MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Mount Olive Township Police Chief Stephen Beecher filed first degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death charge against John P. Rowe, 30, with a last known address in Budd Lake.

The charge arises from a fatal drug overdose which occurred in Mount Olive on September 21, 2021.

On September 22, 2021, law enforcement responded to the Days Inn located in Mount Olive on a report of an unconscious male. The male victim, later identified as G.B., 19, was transported to the hospital and subsequently pronounced deceased on September 23, 2021.

The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office has certified the cause of G.B.’s death as fentanyl toxicity. Based on subsequent investigation, it is alleged that John P. Rowe distributed fentanyl on September 21, 2021, in Morristown. It is further alleged that G.B.’s death resulted from his ingestion of the fentanyl distributed by Rowe. Rowe has been charged with Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-9.

This statute provides that any person who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses any of a number of controlled dangerous substances is strictly liable for a death that results from the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance. This is a first-degree crime, which is punishable by up to twenty years in New Jersey State Prison and is subject to the eighty-five percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.

In connection with this investigation, Rowe was previously charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S. 2C:35-5b(5), Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S. 2C:35-5b(5), and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10a(1).

In accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Rowe has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, July 10, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and multiple members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office participated in the annual Diversity Day, which was held on the Morristown Green from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

During the event, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office maintained an informational table to engage attendees and provide helpful literature, such as brochures on identity theft and internet safety for children, as well as other hand-outs and gifts; drawing numerous people throughout the day to converse and ask questions about the public service provided by the office.

Organized by the Diversity Coalition of Morris County, the event was attended in full force by residents of Morristown and surrounding communities, as well as various officials, religious and community leaders.  The day included an Interfaith Service, live music, local performers, food, and door prizes.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Events such as Diversity Day bring residents together to keep us all focused on the positive value of diversity and how it benefits the fabric of our community. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to participate in community outreach programs like this event to expand upon the productive relationships our office has with those we serve.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Former Passaic County prosecutor and Republican nominee for
Congress in NJ-11, Paul DeGroot, has challenged Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to a
series of debates throughout the district as the November general election approaches.

Paul DeGroot:
“Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill votes with Biden and Pelosi 99% of the time. With hard-
working Americans struggling from the pump to the grocery store, it’s time for
accountability. I’m calling on Congresswoman Sherrill to face the voters of New Jersey’s
11th district in a series of debates between her and I as we approach the November
election. Starting in September, I propose one debate, at a minimum, in each county
throughout the 11th.”

“I’m an outsider and former Chief Assistant Prosecutor. I’ve kept violence and gangs off
our streets and put the worst of the worst behind bars. Congresswoman Sherrill
supports a radical government agenda that wants to defund the police and is bringing
economic ruin to communities and families, causing more lawlessness and violence
throughout our state. I support reining in reckless spending that is draining the wallets of
the middle class. Congresswoman Sherrill never met a spending bill she didn’t like.
Voters deserve to hear where we stand on the issues.”

MORRIS COUNTY — United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking help from volunteers and donations of new school supplies for its annual United Way Tools for School drive, which provides students with the basic tools needed to succeed in the classroom.

As students return to school in the fall, children will need basic school supplies. The drive typically seeks to benefit nearly 10,000 elementary and middle school children of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) workers and those in poverty throughout the northern New Jersey region.

United Way Tools for School aims to alleviate the budget strains on families struggling to afford the basics and who are now impacted by rising inflation.

“ALICE families and households in poverty were unable to make ends meet before the pandemic and continue to struggle as the cost-of-living skyrockets,” said Kiran Handa Gaudioso, CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey. “The United Way Tools for School drive offers our community the opportunity to provide some much-needed financial relief to families while giving children the tools they need to succeed.”

>Through a partnership between United Way and YouGiveGoods.com, donors can make an online purchase of needed supplies that will be delivered automatically to United Way or a partner school in the five counties served: Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex, and Warren. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Based on the needs expressed by local educators, United Way is collecting packed backpacks and the following school supplies: hand sanitizer, masks, backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, three-ring notebooks, book covers, filler paper, pocket folders, composition and spiral notebooks, index cards, calculators, pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, glue, tape, rulers, and scissors.

Donations of individual supplies and new, age-appropriate backpacks can also be made. In addition, school nurses have asked for personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, and kindergarten and first grade-aged children’s underwear and socks. Gift cards that can be used to purchase items such as shoes and clothing are also appreciated.

Last year, with the help of 65 volunteers, hundreds of backpacks and supplies valued at $54,000 were collected and distributed to 40 local schools and 10 nonprofit agencies throughout the northern New Jersey region.

For more information about making donations, holding a United Way Tools for School drive, or volunteering with sorting supplies, click here, email Sean.Hyland@UnitedWayNNJ.org, or call (973) 993-1160 x405.

*Suburban Essex County towns served by United Way of Northern New Jersey include the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve life for families and individuals in our five-county footprint who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. We believe that by securing racial and economic equity for ALICE we can improve life for all. We’re investing in ALICE’s future in the workplace, at home, and across the community. We do this through our initiatives that fill gaps in services, community partnerships, public policy work, and volunteer efforts. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. To learn more, call (973) 993-1160 or click here.

PARSIPPANY — As many of you know, I left the state legislature at the end of the session in January 2022 after narrowly losing my primary. While, in hindsight, there were things I would do differently, I am not writing to you to look backward, rather, I am looking forward to the rest of 2022 and ahead into 2023. Elections are about the future, not the past. Not to mention, spending more time with my family and grandchildren has been a blessing.

We have important congressional and county elections this year and our focus as a party needs to be on stopping Joe Biden’s radical agenda of rising inflation, crime, and taxes. I, for one, look forward to working with both Tom Kean and Paul DeGroot on their campaigns for Congress in Morris County, as well as our slate for County Commissioner.

On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the number of people encouraging me to run for the legislature again in the “new” 26th District next year, where voters will be getting an opportunity to choose their representatives for the first time following the once-every-decade legislative redistricting that occurred earlier this year.

As of writing this letter, I am leaning strongly toward running, and look forward to speaking to many of you in the weeks and months ahead, while being sure not to distract attention from good Republicans on the ballot right now.

My record in Trenton – and service to the Republican Party over the past decade – are a great source of pride, and I am eager to advance issues near and dear to my heart, such as:

• • Fighting to lower taxes, spending, and debt – all soaring under Governor Phil Murphy
  • Restoring parental control of the classroom and ending ‘woke’ school curriculum
  • Expanding domestic energy production, especially natural gas, to reduce prices
  • Protecting the unborn and blocking Phil Murphy’s extreme pro-abortion agenda
  • Defending gun rights to ensure law-abiding gun owners are not scapegoated
  • Fixing our election laws to ensure voting is fair, secure, trustworthy, and transparent
    Honoring our veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country

I look forward to talking about these key issues with you over the next several months, while out on the campaign trail for our 2022 candidates. Together, we can build a stronger, more successful Republican Party that advances the conservative ideals we hold dear.

Please feel free to contact me at (973) 540-0762 or DeCroceForAssembly@gmail.com with any questions or to share your concerns and ideas with me.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) Plant & Maintenance staff and volunteers from Home Depot have been busy preparing the site for The Moving Wall that will be on display on the campus to pay tribute to Vietnam veterans and those who the made the ultimate sacrifice.

The half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., The Moving Wall will be on display until July 11 on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, near Parking Lot 1.

Home Depot in Dover has generously donated to the project, contributing plywood for the walkway, flag poles, lighting and other materials, as several of its employees also are giving their time to serve as volunteers.

The wall will arrive at CCM on Thursday, July 7, it was accompanied by a motorcade led by Warriors Watch Riders, which will first travel through Randolph. The wall was assembled that day by volunteers and opened for viewing. The wall is being brought to the campus by VFW Post 7333 of Randolph.

The ceremonies began on Friday, July 8, with proclamations from Randolph Township and Morris County.

The Grand Opening takes place Saturday, July 9, starting at 2:00 p.m., opening with a prayer and including the reading of federal and state proclamations. There will also be a tribute to Gold Star families and a wreath laying ceremony.

Sunday, July 10, the ceremony starts at 2:00 p.m. and will include a prayer from Rabbi Asher Herson from the Chabad Center of Northwestern New Jersey and the singing of God Bless America.

July 8 through July 10 also will feature rifle salutes and then the playing of Taps each evening at 8 p.m.

The closing ceremony takes place Monday, July 11, starting at 11:00 a.m. with a prayer from Reverend Timothy Clarkson from Union Hill Presbyterian Church in Denville, the Retiring of Colors and the collection of wreaths and any mementos left at the wall.

“Thanks to the efforts of State Senator Anthony Bucco and VFW members like Emerson Crooks and Jack Sassaman and so many other supporters, we will be able to experience the Vietnam Wall and honor our fallen service members,” said Bill Menzel from VFW Post 7333, the project coordinator. “Our goal is to help bring healing to veterans, families and friends who suffered through this divisive conflict. The Moving Wall additionally is intended to educate youth about the Vietnam War and its impact on the nation and veterans.” A listing of those supporting the project can be found in the Program Booklet.

“We are honored to have been asked to host The Moving Wall at CCM to recognize all veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to teach the next generation about the impact and lessons learned as a result of this time in our nation’s history,” said CCM President Anthony J. Iacono.

Also supporting the efforts to bring the wall to the college are the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

“All Morris County residents should take advantage of this unique opportunity to see the traveling version of the Vietnam wall. I would especially urge parents to bring their children, and high school and college students to come and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as a big thank you to our Vietnam veterans,” said Deputy Director John Krickus of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, a Marine Corps veteran.

There are 58,281 names listed on the Vietnam Memorial and The Moving Wall. The names of the fallen are arranged in the order in which they lost their lives. The largest age group – 33,103 – were 18 years old. There are 1,563 names from New Jersey and 69 from Morris County.