DOVER — Morris County Acting Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney, and Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula confirmed the sentencing of Jesse Meneses, 38, Dover, following his conviction at trial for kidnapping and sexual assault.

On June 28, 2024, the Honorable Stephen Taylor imposed an aggregate sentence of 40 years in New Jersey State Prison, with approximately 32 years, 3 months of parole ineligibility subject to the No Early Release Act. Meneses was also required to register with Megan’s Law and will be on Parole Supervision for Life.

On February 2, 2024, a jury found Meneses guilty of two counts of first-degree kidnapping, three counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, three counts of second-degree Sexual Assault, three counts of third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, three counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, one count of third-degree Terroristic Threats, one count of third-degree Witness Tampering and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. He was detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.

The charges arose from an incident that occurred on September 5, 2021, in Randolph, wherein the defendant sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend in his vehicle. Additionally, he transported and confined her from Randolph, through Victory Gardens, and ultimately to Dover, where she was able to escape and report Meneses to the police. Members of the Dover and Randolph Police Departments and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit investigated the incident after being notified of the victim’s disclosure. Between April 2022 and October 2022, Meneses communicated with family members about contacting the victim to have her change her version of events or withdraw the criminal action.

Acting Prosecutor Calderwood credited Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Reema Sethi Kareer and Assistant Prosecutor Samantha Polizzi, Detective Raquelin Perea, Detective Supervisor Lydia Negron, and SART/SANE Coordinator Alexis Rachel who all played integral roles on the trial team.

Acting Prosecutor Calderwood would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation which led to the successful prosecution, including the Dover Police Department, the Randolph Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit.

DOVER — Dylan McKinney, a passionate proponent of recovery and voice behind the influential social media page The Human Journey, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative titled The 2000 Challenge.  

Celebrating 2000 days of personal sobriety, McKinney aims to walk from Dover to Kensington, Philadelphia, in less than 2000 minutes (33.3 hours). Kensington has been hit particularly hard by the fentanyl epidemic, and McKinney has a personal connection to the affected community. This effort seeks to raise $20,000, with all proceeds going to The Milestone House, a nonprofit organization of which McKinney is an alumnus dedicated to supporting people in recovery as they transition from treatment to everyday life. 

Speaking on the origins of this ambitious endeavor, McKinney shared, “I just really wanted to prove to myself who I am, and I wanted to do something outrageous that would test myself. And it started to build into this project that was not only for my own personal test but became a celebration of recovery.” 

The 2000 Challenge will begin on Saturday, June 29, at 10:00 a.m., with The Good Bean in Dover hosting a launch party that includes complimentary breakfast and coffee. The Town of Dover Police Department will escort the start of the walk, and the office of Mayor James Dodd has recognized the event as an official Town of Dover event. 

The community is invited to participate in the festivities, whether they choose to join the walk or support from the sidelines. McKinney has also outlined multiple checkpoints along the route, including 10k, 17.5k, and 26 miles, catering to participants of various endurance levels. The full journey is reserved for the exceptionally determined. 

The 2000 Challenge underscores a multifaceted mission: to generate vital funds for those battling addiction, heighten awareness of the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, celebrate the milestones of recovery, and honor the memory of lives lost to addiction. The event also represents a personal test of resilience and determination, signifying the struggle and triumph over addiction.  

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, McKinney stated, “This walk symbolizes the journey many of us face on the road to recovery. It’s a tribute to the strength found in sobriety, the importance of community support, and the critical need for accessible treatment options. I invite everyone to join us by walking, donating, or simply cheering us on as we take each step towards a brighter, healthier future.”  

The mission encourages community involvement through participation, donations, or spreading the word. Asked about his aims for the day, McKinney shared, “I hope that everyone feels like it’s our party and it’s a coming together moment for all aspects of recovery, people in it, those that have lost lives, people that are suffering, those that want to support.” McKinney’s journey from Dover to Philadelphia serves as a rallying cry for solidarity, support, and change in the face of addiction. 

For more information on The 2000 Challenge, including how to contribute, don’t hesitate to contact The Milestone House at info@themilestonehouse.org or visit the official event page on the GoFundMe site by clicking here.

Since its inception in 2002, The Milestone House, Inc. has been passionate about recovery. A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all five Milestone facilities are located in historic Dover, New Jersey, and are accredited by the New Jersey Alliance of Recovery Residences. To learn more about The Milestone House, visit www.themilestonehouse.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, email info@themilestonehouse.org.

DOVER — Erin Dietrich was named to the Dean’s List at Wilkes University for the spring 2024 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must obtain a minimum 3.5 grade point average and carry at least 12 credits.

Wilkes University opens doors for those willing to work hard for what comes next. Through a mix of in-demand undergraduate, master’s, and terminal degree programs, we encourage our students to explore whatever interests them.

With academic expertise, dedicated mentoring, and unwavering support, our faculty and staff inspire students to define success on their own terms.

Wilkes gives people the chance to take risks, explore new facets of themselves, and create the lives they want. It’s the place that Colonels call home. Learn more by clicking here.