NEW JERSEY — A Paramus man admitted that he fraudulently obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and laundered the loan proceeds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

George Leguen, 51, pleaded guilty on June 12, before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From August 2020 through January 2021, Leguen participated in a scheme to defraud to fraudulently receive COVID-19 emergency relief funds for distressed small businesses under the EIDL program. Leguen applied to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a company he owned and controlled. He submitted fraudulent information supporting that application, including the number of employees, annual gross revenue figures, and fraudulent federal tax returns. Leguen received $149,900. After receiving the fraudulent funds, he diverted the proceeds for his gain.

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is most significant. The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved in the laundering offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark: the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the New Jersey Field Division; special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron Hatley, Newark Field Office; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. They are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring those who stole pandemic relief funds to justice.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form by clicking here.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano and Aja Espinosa of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

Click here to download the document information indictment.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will host four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events in 2024. The dates and locations are as follows:

• Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
• Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
• Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany

Morris County residents are invited to drop off unwanted hazardous materials from their households. Please note that businesses are not permitted to participate.

Additionally, electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at these one-day household hazardous waste events. Residents are encouraged to call 973.829.8006 for information on e-waste recycling options.

Acceptable materials include:

• Aerosol cans
• Asbestos
• Automotive fluids
• Driveway sealant and roofing tar
• Fire extinguishers
• Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel
• Household cleaning products
• Lead acid batteries, button cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and rechargeable batteries
• Mercury-containing bulbs and devices
• Muriatic acid
• Oil-based paints, stains, lacquers, and varnishes
• Paint thinners, paint removers, and solvents
• Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Photo chemicals
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks (20 pounds or less)

Unacceptable items include:

• Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries
• Business waste
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Containers larger than 5 gallons
• Empty containers
• Explosives
• Hazardous waste generated outside of Morris County
• Highly reactive and unstable materials
• Medical waste
• Radioactive materials
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Unknown or unlabeled materials
• Used consumer electronics
• Water-based paint and latex paint

For more information, call (973) 829-8006 or visit the MCMUA website.

MORRIS COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our local area until Wednesday morning, June 19.

During the Heat Advisory, heat index values are expected to reach up to 100 degrees. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values ranging from 100 to 105 degrees are possible.

This advisory applies to portions of northern and northwest New Jersey and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania.

This week, a prolonged period of excessive heat, with high temperatures in the 90s, is expected. The heat is forecast to intensify as the week progresses, peaking late and into the weekend. These early-season heat events, combined with their prolonged nature, may increase heat-related impacts such as heat illnesses or effects on heat-sensitive infrastructure.

Everyone is encouraged to drink fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.

MORRIS COUNTY — Kiwanis Club of Denville Holds a Successful Father’s Day Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Sunday, June 16.

The famous breakfast included pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, orange juice and dessert.

The Kiwanis Club of Denville is a local chapter of the global Kiwanis organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. Founded in 1946, the Denville club engages in various volunteer opportunities, ranging from small projects to significant initiatives with a global impact. They are committed to service projects that benefit children locally and worldwide.

Denville Kiwanis Club is an active, contributing member of our community. They participate in a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including:

• Easter food baskets
• Bicycle rodeo
• June Street Festival
• Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
• Shredding Event

Over the years, the club has supported numerous organizations and individuals with community-based projects, such as Joey Bella Memorial Fund, Project Playground 2.0, Girl Scout Gold Award, and Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects.

Are you interested in helping us make Denville a better township? Join the Kiwanis Club of Denville in their efforts to create a positive impact in our community. For more information on how to get involved, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — A 73-year-old Denville resident was charged following a crash in Denville Township. According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 9, at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Cedar Lake West.

During the investigation, police determined that one of the drivers, Jeffrey Vandermark, 73, of Denville Township, was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Police also found that Vandermark had sustained a head injury before the crash. He was transported to Saint Clare’s Hospital and treated for his injuries.

Vandermark was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, reckless driving, and improper backing or turning in the street. Although he was considered under arrest while at the hospital, he was ultimately released on his recognizance pending a court appearance, police said.

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.