SPARTA — A sergeant with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has been charged with theft after allegedly taking a photojournalist’s camera equipment while the journalist was being treated at a hospital following a protest at Newark’s Delaney Hall.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability announced Tuesday that Sgt. Darryl Brown, 43, of Sparta Township, has been charged by complaint summons with third-degree theft.

The charge stems from the disappearance of camera equipment belonging to a photojournalist who was covering a protest at Delaney Hall on May 30. According to investigators, the journalist was injured at the scene and dropped a camera bag containing an estimated $10,000 worth of cameras and related equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital.

The journalist later tracked an Apple AirTag attached to one of the missing items, with the signal leading investigators to a residence in Sparta Township. The AirTag was subsequently recovered several miles from its original location by a friend of the victim. Investigators determined the original destination of the device was Brown’s home.

Brown had been assigned to the Delaney Hall area in his official law enforcement capacity on the day of the protest. Body-worn camera footage showed him interacting with a dark-colored bag consistent with the description of the journalist’s belongings, according to the complaint.

On June 3, investigators executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence and recovered several of the items reported missing — some of which allegedly still bore the victim’s name and phone number on identification labels.

“When an officer does what is alleged in this case, it is a disservice to the profession and the public,” Attorney General Davenport said. “Absolutely no one is above the law. We will hold law enforcement accountable when they abuse the tremendous position of public trust that they occupy and choose to break the law.”

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said Brown has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. “Conduct that undermines the public’s trust in law enforcement is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Stephens said.

A third-degree theft conviction carries a potential sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

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.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen won the Republican nomination for another term as Jefferson Township Mayor, defeating former Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco in Tuesday’s primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Morris County Clerk’s Office, Wilsusen received 1,609 votes, while Barranco received 1,138 votes. There was one write-in vote.

The primary also decided the Republican nominees for two seats on the Jefferson Township Council. Melissa Senatore led the field with 1,557 votes, followed by Thomas G. Galfo with 1,540 votes. Sheila J. Brown received 1,015 votes, and Dorothy “Dottie” Santasieri received 947 votes. There was one write-in vote.

Wilsusen, Senatore, and Galfo ran on the Morris County Republican Party line, while Barranco, Brown, and Santasieri ran under the “Save Jefferson, Conservative Republicans” slogan.

The campaign centered on competing messages about Jefferson Township’s future. Wilsusen, who has served as mayor since 2019, pointed to his administration’s record, experience, and steady leadership. Barranco’s campaign focused on fiscal discipline, transparency, and concerns over municipal spending and property taxes.

No Democratic candidates filed petitions for mayor or the two Township Council seats, meaning the winners of the Republican primary are positioned to move forward without Democratic opposition in the November general election.

Voter turnout in Jefferson Township was strong for a primary election. The township had 16,202 registered voters, including 7,018 Republicans, 3,751 Democrats, and 5,433 unaffiliated voters. A total of 3,857 ballots were cast, including 2,777 Republican ballots and 1,080 Democratic ballots.

The results remain unofficial until certified by election officials.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Due to popular demand, the Junior Woman’s Club of Jefferson Township and Kathleen O’Neill Hanek will host “A Spring Evening With Spirit,” featuring renowned psychic medium Catherine McCall, at American Legion Post 423, located at 28 Legion Road, Oak Ridge.

The event will offer attendees an opportunity to experience a gallery-style reading with McCall, who is known for connecting audience members with loved ones who have passed on. The evening is expected to draw guests from throughout the region seeking an uplifting and memorable experience.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with readings beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will run approximately three and a half hours.

Tickets are $45.00 per person, or $320.00 for a reserved table of eight, providing a discounted rate of $40.00 per ticket. Seating is limited, and organizers encourage interested attendees to purchase tickets in advance.

Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Organizers note that attendance does not guarantee a personal reading, as messages are delivered through a gallery-style format and selected by the medium during the event.

For tickets and additional information, contact Kathleen O’Neill Hanek at (973) 204-3068 or by email at [email protected].

American Legion Post 423, located at 28 Legion Road in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson Township, serves as a community gathering place for a variety of local events and programs throughout the year.

Photo Caption: Catherine McCall, a psychic medium known for her gallery-style readings, will appear at “A Spring Evening With Spirit” at American Legion Post 423, 28 Legion Road, Oak Ridge, hosted by the Junior Woman’s Club of Jefferson Township and Kathleen O’Neill Hanek.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Sometimes all it takes is a single ticket.

That was certainly the case for Michele, the lucky winner of Nick’s Hope’s annual 50/50 raffle, who walked away with a $2,500 prize after purchasing just one ticket.

When organizers asked Michele how many tickets she had purchased, her response surprised everyone.

“Just one,” she said.

Out of all the tickets sold, Michele’s was the winning ticket selected. While the odds may have seemed long, her story serves as a reminder that every ticket purchased makes a difference—not only for the chance to win, but for the impact it has on the community.

Even more meaningful was Michele’s reaction upon receiving the prize. She shared that the money arrived at exactly the right time in her life, making the win especially significant.

“We truly couldn’t have picked a more deserving winner,” organizers said.

The raffle was conducted by Nick’s Hope, a Jefferson Township-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families facing financial hardship. Founded in memory of Nick, the organization has become a vital resource for individuals and families throughout Morris County and surrounding communities.

Nick’s Hope operates a free clothing closet that provides clothing, shoes, coats, and essential items to hundreds of families each month. The organization works to ensure that those experiencing difficult circumstances have access to necessities with dignity and compassion. Through community donations and fundraising efforts, Nick’s Hope has become a lifeline for many residents struggling to make ends meet.

The annual 50/50 raffle serves as one of the organization’s fundraising initiatives, helping support its ongoing mission while also giving participants the opportunity to win a cash prize.

Nick’s Hope expressed gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the fundraiser.

“Your participation not only gave someone the chance to win $2,500, but it also helps us continue providing free clothing to hundreds of families in need each month,” organizers said.

While Michele was the raffle winner, the true beneficiaries of the fundraiser are the countless families who rely on Nick’s Hope for assistance throughout the year.

As the organization continues its mission of helping neighbors in need, stories like Michele’s serve as a reminder that acts of generosity often come full circle—bringing hope not only to those receiving assistance but also to those fortunate enough to experience an unexpected blessing.

For more information about Nick’s Hope, including donation opportunities and volunteer information, residents can visit the organization’s social media pages and community outreach events.

Congratulations to Michele on her $2,500 win, and thank you to everyone who continues to support the important work of Nick’s Hope.