MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen, a former Apache fighter pilot during Operation Iraqi Freedom, says a report released Monday showing New Jersey failed to award disabled veteran-owned businesses statutorily required state contracts demands an immediate response and swift corrective action.

“New Jersey state agencies are mandated to do business with veteran turned entrepreneurs, but they have not lived up to their commitment. It is completely unacceptable and I’m calling on state leaders to join me in making consequential changes,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “For the past seven years, veteran-owned businesses have lost out on millions because of empty promises and failed policies.”

According to the report released by the Garden State Initiative and New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, 97% of state agencies that have procurement power are not enforcing a 2015 law that requires 3% of their budgets to be set aside for contracts with businesses owned by disabled veterans. No state agency is following the legal reporting requirements.

“According to news reports, Gov. Phil Murphy has deflected comment on the matter to the Treasury Department. A better response would have been to say he is creating a task force to ensure New Jersey meets its legal requirements and improves procurement rates for veteran businesses,” Bergen said. “I am urging the governor to support this initiative.”

There are 255 certified disabled-veteran businesses in New Jersey and nearly 60,000 veteran-owned. State contracts can be worth as much as $1 million.

“I am also calling on Speaker Craig Coughlin to work with Senate President Nick Scutari to establish a joint legislative subcommittee to foster economic development for veteran-owned businesses,” Bergen said. “I want to make New Jersey the best state for veterans to start a business after they complete their service to our country. Whether it is through legislation or leadership, I will work with my veteran communities and colleagues to make sure state government is working for those who selflessly fought for our freedom.”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22 Annual Golf Classic Monday, June 6, at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. The day includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cocktails, a dinner buffet, and an awards ceremony.

The chamber will honor Michael Stivala with the 2022 Business and Community Service Award for his professional accomplishments and commitment to the community at the dinner. Stivala is president and chief executive officer of Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil, and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Suburban Propane serves more than 1 million customers in 42 states and Stivala has led the company’s charge to promote the green qualities of propane while also moving into other innovative, renewable energy activities.

Stivala and Suburban Propane also strive to support and give back to the community. The company entered into a national partnership with the American Red Cross through its SuburbanCares philanthropic initiatives. Stivala spearheaded the company’s support of veterans through its Heroes Hired Here initiative. Stivala also is a member of the Regional Council of the New Jersey Region of the American Red Cross and will begin serving as chairperson of the council beginning in 2022.

Various player packages are available for the golf outing, including special Gold Foursome and Silver Twosome packages that offer premier promotional value and varied levels of sponsorships.

To register, purchase a sponsorship, or for more information click here.

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce has more than 745 member organizations that range from entrepreneurs and small businesses to large corporations and Fortune 500 companies. The chamber’s mission is to collaboratively advance the interests of its members to champion a thriving business and community environment. The chamber’s many events, meetings, and seminars provide a platform for its members to connect, collaborate, learn and succeed. The chamber is dedicated to the advancement of Morris County’s businesses and community by providing services, information, and advocacy to support the success of its member organizations. They are headquartered in Florham Park.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo announced that two men have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault that occurred the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, in Morristown.

On May 3, 2022, at approximately 3:41 p.m., two males approached a female and asked for money on the Traction Line Recreation Trail.

When the female victim did not provide money, one of the males pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood nearby.

It is alleged that the male who pushed the victim to the ground was armed with a rock at the time he sexually assaulted her.

Thereafter, both suspects fled the area.

Both suspects were unknown to the victim. On May 6, a 17-year-old juvenile male and an adult, Lizandro Osorio-Mejia, 18, were arrested in connection with the sexual assault.

It should be noted that these arrests were effectuated within hours of the public release of identifying information by the authorities.

The juvenile was charged with one count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) (as an accomplice), a crime of the First Degree; one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree; and Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the Fourth Degree. The juvenile will not be identified by name.

Osorio-Mejia was arrested and charged with:

• • Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3) and N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(4), crimes of the First Degree.
  • One count of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(1), a crime of the Second Degree.
  • Two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, crimes of the Third Degree.
  • One count of Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
  • One count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2), a crime of the First Degree.
  • One count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree.
  • One count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
  • One count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of
    N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a crime of the Third Degree.
  • One count of Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, a crime of the Third Degree.
  • One count of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7), a crime of the Third Degree.
  • One count of Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2a, a crime of the Fourth Degree.

Prosecutor Carroll commended CrimeStoppers for quickly offering a reward for information and the New Jersey State Police for composing the sketch.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Thank you to all our law enforcement partners at the state, county, and local levels, without whom such a thorough and swift investigation and arrests would not have been possible. I also thank the public and our local/regional media for their vigilance and for helping to get the word out. It is this due diligence and communication that enables law enforcement to most effectively protect the public.”

Sheriff Gannon said, “Prosecutor Carroll, Chief Richardson, Chief DiCarlo, and I agreed that this type of crime calls for pulling out all of the stops. The victim and the public deserve nothing less. After such a heinous crime, and especially when an imminent and public threat continues to be present, it is crucial to deliver a concerted and prompt response. This was done both to identify and apprehend the offenders, as well as to protect the people of Morris County until the danger is finally mitigated.”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s office announced the apprehension of suspects in the active sexual assault investigation regarding the incident that took place earlier this week. As a result of a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, the public, and the media. This occurred just a few hours after a press conference was held and a composite sketch was released. The investigation remains active and there will be additional information as soon as available.

The active sexual assault investigation is taking place by police, announced Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson.

At approximately 3:41 p.m. on May 3, two males approached a female and asked for money, according to police. When she did not provide money, one of the males pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood by.

Both suspects, who were unknown to the victim, fled the area thereafter, said authorities.

The assault took place on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown.

One suspect is described as a Hispanic male with black hair, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a white polo shirt and blue jeans. A second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie sweatshirt with white lettering on the back, and black pants. One of the suspects was also seen riding a bicycle.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at 973-538-2200 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF (743-7433) or 973-COP-CALL (267-2255).

MORRIS COUNTY — Atlantic Health System announced that Maureen Schneider, Ph.D., MBA, RN, has been named president of Chilton Medical Center, following a successful tenure as Chief Nurse and Operations Officer at Chilton that saw numerous clinical care and quality achievements.

Schneider has served as interim president of Chilton since November 2021, following the transition of Stephanie Schwartz to the president of Atlantic Health’s Overlook Medical Center. Working closely with the leadership team and frequently rounding among frontline team members throughout the hospital, Schneider has maintained her patient-centered focus in her new role, to continue building success at Chilton.

“Maureen is leading the Chilton team with the passion and vision she has exemplified since joining Atlantic Health System,” said Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO of Atlantic Health System. “Through her collaborative leadership and dedication to our patients and caregivers, Maureen is ensuring Chilton’s forward momentum while advancing our mission to build healthier communities.”
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“I’m honored and excited to continue my journey at Chilton Medical Center, and as a president, contribute to its ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and extraordinary patient care,” Schneider said. “I look forward to working more broadly with our physicians as well as our clinical and support teams who make Chilton the hospital our community looks to for high-quality care.”

Schneider joined Atlantic Health in 2014 as Chief Nurse and Operations Officer of Chilton Medical Center. As an integral part of Chilton’s leadership team, she maintained clinical, financial, and operational responsibilities for all inpatient and outpatient units and clinical services for the 260-bed community hospital. Her leadership of the nursing teams has been instrumental in many of Chilton’s achievements and accolades, including being named the #1 mid-size hospital in New Jersey by Castle Connolly for the past seven years and a high-performing hospital in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, she led Chilton to achieve Magnet® Accreditation Recognition for Nursing Excellence, the third health care organization where she achieved this award.

Schneider received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Hunter College-Bellevue School of Nursing, an MBA from Monmouth University, and a doctorate from Seton Hall University, she is certified in Advanced Nursing Administration, Quality Healthcare is a Fellow in the College of Healthcare Executives and is a Johnson and Johnson Executive Wharton Fellow.

Schneider holds an adjunct faculty position at Seton Hall University teaching doctoral and graduate business and leadership/management and undergraduate students and is an accomplished author, coach, presenter, and executive/ leadership mentor. She is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Nursing, an NJ Biz Top 50 Women in Business Award, a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, and was nationally named as one of 2022 Becker’s Top 66 CNOs to Know.

MORRIS COUNTY — Just five months ago, a policy put in place is being thrown into reverse.

At the beginning of the year, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (NJOAG) updated guidelines on the state’s use-of-force policy that went into effect, which did not allow police pursuits over car thefts. It was only allowed if chase vehicles were involved in more serious crimes or to prevent imminent death.

Months later, after listening to various township leaders, Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin has reversed that decision, allowing police officers across the state to now pursue car thieves. Under former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, police were restricted from conducting pursuits as part of his reform package of use-of-force policies following the death of George Floyd in 2020.

The reasoning behind the change, Platkin says, is the sharp rise in car thefts across the state. In his announcement of the reversal of the policy at a news conference in Marlboro, Platkin said that car thefts in NJ this year were 37% higher than they were last year and 53% higher compared to 2020.

“They’re increasingly linked to other crimes,” he explained. “These changes will give law enforcement the tools they need to meet the moment and protect our communities while also being mindful of the inherent risks that come to officer safety and the public when officers do engage in these pursuits.”

According to the office of the NJAOG, more than 10% of police pursuits end in injuries or fatalities. But, it also says a significant percentage of individuals who commit auto theft offenses have also been involved in shootings. State Police say there were 14,000 vehicle thefts last year, and this year is on pace to be at least 50% greater than thefts in 2020.  Nearly 99% of the car thefts, police say, are because owners are leaving their keys in the car.

Platkin’s reversal comes as New Jersey invests $10 million from the American Rescue Plan in more license plate readers to help combat car thefts. Several New Jersey towns already have had the technology in place. Additionally, $125,000 of federal money will go towards adding more detectives, prosecutors, and police departments to the auto theft task force.

Senator Joe Lagana (D – District 38) and Senator Paul Sarlo (D – District 36) support the change.

“We applaud Attorney General Platkin for recognizing recent crime trends across New Jersey, and for issuing his directive to law enforcement at all levels that will allow them to conduct practical, safe, effective pursuits of criminals who are stealing vehicles out of Bergen County and every other county in the State,” Lagana and Sarlo said in a statement.

“These changes, which we called for in a letter to the attorney general on March 24 after receiving numerous complaints from law enforcement that the December 2020 directive concerning pursuits, though well-intended, had effectively tied officers’ hands in allowing them to properly do their jobs,” their statement continued. “This revision of that policy is a timely change, and will be welcome to those in the rank-and-file who serve and protect our communities.”

A group of lawmakers from across the state came together in Monmouth County this week calling for stiffer penalties in car theft cases, saying that the current catch-and-release policy isn’t working.

“Our judiciary cannot continue to act like a Michelin Star Restaurant offering topnotch service to criminals who are committing these crimes,” Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said. “We cannot continue to sit here and defend criminals for criminal acts.”

The change in car pursuit policy is not permanent. Platkin said that it would be in place until, at least, the end of 2022, when the NJOAG will review the policy again.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirm an active investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in Morristown on Tuesday, May 3. Law enforcement is seeking information from the public.

On May 3, at approximately 3:41 p.m., two males approached a female and asked for money on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown. When the female victim did not provide money, one of the males pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood by. Thereafter, both suspects fled the area.

The suspects were unknown to the victim. One suspect is described as a Hispanic male with black hair, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a white polo shirt and blue jeans. A second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie sweatshirt with white lettering on the back, and black pants. One of the suspects was also seen riding a bicycle.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at (973) 538-2200 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF (743-7433) or 973-COP-CALL (267-2255).

Persons reporting any information may remain anonymous. Information on how to submit an anonymous tip can be found on the CrimeStoppers Program website at www.morriscrimestoppers.org. CrimeStoppers tips can be provided by phone, submitted online, or downloaded the app (P3 TIPS).