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Swim-Lesson Class Expansion Begins This Fall at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA

By
Frank Cahill
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Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is excited to announce the expansion of its swim lesson program from the traditional 7-week format to a more comprehensive 13-week session.

MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is excited to announce the expansion of its swim lesson program from the traditional 7-week format to a more comprehensive 13-week session. This change reflects our dedication to providing the best possible swimming education, ensuring the highest levels of skill development, confidence, and safety for all participants.

Registration Details

Registration for Fall Swim Lessons begins for Y members on Tuesday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. Non-member registration opens on Thursday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Skill Development and Retention

  • Longer Practice Period: The extended 13-week session offers swimmers ample time to practice and reinforce their skills, aiding in better muscle memory and effective skill retention.
  • Progression: Swimmers can progress through various skill levels more thoroughly, mastering each skill before moving on to the next, ensuring comprehensive development.

Consistency and Routine

  • Building Habit: Regular, longer-term lessons help establish a routine, which is crucial for developing comfort with water and swimming, especially for younger swimmers.
  • Reduced Learning Gaps: Fewer breaks between lessons mean swimmers have fewer chances to forget what they have learned, ensuring continuous improvement.

Confidence Building

  • Confidence: Spending more time in the pool helps swimmers become more comfortable and confident in their abilities, which is essential for both safety and enjoyment in the water.
  • Gradual Challenges: In a more extended session, instructors can introduce challenges gradually, allowing swimmers to gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

Instructor-Student Relationship

  • Stronger Bond: Over 13 weeks, swimmers can develop a stronger relationship with their instructors, fostering trust and a better understanding of individual needs.
  • Personalized Feedback: Instructors have more time to observe and provide personalized feedback, helping each swimmer improve effectively.

Overall, the 13-week swim lessons offer a more in-depth, consistent, and effective learning experience, leading to better outcomes in skill development, confidence, and overall enjoyment of swimming.

“We are excited to implement this change and believe it will significantly benefit our swimmers,” said Alex Martinez, Chief Executive Officer at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “Our goal is to offer a high-quality swimming program that teaches skills and builds lifelong confidence and a love for swimming.”

For more information about our swim programs and to enroll, please visit www.lakelandhillsymca.com or contact Aquatics Director Alex Fraser at [email protected].

About Lakeland Hills Family YMCA

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our programs and services are designed to promote overall well-being and support individuals and families in achieving their fullest potential. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.

All Seasons Golf: The Ultimate Indoor Golf Experience Opens

By
Frank Cahill
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All Seasons Golf is state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, designed to entertain and train golfers of all levels.

MORRIS COUNTY — All Seasons Golf is excited to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, designed to entertain and train golfers of all levels. Nestled in the heart of Morris County, All Seasons offers an unparalleled golfing experience, regardless of the weather outside.

With the most advanced Golfzon simulators on the market, All Seasons provides cutting-edge technology for swing analysis and data tracking, ensuring our members receive the best instruction and entertainment possible!

At All Seasons Golf, our passion is to deliver a realistic golfing environment where members and guests can play, practice, and enjoy themselves without worrying about tee times due to inclement weather. With access to courses worldwide, golfers can enhance their skills year-round in a climate-controlled setting.

In addition to our world-class golf facilities, All Seasons Golf features a full-service bar and restaurant. Guests can unwind with craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails paired with delicious food catering to every palate. Whether grabbing a quick bite after a round or enjoying a meal with friends, our restaurant perfectly complements your golfing experience.

All Seasons Golf is open to the public, with various membership options available to suit every golfer’s needs. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted rates on simulator time, priority booking, and access to special events and training programs.

“We aim to be Morris County’s indoor golfing destination of choice,” said Bryce Whelan, General Manager. “With the most advanced Golfzon simulators on the market, we provide cutting-edge technology for swing analysis and data tracking, ensuring our members receive the best instruction and entertainment possible!”

All Season’s Mission:
To become Morris County’s golfing destination of choice for all golfers.

Core Values:

  • Integrity
  • Dedicated Local Ownership
  • Stewardship
  • Committed Relationships

Join All Seasons Golf for its grand opening on Thursday, August 1, at 11:00 a.m., and experience the future of indoor golf. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, All Seasons Golf is here to elevate your game and provide a fun, engaging environment for everyone. All Seasons Golf is located at 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.

For more information on membership options and to learn more about our offerings, visit www.golfallseasons.com or contact us at [email protected].

About All Seasons Golf:
All Seasons Golf is dedicated to creating a premier indoor golf experience. It provides golfers access to professional instruction, the latest technology, and a vibrant bar and restaurant—all within a welcoming community atmosphere.

Two New Detectives Join Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the hiring of Dennis A. Subrizi and Richard E. Ornelas as Detectives for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

A swearing-in ceremony was held on July 29, 2024.

Detective Ornelas will be assigned to the Special Operations Division’s Special Enforcement Unit.

Detective Ornelas most recently served as a Patrol Sergeant with the Wharton Borough Police Department, where he was assigned to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office SERT as the Sniper Team Leader. He also served as a Sheriff’s Officer within the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the MCPO Special Enforcement Unit.

Detective Ornelas served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 through 2014 before being honorably discharged.

Detective Ornelas graduated from St. Elizabeth’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies. He also has had extensive training in SWAT School/Advanced Patrol Tactics, Advanced Narcotic Investigations, NJSP Interview and Interrogation, and other disciplines.

Detective Subrizi will be assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit within the Specialized Crimes Division.

Before joining the MCPO, Detective Subrizi served for nearly a decade in the Denville Police Department, where he held the ranks of Detective and Sergeant. While with the department, he supervised officers, developed event plans, fostered relationships with local civic organizations, and contributed to and led criminal investigations teams. He also held the position of a School Resource Officer.

Additionally, Detective Subrizi serves as an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College and Sussex Community College.

Subrizi holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master’s degree in Administrative Services from Fairleigh Dickinson, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Saint Thomas Aquinas College. He has also been recognized with awards by the Morris County Crimestoppers and MADD and has served terms in the PBA 142.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is pleased to have such experienced law enforcement professionals join our dedicated team of investigators.”

Opening Doors to Brighter Futures: Success on the Spectrum Launches New ABA Therapy Center

By
Focus Staff
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Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development was joined by Mayor James R Barberio and members of the community for the grand opening of Success on the Spectrum - an organization committed to providing therapy services to children with developmental delays. Welcome to Parsippany!

MORRIS PLAINS – A new franchise, “Success on the Spectrum,” has opened its doors at 2200 Route 10 West (Parsippany).

Success on the Spectrum (SOS), owned by Vick Kharba, is a facility with many amenities that provides ABA therapy, Speech therapy, and Occupational therapy for children with Autism and Caregiver training for parents. The franchise was founded in Houston, Texas, by Nichole Daher, the franchise owner, and in 2018 became the first Autism treatment franchise in the United States. Healthcare Business Review honorably awarded them as the Top ABA Service Provider in 2024. 

Success on the Spectrum is the ideal place for children aged 2 to 18 and on the autism spectrum to receive quality therapy through multiple forms. Owner Vic Khabra was excited to announce that they will waive their annual registration fee of $250 for a short period in honor of their grand opening. SOS is insurance-based and accepts all insurances, including Medicare, to reduce parents’ out-of-pocket costs. 

Success On The Spectrum offers group social skills classes to promote growth in social connections and friendship skills.

Vick and his team at Success on the Spectrum are passionate about helping their community using the most influential science methods, a fun environment, community outings, safety, and high parent involvement to help their clients make the most progress possible. The handpicked staff, who are CPR and Safety-Care certified, use their skills to assist children in developing self-control, independence, and a positive self-concept. The 5000 sq ft+ facility includes a sensory room, mock classroom, art room, cafeteria, social room, and a unique sensory gym. 

ABA therapy focuses on teaching social skills, language and communication, academic skills, emotional development, cognitive functioning, play/leisure, fine motor, and self-care skills. Mayor Jamie Barberio was in attendance along with Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Economic Development member Jigar Shah, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilman Justin Musella, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso with Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Baberio said, “I’m glad Success on the Spectrum decided to come to Parsippany. We have many children in need, and parents need to have the outreach this provides. I think this will be good for the township.” 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented owner Vick Kharba with a plaque welcoming Success on the Spectrum to Parsippany.

Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, said, “Parsippany celebrates the ribbon cutting of “Success on the Spectrum,” a center dedicated to empowering autistic individuals through personalized support, education, and community integration.

Some specialties include speech-language therapy, which addresses challenges with language and communication. This therapy can help children improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication skills. The overall goal is to enable them to communicate more practically and functionally.

Occupational therapy (OT) helps children become more independent and participate in a wide range of activities. It can also improve fine motor development, visual motor integration, sensory-motor integration, self-help, and organizational skills.

The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department enhanced the ceremony by attending in support of Success on the Spectrum’s mission and goals. Captain Matthew Roca, Tyler Foley, John Haas, Michael Scherer, and Jordan Santana attended. Captain Matthew Roca said, “We are happy to be here. We are happy to represent the town. This will be a great new business for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as these children need help, and this program will assist. We happily help with their mission in any way.”

Success On The Spectrum offers group social skills classes to promote growth in social connections and friendship skills. 

Lessons include conversational skills, appropriate use of humor and electronic communication, identifying sources of friends, entering and exiting conversations, and handling peer conflict and rejection. Success on the Spectrum looks forward to helping Parsippany with its needs. For information, visit their website by clicking here.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, August 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

Ex-CFO John Dunlea Sentenced for $1.5 Million Embezzlement and Tax Fraud

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed the sentencing of a Union County man who was formerly the chief financial officer of a Morristown-based national law firm after he admitted embezzling over $1.5 million from the firm and evading payment of income taxes owed to the State.

John Dunlea, 61, Westfield, was sentenced on July 26 to five years in state prison by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Taylor, presiding at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown. He was also ordered to pay more than $1.5 million to McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, the firm where he was previously employed, and to pay over $20,000 to the State as restitution.

Dunlea had pleaded guilty on May 8 to an accusation charging him with two counts of second-degree theft by deception and five counts of third-degree failure to pay taxes.

In entering the plea, Dunlea admitted misappropriating $1,538,221 from the law firm by paying himself unauthorized excess compensation. Between January 2017 and December 2022, he paid himself unauthorized compensation for $1,182,965. He misled the firm into paying his personal credit card charges for international and domestic flights, hotels, and restaurant outings for himself and his family, totaling approximately $355,256.

Dunlea also admitted to evading the payment of income tax totaling $22,568 to the State for the tax years 2018 through 2022 for income derived from the credit card scheme.

“The defendant admitted to giving himself a staggering, unauthorized, and illegal seven-figure pay raise and treating himself and his family, at his employer’s expense, to travel, hotels, and meals,” Platkin said. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the Division of Criminal Justice’s firm commitment to holding individuals accountable who exploit positions of trust to commit financial fraud.”

“The defendant misused his position of power and trust to take advantage of his employer and the taxpayers of New Jersey,” said Legal Chief Pablo Quiñones of the Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions. “This sentence underscores our commitment to ensuring that those who turn to deception and cheating to enrich themselves improperly will be held accountable.”

Morris County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Women in Government

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Administrator Deena Leary, Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers and Meghan Hunscher, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce celebrated women in government today at its annual “Women in Government Luncheon,” held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers and Morris County Administrator Deena Leary were the distinguished guest speakers.  

The Women in Government Luncheon is sponsored by the chamber’s Women in Business Program and Government Affairs Forum and is hosted annually as part of the chamber’s Women in Business networking program. The series of luncheons invites women and men of all professional backgrounds to explore the unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards women face in various business sectors. Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners John Krickus and Thomas Mastrangelo attended the luncheon. 

“More than half of the American population is female, yet women make up just 25 percent of the U.S. Senate, 28.5 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives, and 29.9 and 33.7 of state senates and assemblies, respectively, while just 12 of 50 states have women governors,” said Meghan Hunscher, chamber president. “Women continue to overcome the same unique challenges to excel in the government sector as they do in the business world. Here in Morris County, we are fortunate to have Director Myers and County Administrator Leary in leading government positions, and hearing the stories of their respective roads to success was very inspirational.” 

Myers has enjoyed a successful career in business at both the corporate and small business levels and the nonprofit sector. Her political career began in 2016 when she was elected to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners (then “Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders”). In 2017, she was appointed by then-President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy before being re-elected as county commissioner in 2022. Among her accomplishments during her time on the board has been leading the adoption of the county Strategic Plan and debt reserve policy to ensure the long-term prosperity of Morris County.  

Her fellow commissioners appointed Myers to serve as board director for 2024. 

“When Kathy DeFillippo was retiring, it was an opportunity to return to the board. I was re-elected to my second term beginning 2023 and am grateful to have the opportunity to serve,” said Myers. “Growing up, my parents instilled in me that I needed to participate in my country or I couldn’t complain. ‘If things are bad, don’t look at others; look at yourself,’ my father would say.” 

Leary, who lives in Harding, began her career with Morris County as an intern in 1995 with the Division of Transportation Management. She worked through the ranks to become Director of Planning & Development in 2011 and was promoted in 2013 to lead a new combined department of Planning & Public Works. In 2017, she was appointed Assistant Morris County Administrator. 

She assumed the post of County Administrator in 2023 after being named Acting Administrator in 2022 upon long-time Administrator John Bonnani announcing his official retirement taking place at year-end. With her appointment, Leary became the first female county administrator in Morris County history, placing her among four current counties with women administrators out of the 21 counties in New Jersey. 

“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with John and learn all I did from him. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to follow in his footsteps. Still, the support of the Commissioners and amazing staff, department directors, and everyone involved with the county make the job much more manageable. The pandemic was certainly a unique learning experience, too,” said Leary. “In Morris County, we try to do what needs to be done and sort out resources along the way, and I hope our residents can appreciate and see how this helps our county function so well.” 

Morris County is governed by a seven-member Board of County Commissioners, who serve three-year terms. The Commissioner Board sets policies for the operation of six super-departments, more than 30 divisions, authorities, commissions, boards, and study committees. The state legislature has granted the Board of County Commissioners broad powers to regulate county property, finances, and affairs.  

The Commissioner Board’s duties include: 

  • Preparing and adopting the county budget. 
  • Authorizing expenditures and bonds. 
  • Appointing county officials and members to boards, commissions, and authorities. 
  • Passing on all claims against the county. 
  • Supervising the administration of county government. 

The Board of County Commissioners appoints the County Administrator to manage Morris County’s daily operations, which includes implementing policies and preparing the annual budget, and works cooperatively with the county’s constitutional officers and independent agencies. The county’s six departments (Employee Resources, Finance, Human Services, Law & Public Safety, IT, and Public Works) report directly to the administrator, supported by the Assistant County Administrator. The Administrator’s Office also oversees the Office of Communications and Digital Media, Planning and Preservation, and the County Library.  

Dover Police Use Force to Wake Driver Sleeping at Intersection, Make DUI Arrest

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

DOVER — On Monday, July 15, at 2:35 p.m., Dover Police Patrol units were dispatched to Prospect Street for a report of a male sleeping in his vehicle at the traffic light.

Dover Police Officers Kristopher Martinez and Francisco J. Aragon responded to the scene.

Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Aragon observed a gray Honda Civic stopped northbound on Prospect Street at the intersection with West Blackwell Street.

Officer Aragon activated the overhead patrol vehicle lights and positioned the marked patrol vehicle facing the front of the car.

Officer Aragon then stepped out and approached the driver’s side door. Through the window, he could see the figure of a person leaning over. It was difficult to see due to the dark window tint on the glass. Officer Aragon knocked on the door window to get the person’s attention, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Officer Aragon then attempted to open the car door, but it was locked. Due to emergent circumstances, the Officer broke the driver’s side door glass to open the door.

The driver later identified himself as Cristian F. Rojas Alvarez, 32, Dover.

After the officer opened the driver’s side door, the driver woke up, and the officer asked him to step out of the vehicle. After asking him to step out multiple times, the male did not get out. While speaking to the male, the officer noticed his speech was slurred and the odor of alcoholic flavorings emanating from his breath.

Officer Aragon then asked him if he had any alcoholic beverages that day or if he had one or two beers, and he said yes. I then asked him if he was sick or had any medical issues. He said, “I’m O.K.” I then advised the county dispatcher to send the squad to my location.

When Rojas Alvarez stepped out of the vehicle, he stumbled and regained his balance by holding on to the vehicle’s roof. Officer Aragon then asked him to follow him to the sidewalk; Rojas Alvarez remained by his vehicle and did not walk in my direction as instructed. Officer Martinez then assisted him to the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, Officer Aragon asked him for his driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Rojas Alvarez then handed me his cell phone. Officer Aragon advised once again for his documentation two more times. Rojas Alvarez did not comply with the officer’s instructions when handing over his documentation.

Officer Aragon performed various field sobriety tests on Mr. Rojas Alvare, which he was unable to complete.

After the field sobriety tests were performed, Officer Aragon advised Rojas Alvarez he was going to be placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Officer Martinez placed the handcuffs on his wrists behind his back and searched him for contraband. The search yielded negative results. Officer Martinez then placed him in the backseat portion of his patrol vehicle and was transported to Dover Police headquarters.

Dover Police Officer Bryan Flammia remained with his vehicle until it was towed and stored by Bunky’s Towing.

Mr. Rojas Alvare was issued the following summons with a court appearance on July 22:

•39:4-50 – Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs
•39:4-97 – Careless Driving: Likely to endanger person or property
•39:3-29B – Failure to possess driving registration
•39:3-29A – Failure to possess a driving license
•39:3-29C – Failure to possess driving insurance card
•39:4-56 – Delaying Traffic

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.

Santiago Rodriguez Participates in Donning of the Stole Ceremony

By
Frank Cahill
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University of Scranton

DOVER — Santiago Rodriguez of Dover was among the nearly 70 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 who participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony. The annual ceremony celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its graduating class from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

The students honored include outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, accountants, teachers, engineers, nurses, and many other highly successful members of the University’s graduating class.

Narissa O. Hill, an early and primary teacher education major from Nashua, New Hampshire, spoke on behalf of the class of 2024 at the ceremony that took place on campus on May 18 as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events. Also speaking at the ceremony were Robert C. Walker, a counseling and human services major from Jersey City, New Jersey; Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for student life and dean of students; Shaefny Grays, Ed.D., assistant dean of culture and inclusion; Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cultural Centers; and Deniya Thompson, of Scranton’s class of 2020, who offered the Closing Prayer.

Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s degree in international business with a minor in Mandarin and a concentration in Asian Studies. He was a Scranton Dean’s List student.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

East Hanover Resident Admits to Defrauding Seton Hall Law School

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

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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0
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.

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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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