MOUNTAIN LAKES — On April 13, 2024, Mountain Lakes Detective Torres received notification from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office about a positive fingerprint match linked to a motor vehicle burglary attempt on Laurel Hill Road in July 2022.
Detective Torres positively identified the suspect as 19-year-old Yafee Q. Finch from Newark, leveraging video surveillance and additional images from various law enforcement agencies.
Finch is currently held at the Morris County Correctional Facility. Finch was formally charged on April 16th with burglary to a motor vehicle and failure to submit to fingerprinting.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs and 50 other attorneys general announced a $10.25 million agreement with the nation’s largest cell phone companies to resolve an investigation into their allegedly misleading and confusing advertising and sales tactics.
Under the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) terms, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile each agreed to change how they market, advertise, and sell wireless services to prospective customers.
“Wireless carriers have every right to compete for customers on price and features, but they don’t have the right to ensnare consumers with misleading advertisements and offers that hide or misrepresent the true cost of cell phone service,” Platkin said. “We will continue to make sure that New Jersey customers know what they are getting and know what they are paying for.”
“New Jersey consumers are entitled to clear and accurate information in the marketplace,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This settlement requires cell phone companies to be transparent in their advertising and marketing and sends the message that misleading business tactics will not be tolerated.”
The states allege that the wireless carriers’ advertisements, including those appearing in print, television, and online, did not disclose or misrepresent their offers’ material terms and conditions, violating their consumer protection laws. Under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-2, “any commercial practice that is unconscionable or abusive, deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, or the knowing, concealment, suppression, or omission of any material fact” is an unlawful practice.
The AVCs address the common misleading advertising practices of the wireless carriers, including misrepresentations concerning (1) “unlimited” data advertisements, which failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose material limitations; (2) “free” phone offers, which failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose material conditions; (3) monetary incentives to “switch” wireless networks, which failed to clearly and conspicuously disclose how the monetary incentives would be provided; and (4) wireless carrier plan comparisons, which failed to disclose material differences.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies are required to:
disclose the material terms of an offer to pay, credit, or reimburse the consumer for switching carriers, including specifying the form in which the payment or reimbursement will be made and when;
make all advertisements or representations to consumers truthful, accurate, and non-misleading;
disclose any restrictions that may apply about the speed of unlimited data, and display those restrictions in such a way that they cannot be missed by the person viewing the advertisement, whether printed or online;
refrain from representing, expressly or by implication, that the mobile data in a capped data plan is unlimited;
specify all the terms and conditions that must be met for a customer to receive a “free” device, including any fees (such as activation or shipping and processing) and lease agreements;
Refrain from increasing the cost of purchasing or leasing a device to recoup all or part of the cost of the “free” device or service;
make clear that a lease agreement is not an agreement to purchase the device;
disclose the comparisons that are being used to make a pricing or savings claim compared to other companies or services;
Train customer service representatives about these changes, including staff who meet with consumers as well as those who create advertising and
appoint a representative to handle consumer complaints.
Verizon (which includes TracFone and Cellco Partnership), T-Mobile (which merged with Sprint in 2020), and AT&T (which includes Cricket Wireless) will each pay a little more than $4 million, and AT&T will pay about $2 million.
New Jersey’s share of the overall settlement is $202,337.40 ($95,038.80 from T-Mobile; $58,526.51 from Verizon; and $48,772.09 from AT&T) to be used for purposes that may include future consumer protection enforcement, consumer education, or compliance monitoring.
DOVER — Advancing efforts that led to a 16% drop in the number of vehicles stolen in New Jersey between September 2022 and March 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that 34 law enforcement agencies in 21 counties and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) will receive grant funding to acquire or expand technology to combat auto theft thanks to $10 million in funding made available by the Murphy Administration. The Town of Dover Police Department will receive $48,000.
At least one local enforcement agency in each county across New Jersey will receive grants ranging from $23,400 to $595,000 to acquire and expand existing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology systems. These systems utilize high-speed, automated camera networks to capture and store computer-readable images of license plates in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement. This information assists law enforcement in identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles, interrupting auto theft networks, and apprehending individuals involved in vehicle theft and other violent crimes.
The grants, made available by Governor Phil Murphy using federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, ensure that for the first time, all 21 counties will use ALPR technology at fixed locations within their jurisdictions. The grants are the latest investments in law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft in New Jersey and reduce the violent crime it gives rise to.
“Residents across New Jersey deserve to feel safe in their communities. As we continue to address the ongoing wave of auto theft in our state, it is important that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools they need to identify and catch these bad actors,” said Governor Murphy.“We appreciate our congressional delegation’s continued support in our efforts to combat crime here in New Jersey. We have witnessed the success that new technology, including the Automated License Plate Readers, has played in this process, and we are committed to further investing in this cause until the number of auto thefts in our state hits zero.”
“Reducing auto thefts across New Jersey is a top priority, and thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Murphy and our congressional delegation, we are investing millions of dollars to provide law enforcement officers in all 21 counties with the tools they need to protect residents, make communities safer, and save lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We know that car thefts on their own are bad enough, but they are also used to commit other violent crimes. By equipping law enforcement with sophisticated Automated License Plate Reader technology, we are sending a clear message of deterrence against committing auto thefts.”
“Auto theft not only victimizes the owner of the vehicle, but it can also victimize the whole community. Stolen vehicles are often used in committing crimes and can be found driving recklessly on our roadways, creating a dangerous environment for everyone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The funding to expand ALPR technology throughout the state will be pivotal in our effort to combat this ongoing issue. The steps taken to approve this funding represent a commitment to supporting not only law enforcement but a commitment to the safety of all New Jersey residents.”
ALPR technology is a critical component in New Jersey’s comprehensive strategy to combat auto theft. This effort has led to a 16% reduction in the number of vehicles stolen statewide over a six-month period from September 2022 through March 2023.
In April 2022, Governor Murphy announced he would invest $10 million in ARP funding for ALPR technology.
NJSP will receive just over $3 million of the grant funding to deploy ALPR units along major roadways throughout the state. The intelligence gathered will be shared by NJSP in real-time through the Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Real Time Crime Centers operated by the NJSP with relevant law enforcement partners as appropriate for investigative and operational needs.
The remaining funds were made accessible through a competitive grant process open to all law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in New Jersey that serve communities demonstrating an increase in violent crime, gun violence, and/or auto theft. Funding decisions were made to ensure the broadest and deepest levels of service coverage practicable, with consideration given to the type of deliverables, the desired outcomes, and the geographical location of the project in comparison with crime statistics and data.
MORRIS COUNTY — Advancing efforts that led to a 16% drop in the number of vehicles stolen in New Jersey between September 2022 and March 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that 34 law enforcement agencies in 21 counties and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) will receive grant funding to acquire or expand technology to combat auto theft thanks to $10 million in funding made available by the Murphy Administration.
The towns in Morris County will receive:
Morris
Chatham Township Police Department
$69,194.00
Morris
Long Hill Police Department
$72,000.00
Morris
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
$372,000.00
Morris
Town of Dover Police Department
$48,000.00
At least one local enforcement agency in each county across New Jersey will receive grants ranging from $23,400 to $595,000 to acquire and expand existing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology systems. These systems utilize high-speed, automated camera networks to capture and store computer-readable images of license plates in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement. This information assists law enforcement in identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles, interrupting auto theft networks, and apprehending individuals involved in vehicle theft and other violent crimes.
The grants, made available by Governor Phil Murphy using federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, ensure that for the first time, all 21 counties will have usage of ALPR technology at fixed locations within their jurisdictions. The grants are the latest investments to law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft in New Jersey and reduce the violent crime it gives rise to.
“Residents across New Jersey deserve to feel safe in their communities. As we continue to address the ongoing wave of auto theft in our state, it is important that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools they need to identify and catch these bad actors,” said Governor Murphy.“We appreciate our congressional delegation’s continued support in our efforts to combat crime here in New Jersey. We have witnessed the success that new technology, including the Automated License Plate Readers, has played in this process, and we are committed to further investing in this cause until the number of auto thefts in our state hits zero.”
“Reducing auto thefts across New Jersey is a top priority, and thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Murphy and our congressional delegation, we are investing millions of dollars to provide law enforcement officers in all 21 counties with the tools they need to protect residents, make communities safer, and save lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We know that car thefts on their own are bad enough, but they are also used to commit other violent crimes. By equipping law enforcement with sophisticated Automated License Plate Reader technology, we are sending a clear message of deterrence against committing auto thefts.”
“Auto theft not only victimizes the owner of the vehicle, but it can also victimize the whole community. Stolen vehicles are often used in committing crimes and can be found driving recklessly on our roadways, creating a dangerous environment for everyone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The funding to expand ALPR technology throughout the state will be pivotal in our effort to combat this ongoing issue. The steps taken to approve this funding represent a commitment to supporting not only law enforcement but a commitment to the safety of all New Jersey residents.”
ALPR technology is a critical component in New Jersey’s comprehensive strategy to combat auto theft. This effort has led to a 16% reduction in the number of vehicles stolen statewide over a six-month period from September 2022 through March 2023.
In April 2022, Governor Murphy announced he would invest $10 million in ARP funding for ALPR technology.
NJSP will receive just over $3 million of the grant funding to deploy ALPR units along major roadways throughout the state. The intelligence gathered will be shared by NJSP in real-time through the Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Real Time Crime Centers operated by the NJSP with relevant law enforcement partners as appropriate for investigative and operational needs.
The remaining funds were made accessible through a competitive grant process open to all law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in New Jersey that serve communities demonstrating an increase in violent crime, gun violence, and/or auto theft. Funding decisions were made to ensure the broadest and deepest levels of service coverage practicable, with consideration given to the type of deliverables, the desired outcomes, and the geographical location of the project in comparison with crime statistics and data.
Dover Mt. Sinai Cemetery is located at 237 W. Chrystal Street, Randolph
DOVER — On Sunday, June 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Join the volunteers as “Good Deed Doers” to pay tribute to our loved ones by revitalizing their headstones and footstones, long overdue for care.
Consider the transformation of my grandmother’s footstone shown in our before and after photos for inspiration. We will provide all necessary materials, including cleaning solutions, brushes, and gloves. The event will be held across from 237 W. Chrystal Street, Randolph. Please consider lending a hand in this respectful endeavor.
DOVER — Favio Jasso of Dover and his team, the CCM Data Titans from County College of Morris, recently earned two prestigious awards at the Spring 2024 American Statistical Association (ASA) National DataFest competition.
CCM congratulates team members Hamza Alvi of Rockaway, Favio Jasso of Dover, David Maldonado of Wharton, Rohan Sharma of Mt. Olive, and Lucas Spitzer of Succasunna for an amazing job. The students are pursuing their Associate of Science degree in Mathematics, Computer Science-Data Science option, and are enrolled in the Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics program at CCM.
Professor Kelly Fitzpatrick, CFA, of the college’s Department of Mathematics and a Tableau Desktop Specialist, served as the team’s faculty advisor. Fitzpatrick takes the students from zero to 100 in just 15 weeks to learn data science in MAT 114, Introduction to Data Science class.
“It is impressive every semester to see how quickly students can grasp high-level data science techniques using technology and perform at a high level to win national competitions,” said Fitzpatrick.
Each year, the ASA DataFest challenges students to analyze real-world data and make recommendations to address interesting and timely topics. The 2024 challenge was investigating the CourseKata student data and looking for discoveries to help improve student success in statistics and data science courses.
Team CCM Data Titans won Best Statistical Analysis by using box plots to detect and remove outliers and extraneous input, regression analysis, decision trees, and a heat map to determine how to improve student success. The team worked aggressively in R, Python, and Tableau to perform tidy data techniques and create custom categorical fields and visualizations during the weekend in April.
They presented their results in a five-minute video to the judges. On behalf of the Campus Life Center, each team member will receive a $25 gift card to the college’s campus store and a complimentary ASA student membership.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) students, known as the CCM Data Titans, recently received two impressive awards from the Spring 2024 American Statistical Association (ASA) national DataFest competition.
They earned first place in the Two-Year College Category and were awarded for Best Statistical Analysis. Founded in 2011, this annual event requires undergraduates to work 24/7 to find and share the meaning of data in what is becoming a popular field of discovery.
CCM congratulates team members Hamza Alvi of Rockaway, Favio Jasso of Dover, David Maldonado of Wharton, Rohan Sharma of Mt. Olive, and Lucas Spitzer of Succasunna for an amazing job. The students are pursuing their Associate of Science degree in Mathematics, Computer Science-Data Science option, and are enrolled in the Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics program at CCM.
Professor Kelly Fitzpatrick, CFA, of the college’s Department of Mathematics and a Tableau Desktop Specialist, served as the team’s faculty advisor. Fitzpatrick takes the students from zero to 100 in just 15 weeks to learn data science in MAT 114, Introduction to Data Science class.
“It is impressive every semester to see how quickly students can grasp high-level data science techniques using technology and perform at a high level to win national competitions,” said Fitzpatrick.
Each year, the ASA DataFest challenges students to analyze real-world data and make recommendations to address interesting and timely topics. The 2024 challenge was investigating the CourseKata student data and looking for discoveries to help improve student success in statistics and data science courses.
Team CCM Data Titans won Best Statistical Analysis by using box plots to detect and remove outliers and extraneous input, regression analysis, decision trees, and a heat map to determine how to improve student success. The team worked aggressively in R, Python, and Tableau to perform tidy data techniques and create custom categorical fields and visualizations during the weekend in April.
They presented their results in a five-minute video to the judges. On behalf of the Campus Life Center, each team member will receive a $25 gift card to the college’s campus store and a complimentary ASA student membership.
This extensively renovated 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home offers luxurious living.
HANOVER — 2023 Major Home Renovation: Multigenerational Living in a Prime Location: Located at 5 Mapleshade Drive in the serene cul-de-sac setting of Hanover Township—renowned for its low taxes and excellent schools—this extensively renovated 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home offers luxurious living. Built in 2006 and set on a spacious 1.03-acre lot, the property boasts 6,664 square feet of living space complemented by a fully finished 1,440 square-foot basement.
The home features a new 20-foot-long swim spa on a custom deck, complete with a privacy gazebo and newly installed fence.
Step inside to a freshly painted interior and explore the convenience of a newly installed elevator. The home features a new 20-foot-long swim spa on a custom deck, complete with a privacy gazebo and newly installed fence. The chef’s kitchen has been stunningly updated with top-of-the-line appliances and offers laundry hook-ups on all three floors.
The chef’s kitchen has been stunningly updated with top-of-the-line appliances and offers laundry hook-ups on all three floors.
The layout includes a formal dining room, an open family room, and a living room leading to a sunlit solarium. Two additional rooms can serve as offices or bedrooms, bringing the potential bedroom count to seven. The exquisite in-law suite on the lower level features granite countertops, brand-new stainless-steel appliances, a comfortable sitting area, a bedroom, a full bath, a game room, a stadium seating media area, and an exterior entrance.
Each of the three upper-level bedrooms includes its own full bath, with the master suite boasting a spacious walk-in closet and ample storage. Additional features include lower-level power shades and easy access to community amenities such as a town pool, community center, and various sports programs. The property is close to downtown Morristown, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment options, plus convenient train access to NYC.
Listed on January 17, 2024, for $1,590,000 and sold for $1,635,000. The 2023 property taxes were $20,706. The seller was represented by Elizabeth Harper of Keller Williams Prosperity Realty, and the buyer was represented by Joseph Michael “Joey” Spanarelli of Coldwell Banker Realty.
HANOVER — The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) of Hanover Township, in collaboration with M&E Railway, is hosting a special event on Wednesday, June 5th, featuring an exclusive train journey with beautifully restored antique railcars from the golden age of rail travel.
This year, the EDAC will honor newly established businesses in the community over the past year and long-standing enterprises with awards. To be eligible for an award, RSVP is required in advance, and attendance at the event is mandatory. The EDAC will provide food, and Double TAP Brewery will supply beverages.
Local businesses from Hanover Township can reserve a promotional table on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] with the following details:
Business Name & Address
Names of up to three attendees & contact information
Tire deflation devices can be stored in patrol cars and quickly positioned to cause the controlled deflation of tires in fleeing vehicles.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski, who also serves as President of the Morris County Police Chief’s Association, have announced the wider distribution of spike strips to local police departments throughout Morris County. This initiative aims to curtail vehicle pursuits and reduce auto thefts.
Tire deflation devices can be stored in patrol cars and quickly positioned to cause the controlled deflation of tires in fleeing vehicles. Using hollow steel spikes, the strips are designed to prevent blowouts and reduce the speed of the target vehicle.
This technology can potentially bring a police pursuit – which poses a risk to fleeing criminals, officers, and bystanders alike – to a safer end. The deployment of these devices will follow the Attorney General’s Office guidelines.
Ninety Stinger Spike System Model 90200 Trooper Tire Deflation Devices, produced by Federal Signal, have been purchased for $52,007. The purchase was funded by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office forfeiture funds. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and 13 municipal police departments have opted to receive the devices.
On May 9, 2024, employees of Federal Signal trained officers from each of these agencies, who will, in turn, train officers at their respective departments in utilizing the devices.
Officers from the MCPO and MCSO demonstrated using a spike strip to hobble a moving car during a demonstration in a parking lot at the Community College of Morris.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Law enforcement working together has proven to be the most effective tool against these organized networks of thieves. These expanded resources are part of a multi-faceted strategy to combat auto theft and the growing number of thieves entering homes searching for valuables and key fobs. These devices are designed to stop criminals in motion, not just car thieves. Fleeing criminals pose a danger to our neighborhoods, and resulting crashes in Morris County have left vehicle occupants with serious injuries and property damage. These devices can bring down a target’s rate of speed and allow officers to conduct a controlled stop.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “It’s important to recognize that these are crimes that are occurring statewide – whether it’s auto theft, robberies, kidnappings, child abductions, or other major crimes. Our goal is to give our officers, who are on the road 24 hours a day, another tool in their toolboxes to safeguard our community. I think this exceptional, hands-on training prepares officers to utilize this equipment. No one wants fleeing cars going out of control down our streets. It’s our mission to intervene before anyone gets hurt, and that’s the public, the police, and even the actors behind the wheel.”
Officer in Charge Captain Chris Petonak recalled how the Boonton Police Department has been utilizing the devices for a few years. “We have used them approximately four or five times, and we have not only been able to recover vehicles but, more importantly, have reduced the speeds of these pursuits from close to 100 mph down to 30 mph. Each officer in our patrol division carries one of these devices. We have captured over a dozen offenders.”
Chief Michael Koroski said, “Just as the deployment of these spike strips will take collaboration and communication between municipal law enforcement agencies for effective use, this program is a further demonstration of the teamwork between Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sheriff James Gannon, and our Morris County Chiefs of Police. Morris County law enforcement agencies will continue to combat auto theft, prevent and deter property crimes, and most importantly, protect our residents with proactive patrols, technology, and the best available equipment.”
