MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced the recent promotions within the investigative team.

They proudly announce the promotion of Jan-Michael Monrad to Deputy Chief of Detectives. Jan-Michael has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout his tenure, and we have every confidence in his ability to excel in this new role.

These advancements and additions to our team reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining a highly skilled and efficient investigative force. Congratulations to Jan-Michael Monrad on his promotion, and warmly welcome the new Detective to the ranks.

A formal ceremony was held on July 10, 2023, in the Commissioner’s Public Meeting Room.

Jan-Michael Monrad was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Detectives.

Deputy Chief Monrad graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration. He has over 28 years of Law Enforcement experience, having started his career as a Patrolman/Detective with the Boonton Township Police Department.

In 2002, Deputy Chief Monrad was sworn in as a Detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. As a Detective, Deputy Chief Monrad served in the Domestic Violence Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, General Investigations Unit, and Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), where he conducted numerous undercover and surface narcotics investigations. In 2015, he was promoted to Detective Supervisor, and in 2016, to the rank of Sergeant of the Intelligence/ Homeland Security Unit, also supervising the High Tech Crimes Unit. Deputy Chief Monrad was promoted to Lieutenant of the Special Operations Division in 2018 and Captain in 2021. In 2023, when he was transferred to the Tactical Division, he was responsible for the operations of the Major Crimes Unit and the Sex Crimes Child Endangerment Unit.

Deputy Chief Monrad has been involved in numerous narcotics, homicide, sex crimes, burglary, and missing persons investigations and has successfully testified in the State v. Jose Feliciano and State v. Kashif Parvaiz homicide trials. Deputy Chief Monrad is recognized as an expert in electronic surveillance and has conducted over 1,000 lawful intercepts of communications, and has taught classes on the subject on behalf of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the County Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey, the County Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey, MAGLOCLEN, the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also has held certifications as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), a Tactical Emergency Medical Technician (TEMT), and the Commander of the Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) and Commander of Rapid Deployment Team (RDT).

Promoted to Captain were Mark Castellano and Joseph Costello. Both previously had held the rank of Lieutenant.

Captain Castellano will command the Courts & Administration Division while retaining responsibility for Firearms and Training.

Captain Castellano is a 24-year Law Enforcement veteran. His experience includes assignments in the Narcotics, Fugitive, Gangs, and Community Affairs Units. Capt. Castellano was a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team and is a Master ICAT, ABLE, Resiliency, and Implicit Bias Trainer. Capt. Castellano is a Police Training Commission Certified Firearms Instructor. He graduated from Seton Hall University and is an FBI Trilogy award recipient. Capt. Castellano is a lifelong martial artist who holds black belts in various disciplines and is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Captain Costello will command the Tactical Division.

Captain Costello began his law enforcement career in 2001 with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2006, he joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2013, he was promoted to Detective Supervisor, then again in 2014 to Sergeant. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He is a NJ Police Training Commission certified Instructor. Also, he serves on the executive board of the County Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey and is a member of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Law Enforcement Subcommittee. Captain Costello earned a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University and a Master’s from Seton Hall University.

Promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant was James Bruno. Lieutenant Bruno will supervise all units within the Special Operations Division.

Lieutenant Bruno began his career as a Detective in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2009. In 2016, Lieutenant Bruno was promoted to Detective/Supervisor in the Special Enforcement Unit and subsequently to Sergeant. Lieutenant Bruno is a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, Tactical Narcotics Team, Rapid Deployment Team, and DEA Clandestine Laboratory Team and has received multiple commendations and awards from various associations. Lieutenant Bruno has been deemed an expert in the field of narcotics by the New Jersey Superior Court. He instructs officers in the field of narcotics and tactical operations.

Promoted to Sergeant were Jimmy Atoche and Matthew Magnone. Both previously had held the rank of Detective Supervisor.

Sergeant Atoche will supervise the Special Enforcement Unit within the Special Operations Division. Sergeant Atoche began his law enforcement career in 2014 with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In 2015, Sergeant Atoche joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2019, Sergeant Atoche was assigned to the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Enforcement Task Force. In 2021, Sergeant Atoche was promoted to Detective/Supervisor with the supervision of the Special Enforcement Unit. In 2023, Sergeant Atoche played a part in closing one of the largest fentanyl mills in the NY/NJ area, receiving the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Top 10 Case award. Sergeant Atoche sits on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association and has received numerous individual and unit awards. Before his career in law enforcement, Sergeant Atoche served in the United States Army National Guard, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant Magnone will supervise the Major Crimes Unit within the Tactical Division. Sergeant Magnone began his career in 1999 with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, being promoted to Crime Scene Investigator in the Major Crimes Division in 2006. Over nearly a decade, he led investigations into numerous high-profile cases, including homicides, police-involved shootings, and suspicious deaths. Sergeant Magnone has received recognition for his expertise in latent friction ridge processing and friction ridge comparison and identification and has provided expert testimony in Superior Court on multiple occasions. In 2015, Sergeant Magnone transitioned to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office as a county detective and joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017. Initially serving in the General Investigations Unit, he was transferred to the Professional Standards Unit and then the Major Crimes Unit. In late 2022 and early 2023, Sergeant Magnone solved a significant cold case, displaying his dedication to justice and commitment to solving homicides regardless of time. He was promoted to Detective Supervisor in January 2023. Sergeant Magnone holds certifications as a PTC and State instructor in Firearms Training and Internal Affairs Policy and Procedure.

Promoted to Detective Supervisor were John Cassie and Muhammad Thomas. Both previously had held the rank of Detective.

Detective Supervisor Cassie will be assigned to the Professional Standards Unit within the Specialized Crimes Division. Detective Supervisor Cassie began his law enforcement career in 2013 with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In 2015, he was hired by the Morris County Park Police and was assigned to the Patrol Division upon graduation from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy. Detective Supervisor Cassie joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2016 as a Detective in the General Investigation Unit. Detective Supervisor Cassie has worked in the Domestic Violence Unit and the Special Operation Division’s Intelligence and Homeland Security Units. He is a Supervisor for the Morris County Auto Theft Task Force. He is also a Tactical Narcotics Team/Officer Rescue Team member and a BERLA Forensic Examiner/Technician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Detective Supervisor Thomas will continue to be assigned to the Major Crimes Unit. Before his career at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Thomas served for four years as a Marine, completing four deployments. 2005 Detective Supervisor Thomas joined the East Orange Police Department as a Patrolman. Thomas worked on the East Orange Police Violent Crimes Task Force, investigating more than 200 crimes and aiding in a high unit case closure rate. During this time, he participated in the investigations of a Seton Hall off-campus party homicide (2010) and an abducted child Driscoll Bridge homicide (2010), leading to arrests and convictions. Detective Supervisor Thomas joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in March 2017 and was assigned the General Investigations Unit.

Nicholas Jung was also sworn in as Detective. Detective Nicholas Jung is a Morris County native who earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris before transferring to Rutgers University – Newark, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Political Science. Detective Jung joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in February 2022 as a Support Staff member assigned to the General Investigations Unit. In April 2023, Detective Jung was transferred to the Intelligence & Homeland Security Unit and is responsible for assisting the unit Detectives with ongoing investigations.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Throughout my law enforcement career and particularly as a prosecutor, I have worked to maintain my commitment to promoting from within, especially when the personnel has demonstrated the leadership, experience, and selfless dedication to advance the interests of justice. The people promoted today have undergone a rigorous review process and have demonstrated their commitment to team building both internally and externally with our state, county, and municipal law enforcement professionals. When coupled with our dedicated legal staff, they present a formidable force against criminal conduct. I am confident that we have selected the most qualified and appropriate leadership to advance the current needs and objectives of the MCPO.”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Cheshire Home rehabilitation center, dedicated to assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries, is organizing its annual Run, Walk, Stroll, or Roll 5K to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries.

To participate in the event, you can now register by clicking here. The 5K will occur at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, at 200 Campus Drive in Florham Park.

By paying the entry fees, you will contribute to Cheshire Home’s mission of empowering young adults with spinal cord injuries, helping them regain their independence to the fullest extent possible. Attending the event will support Cheshire Home and provide an opportunity to learn more about its residents. Cheshire Home is located on Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park.

They are seeking sponsors for the event to further support Cheshire Home in celebrating Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. If you want to become a sponsor and contribute to this cause, don’t hesitate to contact Betsey at pr@cheshirenj.org.

To learn more about Cheshire Home and its initiatives, visit their website by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Barbara Kuppersmith, chair of Voter Services for the Morristown Area League, will help attendees navigate the voting process, touching on the following topics: Who can vote, how and when to vote, early voting, vote by mail, in person, why residents should vote, residency requirements, the process of removal from voting rolls, checking voter status, and how to learn about the candidates.

Title: Know Your Voting Rights – Voting in New Jersey
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Brookside Community Club, 1 East Main Street, Mendham Township

Liza Weisberg, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey, will join to answer questions about voting and the Voters Rights Act. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to the public. For more information, click here.

The presentation will be available live and after the event on the LWV Morristown Area YouTube channel by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY – The I-287 southbound Exit 35 ramp to Route 124 is scheduled to close this weekend from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, until 5:00 a.m. Monday, July 17, in Morristown.

If construction is completed earlier than expected, the ramp will reopen sooner. The closure is necessary to repair a sinkhole on the ramp.

I-287 southbound Exit 35 to Route 124 detour:
•    Motorists on I-287 southbound wishing to take the Exit 35 ramp to Route 124/Madison Avenue will be directed to take Exit 36 to CR 510/Morris Avenue, which is before Exit 35
•    Stay left to continue on CR 510/Morris Avenue/Lafayette Avenue
•    Continue on Lafayette Avenue
•    Turn right onto Morris Street/CR 510
•    At the fork in the road, keep left to continue on Morris Street/CR 510
•    Turn right onto East Park Place
•    Keep left to turn left onto North Park Place
•    Keep left to turn left onto West Park Place, which becomes Route 124/South Street

The work is part of a $15.8 million state-funded maintenance project to repair stormwater facilities at various locations in eight counties throughout North Jersey.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website (http://www.511nj.org/) for real time travel information

MORRIS COUNTY — Two adults and two juveniles were taken into custody following a chase in a stolen car in Montville Township, according to Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano.

On July 9, at 9:22 a.m., the Montville Township Police Department was notified that the Lincoln Park Police were pursuing a stolen black BMW 750 on Route 202. Officers assisted Lincoln Park in the pursuit. The stolen vehicle entered Route 287 North and became disabled on the highway. The occupants of the stolen vehicle fled with officers pursuing on foot.

Officers searched the area for the occupants over several hours. There were five occupants, and Officers located four of them. There were no weapons recovered. The Montville Township Police Department was assisted by the Lincoln Park Police, Fairfield Police, Pequannock Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, the New Jersey State Police K-9 Unit, Auto Theft Task Force, and the Aviation Unit.

Diana Graham, 21, and Nathan Holmes, 18, both residents of Newark, were identified as the two adults involved. Furthermore, authorities took into custody two sixteen-year-old juveniles, also from Newark.

All four individuals were charged with the following crimes:

1. Conspiracy to Receive Stolen Property (Stolen Vehicle) 2C:5-2a(1)/ 2C:20-7a A crime of the 3rd degree.

2. Receiving Stolen Property 2C:20-7a, A crime of the 3rd degree.

3. Resisting Arrest 2C:29-2a(2), A crime of the 4th degree.

4. Unlawful taking of a Means of Conveyance 2C:20-10b, A crime of the 4th degree.

The Juveniles were issued a summons and turned over to their parents.

The adults were charged and transported to the Morris County Correction Facility.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MORRIS COUNTY Art historian Mallory Mortillaro will give a presentation on major art heists and what makes art so alluring to criminals at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, at the Library of the Chathams.

Mortillaro made national headlines in 2014 when, while cataloging art at the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building in Madison, she discovered a lost Auguste Rodin bust worth several million dollars missing for 80 years. Her presentation will include several examples of art theft in the past 150 years while discussing what piques the interests of those with shady intentions in the art world.