TRENTON — Drivers in New Jersey now face fines starting at $200 for using handheld phones or other mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light, according to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3.

Hands-free devices remain legal under the law, though the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) discourages their use as well, citing driver distraction. The NJMVC reports that 25% of all car accidents involve cellphone use.

The fine for a first offense ranges from $200 to $400. A second offense carries a fine of $400 to $600, and a third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $600 to $800, along with three motor vehicle penalty points and a possible 90-day license suspension.

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris County will hold its seventh annual Overdose Awareness Day ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 31, outside the Human Services Complex at One Medical Drive in Morris Plains.

Families who have lost loved ones to overdose or fentanyl poisoning are invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to view memorial name banners. The program will feature county and state officials, guest speakers, service providers and nonprofit partners. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs.

Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally every August 31 to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis, including fentanyl-related overdoses. The Morris County event is organized by the Morris County Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services in collaboration with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One mobile services unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners.

State Senator Anthony Bucco sponsored legislation, signed by then-Governor Phil Murphy, designating August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the observance.

The annual ceremony honors people who were lost to overdoses, recognizes the impact those deaths have on families and communities, and highlights the resources available to support prevention, treatment and recovery.

JEFFERSON — A Jefferson Township man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police arrested him at Jefferson Market on Tuesday afternoon.

Robert B. Goldsworthy, 69, was arrested at 1:03 p.m. on August 18, according to the Jefferson Township Police Department. Police said Goldsworthy was taken into custody at the scene without a warrant.

Goldsworthy was charged with the following:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device
• Reckless driving
• Possessing an open container of alcohol or unsealed cannabis in a motor vehicle

The case was investigated by Officer Jarred Schulz of the Jefferson Township Police Department.

Editor’s Note: 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.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Township of Denville will hold a lien sale of properties for non-payment of taxes, assessments and other municipal charges, according to a public notice issued by Tax Collector Susan Pfeil.

The sale will be held via online auction on Thursday, October 8, or at such later time and place to which it may be adjourned. Several parcels of land on which taxes and other municipal charges remain unpaid for 2025 and prior years will be exposed for lien sale, subject to New Jersey statute. The properties will be sold subject to redemption at the lowest rate of interest, but in no case will the rate exceed 18 percent per year. Payment for liens purchased must be made by cash, money order, certified check or wire transfer prior to the conclusion of the sale.

Industrial properties may be subject to the Spill Compensation and Control Act, the Water Pollution Control Act and the Industrial Site Recovery Act. In addition, the municipality is precluded from issuing a tax sale certificate to any prospective purchaser who is or may be in any way connected to the prior owner or operator of the site.

In compliance with Chapter 75 of the Public Laws, delinquent interest must be paid for a property to be removed from tax sale. Property owners are asked to call the tax office for additional charges before remitting payment.

The online auction website will open Tuesday, September 8, and close Thursday, October 8, at denville.newjerseytaxsale.com. Information can be viewed on the website free of charge. Additional documents are available on the township’s website at denvillenj.gov.

MORRIS COUNTY — A 21-year-old Manhattan man was arrested after officers say he inappropriately grabbed a juvenile female before fleeing the area.

Denville Police responded to a report at approximately 4:20 p.m. Friday involving a juvenile female who was allegedly grabbed inappropriately by an adult male who then fled the area. Shortly after the initial 9-1-1 call, responding officers located and apprehended the suspect on Broadway as he attempted to leave the area in an Uber. Following a brief investigation, the suspect was identified as Ronald Hidary.

Hidary was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with:

• Criminal Sexual Contact, Fourth Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Third Degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1))

Hidary was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he will remain lodged pending a future court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

Editor’s Note: 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.