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Acting Attorney General Issues Statement on ICE Incident in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations agents during a prior operation.

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport confirmed that her office is actively investigating an incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in Roxbury Township in which a firearm was discharged.

According to the statement released by the Office of the Attorney General, there are no known injuries at this time. Local law enforcement secured the scene with the cooperation of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is conducting an independent investigation into the matter.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed it has been in communication with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners regarding the incident.

The incident took place at about 7:00 a.m. on Landing Road across from the historic former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad train station that now serves as the office of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation (LHF), according to witnesses.

Officials are asking anyone with video footage or relevant information to contact the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability at 1-844-OPIA-TIP (1-844-674-2847).

In her statement, Davenport acknowledged that incidents of this nature raise concerns within communities and emphasized that public safety remains the state’s top priority. She affirmed her duty to protect New Jersey residents and uphold the Constitution, stating that her office will take all necessary steps to fulfill that responsibility.

Morris Focus will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Morris County Neurologist Suspended Again for Violating Board Restrictions

By
Frank Cahill
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Jonathan Fellus MD

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County neurologist has been temporarily suspended after allegedly violating strict conditions imposed by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Jonathan Fellus, a neurologist primarily practicing in Randolph, was suspended on Wednesday, and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has begun proceedings to revoke his medical license for a second time.

State officials said Fellus violated a prior order that prohibited him from treating female patients without a chaperone present. The order was put in place after his license was reinstated following earlier disciplinary action.

According to authorities, in 2008 and 2009 Fellus engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient who was described as mildly brain-damaged. While he was never criminally charged, he was found liable in a civil medical malpractice lawsuit and ultimately lost his medical license in 2014.

Four years later, the Board of Medical Examiners agreed to reinstate his license under strict conditions. Those conditions required that any treatment of female patients be conducted only with a chaperone present and included a ban on any social contact with female patients. The restrictions were imposed to prevent future misconduct and protect the public.

The Division of Consumer Affairs later learned that Fellus allegedly misrepresented the patients he was seeing in order to evade the chaperone requirement. Officials further stated that he contacted female patients and attempted to discourage them from cooperating with investigators reviewing the matter.

As a result of the suspension, Fellus is now prohibited from treating any New Jersey residents, whether in-state or out-of-state. He is also barred from charging, receiving, or sharing in any professional fees until the case is resolved following a trial.

“This doctor’s alleged conduct, if proven, demonstrates an utter contempt for the Board’s authority and a disregard for patient safety that will not be tolerated,” said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Temporarily removing him from practice until this matter is resolved is necessary to protect the public.”

The allegations remain under review, and the disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.

Whippany Park High School Theatre Department to Present “The Wizard of Oz”

By
Frank Cahill
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WHIPPANY — The Whippany Park High School Theatre Department will bring the magic of The Wizard of Oz to the stage with its upcoming production of the beloved classic, a timeless story that has delighted audiences for generations.

The production follows Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who journeys over the rainbow to the magical land of Oz, discovering along the way the true meaning of courage, friendship, and the power of home.

The show will be performed over four showings from Thursday, February 26, through Saturday, February 28, at the Whippany Park High School Theatre, located at 165 Whippany Road in Whippany. The runtime is approximately two hours, including one intermission.

Performance Schedule:

  • Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Community members are invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road and enjoy this family-friendly production showcasing the talent and dedication of Whippany Park High School’s student performers and production team.

Dover Town Council to Hold Regular Meeting on February 10

By
Frank Cahill
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Town of Dover, 37 North Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801

DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Town Council will hold a regular public meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Dover Town Hall, 37 North Sussex Street.

Among the key items scheduled for consideration are first readings of ordinances related to development fees, redevelopment planning, and amendments to the town’s affordable housing regulations. Council members are also expected to vote on several resolutions, including authorizing development-related agreements, approving municipal bill lists, engaging affordable housing administrative agents, and reporting the appointment of Edward Ramirez as Temporary Chief Financial Officer.

The agenda also provides time for public comment, allowing residents to address the governing body on matters of local concern before the council moves into any closed executive session.

Click here to download the agenda.

Town of Dover Mayor & Town Council

  • Mayor:
    • James P. Dodd – term expires December 31, 2027

Town Council Members

Ward 1

  • Sandra Wittner – term expires December 31, 2026
  • Daniella Mendez – term expires December 31, 2027

Ward 2

  • Geovani Estacio-Carillo – term expires December 31, 2026
  • Judith Rugg – term expires December 31, 2027

Ward 3

  • Christopher Almada – term expires December 31, 2027
    • Veronica Velez – – term expires December 31, 2026

Ward 4

  • Arturo “A.B.” Santana – term expires December 31, 2027
  • Marcos Tapia-Aguilar, Sr. – term expires December 31, 2026

Upcoming Meetings:

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

Friday, January 1, 2027 – 12:00 p.m.

New Jersey Songwriters’ Summit Returns for 4th Year on March 14

By
Frank Cahill
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Susan Cattaneo

MORRISTOWN — Songwriters across New Jersey and beyond are invited to attend the fourth annual New Jersey Songwriters’ Summit, a day-long event taking place Saturday, March 14, at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, located at 21 Normandy Heights Road. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and features a full schedule of workshops, networking, and an evening concert. Registration for the daytime program is $144 and must be completed in advance.

Designed for songwriters of all levels and genres, the Summit offers hands-on workshops and creative coaching led by four acclaimed artists. Organized by Tina Ross, host of the “Inside the Song” podcast, the event focuses on songwriting technique and artistic growth. Ross emphasizes that instructors are selected for their skill in both songwriting and teaching, aiming to help attendees “dig deep and sharpen their craft.”

2026 Instructors:

  • Amy Speace: Award-winning Nashville-based artist and author of To the Performer: A Singer-Songwriter’s Handbook, she brings two decades of performance coaching and university-level writing experience.
  • Susan Cattaneo: Celebrated Boston singer-songwriter and former Berklee College of Music faculty member who’s mentored thousands.
  • Mark Aaron James: Nashville and New York-based writer with credits spanning Jimmy Buffett to musical theater, known for his dynamic songwriting workshops.
  • Carolann Solebello: Founding member of Red Molly, award-winning songwriter, and longtime contributor to NYC’s Jack Hardy Songwriters’ Exchange.

Workshop topics will include:

  • Overcoming creative paralysis
  • Writing songs on a tight deadline
  • The craft of rewriting
  • Showing vs. telling in lyrics
  • “Brain tricks” to make songs more appealing
  • Emotional authenticity in songwriting

Attendees can also take part in song swaps—small group breakouts where participants share original material—and enjoy meals and refreshments throughout the day. A song contest offers the chance for one participant to open the evening concert.

The day concludes with a public concert featuring Amy Speace and Susan Cattaneo, also available via webcast. Concert-only tickets are $25.00.

Presented by The Folk Project, the Summit is supported in part by Morris Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Registration and Contact:

Sidnee Tom Named to Mississippi State University’s fall 2025 President’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Sidnee Tom was named to the Mississippi State University fall 2025 President’s List. She is a 2025 Graduate of Hanover Park High School.

Students on the President’s List achieved a 3.80 or better GPA, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

About Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a national STEM-focused, doctoral degree-granting, land-grant university offering a wide range of educational experiences for learning and growth to a diverse student body of more than 23,000 students. Among the National Science Foundation’s Top 100 research universities, MSU provides access and opportunity to students from all 50 states and 95 countries. MSU is committed to its comprehensive research university mission, addressing complex local and global issues with innovative ideas and solutions.

Hanover Township Police Respond to Over 2,600 Calls for Service in January

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Hanover Township Police Department remained busy throughout the first month of 2026, responding to a total of 2,656 calls for service, according to the department’s recently released January activity report.

The monthly report highlights a wide range of activity, demonstrating the department’s continued efforts to maintain public safety and provide essential emergency response services across the township.

Among the key figures reported for January:

  • 42 arrests were made
  • 89 motor vehicle crashes were investigated
  • 5 individuals were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • 102 alarms were reported and responded to (including burglar and fire alarms)
  • 146 medical aid calls were handled
  • 1,079 property checks were conducted across the township

The Hanover Township Police continue to encourage residents to remain engaged with the department through its social media platforms, available on Instagram and Facebook at @Hanovernjpolice.

The department’s strong presence and commitment to proactive policing, property safety, and emergency response is evident in these numbers, as officers remain vigilant and responsive in serving the community.

Dover Man Arrested at Extended Stay Motel on Outstanding Traffic Warrant

By
Frank Cahill
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Extended Stay, 125 Route 10, Whippany

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Hanover Township Police Officer Patrick Thompson arrested Julian Saltos, 33, of Dover, on an active traffic warrant issued by the Roxbury Municipal Court.

While conducting proactive patrol at the Extended Stay Motel on Route 10, Officer Thompson conducted a random license plate inquiry on a parked vehicle. The registration returned to Mr. Saltos, who was found to have an outstanding warrant with bail set at $2,500, no ten percent option.

Officer Thompson located Saltos inside one of the motel rooms, placed him under arrest, and transported him to police headquarters for processing. During processing, Saltos informed officers he could post $250 toward bail. The Roxbury Police Department was contacted, and after consultation with the court, the ten percent bail option was approved.

A friend arrived to post the $250, and Saltos was released pending a future court appearance in Roxbury.

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.

Two Arrested After Drug Investigation at Red Carpet Inn Leads to Methamphetamine Discovery

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Red Carpet Inn, 1255 Route 10, Cedar Knolls

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Monday, January 5 , Hanover Township Police arrested two individuals following an investigation that began at the Red Carpet Inn and ultimately led to the discovery of methamphetamine and multiple criminal charges.

Officer Timothy Dalgauer arrested Michelle Luchi, 39, of Hopatcong, after she provided false information regarding her identity during a traffic stop. Shortly afterward, Officer Patrick Thompson arrested Joseph Viviani, 62, of Whippany, for hindering apprehension by misidentifying Luchi to law enforcement.

Police initially responded to the Red Carpet Inn on a report of a possible drug-related incident. Upon arrival, officers were informed that two individuals had recently left the motel to allegedly purchase narcotics.

A vehicle matching the suspect description was later observed traveling along Route 10. After witnessing several traffic violations, Officer Dalgauer conducted a motor vehicle stop. During the stop, the female passenger was found not wearing a seatbelt and claimed she did not have identification, identifying herself as “Tanya Mckevitt.” Viviani also confirmed that name to officers.

Given the suspicion of ongoing drug activity, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit was requested. The K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) in the vehicle. After Viviani refused to consent to a search, the vehicle was impounded and secured while police sought a warrant.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the female passenger was actually Michelle Luchi, who had multiple outstanding warrants for her arrest. Both Luchi and Viviani were transported to police headquarters and later lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending detention hearings.

Several days later, a search warrant was granted. Upon executing the warrant, officers recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a prescription legend drug from the vehicle. Luchi, still in custody, was served with additional charges. Viviani, who had since been released, failed to respond to police. A complaint warrant was issued, and he was entered into the NCIC database as a wanted person.

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.

Three Men Arrested Following High-Speed Pursuit and Burglary at Casa De Montecristo

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Police officers from Parsippany, Hanover Township, and surrounding departments secure the scene following a high-speed pursuit that ended with the arrest of three suspects involved in the burglary of Casa De Montecristo on Route 10.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, January 4, 2026, a collaborative effort by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of three New York men in connection with a burglary at the Casa De Montecristo Cigar Lounge located at 310 Route 10.

At approximately 11:35 p.m., Hanover Township Police were alerted to an activated burglar alarm at the cigar lounge. Responding Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney observed a white utility van fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. He pursued the vehicle eastbound on Route 10, noting registration violations and initiating a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, prompting a pursuit through local neighborhoods near Troy Hills Road.

The vehicle ultimately came to a stop on a residential street, where the three occupants fled on foot. One suspect was quickly apprehended in the area of David Drive. With two suspects still at large, Hanover Township Police called for mutual aid.

Police from Parsippany, East Hanover, Morris Township, Morristown, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office responded, assisting with the pursuit and on-scene investigation. Their swift action led to the apprehension of all three suspects and the recovery of stolen merchandise from the burglary.

Arrested were Joseph Rinaldi, 31, and Christopher Sollena, 36, both of Staten Island, and Luis Morales, 47, of Brooklyn. The suspects face several charges, including third-degree burglary, second-degree theft, and were lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Rinaldi, identified as the driver, faces additional charges of eluding police, a second-degree crime, along with numerous traffic violations related to the pursuit.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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