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Man Charged After $3,000 Shoplifting Incident at CVS

By
Frank Cahill
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DENVILLE TOWNSHIP — A 19-year-old Newark man has been charged following a shoplifting incident involving more than $3,000 in merchandise at a local CVS, according to police.

Officers responded on Saturday, April 5, at approximately 3:05 p.m. to the CVS located at 276 East Main Street on a report of a shoplifting in progress.

Upon arrival, officers observed two suspects fleeing the scene on foot. Both individuals were quickly apprehended by responding officers.

Police identified one of the suspects as Alexander Velcu, 19, of Newark. The second individual was identified as a juvenile.

Authorities said a subsequent investigation determined the suspects had stolen merchandise valued at more than $3,000.

Velcu has been charged with shoplifting, resisting arrest, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, and conspiracy. He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings.

The juvenile was released into the custody of an adult.

Christine Brandenburg Appointed Director of Florham Park Public Library

By
Frank Cahill
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FLORHAM PARK — The Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Christine Brandenburg as the new Director of the Florham Park Public Library, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the community institution.

Located at 107 Ridgedale Avenue, the Florham Park Public Library serves as a central hub for education, culture, and community engagement, offering a wide range of resources, programs, and services for residents of all ages.

A recognized leader in the library field, Brandenburg brings a strong passion for innovation, collaboration, and enhancing the overall patron experience. Her leadership is expected to build upon the library’s existing strengths while introducing fresh ideas to better serve the Florham Park community.

Brandenburg is already preparing to hit the ground running, with plans that include expanded adult programming, wellness-focused events, and creative reader’s advisory services designed to connect patrons with materials in new and engaging ways.

Library officials expressed enthusiasm about her appointment and the energy she brings to the role, noting that her vision aligns with the evolving needs of the community.

Residents are encouraged to stay connected as the Florham Park Public Library begins this exciting new chapter under Brandenburg’s leadership.

Nick’s Hope Receives Washer and Dryer Donation from Denville Sunrise Rotary Club

By
Frank Cahill
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A simple but meaningful donation is making a lasting impact for a local nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need.

DNick’s Hope recently received a washer and dryer, generously donated by the Denville Sunrise Rotary Club, enhancing the organization’s ability to provide clean, dignified clothing to the individuals and families it serves throughout the community.

Located at 5 Bowling Green Parkway, Jefferson Township, Nick’s Hope continues to expand its services thanks to strong community partnerships and grassroots support.

Leaders from Nick’s Hope shared that the donation will play a vital role in their day-to-day operations, ensuring that those they assist have access to freshly cleaned clothing—an essential need that also restores dignity and confidence.

The donation also reflects the power of local collaboration. Representatives from Nick’s Hope spent time with Rotary members Jim and Teresa LaSala, highlighting how a simple conversation can grow into a meaningful partnership rooted in shared purpose and compassion.

“What started as a conversation quickly turned into something more—genuine support, new friendships, and a shared commitment to helping others,” representatives noted.

Nick’s Hope, which can be found online at www.nickshope.com, continues to serve as a beacon of hope in Morris County, providing resources and support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances.

The organization expressed its gratitude to the Rotary Club and all those involved, noting that this donation represents more than just appliances—it symbolizes the strength and generosity of the community coming together to make a difference.

Newmark Associates Welcomes Industry Veteran Fred Papasso to Leadership Team

By
Frank Cahill
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Newmark Associates Welcomes Industry Veteran Fred Papasso to Leadership Team

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Newmark Associates has announced that industry veteran Fred Papasso has joined the firm’s leadership team, bringing more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate and a results-driven approach centered on execution and measurable client outcomes.

A consistent top producer and multi-award-winning professional, Papasso is known for structuring transactions that maximize value, mitigate risk, and align with clients’ long-term financial objectives. His experience spans office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use assets, as well as development and investment initiatives involving acquisitions, repositioning strategies, and tenant improvements.

Prior to joining Newmark Associates, Papasso led a major global real estate brand, where he was responsible for driving revenue growth, overseeing operations, and expanding market share. That executive leadership background informs his strategic, data-driven approach to brokerage and client advisory services.

“We are honored to welcome Fred to the leadership team at Newmark Associates. His depth of expertise and proven track record speak for themselves, and we look forward to the opportunities we will create together for our clients and our firm,” said Nancy Glick, COO of Newmark Associates.

Papasso’s comprehensive understanding of the full real estate lifecycle—from sourcing opportunities and negotiating transactions to executing build-outs and optimizing asset performance—positions him to deliver efficient execution and practical guidance that helps clients make confident, well-informed decisions.

Newmark Associates, CRE, located in Cedar Knolls is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and is an affiliate of CRESDA (Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance), servicing the supplier diversity requirements of Fortune 100 companies across the country. Celebrating more than 35 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark Associates has been recognized repeatedly with awards by both NJBIZ magazine, and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization. Newmark specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties.

Letter to the Editor: State and County Elected Officials Endore Local Primary?

By
Frank Cahill
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Dear Editor:

Apparently, some elected officials who represent Jefferson don’t feel that the residents can make their own decision on who we should vote for during a Republican Primary! It’s been almost eight years since the voters of Jefferson have had choices and some higher elected officials have now decided to interrupt the process?

Exercising the right to vote is both a privilege and a civic responsibility, essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring that government remains responsive to the needs of the people.

Senator Bucco’s decision to campaign for Eric Wilsusen raises a simple question: does he represent all of Jefferson Township, or just those already in office? A State Senator’s role is to serve every constituent regardless of local political rivalries.

By taking sides in this Primary, Senator Bucco is telling half of Jefferson that their voices don’t matter. The residents of Jefferson deserve better from their State Senator.

Donna Vander Ploeg

Elks to Host “American as Apple Pie” Social Celebrating Nation’s 250th Anniversary

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MADISON — The Madison Elks Lodge will host its “American as Apple Pie” social on Sunday, April 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 192 Main Street.

The event will celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary with an afternoon of community gathering, desserts, and patriotic spirit.

Admission is $2.50 per person, with apple pie samples also available for $2.50 per slice. Attendees can enjoy a variety of toppings and beverages.

In addition to the festivities, donations will be accepted to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, supporting injured veterans and their families.

The community is invited to attend and enjoy this festive and meaningful celebration.

Lake Hiawatha Woman Charged with DWI in Hanover Township

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

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Hanover Township Police arrested Gabrielle Sommers, 23, of Lake Hiawatha, on charges related to driving under the influence.

According to police, officers responded to Justin Court on a report of a female asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle. Hanover Township Police Officer Mamdouh Hassan and Police Officer Manney located the vehicle, which was running at the time, and observed open containers of alcoholic beverages inside.

Officers awakened the driver, identified as Sommers, and during their investigation observed signs of intoxication. Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted, after which she was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing.

Her vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Police also reported that Sommers refused to provide breath samples for testing.

Sommers was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing, possession of an open container of alcoholic beverages, and multiple motor vehicle violations. She was later released to a responsible driver pending a court appearance.

No further information was immediately available.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Two Arrested Following Disturbance at Red Carpet Inn

By
Frank Cahill
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Red Carpet Inn, 1255 Route 10, Cedar Knolls

On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, Hanover Township Police officers arrested two individuals following a reported disturbance at the Red Carpet Inn.

Police responded to the hotel after receiving a report of a female running through a hallway yelling. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Yensi Hernandez, 20, of Morristown. According to police, Hernandez reported that a friend had assaulted her but also stated that cocaine use contributed to a bloody nose.

While speaking with Hernandez, Police Officer Jake Crane observed a baggie containing white powder residue on her person. She was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS, being under the influence of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.

During the investigation, Police Officer Mamdouh Hassan located and interviewed Armando Perezlemus, 19, of Whippany. Perezlemus was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of CDS.

Both individuals were transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters, processed, and later released pending court appearances.

No further information was immediately available.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Man Charged After Providing False Identity During Traffic Stop

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Hanover Township Sgt. Richard Camasta arrested Adras Vasquez-Gonzalez, 38, of Morristown, following a traffic stop in which the individual allegedly provided false identification.

According to Hanover Township Police, Sgt. Camasta was on patrol when he observed a vehicle with equipment violations and initiated a motor vehicle stop. During the stop, Vasquez-Gonzalez was unable to produce a valid driver’s license and presented only expired vehicle documents. Police said the vehicle was registered to another individual.

Authorities reported that Vasquez-Gonzalez initially identified himself as “Migel Lopez,” both verbally and in writing. When no valid records were found under that name, he allegedly provided a second false identity. Sgt. Camasta was ultimately able to confirm his true identity and determined that his driving privileges had been suspended due to a prior DWI conviction.

Vasquez-Gonzalez was placed under arrest and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with hindering, driving while suspended, and multiple motor vehicle violations.

Police also charged the vehicle’s owner, Jose Mendez, 34, of Morristown, for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.

No further information was immediately available.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One Celebrates Nine Years

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Sheriff’s Cpl. Chelsea Whiting, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw joined Sheriff James M. Gannon and Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll at Calvary Baptist Church to mark the ninth anniversary of Hope One, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office mobile outreach program recognized as a model for addressing addiction, supporting recovery and improving mental health services.

This year’s event shifted from a traditional symposium to a community resource fair, bringing together county staff, law enforcement and more than 30 local service providers where attendees connected with organizations offering direct support, including the Morris County Department of Human Services’ Navigating Hope program.

“It is remarkable to reflect on how this effort began in 2017, starting out of a repurposed vehicle and growing into a program now recognized far beyond Morris County,” Director Shaw said. “Hope One introduced a new approach by meeting people where they are, with zero judgment and zero stigma. That approach has made it possible to build trust and open doors to recovery. Its success is driven by strong partnerships across county government, law enforcement and community organizations working toward a common goal.”

View More Photos from Hope One’s Ninth Anniversary

Director Shaw noted the Board of County Commissioners has supported the initiative through targeted funding, directing more than $820,000 in opioid settlement funds over the past two years toward prevention, recovery services and naloxone training. The county’s 2026 budget again includes $300,000 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and an additional $150,000 for homelessness prevention.

“This celebration of Hope One on its nine-year anniversary is very special,” said Sheriff Gannon. “We saw a need for outreach and created a program on the fly, with no blueprint. The impact has been tremendous. There have been so many connections made, lives touched and people saved. The outreach will continue, and Hope One will be there to help lift people out of darkness and into the light of hope.”

Hope One’s mobile model brings trained professionals into communities across Morris County to provide support for individuals and families struggling with drug addiction, with the goals of preventing drug overdoses and deaths, as well as mental health services. The team offers free naloxone education, training and kits. The unit is staffed through a partnership among the Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Mental Health Association and the Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success, and includes a plainclothes sheriff’s officer, a certified peer recovery specialist and a mental health professional.

Since its launch in 2017, the Hope One program has made more than 71,700 community contacts, distributed 13,608 naloxone kits and facilitated more than 2,134 referrals to services. On average, a new contact is made every 6.19 minutes. There have been 193 recorded instances in which naloxone was used to save or attempt to save a life.

“I thank all of the organizations here for what you do. The impact you have saves lives,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “These programs give people another option that didn’t exist before and help ensure individuals are guided toward the right path. By working together, we’re continuing to expand opportunities for recovery and successful reintegration, and we’re continuing to build up our communities.”

The Sheriff’s Office has expanded its outreach through several complementary initiatives. Hope Hub convenes representatives from 83 social service organizations to meet weekly and review cases involving individuals and families with complex needs or acutely elevated risk– situations with a high probability of imminent, significant harm to an individual, family or community. Since its inception in March 2021, 856 individuals and families have been referred to the program and acutely elevated risk has been reduced in 97 percent of situations.

Other programs that have grown out of Hope One include the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI), launched in 2019, which connects individuals to services through 26 participating police departments, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office Identification Card Program, established in 2017, has issued 1,688 identification cards to at-risk and homeless individuals who may lack documentation needed to access services. In 2021, Community Connections was created in partnership with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Superior Court of Morris County and has helped 791 individuals involved in the justice system access services across multiple court settings.

Hope One’s influence has extended beyond Morris County, with nine other New Jersey counties launching similar mobile outreach programs modeled after the initiative.

During the event, Sheriff Gannon recognized Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Chelsea Whiting, who now leads the Hope One initiative following Erica Valvano’s 2025 retirement, and Madine Despeine-Udoh, director of Self Help, Advocacy and Education at the Mental Health Association (MHA). Both are being recognized by the New Jersey Office of Attorney General next month for their work in community engagement.

For more information about Hope One, visit the Official Website of Morris County, N.J.

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