Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Chief William Schievella announce the death of a 27 year old Bernardsville resident after a 9-1-1 call from a motorist is received on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. the Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department (PTHPD) and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) received a
9-1-1 call from a motorist on Route 287. The individual making the call was later identified as the mother of the victim. The caller reported that her son who had been traveling in her vehicle was having a panic attack and they were on Route 287 North in Parsippany. The caller also reported that her son was threatening to run into the path of oncoming traffic.

The Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department (PTHPD) and the New Jersey State Police responded to the scene as well as the Parsippany Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Parsippany Volunteer First Aid Squad. Parsippany EMS arrived at the scene first and observed a white male on foot on the north bound shoulder of Route 287.

Two family members were by his side attempting to keep the victim calm, along with two Parsippany EMS personnel who ultimately were able to convince the victim to lie down on the shoulder of the highway out of harm's way.

Soon after the victim laid down, three Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department (PTHPD) Officers arrived at the scene and restrained the victim by placing handcuffs on his wrists and ankles as a safety measure. The victim was estimated to be approximately six feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds. The Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Officers were soon assisted by the New Jersey State Police who kept the victim restrained and in the prone position on the macadam shoulder, which was beyond a concrete Jersey barrier. The barrier had been temporarily placed there due to ongoing construction near the intersection of Route 80.

The victim became extremely combative while providing him aid and required the assistance of five people to restrain him due to his agitated mental state and girth.

While prone, the victim began lifting his head by arching his back. He then proceeded to slam his forehead down on to the hard macadam surface, doing this at least six times. The victim ignored multiple demands to stop this behavior. Our preliminary investigation revealed that the patrols attempted to cushion the self-inflicted blows by placing blankets and their jackets down underneath the victim's head and face.

The victim subsequently went into cardiac arrest while still on Route 287. Efforts to revive the victim were to no avail and he was pronounced dead at Morristown Memorial Hospital at 6:36 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Dr. Bilaniuk, M.D.

The investigation which was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit revealed that family members were driving the victim to Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville and were en route north bound on Route 287, just south of the Route 80 intersection.

The victim was seated in the right rear seat of the four door vehicle when he became extremely agitated. The victim did not want to go to the hospital.

As the vehicle slowed down to about 40 MPH to exit the highway, the victim kicked the right rear door open and jumped out of the moving vehicle and threatened to run into oncoming traffic. The vehicle was stopped on the north bound shoulder of the highway while family members chased after the victim. Soon thereafter, Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department (PTHPD) and New Jersey State Police (NJSP) arrived and assisted in restraining the victim prior to his cardiac arrest. The investigation is continuing at this time.

The manner and cause of death is currently pending the Morris County Medical Examiners findings.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chatham Borough Chief of Police John Drake, announce the investigation into the homicide death of a 61 year old Roman Catholic Pastor, Father Edward Hinds, in Chatham Borough. The investigation is ongoing at this hour and includes the following agencies: Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office/Criminal Investigation Section, Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Morris County Park Police, and both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Police Departments.

At approximately 8:03 AM, a 911 call was received by the Chatham Borough Police Department from a St. Patrick's Church employee reporting the discovery of Father Hind's body in the rectory of the Church after he failed to arrive for mass at 8:00 AM.

The church is located at 85 Washington Avenue and is also home to St. Patrick's School. Upon arrival, officials worked with school administrators to initiate an incident alert to notify parents of the procedures established to reconnect them with their children in a safe and orderly manner. The school, which has roughly 412 students, had approximately 80 students off campus on a scheduled field-trip.

Prosecutor Robert Bianchi, Esq., joined by Chief of Investigations William Schievella, Chatham Borough Chief of Police John Drake and Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of the Diocese of Paterson met with members of the media to express their deepest sympathy to parishioners as well as to the community

Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "Currently, authorities are seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200, the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-635-8000, or the Morris County Sheriff's Crimestopper Program at 973-267-2255."

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Manuel Antonio Fajardo-Santos, 31, plead guilty on October 20, 2009 to sexual assault of an 8 year-old girl on August 24, 2008, in Wharton. Morris County Prosecutor's Office Assistant Prosecutor LaJuan Tucker has requested the court to sentence Fajardo-Santos to a term of incarceration of seven years, with 85 percent of the term or nearly six years to be served before parole consideration. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2010.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office will pursue the prosecution of a 17-year-old who is accused of stabbing an individual who was a guest at a party in May in Roxbury. On Monday October 19, 2009 the juvenile was "waived up'" by Superior Court Family Division Judge Michael Paul Wright which will allow the youth to be tried as an adult in criminal court. The request was granted after Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri argued to have Budd Lake resident Skyler Gaines tried as an adult for the May 2, alleged attempted murder of the victim who was stabbed in the abdomen. Gaines, who turns 18 in February, continues to be held in the Morris County Youth Detention Facility at this time.

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, October 19, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief William Schievella and Randolph Township Police Chief Robert Mason announce the admission of two members of the Randolph Township Police Department into the Pre-trial Intervention Program today.
On the evening of August 21, 2009 at approximately 11:53 p.m., Officer Shawn Boyhan of the Randolph Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop for a traffic violation on a black, 1995 Chevrolet automobile on South Salem Street in Randolph, New Jersey. During that stop, the officer believed that the operator of the vehicle was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for driving while under the influence after the driver failed field sobriety tests. While en route back to the Randolph Township Police Department for processing, Officer Boyhan realized that the individual he had arrested was related to another officer of the Randolph Township Police Department. Officer Boyhan contacted Officer Steven Kepler, who was a senior officer and acting shift supervisor. Officer Boyhan advised Officer Kepler of the situation and as a result of this interaction, and after returning to the Randolph Township Police Department, the DWI suspect was released from custody without processing and without the filing of any charges, based solely upon the fact that he was related to an officer. In addition, no police reports were completed concerning the incident. However, Officer Boyhan had already impounded the vehicle that was being operated by the DWI suspect and the vehicle was being maintained at a towing company located in Dover, New Jersey. After the release of the arrested party, Officers Boyhan and Kepler had a conversation with the desk officer concerning the computer entry involving this incident and arrest. After considerable pressure was placed upon the computer operator, the computer system was manipulated and altered so it did not reflect the initial driving under the influence arrest. Thereafter, officers who were concerned about what had occurred advised the command staff of the Randolph Township Police Department who, realizing that a crime may have been committed, contacted the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated, "Police officers are not at liberty to "unarrest" individuals simply based upon who that defendant knows or is related to. They have an obligation to continue with the arrest and treat the offender as they would any other citizen. They also know that altering and manipulating official records to cover up any fact, is wrong and constitutes a violation of law, as well as, ethical police practices. While we do not believe that a term of imprisonment is appropriate here, we do believe that the officers' actions must have significant consequences. As a result, Officers Boyhan and Kepler will be admitted into the Pre-trial Intervention Program. They will be required to perform community service in excess of other defendants admitted into PTI. Most significantly, they will also lose their jobs and no longer be privileged to further serve the Randolph Township Police Department. These officers' credibility will forever be called into question with every case that they handle as a result of what occurred here. Under our discovery laws, it is very possible that defense attorneys would be entitled to information of this incident and learn of the fact that these officers manipulated official records. This would compromise every case these officers would handle in the future, if they were allowed to continue serving as police officers. While it is regrettable that a singular action could cause these officers to lose their job(s), it is nevertheless a reality that their effectiveness as officers who are truthful and file accurate reports, is now obliterated by their actions in this case, making their continued employment impossible. I commend Chief Robert Mason of the Randolph Township Police Department who immediately brought this matter to the attention of our Professional Standards Unit. A joint investigation was initiated and their internal affairs officer was a great assistance to my office. I continue to have the utmost confidence in the Randolph Township Police Department. This unfortunate incident is limited to those involved and is by no means a reflection of the entire Randolph Township Police Department. Chief Mason and his Internal Affairs staff have been involved in every aspect of this investigation. He and his Internal Affairs staff have professionally and admirably represented the otherwise fine officers of the Randolph Township Police Department."

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A Convent Station woman faces up to ten years in jail for comitting a fraud involving over $1 million dollars. Leigh O'Neill, 38, pleaded guilty in state Superior Court, Morristown today, to one count of theft by deception between July 2005 and Oct. 31, 2006.

Starting around July of 2005, Ms. O'Neill proposed a business venture to prospective investors. She represented she could locate homes on the verge of foreclosure. She would then locate potential buyers for these homes, use the investor's money to purchase the homes from the financially distressed owners, and then sell the homes at a profit to the potential buyers. Under the deal she proposed, O'Neill would take a portion of the profits and the investors would get the remainder.

Over the course of one year and two months, Ms. O'Neill identified a total of 14 properties to the investors/victims for them to invest in. She represented that four of the properties actually sold and paid the investors "profits" from the sales. Those "profits" were actually a portion of the money the investors had already given her. An investigation was conducted by Detective Steve Murzenski of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fraud Unit which revealed that Ms. O'Neill was in no way involved the sale of any of the indentified properties; in fact, most of the property owners were able to avert foreclosure proceedings by renegotiating with their lender(s). In short, she collected money from the investors on properties she had no interest in and then paid "profits" from sales that never occurred. The investors believed these "profit" payments were from the sales of specific properties and as a result were induced into further investment. In reality, Ms. O'Neill was essentially giving them back a portion of their own money. Ms. O'Neill has already paid back about $435,000 and has agreed to make restitution of about $800,000 to 10 people as part of the plea.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated "Even though this defendant has paid substantial restitution, the fact remains that this continuing course of defrauding investors need to be punished, we will ask the court to impose a 10-year state prison sentence which we believe is appropriate considering the scope and breadth of this fraud."

Ms. O'Neill will be sentenced before Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto on December 10, 2009.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

WASHINGTON TWP. - The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Vehicular Homicide Unit along with the Washington Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section are investigating the death of a Califon woman who died today after she crashed her vehicle into a tree while driving on Parker Road. The driver was identified as Robin Freeman age 67. The investigation revealed that Freeman was driving her 2006 Mercedes Benz east on Parker Road when she veered off the roadway and hit a mailbox at 153 Parker Road. She then continued down the road and veered off again striking a tree at 174 Parker Road. Freeman was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The accident occurred at 4:25 p.m.Freeman was pronounced dead by Doctor Koutcher of the St. Clare's Hospital in Sussex County via the Mobile Intensive Care Unit. The accident still is being investigated and Freeman's cause of death will be determined by the Morris County Medical Examiner's office. Also responding to the scene were the Washington Township Fire Department and the Long Valley First Aid Squad.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Hector Lopez, 36, of Dover was convicted at trial of robbery by using force against a store security officer who tried to stop him from fleeing the Super Stop & Shop in Morris Plains with $406 worth of merchandise on March 2, 2008. The jury's verdict determined that Lopez was guilty of two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of receiving stolen property related to the stolen 1996 minivan which Lopez was operating when he fled from the supermarket. Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Kelley Lavery tried the case on behalf of the state. Lopez is exposed to a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced before Judge Thomas Manahan.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

On October 6, 2009 Andora J. Needleman age 47 of Montville was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto to four years in New Jersey State Prison and her license to operate a vehicle was revoked for ten years for hitting a Montville Township police officer and two vehicles while driving drunk in Montville last year

On June 9, 2008 Andora J. Needleman was operating a vehicle in Montville Twp. At 2:30 in the afternoon when she struck two vehicles that were sitting in traffic due to construction. One of the passengers in the vehicle, a 5 yr old child suffered neck pain but was not taken to the hospital. The defendant proceeded to drive around traffic which was being monitored by Corporal Miley of the Montville Twp P.D., who was on foot directing the flow of traffic around the construction. Cpl. Miley motioned for the defendant's vehicle to stop. The defendant looked at the officer and accelerated, striking him with her car, causing serious bodily injury.

The defendant fled the scene and was apprehended a short time later as she was approaching her home. She was removed from the vehicle she was operating and placed under arrest.

On August 4, 2009 the defendant pled guilty to Assault by auto in the 3rd degree, assault by auto in the 4th degree, Driving While Intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

The case was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo, Esq.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

A Pompton Plains man was charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct in connection with two female victims. Jeffrey Shrem, 53, was arrested shortly after 5 p.m on October 6, 2009 by Detective Kristi Allegretta of the Morris County Prosecutors Office Sex Crimes Unit and Detective Lisa DeLuca-Cannata of the Pequannock Township Police Department. Bail was set at 2,500 with a 10 percent option. Shrem was released after posting bail.

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 Constitutions and relevant state law.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, please join the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Community Affairs Unit and Madison Pharmacy's Frank Iannarone, III, RPh for an open discussion about Prescription Drug Abuse. Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers are welcome. Bring a friend, a neighbor and your questions.
Wednesday October 21st
8:30 to 9:30 AM
Harding Township Middle School
Sponsored by the Harding Alliance Against Substance Abuse and the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. announces the sentencing of 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 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. As a result of this conviction, Mr. Hirsh was disbarred by Order of the New Jersey Supreme Court on September 9, 2009."

Hirsh entered a guilty plea on 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 was sentenced before Judge Thomas Manahan to three years probation along with 180 days in the Morris County Correctional Facility which was suspended, 250 hours of Community Service and $1,500 in fines.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the response to a potential hostage situation which occurred last evening, Thursday, October 1, 2009.
On Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 8:48 p.m., the Morristown Police Department received a telephone call from an unknown male who disclosed that his grandmother had a shotgun to the head of his sister. The unidentified male was said to be in a bedroom of an apartment located within the Blair House Apartment Complex at 2 Hamilton Road in Morristown, New Jersey. The Morristown Police Department Emergency Services Unit, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Crisis Negotiation Team along with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.), Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County Mobile Command Response Team, Morristown Fire Department, Morristown Ambulance Squad responded. The Harding Township Police Department and the Morris County Park Police also assisted at the scene. Certain portions of the Apartment Complex were evacuated to ensure for the safety of the residents. The residents were relocated to the lobby of the Morristown Municipal Building while the investigation was ongoing. Members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team and members of the Morristown Bureau of Police Emergency Services Unit (E.S.U.) secured the interior and exterior of the building while Morris County Prosecutor's Office Crisis Negotiation Team members attempted to make contact with the residence. Ultimately, law enforcement officer's came in contact with the occupant of the residence who had no knowledge of the incident. The investigation revealed that the telephone call placed to the Morristown Bureau of Police was a "hoax." This type of hoax is commonly referred to as "swatting." This process resulted in a dispatch of emergency services and is perpetrated on unsuspecting people throughout the United States. Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated "Swatting is becoming an increasingly wide-spread problem for law enforcement nationwide and we take these incidents very seriously. This kind of activity wastes significant resources, and more importantly, can lead to serious injury and/or death to police or an unsuspecting and otherwise law abiding citizen who is the victim of this kind of prank. If we identify the individual responsible, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stopper Program at (973) COPCALL.
All response resources were cleared from the scene at 11:15 p.m. after it was determined that no one was in danger.