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East Hanover Resident Admits to Defrauding Seton Hall Law School

By
Frank Cahill
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EAST HANOVER — A former assistant dean and two other former employees of Seton Hall Law School pleaded guilty to defrauding their former employer of more than $1.3 million, said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Rose Martins, 44, of East Hanover, and Teresina DeAlmeida, 59, of Warren, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud conspiracy before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark federal court. Silvia Cardoso, 61, of Warren, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 25, 2024, before Judge Neals.

“Through an elaborate, years-long embezzlement scheme, these defendants violated their obligation to the students and exploited their role at this higher learning institution to line their pockets. Through forgery, fraudulent invoices, unauthorized transactions, and phony shell companies, they stole money intended to benefit the school and its student body and abused their positions. These arrests are yet another example of this office’s commitment to holding accountable those who commit financial fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

“As employees of a higher learning institution, the defendants in this investigation had an obligation to act in the best interest of the students they served, but instead, they prioritized enriching themselves,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS Criminal Investigation is dedicated to investigating individuals who commit financial crimes and fostering confidence in the legal system.”

“The genesis of most fraud schemes happens when people have access to money they believe they are entitled to, and no one will notice it’s gone,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “However, these three subjects fell into the same trap other criminals do – the money wasn’t theirs, and the Essex County graduate school searched for the missing $1.3 million. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners who worked on this investigation excel at following the paper trail and evidence left behind by almost every fraudster.”

“Today’s action shows that these individuals knowingly and willfully abused their positions for personal gain and will now be held accountable for their criminal actions,” Andrew Balceniuk, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office, said. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate Federal education funds for their selfish purposes.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Between 2009 and July 2022, DeAlmeida, Martins, and Cardoso conspired to fraudulently misappropriate more than $1.3 million from their former employer, a university graduate school in Essex County. DeAlmeida was an assistant dean responsible for financial functions, and Martins served as her assistant. The graduate school also employed Cardoso, DeAlmeida’s sister, as a support staff.  

The defendants used a variety of methods to defraud the university:

  • Beginning in 2009, DeAlmeida directed a graduate school vendor to pay Martins and Cardoso as though they worked for the vendor, even though they did not perform any services. DeAlmeida and Martins then caused the vendor to submit false invoices to the graduate school for approximately four years to reimburse the vendor for the amounts fraudulently paid to Martins and Cardoso. 
  • From 2010 through 2022, DeAlmeida and Martins directed graduate school vendors to order hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards the conspirators used for their benefit and then to submit fraudulent invoices to the school purporting to be for goods and services that were never provided. The conspirators also misused DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from the school’s bookstore. DeAlmeida routinely fraudulently approved these charges, and Martins forged the signatures of other employees for internal approval.
  • In 2015, Martins opened a shell entity called CMS Content Management Specialist LLC.  Although CMS never rendered any services to the graduate school, Martins submitted and DeAlmeida approved fraudulent invoices totaling more than $208,000. 
  • The conspirators also used DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to make tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases. DeAlmeida and Martins used the card to make over $70,000 in purchases at an online retailer shipped directly to their homes, including women’s shoes, smart watches, and bed linens. DeAlmeida and Martins fraudulently altered certain receipts before submitting them to the school for payment. 

The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine equal to the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for Cardoso is scheduled for November 26, 2024; DeAlmeida, December 2, 2024; and Martins, December 3, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk, with the investigation.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

First Building at 147 Columbia Fully Leased, Second Phase Leasing Rapidly

By
Frank Cahill
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Garden Communities Celebrates Full Leasing of First Building at 147 Columbia

FLORHAM PARK — The first building at 147 Columbia in Florham Park, developed by Garden Communities, is now fully leased, with residents beginning to take occupancy. This luxury apartment community features 126 one- and two-bedroom units, many with private balconies and select units, including dens. The apartments offer upscale amenities such as gourmet kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, in-suite washers and dryers, and garage parking with EV charging outlets. Additionally, residents can access a fitness center, yoga room, co-working spaces, and outdoor promenades.

The second and final building is also leasing rapidly, with completion expected by late summer. Located in a prime area near downtown Florham Park, the community benefits from proximity to shopping, dining, parks, and major highways​. The second phase of 147 Columbia in Florham Park offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $2,800 to $4,375. Amenities include custom kitchen cabinets, center-island kitchens, private balconies, walk-in closets, and in-unit washers and dryers. The community features reserved garage parking, EV charging stations, a fitness center, a a yoga room, co-working spaces, a fireside entertainment lounge, and landscaped grounds with outdoor seating. The location is convenient to local shops, restaurants, and major transportation routes.

Click here for more information.

Exciting News: Madison Area YMCA Names Sarah Coto as Kids Central Manager

By
Frank Cahill
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Madison Area YMCA Kids Central Manager and Active Older Adult Social Event Coordinator Sarah Coto, center, plays with YMCA members and Morristown residents Olivia Hayes, 5, left, and Abigail Hayes, 3.

MADISON — The Madison Area YMCA is excited to announce that Sarah Coto, a resident of Basking Ridge, has been appointed as the new manager of Kids Central and coordinator for Active Older Adult Social events.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously served as the Regional Coordinator at USA Sport Group, managing a statewide staff of over 60 and actively engaging with program participants. Her dedication to youth development is evident through her teaching of more than 250 students in drama and aquatics.

In addition to her extensive professional background, Sarah has spent several summers working as a YMCA camp counselor in Central New Jersey, further honing her youth engagement and program management skills.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a minor in Communications from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cathy Landolfi, Member Services Director, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to have Sarah join our team of accomplished and driven Y staff. Her experience will be invaluable in supporting youth development and active older adult programs at Kids Central.”

Sarah emphasizes the importance of play in both childhood and adulthood. “Play is crucial for a child’s growth and self-development,” she said. “And it remains vital as we age, enhancing mental agility, fostering social connections, and significantly contributing to overall well-being and quality of life. I look forward to continuing to create

Kids Central and Active Older Adults programs for our members to learn and explore.”

The Madison Area YMCA is confident that Sarah Coto will bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to her new roles, benefiting both young members and active older adults alike.

Italian American Police Society Hosts School Supply Drive

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DOVER — The Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, in collaboration with local officials, is organizing a school supply drive to support needy students. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Shop Rite of Rockaway at 437 Route 46, Rockaway.

This community initiative ensures all students have the necessary supplies for a successful school year. Donations of various school supplies are requested, including glue sticks, #2 pencils, hand sanitizer, crayons, pens, pocket folders, composition notebooks, 2GB USB drives, graph paper, index cards, wet wipes, construction paper, highlighters, Post-it Notes, and tissues.

“We are thrilled to partner with local officials and the community to support our students,” said a representative from the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey. “Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in a student’s education and overall well-being.”

Community members are encouraged to bring their donations to the designated location during the event hours. The collected supplies will be distributed to students who need them most, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school.

For more information about the school supply drive or how to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey at [email protected] or call 1-800-IAPSNJ-1. Additional details can also be found on their website at www.iapsnj.org.

Join us in making a difference in our community by supporting the educational needs of our students. Together, we can help pave the way for a brighter future.

Edward Nazzaro’s Journey from Dover to Santa Fe: A Life of Teaching, Traveling, and Touching Hearts Along the Way

By
Frank Cahill
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Edward Nazzaro's Impact on Students Remembered

DOVER — After a prolonged illness, Edward Michael James Nazzaro, affectionately known as Ed, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His devoted husband and life partner of more than 20 years, Michael John Gary, was by his side.

Born on March 30, 1951, in Dover to Joseph Salvatore Nazzaro and Clementine DeLorenzo Nazzaro, Ed discovered his passion for teaching early in life. Returning home from Sacred Heart Elementary School each afternoon, Ed set up his classroom to teach imaginary students, taking attendance, administering tests, and rewarding hard work. During cherished weekly Italian Sunday gatherings at his grandmother’s house, Ed tutored his younger cousins in Spanish.

Ed’s love for the Spanish language and culture was profound. As Dover High School’s first international exchange student, Ed spent a transformative year in Cusco, Peru. He earned his B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature and an M.S. in Education in four years from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, Ed studied Spanish literature at the University of Valencia, one of Spain’s oldest universities. Upon graduating magna cum laude, he was inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society. Ed completed his graduate coursework in Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University. Natural-born Spanish speakers regularly complimented Ed’s beautiful Spanish.

Ed’s distinguished teaching career began at Randolph High School. In 1977, he returned to Dover High School as Supervisor of World Languages, ESL, and Bilingual Education, a role he held for 23 years. He went on to serve as Vice Principal at both North Dover and Academy Street elementary schools. He brought his teaching career full circle when he retired from the language faculty at Randolph High School. Concurrently, Ed became an adjunct professor of Spanish and ESL at the County College of Morris.

Ed’s educational contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including Morris County’s Best Teacher Award, two Best Practice Awards from the State of New Jersey, and Outstanding Educator of the Year presented by CHISPAC (Hispanic Political Action Committee). Additionally, he was awarded a prestigious Rockefeller Foundation grant to study the history, culture, and literature of Puerto Rico and two Fulbright Scholarships to study education in Japan and to teach in Porto, Portugal. Ed’s passion and talent for teaching inspired many of his students to pursue education as a career.

Ed founded and ran Dover High School’s annual International Festival, the International Club, and the Latin Mix Dance Group. He also produced a successful series of Spanish-language plays for the community performed by Repertorio Español and organized playwriting workshops that resulted in three winners of the New Jersey Young Playwrights Festival.

Knowing firsthand the benefits of traveling abroad, Ed chaperoned and organized numerous European exchange programs for Dover students, including trips to Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and even the former Soviet Union. Ed remained an avid traveler, sharing many wonderful trips with his husband, Michael, to Egypt, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and Spain.

Renowned for his dancing prowess, Ed’s joy for life was evident on every dance floor he graced, from NYC’s Studio 54, The Saint, and The Roxy to the galas of the Santa Fe Opera. His love for dancing left an indelible mark on all who watched him and those who had the privilege to dance with him, including the current and former Governors of New Mexico!

In 2013, Ed and Michael moved to Santa Fe, where Ed embraced the local culture. He joined the Santa Fe Community College as an adjunct faculty member, teaching ESL and forming deep connections with his students. He volunteered as a docent at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and the San Miguel Chapel. A passionate gardener, Ed and Michael became Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners, caring for public gardens across Santa Fe. During COVID, Ed began volunteering as a dog walker at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter.

Ed’s artistic spirit thrived in Santa Fe. He studied classical guitar under the tutelage of world-class concert guitarist Anna Maria Cardinalli. He pursued devotional painting and sculpture, including writing Russian icons, painting traditional retablos, and sculpting bultos under the guidance of Master Santero Felix López. His artistic expression blended Spanish and Italian traditions.

Ed’s culinary skills, particularly his mastery of his mother Clem’s eggplant parmesan, were celebrated by many.

Faith and family were the cornerstone of Ed’s life. He is survived by his beloved husband, Michael John Gary; his cherished dogs, Bosco and Bella (who now belong to their devoted predecessor Jersey’s eternal pack); his brother Joseph and sister-in-law Sharon Nazzaro of Randolph, both of whom were educators he deeply admired; his sister Anita Fehsal of Succasunna, who babysat him with her many high school friends, developing Ed’s lifelong love of music from the 50s and 60s; nieces Kelly Dahms (Ryan), Chrissy Tully (Sean) and Jenny Fehsal (Steve); and nephews Michael Fehsal (Sandy), Jody Nazzaro (Meredith) and Tim Nazzaro (Maureen); and a large extended family of grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins; his faithful caregiver Dominic Vasquez; and countless friends and colleagues who will forever remember his kindness, compassion, intelligence, generosity, gentle smile, warm laugh, and loving soul.

All are welcome to join the Rosary and his Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The mass will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. A reception will follow.

On September 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., a Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at the Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph, New Jersey. A private family burial will follow.

Donations may be made in Ed’s memory to the Santa Fe Opera, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, the San Miguel Chapel, and the Dover College Promise Program.

Justice Served: Anthony Dello-Russo Sentenced to Seven Years for Fatal Overdose

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock confirmed the sentencing of Anthony Dello-Russo, 28, of Morris Plains, for first-degree Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death and other charges.

On June 5, 2024, Dello-Russo entered guilty pleas to first-degree Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death and second-degree Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute in connection with a 2023 fatal overdose. On Friday, July 26, the Honorable Ralph Amirata, J.S.C., imposed an aggregate sentence of seven years in New Jersey State Prison, five of which will be subject to the No Early Release Act. The defendant also consented to forfeit $51,788 in U.S. currency as part of this resolution.

On February 16, 2023, law enforcement responded to a residence in Whippany on a report of an unconscious male. The male victim, later identified as T.H., age 28, was pronounced deceased on scene. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office certified the cause of T.H.’s death as combined toxicity of cocaine, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl.

Based on subsequent investigation, it was determined that Dello-Russo distributed controlled dangerous substances to T.H. on February 15, 2023, in Morris Plains, and that T.H.’s death resulted from his ingestion of the substances distributed by Dello-Russo. Additionally, it was determined that on December 8, 2023, Dello-Russo possessed more than one-half ounce of cocaine at his residence with the intent to distribute.

Dello-Russo was initially arrested on December 8, 2023, and charged with second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute and related offenses. He was subsequently charged with first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Inducted Death and related offenses on December 26, 2023.

The Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death statute, N.J.S. 2C:35-9, provides that any person who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses any number of controlled dangerous substances is strictly liable for a death that results from the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance. 

Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation and arrest, including the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Morris County law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and enforcing state law, and when appropriate, holding distributors of these deadly narcotics accountable. Drug dealers who operate in Morris County, take note – you are taking a huge risk with every dose of heroin/fentanyl you sell.”

Jamal Naymeddin Named to the Honors List at FDU

By
Frank Cahill
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Fairleigh Dickinson University's Metropolitan Campus

DOVER — Jamal Naymeddin, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, NJ, has been named to the Honors List for the Spring 2024 semester.

To qualify for the Honors List, a student must carry a 3.5 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in at least 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).

The University’s Metropolitan Campus, located in the dynamic NY/NJ corridor in Teaneck, NJ, features a university atmosphere with an international perspective, attracting students from the U.S. and around the world. Undergraduates have access to the resources of a major graduate center and nearby New York City as an integral part of their learning experience.

Devoted to preparing world citizens through global education, Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private university. It features more than 100 liberal arts and professional degree programs, two international campuses, dozens of partnerships with internationally renowned institutions, special programs, and status within the United Nations. For more information, go to www.fdu.edu.

Boonton Police on High Alert After Catalytic Converter Thefts Shake Community

By
Frank Cahill
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The catalytic converter is located on the underside of a vehicle and looks like a large metal box. There are two pipes coming out of it. The convertor utilizes these two pipes and the catalyst during the process of making the gases safe to be expelled.

BOONTON — Police in Boonton are searching for four suspects involved in stealing catalytic converters early Thursday morning.

According to police, on July 25, between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., four suspects arrived in the area of Green Street and William Street in what appeared to be a dark-colored BMW X5.

The suspects accessed six vehicles and sawed off catalytic converters from a Volkswagen and two Toyotas.

The six owners of the affected vehicles notified police throughout the day between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Officers gathered information regarding vehicle burglaries, thefts, and criminal mischief.

Detectives responded to the scenes to collect evidence and canvass the area. The Morris County Sheriff’s Department CSI also assisted in the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information is urged to email [email protected].

“Our department remains active day and night patrolling our community. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call our Boonton Police Desk at (973) 402-9371 or, in case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1,” police said.

Wilson to Retire from Delta Dental

By
Frank Cahill
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Dennis G. Wilson

MORRIS COUNTY — Longtime Delta Dental President and CEO Dennis G. Wilson is retiring at the end of the year, paving the way for Paul Di Maio to take over the post beginning in 2025. After 11 years of transformative leadership, Dennis G. Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut (DDNJCT), will retire effective December 31. Succeeding him will be Paul Di Maio, currently Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer, who will assume the roles of President and CEO starting January 1, 2025.

Wilson joined DDNJCT in 2013, driving significant growth and enhancing the organization’s outward focus. In his first year, he established a new corporate social responsibility program and facilitated engagement with business, community, and charitable organizations across New Jersey and Connecticut.

Wilson spearheaded several strategic initiatives, including targeting individual and small group sales, creating DDCT as a separate entity, and expanding the DDNJCT portfolio to include vision insurance. His tenure also saw the introduction of unique small businesses and individual products and the market’s first Special Health Care Needs program supporting individuals and families with disabilities.

Although retiring, Wilson will continue to serve the organization as a Special Advisor until June 30, 2025. Wilson reflected on his tenure: “Leading DDNJCT has been a true privilege, and I am thankful for the hard work and cooperation of the Board and our associates in positioning the company for growth and continued success into the future. I am also proud of how our Board, senior leadership, and associates have embraced the company’s efforts to engage in the community and sincerely participate in supporting causes and activities in meaningful ways.”

Di Maio joined DDNJ in 2016 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, providing invaluable advice and guidance to the Board and management. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer, successfully leading the Legal, Compliance, Human Resources, Audit, and Special Investigations departments. Di Maio has consistently demonstrated his leadership abilities and his capacity to handle diverse opportunities and challenges.

A Massachusetts native, Dennis Wilson received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Massachusetts and credits his family’s military experience and his love for sports for his work ethic, drive, and approach to leadership. A devoted husband and mentor, Dennis is a proud survivor of quintuple bypass surgery and continues to share his personal health story to encourage others to embrace preventative healthcare.

Madison resident named to Clark University’s Spring Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Madison High School standout Carmine J. Toto in action, showcasing his dedication and athleticism on the field. A true leader both in academics and sports!

MADISON — Carmine J. Toto was named to second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Spring 2024 semester.

Carmine Toto’s high school days at Madison High School they blended academic rigor, athletic achievements, and community involvement. From the moment he stepped through the front doors as a freshman, Carmine’s enthusiasm and dedication were evident to everyone around him. He was a graduate of the Class of 2023.

Freshman Carmen Toro

In the classroom, Carmine excelled in his studies, showing a passion for history and mathematics. His teachers often praised his curiosity and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. Carmine’s peers admired his willingness to help others, often organizing study groups and tutoring sessions to ensure everyone could succeed.

Looking ahead, Carmine planned to attend college, where he hoped to continue his academic and athletic pursuits. With the strong foundation he built at Madison High School, Carmine was ready to take on new challenges and make a difference in the world.

Carmine J. Toto’s high school journey was a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy at Madison High School will be remembered for years, inspiring future generations of students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives.

Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors or a GPA between 3.50 and 3.79 for second honors.

Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university that prepares its students to meet tomorrow’s most daunting challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities.

Through 33 undergraduate majors, more than 30 advanced degree programs, and nationally recognized community partnerships, Clark fuses rigorous scholarship with authentic world and workplace experiences that empower our students to pursue lives and careers of meaning and consequence.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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