MORRIS COUNTY — A former Mount Arlington man convicted of sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl in Mount Olive three years ago, was sentenced recently to three years in prison, according to authorities.

The man, Vinicio Orellana, 45, who lived on Orben Drive near the Roxbury border, was found guilty at trial of three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, said the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The three-day trial took place in February.

Orellana was sentenced on August 11 by state Superior Court Judge Ralph Amirata. The sentence is subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life, said the prosecutor’s office, which – due to the defendant’s mailing address – inaccurately described Orellana as a resident of the Landing section of Roxbury.

“Evidence at trial established that on September 27, 2020, Defendant touched a 16-year-old female victim on her intimate parts while in Mount Olive Township,” said the prosecutor’s office. “The incident was reported to the Mount Olive Police Department on September 27.”

In the statement, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanked the agencies that participated in the investigation including the Mount Olive Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Child Endangerment Unit.

“The prosecutor also credited the Trial Team: Assistant Prosecutor Jacqueline Marotta, Assistant Prosecutor Alexandra Pecora, MCPO Detective Jenna Powers, and MCPO Detective Lamar Hagans, with their professional and dedicated service,” said the statement. “The Prosecutor further commended Detective Constantinos Pagonis and Det. Lt. Luis Sanchez of the Mount Olive Police Department, who was the lead investigator on this case, and Detective Juan Munoz and Detective Shawn Casey of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and MCPO Victim Witness Supervisor. Amanda Holloway, along with all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is proud to introduce Officer Dominic Alheidt as the latest addition to their team.

A graduate of Farleigh Dickenson University with a degree in finance, Officer Alheidt previously served at the Family First Funding mortgage firm. He will be commencing his duties with the Protective Services Division, overseeing security for courtrooms and the broader courthouse premises.

Best wishes and safety first, Officer Alheidt!

TRENTON – The Department of the Treasury unveiled a streamlined approach to property tax relief this year. Over 1.3 million New Jersey residents who previously benefited from the Affordable Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program will soon get a letter confirming their continued eligibility. The highlight? Most won’t need to reapply to receive their benefits.

Governor Phil Murphy remarked, “This streamlining means not only significant benefit enhancements for many elderly citizens but also a simplified process for all residents. I am grateful to the Treasury and the Division of Taxation for making New Jersey more affordable.”

State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio praised the Division of Taxation’s efforts, noting their commitment to expanding on the ANCHOR program’s success from last year and providing vital tax relief to eligible households. The aim is to automate the process for most qualifying individuals.

Senate President Nick Scutari recognized the benefit’s significance, emphasizing its role in alleviating property tax burdens and ensuring eligible residents access the financial help, especially senior citizens who’ll find the process less cumbersome.

Speaker Craig Coughlin added, “New Jersey families can expect enhanced property tax relief this year. By adding $250 for every elderly resident and through various other initiatives, we’re reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that New Jersey remains a desirable place to live, study, and retire.”

Starting today, the Division of Taxation will send out confirmation letters. These will contain specifics about the mode of receiving benefits (either by check or direct deposit, as chosen the previous year) and reconfirm contact and banking details. Those with unchanged details from the past year won’t need to reapply; their benefits will automatically reach them by November 1, 2023.

However, any changes in the given details should prompt an application, which should be submitted by September 30, 2023.

To widen the program’s reach, the Division will dispatch application forms to another two million homes between August 22 and 28. Prospective beneficiaries have until December 29, 2023, to apply, with benefits being granted progressively within three months of application.

In its debut year, the ANCHOR program saw over 1.7 million tenants and property owners benefitting, with amounts varying between $450 and $1,500, calculated based on 2019 taxes.

For a comprehensive understanding, click here.