MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mount Olive Police Chief Michael Spitzer confirmed that Patrick J. O’Kane, 45, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, has been charged in connection with a domestic violence incident that occurred on October 5, 2024, in Mount Olive. O’Kane is a corrections officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

It is alleged that the victim and defendant were traveling together with a photographer to take photographs of the victim at a local campground. While traveling to the location, an argument ensued over a text message the victim received, which escalated into a physical altercation where the defendant strangled the victim, cut her with a knife in the abdomen, and pointed a firearm at her while threatening to kill her. The incident remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. The name and identity of the victim will not be released.

As a result of the investigation, the defendant has been charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault-Strangulation, second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Aggravated Assault- Pointing a Firearm, third-degree Terroristic Threats, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (knife), fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife), third-degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon; third degree Aggravated Assault on a Domestic Violence Victim, and Disorderly Person offense Simple Assault. Under state law, the defendant’s arrest photograph will not be released.

Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, and following a detention hearing, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Numerous law enforcement agencies participated in this investigation, including members of the Hackettstown Police Department, Mount Olive Police Department, Exeter Police Department (Pennsylvania), Newtown Police Department (Connecticut), and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence Unit.

Prosecutor Carroll noted, “Domestic violence is a serious crime. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to holding the perpetrators of domestic violence, especially those that involve physical violence and the use of a firearm or weapon, accountable under the law. I commend the law enforcement officers who responded. Through the skillful use of police de-escalation techniques, they were able to safely arrest the defendant, who had assaulted the victim with a knife and pointed a firearm while threatening to kill the victim.”

The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act provides maximum protection to victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence there are resources available in Morris County to assist victims and their families at the Morris County Family Justice Center, which is located at 10 Court Street, 4th Floor, Morristown, New Jersey. The Morris Family Justice contact number is (973) 829-4050, or you can visit their website at www.morrisfjc.org or contact the Domestic Violence Abuse hotline at 1-877-R-U-ABUSED.

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.

MORRIS COUNTY – Democratic Morris County Commissioner candidates Justin Strickland, Jonathan Sackett, and William “Bud” Ravitz reject the outrageous lies in the mailer sent by the New Jersey Republican State Committee implying that the candidates do not back and support law enforcement.

Here’s the truth: As elected officials in their towns, all three candidates have consistently voted to fully fund the police, voted to hire additional officers, and have been out in the community showing their support of law enforcement.

Justin Strickland is a United States Army combat veteran who acutely understands the importance of public safety. As a Chatham Borough Councilman, Strickland voted this year to hire two additional police officers and purchase two additional police cars not originally in the planned budget. His dedication to public safety extends to school safety. Strickland was the leading councilperson to support Chatham Borough paying for the school police officers out of the municipal budget.

As Rockaway Township Councilman, Jonathan Sackett helped push Rockaway Township in partnership with the Board of Education to hire class three officers in the elementary schools. He voted to increase the police department every year for the six years he has been on the council. Sackett also teaches self-defense and safety as the owner of a martial arts school, and he is proud that his son interned with the Rockaway Township Police department and is now a member of the ROTC for the US Army.

As Morris Township Committeeman and former Deputy Mayor, Bud Ravitz is proud to say that their police department is recognized as one of the best in the county. He serves on the Police Standing Committee and has consistently voted to fully fund the police operating budget and purchase three new vehicles every year.

After decades of a one-party Morris County Board of Commissioners, Strickland, Sackett, and Ravitz are ready to revitalize the county with a focus on your voice: Voices that have been asking for a new strategy to combat overdevelopment and better government transparency.

This team of experienced elected officials will always show up for the community. They’ll prioritize community engagement, always seeking to save taxpayer dollars with an eye toward shared services. They know how to make improvements for more livable communities – they’ve done it in their towns and they can do it for the whole county.

Learn more about Strickland, Sackett, and Ravitz by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, with locations in Morristown and Asbury Park, recently received a $7,000 donation from the KearnyBank Foundation. This funding will support their one-on-one youth mentoring programs across Bergen, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Passaic counties, helping young people address challenges related to poverty, gang involvement, substance abuse, and special needs.

“Kearny Bank is dedicated to helping children build brighter futures,” said Mairéad Togneri, Assistant Vice President and Retail Relationship Manager at Kearny Bank’s Neptune City branch, who also serves on Big Brothers Big Sisters’ board. “We’re thrilled to contribute to the impactful work Big Brothers Big Sisters does in our community.”

About Kearny Bank: Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, Kearny Bank combines traditional community banking with modern financial tools, serving clients throughout New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Further information is available at kearnybank.com.