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Dover Public Schools to Receive Increased State Aid for 2025-26 School Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover Board of Education, 21 Belmont Avenue

DOVER—The Town of Dover Public Schools will receive an increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year, according to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education. The district will receive $62,733,640, reflecting an increase of $761,041 or 1.23% compared to the current year’s $61,972,599 allocation.

This increase is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which allocates $12.1 billion for K-12 education statewide. The funding is intended to help schools maintain and expand academic programs, provide student resources, and support operational costs.

Statewide Funding Trends

Dover Town is among the majority of New Jersey school districts receiving increased aid, as the state continues its commitment to fully funding the school aid formula under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, with adjustments made under the S2 legislation. This marks the second consecutive year of full funding under Murphy’s administration.

Statewide, approximately 68% of districts will see an increase in aid, while others will experience reductions due to adjustments in the funding formula. To stabilize budgets, the state has implemented a 3% limit on aid reductions and a 6% cap on increases for the fiscal year 2026.

What This Means for Dover Town

The Dover Board of Education will determine how the additional $761,041 in funding will be allocated. Potential areas of investment may include:

  • Enhancing student programs and academic support services
  • Upgrading classroom technology and infrastructure
  • Expanding extracurricular and enrichment opportunities
  • Supporting faculty and staff resources

Looking Ahead

Governor Murphy’s budget proposal still requires legislative approval, but education leaders in Dover Town remain hopeful that the funding will be finalized. If passed, the increased aid will help sustain and improve educational programs for Dover students in the coming academic year.

DOVER—Las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Dover Recibirán un Aumento en la Ayuda Estatal para el Año Escolar 2025-26

DOVER—Las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Dover recibirán un aumento en la ayuda estatal para el año escolar 2025-26, según las cifras recién publicadas por el Departamento de Educación de Nueva Jersey. El distrito recibirá $62,733,640, lo que refleja un aumento de $761,041 o 1.23% en comparación con la asignación de $61,972,599 del año en curso.

Este Aumento en la Financiación Estatal

Este aumento es parte del presupuesto estatal propuesto de $58.1 mil millones por el Gobernador Phil Murphy, el cual asigna $12.1 mil millones para la educación de K-12 en todo el estado. La financiación está destinada a ayudar a las escuelas a mantener y expandir programas académicos, proporcionar recursos a los estudiantes y cubrir costos operativos.

Tendencias de Financiación a Nivel Estatal

Dover Town se encuentra entre la mayoría de los distritos escolares de Nueva Jersey que recibirán un aumento en la ayuda estatal, ya que el estado continúa con su compromiso de financiar completamente la fórmula de ayuda escolar establecida en la Ley de Reforma de Financiación Escolar de 2008, con ajustes realizados bajo la legislación S2. Este es el segundo año consecutivo en que la administración de Murphy financia completamente el sistema educativo.

A nivel estatal, aproximadamente el 68% de los distritos verán un aumento en la ayuda estatal, mientras que otros experimentarán reducciones debido a ajustes en la fórmula de financiación. Para estabilizar los presupuestos, el estado ha implementado un límite del 3% en las reducciones de ayuda y un tope del 6% en los aumentos para el año fiscal 2026.

¿Qué Significa Esto para Dover Town?

La Junta de Educación de Dover determinará cómo se asignarán los $761,041 adicionales en financiación. Algunas áreas potenciales de inversión pueden incluir:

✔️ Mejorar programas estudiantiles y servicios de apoyo académico
✔️ Actualizar la tecnología en las aulas y la infraestructura escolar
✔️ Expandir oportunidades extracurriculares y programas de enriquecimiento
✔️ Brindar más apoyo a docentes y personal educativo

Mirando Hacia el Futuro

La propuesta presupuestaria del Gobernador Murphy aún necesita aprobación legislativa, pero los líderes educativos de Dover Town se mantienen optimistas de que los fondos serán aprobados. Si se aprueba, el aumento en la ayuda estatal permitirá mantener y mejorar los programas educativos para los estudiantes de Dover en el próximo año escolar.

Mountain Lakes Boro Public Schools to See Slight Decrease in State Aid for 2025-26

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Mountain Lakes High School

MOUNTAIN LAKES—According to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education, Mountain Lakes Boro Public Schools will experience a 3% decrease in state aid for the 2025-26 school year. The district will receive $1,304,433, a reduction of $40,343 from the $1,344,776 allocated in the current school year.

Statewide Funding Adjustments

This adjustment is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which allocates $12.1 billion for K-12 education across New Jersey. While most districts will receive increased aid, some, including Mountain Lakes Boro, will experience reductions due to formula adjustments.

Statewide, approximately 68% of districts will see an increase in aid, while 175 districts will experience reductions. To mitigate drastic changes, the state has implemented a 3% cap on aid reductions and a 6% limit on increases for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Impact on Mountain Lakes Boro Schools

The Mountain Lakes Board of Education will assess how to adjust its budget to accommodate the $40,343 decrease. While the reduction is relatively small, it may require slight reallocations within the district’s financial planning.

Possible areas of focus include:

  • Maximizing existing resources for academic programs
  • Exploring alternative funding sources for school initiatives
  • Adjusting operational costs while maintaining educational quality

Looking Ahead

Governor Murphy’s budget proposal still requires legislative approval, but local school officials are preparing for the funding changes. Despite the funding adjustment, the district remains committed to ensuring that Mountain Lakes students continue to receive a high-quality education.

Boonton Public Schools to Receive Increased State Aid for 2025-26 School Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Boonton High School File Photo

BOONTON — ​Boonton Public Schools will receive a significant increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year. According to figures released by the New Jersey Department of Education, the district will be allocated $3,500,000, an increase of 5% compared to the current year’s funding of $3,333,333.​

This additional aid is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s record-breaking $58.1 billion proposed state budget, which earmarks $12.1 billion for K-12 education. Murphy described the funding as a testament to his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and better-prepared New Jersey.​

Of the state’s 392 school districts, 175 will see funding cuts, while others, including Boonton, will experience an increase. Statewide, most districts saw funding adjustments of no more than a 6% increase or a 3% decrease.​

The 2025-26 school year marks the second consecutive year that New Jersey has fully funded its K-12 school aid formula, initially established under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 and later revised by S2 legislation in 2017. These measures aimed to phase out adjustment aid for some districts while ensuring others received their fair share of funding.​

Governor Murphy’s latest budget also aims to curb dramatic fluctuations in state aid, responding to concerns about unpredictable funding levels for the nearly 600 school districts across New Jersey.​

This increase in funding is welcome news for Boonton Public Schools, helping ensure continued investment in student programs, resources, and educational opportunities.

NJMVC Launches ‘REAL ID Thursdays’ to Expand Access to REAL ID

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

TRENTON—With the federal enforcement of REAL ID set to begin on May 7, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) announced additional opportunities for its customers to get a REAL ID, including the creation of dedicated “REAL ID Thursdays” at Licensing Centers across the state.

Beginning Thursday, March 20, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on issuing REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments for each “REAL ID Thursday” going forward. This will include added license renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring within three months can renew their license and upgrade to REAL ID simultaneously, and REAL ID non-renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring after three months can upgrade to REAL ID.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for REAL ID from our customers, and we’ve repeatedly added and reallocated appointments to better meet that demand,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “The new initiative announced will expand access further, helping to service more customers who need or want to get a b. Suppose you have a passport or another federally accepted ID. In that case, you may continue to use it to meet federal REAL ID requirements, or until you can obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time.”

Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory for New Jerseyans. However, starting May 7, 2025, individuals must provide a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID, or another federally approved form of identification, like a passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Standard New Jersey driver licenses will remain valid for driving and other identification purposes.

To further expand REAL ID availability, the NJMVC will host a new slate of REAL ID Mobile Unit events on Saturdays, starting April 5. More customers can be serviced for REAL ID at mobile license renewal and non-renewal appointments at these events. This new slate of events is in addition to the busy Mobile Unit schedule the NJMVC maintains on weekdays in local communities across New Jersey.

The added appointments for “REAL ID Thursdays” will be available for booking starting Friday morning, March 14, on the appointment scheduler at the NJMVC website. Appointments for the new Mobile Unit events will be added to the scheduler later in March. Customers must bring the required REAL ID documents and request an upgrade to REAL ID when serviced at their appointment.

To learn more about REAL ID in New Jersey, customers should visit REALID.nj.gov.

The website contains a detailed FAQ and a document selector that helps customers identify what they need to bring to get a REAL ID: 2 proofs of residential address, 1 verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID Points.

Please visit TSA.gov for more information about federal REAL ID enforcement, including any forthcoming phased enforcement plans.

Dover Police Arrest Repeat Offender for DWI; Driver Found Asleep in Running Vehicle with Open Alcohol

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — In the early hours of February 11, 2025, Dover Police Officer German Liranzo of the Dover Police Department observed a 2019 black Ford dually pickup truck parked near South Morris Street and East Blackwell Street. The vehicle had been running with its hazard lights on since 1:43 a.m., prompting a welfare check on the driver.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Liranzo discovered the driver, later identified as Jesus A. Ruizhernandez, 40, asleep behind the wheel. He was slumped forward and drooling. The officer knocked on the window, shook the vehicle, and attempted to open the doors, all of which were locked. Moving to the passenger side, Officer Liranzo observed an open can of Modelo beer in plain view. After four minutes of effort, the driver awoke and lowered the rear driver’s side window.

Officer Liranzo instructed Ruizhernandez to turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. The driver complied with opening the door but refused to turn off the engine, appearing heavily impaired and incoherent. Concerned for public safety, Officer Liranzo entered the vehicle and manually shut off the engine. Once outside the vehicle, Ruizhernandez exhibited signs of intoxication, including swaying, staggering, and leaning against the rear of the truck for support.

A search of the vehicle revealed additional alcoholic beverages, including a closed container of Margarita in the driver’s door compartment and several unopened Modelo beer cans in a plastic bag in the back of the truck. When asked how much he had consumed, Ruizhernandez admitted to drinking “one beer at a friend’s house.” He also said he intended to “get inside the vehicle and drive home.”

Further investigation using Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras confirmed that Ruizhernandez had driven to the location at 1:43 a.m. and remained in the driver’s seat the entire time.

Ruizhernandez displayed multiple signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and watery eyes and the strong odor of alcohol on his breath. When asked if he had any medical conditions that could affect his ability to perform a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), he stated “no”. Still, he refused to participate in the test, claiming, “I was not driving.”

Arrest and Processing

Given the evidence, Ruizhernandez was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). He was handcuffed and searched, whereupon officers found the vehicle’s key in his right sweater pocket. He was transported in patrol vehicle to the Dover Police Department.

This marked the second time Officer Liranzo had arrested Ruizhernandez for drinking and driving at the same location. Additionally, his vehicle was supposed to have an ignition interlock device, which it did not.

At the station, Ruizhernandez was read the Standard Statement Form in Spanish, with an audio recording playing simultaneously. He understood the statement but refused to provide breath samples on two occasions, which was documented under summons number E25-000855.

Ruizhernandez was issued the following summons:

  1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50
  2. Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a
  3. Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle – N.J.S.A. 39:4-51b
  4. Improper Parking – N.J.S.A. 39:4-138
  5. Failure to Install an Ignition Interlock Device – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.16
  6. Air Pollution (Emission of Smoke or Contaminants) – N.J.S.A. 39:3-70.2
  7. Failure to Possess a Driver’s License – N.J.S.A. 39:3:29A

Ruizhernandez was released to a responsible person with a pending court date.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

DOVER — En las primeras horas del 11 de febrero de 2025, el oficial German Liranzo del Departamento de Policía de Dover observó una camioneta Ford dually negra del 2019 estacionada cerca de South Morris Street y East Blackwell Street. El vehículo había estado encendido con las luces de emergencia activadas desde la 1:43 a.m., lo que llevó al oficial a realizar un control de bienestar del conductor.

Al acercarse al vehículo, el oficial Liranzo descubrió al conductor, identificado posteriormente como Jesús A. Ruizhernandez, de 40 años, dormido al volante. Estaba inclinado hacia adelante y babeando. El oficial golpeó la ventana, sacudió el vehículo e intentó abrir las puertas, pero todas estaban cerradas con seguro. Al moverse hacia el lado del pasajero, el oficial Liranzo observó una lata abierta de cerveza Modelo a la vista. Después de cuatro minutos de intentos, el conductor despertó y bajó la ventana trasera del lado del conductor.

El oficial Liranzo le ordenó a Ruizhernandez que apagara el motor y saliera del vehículo. El conductor abrió la puerta, pero se negó a apagar el motor, mostrando signos evidentes de deterioro y confusión. Preocupado por la seguridad pública, el oficial Liranzo ingresó al vehículo y apagó el motor manualmente. Una vez fuera del vehículo, Ruizhernandez mostró signos de intoxicación, incluyendo dificultad para mantenerse en pie, tambaleos y la necesidad de apoyarse en la parte trasera de la camioneta para sostenerse.

Un registro del vehículo reveló más bebidas alcohólicas, incluyendo un envase cerrado de Margarita en el compartimiento de la puerta del conductor y varias latas de cerveza Modelo sin abrir en una bolsa de plástico en la parte trasera del vehículo. Cuando se le preguntó cuánto había bebido, Ruizhernandez admitió haber tomado “una cerveza en la casa de un amigo”. También declaró que su intención era “subirse al vehículo y conducir a casa”.

Una investigación adicional utilizando cámaras de Reconocimiento Automático de Placas (ALPR) confirmó que Ruizhernandez había conducido hasta esa ubicación a la 1:43 a.m. y permaneció en el asiento del conductor todo el tiempo.

Ruizhernandez mostró múltiples signos de intoxicación, incluyendo ojos enrojecidos y llorosos, además de un fuerte olor a alcohol en su aliento. Cuando se le preguntó si tenía alguna condición médica que pudiera afectar su capacidad para realizar la Prueba de Sobriedad Estandarizada en el Campo (SFST), respondió “no”. Sin embargo, se negó a participar en la prueba, argumentando: “No estaba conduciendo”.

Arresto y Procesamiento

Ante la evidencia presentada, Ruizhernandez fue arrestado por conducir en estado de ebriedad (DWI). Fue esposado y registrado, momento en el cual los oficiales encontraron la llave del vehículo en el bolsillo derecho de su suéter. Posteriormente, fue transportado en un vehículo patrulla al Departamento de Policía de Dover.

Esta fue la segunda vez que el oficial Liranzo arrestó a Ruizhernandez por conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol en la misma ubicación. Además, se descubrió que su vehículo debía estar equipado con un dispositivo de bloqueo de encendido, pero no lo tenía.

En la estación de policía, a Ruizhernandez se le leyó el Formulario de Declaración Estándar en español, mientras se reproducía una grabación de audio simultáneamente. Ruizhernandez indicó que comprendía la declaración, pero se negó a proporcionar muestras de aliento en dos ocasiones. Esta negativa fue documentada bajo el número de citación E25-000855.

Multas Emitidas

  1. Conducir en estado de ebriedad (DWI) – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50
  2. Negarse a someterse a una prueba de aliento – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a
  3. Contenedor abierto de alcohol en un vehículo – N.J.S.A. 39:4-51b
  4. Estacionamiento indebido – N.J.S.A. 39:4-138
  5. No instalar un dispositivo de bloqueo de encendido – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.16

Ruizhernandez fue puesto en libertad bajo la custodia de una persona responsable y deberá comparecer ante el tribunal en una fecha futura.

Nota del editor: Las normas del tribunal requieren que incluyamos una declaración indicando que los cargos descritos en esta publicación son… [continuar con la declaración requerida].

Local Students from Boonton Named to Ohio University’s Fall 2024 Provost’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON — Following the completion of each semester, Ohio University recognizes the academic achievements of its students by publishing the President’s, Dean’s and Provost’s Lists.

Eric Hauer of Boonton

Taylor Orr of Boonton

The Provost’s List recognition is given to high-achieving, part-time undergraduate students who exemplify academic success. Qualifying students must possess a 3.5 or greater GPA and attempt between 6 and 11.99 credit hours for letter grades that are used to calculate GPA.

In fall semester 2024, approximately 1,900 of Ohio University’s part-time undergraduate students qualified for the Provost’s List. A complete listing is available online.

About Ohio University

Ohio University strives to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America, where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders.

OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our Athens Campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation’s most picturesque academic settings.

Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University’s commitment to providing educational access and opportunity. Visit www.ohio.edu for more information.

Whippany/Passaic Rivers’ Flood Remediation Task Force Spring Clean Up

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher

MORRIS COUNTY — Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace “Gallagher, East Hanover Township Mayor Joseph Pannullo, and Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor have announced an exciting new initiative to complement the Whippany/Passaic Rivers’ Flood Remediation Task Force and conduct an all-volunteer “clean-up day” on April 5 with a rain date of April 26.

Mayor Gallagher stated, “This exciting announcement continues the work already started on trying to alleviate flooding in the area by allowing a volunteer network of contractors, non-profit and civic organizations, and resident volunteers to help with tree removal, the de-snagging of the rivers and clean-up along the banks of the Passaic and Whippany Rivers. Along with Mayor Guariglia from Morris Township, Mayor Dougherty from Morristown, Mayor Karr from Morris Plains, and Mayor Barberio from Parsippany, we continue to work together to help our citizens and businesses along these water tributaries to make the water flow again and avoid property loss due to flooding.”

Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a rain date on Saturday, April 26th, each town has identified several potential sites to do a “clean up” for the day. Mayor Gallagher stated, “Several tree removal contractors, equipment operators, volunteer groups and volunteer citizens have already expressed interest in joining us on April 5 and we ask anyone in) terested in signing up from any of our communities’ to kindly call Mayor Gallagher at (973441-0114 or e-mail Mayor Gallagher at [email protected]. 

Once all sites are identified, we will post them on each town’s website as the date approaches. 

Hope One Symposium to Address Mental Health and Addiction Resources in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Hope One

MORRIS COUNTY – The Hope One Symposium, a crucial event focused on mental health, addiction recovery, and community support, will take place on Friday, March 21, at the County College of Morris, Dragonetti Auditorium, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event, hosted by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, will bring together law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community partners from across the state to share best practices and vital resources.

The symposium will highlight mental health community resources, focusing on innovative programs aimed at combating homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. A key feature of the event is Sheriff Gannon’s Hope One initiative, a mobile outreach vehicle providing addiction recovery and mental health services, which is celebrating its eighth anniversary. The Hope Hub program, designed to assist individuals and families at acute risk, also marks its fourth year of service.

Event Highlights:

  • Presentations on mental health community resources
  • Insights from law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community organizations
  • Networking opportunities for advocates, professionals, and community members
  • Free breakfast included for attendees

How to Register:

Those interested in attending can register online by clicking here.

For further details, attendees can contact Corporal Valvano at [email protected] or call (973) 590-0300.

This event serves as a vital platform for community engagement and support, reaffirming Morris County’s commitment to tackling mental health and addiction issues through education, collaboration, and action.

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Celebrates Grand Opening in Morris Plains

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Carl Augusto, Board Chair of the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco proudly cut the ribbon at VLANJ’s new home in Morris Plains, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization. Surrounded by supporters, the event celebrated VLANJ’s commitment to empowering individuals with vision loss through expanded programs and services.

MORRIS PLAINS – The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ) proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new home in Morris Plains on Thursday, February 27. The ribbon-cutting event marked an exciting new chapter for the nonprofit, which has been serving individuals with vision loss and blindness for over 81 years.

Morris Plains, known as a “Community of Caring,” has already welcomed VLANJ with open arms. This new facility will allow the organization to expand its programs and provide more opportunities for individuals to live independently and lead fulfilling lives.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Carl Augusto, VLANJ Board Chair, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco, a dedicated supporter of the organization, led the official ribbon-cutting.

Distinguished Guests and Supporters

VLANJ was honored to have many key figures and supporters attend the event, including:

  • Dr. Bernice M. Davis & Bryan McClain – NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired
  • Frank Cafasso – VLANJ Board of Trustees Member
  • Carl Augusto & Sue Augusto – VLANJ Board of Trustees Chair
  • Ming Wu – VLANJ Board of Trustees Vice Chair
  • Lukas Franck & Chris Reichert – VLANJ Board of Trustees Members
  • Senator Anthony Bucco – NJ Senator (25th District)
  • Britni Orcutt & Meghan Hunscher – Morris County Chamber of Commerce
  • Megan Waters – Representing Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office
  • Council President Sal Cortese – Representing Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr
  • Nancy Verga – Morris Plains Council Member
  • Michael M. Koroski – Morris Plains Chief of Police

Expanded Programs and Services

The new VLANJ facility is designed to support a growing range of life-enhancing programs, including:

  • The Fellowship Program (in collaboration with NJCBVI)
  • Mental Health & Wellness Programs
  • Orientation & Mobility Training
  • VLANJ @Home Program

Looking Ahead

VLANJ’s leadership emphasized that this move is just the beginning. The organization remains committed to developing more opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with vision loss.

For more information about VLANJ’s programs, contact Program Director Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. 4, or email [email protected].

Click here to read more about the event and VLANJ’s vision for the future.

Newark Man Charged in Multi-County Dunkin’ Donuts Burglary Spree

By
Frank Cahill
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0
A Newark man has been charged in connection with a multi-county Dunkin’ Donuts burglary spree, targeting locations in Edison, Lodi, Hackensack, Paramus, Summit, Chatham, Florham Park, East Hanover, Hillsdale, Emerson, and River Vale. Authorities say he stole over $18,000 and caused $10,000 in property damage.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Newark man has been charged in connection with a series of Dunkin’ Donuts burglaries spanning multiple counties following an extensive investigation led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Reduction Unit, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

For approximately two months, from December 2024 through January 2025, law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and New York identified a pattern of commercial burglaries. Detectives linked 14 burglaries, one attempted break-in across Bergen, Middlesex, Morris, and Union counties, and similar incidents in New York.

Burglary Pattern and Investigation

The suspect, 24-year-old Enajaim E. Bowman, was connected to multiple overnight break-ins at Dunkin’ Donuts locations. Surveillance footage showed a lone suspect prying open locked doors and windows, targeting cash registers, safes, and managers’ offices.

Among the affected locations were three Dunkin’ Donuts in Morris County:
•118 Main Street, Chatham – $795 stolen; $2,750 damage (January 17, 2025, 2:22 a.m.)
•176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park Borough – $700 stolen; $600 damage (January 17, 2025, 3:00 a.m.)
•329 Route 10 East, East Hanover Township – $1,985.65 stolen (January 17, 2025, 3:45 a.m.)

The full investigation revealed $18,267.16 in stolen cash, $140 in stolen gift cards, and $10,000 in property damage across four counties.

Charges and Arrest

Bowman was charged on February 11 with:

  • 14 counts of third-degree burglary
  • 1 count of third-degree attempted burglary
  • 12 counts of third-degree theft
  • 2 counts of third-degree criminal mischief
  • 7 counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief

On Tuesday, February 25, Bowman surrendered to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and was taken into custody without incident. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court.

Law enforcement officials praised the multi-jurisdictional efforts that led to Bowman’s identification and arrest, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in solving widespread criminal activities.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

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