-6200
Fax: 973- 285-6226
www.morrisprosecutor.org
prosecutor@co.morris.nj.us

NEWS RELEASE

July 31, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., announces the sentencing of James Zarate who is sentenced today to 76 years in prison for the murder and dismemberment of Jennifer Parks, who was a teenage girl living next door to Zarate in Randolph in 2005.
Today, July 31, 2009, Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto, who presided over the trial and sentencing, ordered Zarate, age 18, to serve 76 years in New Jersey State Prison without parole eligibility. Zarate was convicted along with his older brother Jonathan for the murder of Jennifer Parks in the basement of Zarate's family residence in Randolph on July 30, 2005.
Prosecutor Bianchi applauded the excellent police work by the Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Morris County Prosecutors Office as well as the tireless efforts of Morris County Executive Assistant Prosecutor Robert Lane Esq. and Assistant Prosecutor Dave Bruno, Esq. who spent countless hours preparing and ultimately taking this case to trial. This was truly a team effort and the results speak for themselves.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "For the rest of his life he is going to live in a twelve-foot-by twelve-foot prison cell for the vicious cold-blooded murder of a sweet, trusting girl who couldn't have imagined the evil intentions the Zarate brothers planned to unleash the night she was lured over to their house and brutally murdered and dismembered."



The homicide conviction marked the seventh homicide conviction for the Morris County Prosecutors Office, two of which were against the Zarate brothers.

Prosecutor Bianchi once again extends his condolences to the Parks family for their loss as Jennifer will never be forgotten.

Friday, July 24, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Morristown Police Chief Peter Demnitz announced a local public works department employee today plead guilty to using the town's business account to buy automobile parts.

Mark Gerardi, 39, admitted in Superior Court that he made unauthorized purchases from automobile parts vendors who did business with the town. Those parts included oil filters, oil and dry gas. He used those parts to make personal car repairs.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office was notified about the theft on Feb. 6. Investigators examined purchase orders placed by Gerardi. The orders included purchases for items that would not fit any of the vehicles owned by the Morristown Department of Public Works. All told, the purchases added up to $684.35.

Gerardi plead guilty to third-degree theft and, as part of the plea agreement, he will forfeit his current position and any future public employment. He faces probation, 364 days in jail, 100 hours of community service and restitution of the $684.35 when he is sentenced on Aug. 28.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi stated, "For $684.35 in automobile parts, Mr. Gerardi has cost himself his job and he faces going to jail. When you work for the public you cannot abuse the public's trust and illegally use hard-earned taxpayer money for your own personal gain."

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Monday, July 20, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Dover Police Chief Harold Valentine today announce a guilty verdict in case against Rogelio Chaparro, who orchestrated a drug deal across the street from Dover police headquarters.

A jury in Morristown deliberated about 20 minutes before finding the 59-year-old Chaparro guilty of nine drug-related cocaine possession and distribution charges he was facing following his arrest in 2007.

Those counts included distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school and within 500 feet of the public park.

The prosecutor's office will ask the court to sentence Chaparro as a persistent offender due to his numerous convictions. He could spend in excess of 20 years in New Jersey State prison. He will be sentenced on August 21.

"I am satisfied with this verdict. A clear message is sent to those who choose to push drugs in our community that this office is serious about aggressivly prosecuting drug dealers for their crimes, securing their conviction at trial, and seeking the maximum jail time allowable by law," Bianchi said.

Chaparro helped facilitate a drug deal involving his then-girlfriend Melinda Milliron, 28, on June 10, 2007, selling crack cocaine to a Dover man in a location inherently bad for business – in front of town hall.

They were unaware that two police officers witnessed the transaction from a distance along with a detective. Chaparro, Moore and Milliron were later arrested by the Dover police officers.

(This report was filed July 20, 2009 by Agent Bill Swayze, who cab be reached at 973-285-6200.)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief William Schievella and Mountain Lakes Police Chief Robert A. Tovo announce an arrest in connection with a bank robbery which occurred on July 17, 2009 in Mountain Lakes.

On July 18, 2009 at approximately 2:00pm the following individual was arrested:

John Marano
DOB 10-8-83
Resident of Jefferson, New Jersey

Charges
Robbery - During the course of committing a theft from the PNC bank, threaten bank employees with immediate bodily injury a crime of the 2nd degree carrying a potential term of incarceration between 5 and 10 years in State prison.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section, Mountain Lakes Police Department and the F.B.I. conducted the investigation relating to the bank robbery which occurred yesterday at the PNC Bank located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.

The incident occurred at 12:26 p.m. on July 17, 2009 Authorities have also located and seized the black Dodge Durango, 4 door, with tinted windows that was used at the time of the robbery.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi stated:

"The arrest was the result of information which was called into the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program. This information led to the quick capture of the individual who was allegedly responsible for this offense. The information provided was critical for our assistant prosecutor and investigative staff of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office to pursue leads with the Mountain Lakes Police Department, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and I am proud of the diligence, perseverance and skill of the team."

Shortly after 2:00pm today John Marano was arrested in Boonton Twp by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes Police Departments not far from the location of the PNC bank in Mountain Lakes.

John Marano was transported to the Mountain Lakes Police Department and ultimately to the Morris County Correctional Facility where he will be housed pending a bail determination by the courts.

We have identified the 2^nd individual who was at the bank with John Marano. The investigation is ongoing with regard to the role of this individual if any."

Anyone with information to call the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Crime Task Force at 973-285-2900 or via email at intel@co.morris.nj.us or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program. at 973-COPCALL (973-267-2255).

Despite these pending charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his or her rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitution and relevant state law.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief William Schievella and Mountain Lakes Police Chief Robert A. Tovo announce the investigation involving a bank robbery.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section, Mountain Lakes Police Department and the F.B.I. are currently investigating a bank robbery which occurred today at the PNC Bank located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.

The incident occurred at 12:26 p.m. Authorities are looking for a newer model black Dodge Durango, 4 door, with tinted windows and New Jersey Plates. The vehicle was occupied by two white males.

Subject description: One white male entered the bank and approached the teller. The male who entered the bank is described as a White/Male, Height range between 5'8"-5'9", 25 to 30 years of age, wearing a beige color hat with black sunglasses on top of his hat. The subject was wearing a long sleeve blue shirt with a white shirt underneath. The white shirt was visible at the collar. The suspect had a mustache and was unshaven with growth on the side of his face and chin area. The investigation is on-going and the description of the 2nd individual is pending.

Prosecutor Bianchi is asking anyone with information to call the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Crime Task Force at 973-285-2900 or via email at intel@co.morris.nj.us or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at 973-COPCALL (973-267-2255).

Friday, July 10, 2009

Morristown: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Parsippany Police Chief Michael Peckerman announce the sentencing today of Eric Rangel to 27 years in New Jersey State Prison for the brutal sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman in Parsippany two years ago.

Superior Court Judge Salem V. Ahto sentenced Rangel, 22, to the maximum penalty for first-degree aggravated sexual assault and a consecutive 7 years on second-degree aggravated assault, for a total of 27 years.

He was found guilty by a jury in March of physically attacking and sexually assaulting the victim on April 22, 2007 at 3 a.m. as she walked home from a birthday party. The assault was interrupted by Parsippany Patrolman Allan Griffin.

Rangel must serve at least 85 percent of the 27 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. He must also must have parole supervision for life and register pursuant to Megan's Law. Assistant Prosecutors Meg Rodriguez and LaJuan Tucker handled the case.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said, "This predator has now been convicted of all offenses and is now sentenced to this lengthy prison term. He will no longer pose a danger to the public, which is now safer with him taken off the streets."


(This report was filed by Agent Bill Swayze on July 10, 2009. He can be reached at 973-285-6200.)

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Roxbury Township Chief of Police Mark Noll, announce the investigation into a stabbing in Roxbury Township. The investigation is ongoing at this hour and includes the following agencies: Roxbury Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Crime Task Force, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section, K-9, and Morris County Office of Emergency Management.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated:

"At approximately 2:55 AM, a 911 call was received by the Roxbury Township Police Department reporting a stabbing at a Palmer Street Residence in Roxbury. Upon arrival, Roxbury Police discovered two victims outside the residence on the ground.

The victims have been identified as a 38 year old male, and a 40 year old female, both having sustained multiple stab wounds, and the female also appeared to have been "pistol whipped". A weapon was recovered at the scene.

The female victim was transported to a local hospital via MEDEVAC, and the male victim was taken for treatment by Roxbury Fire Department Co. 2. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect is 27 year old ROBERT A. TERC, also of Roxbury. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, medium complexion; 5ft 8in, 140-160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes

Our investigation suggests the attack was not random, but targeted, as the alleged actor and the female victim had a prior dating relationship. Area roads have been closed while the crime scene is being processed and while the area is being searched.

We utilized the Morris County Emergency Notification System for the purpose of alerting the public. Over 2,300 phone calls were made to both published and non published residential and commercial properties within a specific area within Roxbury, Netcong and the Flanders section of Mt. Olive. We wanted to notify the public that we had a safety concern. This defendant has allegedly committed the act while armed and was on the run. We wanted the public to be aware that he should be considered armed and dangerous so that they can take the appropriate precautions. Secondly, we wanted the community to act as our eyes and ears and reach out to law enforcement so we can capture him as quickly as possible. The public was informed not to confront the suspect, but to contact law enforcement immediately.

We got what we asked for...shortly after 4:00 P.M. we received a tip from a citizen leading to the capture of the suspect. Specifically, at 4:22 P.M. Robert A. Terc was taken into custody without incident by Det/Sgt Tim Driscoll of the Roxbury Township Police Department, Detective Michael Nunn and Detective Chet Kurdyla of the Morris County Sheriff's Office in a wooded area in close proximity to the Palmer Street residence where the crime occurred.

Charges:
2 counts attempted murder
2 counts possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
1 count unlawful possession of a weapon (knife)

Bail - $500,000 no 10% Set by Superior Court Judge John B. Dangler

We continue to seek any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity during the early morning hours or anyone who may be familiar with Robert Terc is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Roxbury Township Police Department at 973-448-2100, or the Morris County Sheriff's Crimestopper Program at 973-COPCALL".

New Jersey Transit, Netcong, Hopatcong and the Stanhope Police Departments assisted with the investigation.

Despite these pending charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his or her rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitution and relevant state law.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Roxbury Township Chief of Police Mark Noll, announce the investigation into a stabbing in Roxbury Township. The investigation is ongoing at this hour and includes the following agencies: Roxbury Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Crime Task Force, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section, K-9, and Morris County Office of Emergency Management.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated:

"At approximately 2:55 AM, a 911 call was received by the Roxbury Township Police Department reporting a stabbing at a Palmer Street Residence in Roxbury. Upon arrival, Roxbury Police discovered two victims outside the residence on the ground.

The victims have been identified as a 38 year old male, and a 40 year old female, both having sustained multiple stab wounds, and the female also appeared to have been "pistol whipped". A weapon was recovered at the scene.

The female victim was transported to a local hospital via MEDEVAC, and the male victim was taken for treatment by Roxbury Fire Department Co. 2. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect is believed to be 27 year old ROBERT A. TERC, also of Roxbury. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, medium complexion; 5ft 8in, 140-160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Our investigation suggests the attack was not random, but targeted, as the alleged actor and the female victim had a prior dating relationship. Area roads have been closed while the crime scene is being processed and while the area is being searched.

We have issued a cautionary alert to area residents to be aware of the incident and be mindful that Robert Terc is at large and not in custody at this time and should be considered armed and dangerous.
We are seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity during the early morning hours or anyone who may be familiar with Robert Terc is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Roxbury Township Police Department at 973-448-2100, or the Morris County Sheriff's Crimestopper Program at 973-COPCALL".

New Jersey Transit, Netcong, Hopatcong and the Stanhope Police Departments assisted with the investigation.

Despite these pending charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his or her rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitution and relevant state law.