Friday, August 28, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Parsippany Police Chief Michael Peckerman today announced the sentencing of a 25-year-old marijuana dealer caught with a little less than five pounds of marijuana and $96,190 in his apartment.

Cohen was ordered to serve 364 days in the Morris County Correctional Facility and complete four years of probation. He also must forfeit the $96,190 in drug dealing proceeds.

The penalties were part of his guilty plea to intending to distribute less than 5 pounds of marijuana and possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school zone.

On February 23, 2009, a drug investigation led police to Cohen's apartment, where they found $76,190 in Cohen's bedroom closet and another $20,000 in a trunk in the bedroom.

Investigators had been keeping an eye on him after the U.S. Inspection Service at Newark International Airport Air Mail Center spotted a suspicious parcel mailed from a sender in El Cerrito, Calif. They soon determined the package contained nearly 5 pounds of marijuana.

Bianchi applauded Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury, who sought the maximum sentence allowable by law, and the many other law enforcement officers who worked on the case, stating, "The operation was the result of a collaborative effort that involved the Morris County Prosecutor's Special Enforcement Unit, U.S. Postal Inspector's Office, Parsippany police and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section and K9 Unit."

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

MORRISTOWN: A Morristown man charged with the attempted murder of a woman early Monday morning will remain in the Morris County jail after a Superior Court judge maintained his bail at $500,000, cash only today, authorities said.

Superior Court Judge Salem V. Ahto also ordered Jennri Martinez-Gonzalez to have no contact with the victim and surrender his passport, said Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq.

The Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section are currently investigating the stabbing, after police were called to the scene on reports of a woman screaming on Garden Street. Martinez-Gonzalez allegedly attacked the victim stabbing her just prior to 1 a.m. He was charged with attempted murder and robbery for stabbing the victim and for taking the victim's purse.

The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries, was treated and released from Morristown Memorial Hospital.

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, August 26, 2009

On August 25, 2009 at 12:01 PM, the Rockaway Township Police Department received reports of a plane that had landed in the JC Penny's Parking Lot at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall. The plane, a Cessna 172 out of the Essex County Airport was piloted by a flight instructor and his student. The plane developed engine trouble and the flight instructor was able to make an emergency landing in the mall parking lot, causing minor property damage on the ground.
The flight instructor and student were transported to the Saint Clare's Dover Campus and treated for minor injuries. The aircraft sustained severe damage.
The Rockaway Police, Fire and EMS agencies were supported by mutual aid from the Picatinny Arsenal Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, Morris County Hazardous Materials Team and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the FAA with support from the Rockaway Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit.
The release of any additional information will be at the discretion of the FAA.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Morristown Chief of Police Peter Demnitz announce an ongoing attempted murder investigation in Morristown New Jersey.

The Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section are currently investigating the incident.

Morristown Police were called to the scene on reports of a woman screaming on Garden Street. After police arrived and found the victim, they found Martinez-Gonzalez hiding in another Garden Street residence.

Jennri Martinez-Gonzalez allegedly attacked the victim stabbing her outside his Garden Street home in Morristown early yesterday morning August 24, 2009 just prior to 1 AM.

Jennri Martinez-Gonzalez was charged with attempted murder and robbery for stabbing the victim and for taking the victim's purse. He remains in the Morris County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries, was treated and released from Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. credits the Morristown Police Department for their prompt response and subsequent investigation which led to the quick apprehension of Mr. Gonzalez.

We are asking anyone with information to call the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at (973) COPCALL.

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.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Chief of Investigations William Schievella announced today the arrest of a 41-year-old Boonton man on sex assault charges involving a nine-year-old girl.

Kevin Ptashinski, 41, was charged during the weekend with aggravated sexual assault, sex assault and endangering the welfare of a child, they said. He remains in the Morris County Jail in lieu of a $150,000 bail.

The investigation is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit.

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 rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

Friday, August 21, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Rockaway Township Police Chief Walter J. Arden Jr. announced today the sentencing of the former treasurer of the Hibernia Fire Company No. 1 in Rockaway Township to three years probation for draining fire company bank accounts to the tune of $69,870.

Wanda Stopa, 58, also was ordered by Superior Court Judge Thomas V. Manahan to serve 100 hours of community service for dipping into the accounts between November 12, 1999 and August 9, 2006.

She must pay back the fire company $15,870, which is the amount still owed from the original $69,870 drained from the fire company bank accounts. An audit by the prosecutor's office and police revealed that Stopa had failed to repay all of the money she took from the fire department.

The judge also set a 180-day jail sentence, but suspended the sentence pending successful completion of her probationary term.

Stopa, who pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree theft on June 22, was a volunteer treasurer for the Hibernia fire company when she started withdrawing funds from various department bank accounts. An investigation began in July 2008 following a meeting between fire department officials, police and members of the prosecutor's specialized crimes division.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said, "She may not have been considered a public official by legal definition, but she was in a position that served the public and for seven years she helped herself to taxpayer money. That will never be tolerated and we promise the people who try to get away with such activity that they will be caught and they'll be prosecuted."

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief William Schievella and Madison Borough Police Chief John Trevena announce the investigation involving a bank robbery in Madison.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section, Madison Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are currently investigating a bank robbery which occurred today at The Union Center National Bank located at 300 Main St. in Madison, New Jersey.

At approximately 9:44 AM on August 20, 2009 the Madison Police Department and surrounding departments responded to a report of a bank robbery at the Union Center National Bank.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black male with dreadlocks in his mid-twenties, 5'9 wearing a white button-down shirt with blue vertical stripes, blue baggy jeans, tan boots with blue tips a blue baseball cap with a "C" on the center entered the bank and brandished two (2) handguns before he departed the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

A search of the area was conducted with the assistance of area police departments and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit.

The investigation revealed that the suspect may have exited the Madison Plaza operating a vehicle shortly after the robbery. The suspect may have cut off another vehicle which was headed west bound on Main St. Prosecutor Bianchi and Chief Trevena are asking anyone who may have been cut off by a vehicle on Main St around 9:30 AM or anyone with any other information to call the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Crime Task Force at (973) 285-6200, Madison Police Department at (973) 593-3000 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at 973-COPCALL (973-267-2255).

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Hanover Police Chief Stephen Gallagher announced today a Blairstown man pleaded guilty to bribing Hanover's former mayor with a $20,000 payoff in return for help with zoning approval to build a Quick Chek.

Michael Sesera, 69, pleaded guilty in Superior Court to third-degree bribery and agreed to forfeit the $20,000 he handed off to then-Mayor Ronald Francioli in November. The money was supposed to buy the mayor's help to pave the way for a rezoning of Sesera's property at the corner of Parsippany and Whippany roads.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., noted, "This office investigates aggressively all allegations of public corruption, as well as, those who attempt to bribe our hard working government officials. Town hall is not for sale in Morris County and those who try to trade money for favors will learn that lesson the hard way."

"Corruption cases also have to be attacked by the prosecution of those individuals who are willing to offer bribes to public officials," the prosecutor added.

Under terms of the plea, prosecutors are recommending Sesera serve a period of probation and 364 days in the county jail. Superior Court Judge John Dangler will sentence Sesera September 25.

Sesera tried to bribe the former mayor, Ronald Francioli, between April 2, 2007 and Nov. 10, 2008. Instead of accepting the bribe, Francioli had notified the prosecutor's office about the matter, prompting the probe.

The investigation was headed by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Weber and Lt. Michael Rice and Detectives Daniel Henderson and Steve Murzenski with the prosecutor's office, Hanover Township Detective Chris Thompson and Rockaway Township Detective Rob Randzio.

(This report was filed Aug. 19, 2009 by Agent Bill Swayze.)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Morris Township Chief of Police Timothy Quinn announce an ongoing murder investigation in the Collinsville Section of Morris Township New Jersey.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated: "At about 10:15 a.m. on August 16, 2009, a caller reported to the Morris Township Police Department an emergency on Highland Avenue in Morris Township. When Morris Township Police Patrolman Christopher Vargas-Villa and other members of the Morris Township Police Department arrived they observed an unconscious, unresponsive four year old female child on the lawn. A neighbor was administering CPR to the child while another neighbor was caring for another six year old female sibling who was conscious but lethargic. Both children were transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment.

At 11:06 a.m. on August 16, 2009, the four year old female child was pronounced dead at Morristown Memorial Hospital. The six year old is being treated for non life threatening injuries.

The investigation has resulted in the arrest of the children's mother Jenny Lizette Erazo-Rodriguez, DOB 5/16/76, of 62 Highland Avenue, Morris Township New Jersey.
Charges: Murder, Attempted Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Bail: $1,000,000 set by Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto.

This is an absolute tragedy and I join Chief Timothy Quinn in extending our deepest sympathies to the family of this young child who passed away. We are asking anyone with information to call the Morris Township Police Department at (973) 539-0777, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at 973-COPCALL (973-267-2255)."

The investigation is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit, Morris Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section.

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, August 12, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi announces the entering of a guilty plea by Paul J. Hirsh, Esq. who was previously indicted for Forgery, Uttering, Contempt of Court, and Misapplication of Entrusted Funds.

Mr Hirsh has been licensed to practice law in New Jersey since 1974, is currently 61 years of age and is now living in Washington, DC (he was formerly a resident of Mendham, NJ) he had previously maintained law offices in Morristown and Parsippany, NJ.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated "The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Investigation commenced as a result of a referral from the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics following a financial audit. This resolution sends a clear message that those entrusted with the legal care of the citizens will be made to answer when they commit a crime. Mr. Hirsh will now have a criminal record, will now face at sentencing going to jail for his offenses, and he will lose his privilege of practicing law, as he has proven himself unworthy of the trust needed to fulfill his duties as an attorney."

Hirsh entered a guilty plea today (August 12, 2009) to 2 counts of Forgery (third degree), 1 count of Contempt Of Court (fourth degree) and 2 counts of Misapplication of Entrusted Funds (third degree).

The crime dates were between May 2004 and July 2005

Mr. Hirsh fraudulently endorsed 2 checks ($15,000.00; $24,998.17) made payable to his clients.

The Contempt of Court charge relates to Mr. Hirsh's deposit of a settlement check into his personal bank account in violation of a court order directing that the money be deposited with the Surrogate of Essex County on behalf of a minor client.

The Misapplication of Entrusted Funds charge relates to Mr. Hirsh's deposit of two settlement checks ($24,998.17; $7,500.00) into his personal bank account, as opposed to his trust account (in violation of New Jersey Supreme Court Rules) which resulted in the exposure of those funds to a substantial risk of loss.

Mr. Hirsh will be sentenced on September 25.



Media Contact: Captain Jeffrey S. Paul

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Denville Township Police Chief Christopher Wagner announce the ongoing investigation concerning the death of twenty-six year old Princeton New Jersey resident, Fatima Younes, whose body was recovered from the Cedar Lake in Denville Township on August 10, 2009 at 11:57PM.

On Monday, August 10th, at 8:22 PM, numerous 911 calls were received by the Denville Township Police Department reporting screams, frantically requesting that someone call the police. Upon the arrival of the Denville Township Police, Fire and Rescue personnel, it was determined that three women, the victim, along with a twenty-two year old Ogdensburg resident and a twenty-eight year old Rockaway resident got into a row boat, and made their way to a floating dock on Cedar Lake.

The investigation determined all three women got off work at approximately 6:00 PM, traveled to Rockaway Boro, where they changed into swim attire, and from there, proceeded to Denville. One of the individuals was a former resident of the Cedar Lake community, and had obtained permission from a former neighbor to use the row boat. The three women after arriving at the floating dock, jumped into the water to swim, however one of the individuals, victim Fatima Younes went under the water and never surfaced.

The investigation is currently being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Denville Township Police Department, The Morris County Sheriff's Department Criminal Investigations Section, along with the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office.

The following agencies responded and participated in the recovery operation: Denville Fire Department, Parsippany/Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery Dive Team, Boonton Fire Department Dive Team, Jefferson Township Fire Department Dive Team, Pequannock Township Fire Department Dive Team, Rockaway Boro Fire Department and The Picatinny Arsenal Dive Team, NJ State Police Aviation (Helicopter).

Anyone with information is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit at 973-285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at 973-COPCALL (973-267-2255).

Monday, August 10, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Butler Police Chief Edward M. Card announced today a guilty verdict in the case of Andrew Pena, who sexually assaulted a woman in Butler two years ago.

A jury in Morristown deliberated only 75 minutes before announcing a verdict, finding him guilty of all five counts in the indictment. The charges Pena was convicted of include first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree burglary.

Pena will be sentenced Sept. 18, 2009. He faces between 30 and 40 years in prison.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., said, "We are very satisfied that this jury found this man guilty. This defendant represents the greatest fear a woman can have. Alone and in the dark of night, he cowardly robbed the victim of her sense of peace, security and dignity.

"We will now respond by asking the court at sentencing to take away from him his freedom to walk the streets for as long as is legally possible so ne never can victimize another woman again," Prosecutor Bianchi said.

Pena assaulted the then 19-year-old woman in the early morning hours of January 28, 2007. Pena, 41, of Vernon, was found guilty of luring the victim to the rear of the business establishment where he exposed himself, dragged her out of the vehicle she was driving and then violently sexually assaulted her.

Executive Assistant Morris County Prosecutor Robert Lane and Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez said in court that Pena ran off when two of the victim's friends interrupted the assault. Pena left his fingerprints on the car that the victim was driving, and the victim later positively identified him both from a line up and while in court.

(This report was filed Aug. 10, 2009. Media Agent Bill Swayze can be reached at 973-285-6200.)

Friday, August 07, 2009

MORRISTOWN: Carlos "Carlito" Gonzalez Jr. was expanding his narcotics distribution network, reaching into the suburbs of Morris and Essex counties with a steady supply of cocaine, intimidation and violence.

"Then came a knock at the door, a swarm of police in tactical gear, the end of his drug dealing operation and today the end of his freedom for up to 30 years," Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said.

Prosecutor Bianchi and Chief of Investigations William Schievella today announced the sentencing of Gonzalez Jr., to 30 years in prison. He must serve a minimum of 13 and 1/2 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

When this case first unfolded a year ago, culminating in an aggressive sweep and numerous arrests in December 2008, New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram was quick to point out the success of the operation, calling it an example of proactive police thinking -- exactly what is needed to shut down gangs and ruin their illicit gun and drug dealing businesses.

Milgram said at the time, "Targeting violent criminals and street gangs is a top priority because the citizens of New Jersey deserve to live in their communities and in their neighborhoods free of the terror of gangs, free of the drug dealing and the gun trafficking. Prosecutor Bianchi has forged a strong partnership among state, federal, county and local law enforcement agencies to move against a major drug trafficking network."

He was sentenced today for second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose as well as possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a weapon during a drug deal.

"This significant prison term was the result of a partnership with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Denville, Dover, Randolph, and Wharton Police Departments, as well as, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey State Police and the Human Services Police Department," Prosecutor Bianchi said.

Bianchi said, "This is the result of our targeting the most violent and dangerous offenders who make our streets unsafe. We had excellent detective and attorney work by the members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and local police departments and an intelligence-led policing strategy that targets the most serious offenders and goes after them."

The sentencing of Gonzalez is a highlight of the prosecutor's successful crackdown on gang activity. The prosecutor's office has made it a top priority to send a message to gangs -- don't get comfortable in Morris County. The office has held seminars for law-enforcement and educators and has reached into the schools to have influence with kids, especially those kids who are the most likely to join a gang.

"The operation was another phase of our aggressive and on-going focus targeting the upper echelon of the narcotic distributors and gang members in Morris County. It is our goal to eradicate illegal narcotics, gangs and guns in Morris County," Bianchi said.

The investigation was launched in October 2007, following a shooting at a Rockaway Borough Laundromat. The investigation revealed that two young men argued over a female. One man displayed a semiautomatic handgun and eventually there were gunshots. Investigators followed the trail of names to Carlos G. Gonzalez, Jr., age 20, of Jefferson Township, and his competition: Carlos Gonzalez, Sr., age 51, of Wharton. Turns out Gonzalez, Jr. was involved in a drive by shooting that occurred on August 14, 2008.

The investigation was ongoing through August 15, 2008. Seized during the investigation were two .22 caliber pistols, one sawed off shot gun, one .40 caliber semi automatic hand gun, one .45 caliber semi automatic hand gun, one .9 millimeter semi automatic handgun; over four kilograms of cocaine valued at greater than $200,000.00; over two thousand packages of heroin valued at greater than $30,000.00; over 130 individual packages of cocaine prepared for street distribution valued at over $6,500.00; numerous scales, packaging materials, and cutting agents; over $10,000.00 in United States currency; and over 50 grams of marijuana.

(This report was filed Aug. 7, 2009 by Media Agent Bill Swayze.)

Thursday, August 06, 2009

MORRIS TOWNSHIP: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Morris Township Police Chief Timothy Quinn announce an update in the ongoing investigation into a gasoline tanker truck accident yesterday afternoon in Morris Township, N.J.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 beginning at 3:36 p.m., numerous calls were made to the Morris Township Police Department reporting a gasoline tanker truck accident at the Whippany Road and Lindsley Drive intersection in Morris Township.

The one-vehicle accident resulted in road closures and cleanup efforts coordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Morris County Hazardous Materials Team.

The gasoline discharged from the tanker is preliminarily estimated to be approximately 7,000 gallons. The gasoline impacted the Whippany River, respective wetlands and some Morris County Frelinghuysen Arboretum property.

The following is an update about the status of the cleanup, road closures and investigation:

• Morris Avenue and the eastbound lanes of Columbia Turnpike were reopened at 11:15 p.m.

• The tanker truck was lifted upright at 12:03 a.m. and removed from the scene at 1:00 a.m.

• The remaining closed roadways with the exception of Lindsley Drive were reopened at 2:25 a.m.

• The hazardous materials cleanup continued on Lindlsey Drive overnight and Lindlsey Drive was reopened at 5 a.m.

• The accident investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit.

• The driver was issued a summons by the Morris Township Police Department for careless driving.

Driver Identification:

• Eric T. Majette
• DOB 4-5-71
• Resident of Ewing, N.J.
• Mr. Majette was treated and released from Morristown Memorial Hospital for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

Vehicle Description:

• 1995 Mac Truck, operated by Lee Transport Systems LLC, based in Elmer, N.J.

This accident remains under investigation and the cleanup of the gasoline that leaked from the tanker is ongoing.

Additional details about the cleanup operation will be provided by the Department of Environmental Protection and representatives of the Morris County Hazardous Materials Team.

(This report was posted Aug. 6, 2009. The media contact is Captain Jeffery S. Paul, who can be reached at 973-285-6200.)