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Boonton Police Captain Allegedly Steals Computer Towers, Internal Affairs Records

By
Frank Cahill
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Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River

BOONTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed charges against a Boonton police captain who allegedly stole his internal affairs records and computer hardware containing police data from the Boonton Police Department.

Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River, has been charged with computer theft, tampering with public records, and other offenses in connection with the April 2022 incident. The charges result from an Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA) Corruption Bureau investigation.

The investigation revealed Jones removed at least five computer towers from the Boonton Police Department, three of which contained police information, including files on internal affairs (IA) matters. He allegedly stole his personnel and IA files, stashing the computer towers in his Toms River home and the files at his in-laws’ home in Edison.

Then the officer-in-charge of the Boonton Police, Jones, was allegedly captured on surveillance video late at night on April 13, 2022, removing containers and computer towers from the police department. According to the investigation, Jones removed the computer hardware and files without authorization and violated Boonton Police policies.

Jones is charged with one count of each of the following offenses:

  • second-degree computer theft
  • third-degree theft by unlawful taking
  • third-degree tampering with public records
  • fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records

Second-degree crimes carry a five- to 10-year prison term with a $150,000 fine upon conviction. Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Deputy Attorney General Eric Cohen is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jeffrey Manis, Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, and OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Hit and Run on Route 15 on March 1. Did you see this accident? Please help the driver!

By
Frank Cahill
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Hit and Run File Photo
MORRIS COUNTY — At approximately 11:05 a.m., on Wednesday, March 1, as the driver of a 2014 Black Toyota Camry SE was passing a green light at the intersection of Route 15 and Edison Road, a gray vehicle, possibly a Toyota Rav 4, and Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, or Chevrolet Equinox, merged into my lane (the left), at the very last second as we were passing the light, causing him to swerve to the left to avoid hitting the vehicle.
Unfortunately, as a result, he drove over the corner of a curb right past the light, causing severe damage to the front left tire and bumper. The other vehicle slowed down for a few seconds after the accident and took off without stopping. Regrettably, he could not get a picture of the license plate at the time because of how quickly the other vehicle left.
He believes that someone may have witnessed something during the accident that could lead to the finding of this person. Perhaps the front dash cam of a passing vehicle caught something?

The incident occurred near Gray Law Group, LLC, 727 Route 15, Lake Hopatcong.

Anyone with any information can contact the driver directly at (862) 222-7153. He would be grateful if you could assist me in any way possible.

Law Enforcement Night at Mennen Arena was a Huge Success

By
Frank Cahill
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Marshall, Chase, Avery Sandler, Rose Will, Shannon Dorr and Catherine Buono. Chase was Finn Kennedy, a Hanover Park student and Marshall was Michael Farrell, a Hanover Park student

MORRIS COUNTY — Law Enforcement Night on Friday, March 3, at Mennen Arena was a Huge Success.  The New Jersey Coalition for Education and Positive Choices and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office hosted the free event open to the public.

Families had the opportunity to meet some of Morris County’s top men and women Law Enforcement Officers. Individuals tried on equipment, sat in some state-of-the-art vehicles, and received free handouts and cool merchandise. There was the chance to take photos with the local heroes.

Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, and the 200 Club of Morris County were among the local representatives participating.

The C4PCC’s mission is to provide the community with facts and information relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

“The importance of introducing kids to new activities and promoting substance-free events to keep them occupied – such as sports, exercise, career days, teen dances and activities with law enforcement – is of paramount concern when it provides ways to uphold a child’s self-esteem,” the organization states.

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Will Be in Madison

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MADISON — The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Mobile Unit will visit Madison on Monday, March 27. The unit will be at the Madison Train Station Parking Lot on Kings Road from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to help residents with the following:

Driver Licenses: The Mobile Unit provides the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license change their name or address on their license, add a boat, add a Veteran designation, register to vote, or make an organ donation selection

Non-Driver Identification Cards: The Mobile Unit can provide residents with photo identification that can serve as a primary or secondary ID.

Registration: Drivers can renew their registration or obtain duplicate registration cards

License Plates: Drivers can surrender license plates with the mobile unit

Placards: Drivers may obtain a Person with a Disability, Purple Heart of Disable Veteran Placard

Exam Permits: Customers can apply for an examination permit to take the test. The test, however, isn’t available in the Mobile Unit

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (973) 408-8789 or emailing [email protected].

Two Morris County School of Technology Students Named National Merit Finalists

By
Frank Cahill
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Dhruva Chitneedi and Mahi Gupta

MORRIS COUNTY — Dhruva Chitneedi and Mahi Gupta, seniors at Morris County School of Technology in Denville, have been named National Merit Finalists.

They are among the top academically talented high school seniors from across the country who compete for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded in the spring.

National Merit Finalists are selected based on exceptional abilities, skills, and accomplishments. They are highly recruited by selective colleges nationwide, with some colleges and universities offering significant scholarships or even full rides based on National Merit status.

Mahi Gupta is in the school’s Academy for Health Care Sciences. This Academy is a rigorous, highly focused program with studies in human sciences, health information technology, emergency care, humanities, computer technology, and health care dynamics. Students in this program can earn up to 15 credits through the Rutgers School of Health-Related Professions.

Dhruva Chitneedi is in the Academy for Computer and Information Science. This Academy provides students with a comprehensive overview of computer programming, internet technology, computer architecture, the history of computers, mathematics for programming, network security, and software engineering.

Morris County Vocational School District offers various career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. Programs range from auto service and construction trades to healthcare sciences, global commerce, performing arts, and cybersecurity. The high school offers full-time academies and share-time programs on its Denville campus. In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, it offers full-time academies and share-time programs established at off-site satellite locations.

Email Gina DiDomenico, MCVSD Student Recruitment & Community Relations, at [email protected] or click here.

Annual Statewide Pothole Repair Campaign Begins

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced that the annual statewide campaign to repair potholes across New Jersey will begin on Monday, March 6.

>While New Jersey saw below-average snowfall this winter, temperatures continually fluctuated between above and below freezing. Potholes are created by water seeping into cracks in the asphalt and then expanding when it freezes, so this weather pattern still takes a toll on state highways.

“The New Jersey Department of 4 is began the annual pothole campaign on Monday, March 6, and will continue for the next couple of months until we have repaired the most significant potholes from this winter,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year, it becomes a primary focus.”

To deal with potholes most aggressively and efficiently, the Department will allow crews throughout the state to close travel lanes during daytime hours.  Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours to 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic during peak times.

NJDOT will use Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign and lane closures that could result in temporary travel delays to the extent possible. Detailed current repair locations will be posted continually on www.511nj.org.

As the weather warms up and asphalt plants reopen, our crews will perform permanent patch operations on particularly problematic sections of the roadway. This is more extensive work that includes milling and paving a small road area and generally will be done overnight.

In the past five fiscal years (FY18 – FY22), NJDOT has repaired an average of approximately 190,000 potholes per year. So far, in FY23 (July 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023), NJDOT has repaired about 80,000 potholes, with the busiest pothole repair season just starting.

It is important to slow down in work zones so NJDOT crews can safely make repairs. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over if it is safe when approaching an emergency or service vehicle stopped on the side of the road.   If you cannot safely MOVE OVER, PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

In addition to our crews monitoring and reporting potholes that need repair on state highways, we encourage motorists to report potholes as well.  Motorists may call 1-800-POTHOLE or go online to report potholes on state roads using a new mapping feature to help identify the exact location of the pothole. To report potholes on county roads, contact the appropriate jurisdiction.

The Department responds as quickly as possible, especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on size and location. For NJDOT news, follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT and our Facebook page.

Many Supporters Attended DeCroce’s Successful Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
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BettyLou DeCroce with Celeb Kessler at a fundraiser at DeCroce's private residence

PARSIPPANY — BettyLou DeCroce recently held a fundraiser at her residence. Many local dignitaries and friends attended the packed house and enjoyed delicious food, including sushi, mini burgers, and steak, among other items catered by Brownstone, Paterson.

John Davis, Staci Grant and Patrick “PJ” Cassidy were among the many guests at a private fundraiser at the DeCroce residence.

BettyLou DeCroce served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2012 to 2022 and is seeking to reclaim the 26th district State Assembly seat.

“We desperately need to elect effective conservatives to the state legislature,” DeCroce said.  “Speeches on the statehouse floor are not changing anything, but an informed and energized electorate will.”

Lake Parsippany Resident Danny Desai with Davey Willans
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, Vice President Michael dePierro, DeCroce and Delores dePierro, Parsippany-Troy Hills Republican Committee Chair.

The state continues to slide deeper into trouble under Democratic leadership,” said DeCroce.  “Working people need representatives in Trenton who will put in the extra work it takes to make positive changes in their lives.  I am committed to making those changes.”

“Government is what I do,” she said. “Government is what I love, what I know best. I know it inside and out.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Parsippany-Troy Hills Republican Committee Chair Delores dePierro, DeCroce and Nicolas Limanov.

The new District 26 includes the following municipalities: Morris  County: Boonton Denville, East Hanover, Hanover, Florham Park, Lincoln Park, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Morris Plains, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Riverdale. In Passaic County: Bloomingdale, Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, & Wanaque.

Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Paul “PJ” Johannesen
BettyLou DeCroce and Parsippany resident Ted Stanziale
Vincent Fox, DeCroce, Brian Murray, and Former Morris County Republican Chair John Sette
Rob Zwigard with Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani

 

Bee Meadow Pool Registration is Open

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Bee Meadow Pool

HANOVER TOWNSHIP —  This premier aquatic facility in Whippany boasts incredible opportunities for family fun for its members. Registration for the 2023 Bee Meadow Pool Season opened on Wednesday, March 1, either online for returning members  (www.hanovertownship.com) or in person for new and returning members at the Hanover Township Recreation Department located at 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

With an Activities Calendar that includes a Cardboard Boat Regatta, a Parrot Beach concert, and bingo and movie nights, there is no time to be bored while at the Bee Meadow Pool. There is lots of swimming, diving, and rock wall climbing. You can learn to swim with private lessons or increase your skills by competing with the Bee Meadow Pool Swim Team. You can relax in the Bee Meadow Pool’s bucolic setting or flex your athletic muscles playing basketball or in the Gaga Pit.

If you have any questions, contact Hanover Township Recreation: at (973) 428-2463.

Senior Circuit: Get Fit and Healthy in Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover Township Mayor Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Calling all Hanover Township Seniors! Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and Hanover Township Recreation invite the public to a special Senior Circuit on Saturday, March 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center.

Hanover Township Community Center is located at 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

This is an opportunity to get fit and healthy with Mayor Gallagher and fitness instructor Ava Ventrone. Following the class, a healthy snack and time for conversation with the Mayor will be provided.

This is the first of many events sponsored by The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and Hanover Township Recreation. Mayor Gallagher is committed to helping residents improve their overall health and wellness.

The event is free of charge, but you must register to attend. Register via your Community Pass account or call Hanover Township Recreation at (973) 428-2463.

Jury Finds Edwin Urbina Guilty of Murder, Endangering Welfare of Child

By
Frank Cahill
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Edwin Urbina/Courtesy Morris County Prosecutor's Office

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announce a jury has found Edwin Urbina, 29, formerly of Morristown, guilty on all charges related to the beating death of his girlfriend’s three-year-old son, Liam Christian.

Three-year-old Liam Christian

Following a seven-day trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict on March 1, 2023. The defendant was found guilty of first-degree Murder with an Aggravating Factor, three counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, third-degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, two counts of third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence. The sentencing has been scheduled before the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., on March 16, 2023. The defendant will remain in custody until that time.

On August 13, 2021, shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers from the Morristown Police Department responded to the Morristown Medical Center in Morristown on a report of a three-year-old boy in cardiac arrest. A subsequent investigation revealed that Liam Christian had sustained a number of physical injuries. Following an autopsy, Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca, M.D., determined the manner of death to be a homicide.

Crime scene at OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10, East Hanover

The investigation revealed that Urbina fatally beat the child in the early morning of August 13, resulting in the boy’s death, while at the OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10 West in East Hanover. The investigation further revealed that the victim’s five-year-old sibling witnessed the murder. Further investigation revealed that the victim’s mother, Krystal Straw, 29, was absent during the assault but arrived at the hotel shortly thereafter. Following the victim’s death, both Urbina and Straw acted to hinder the State’s investigation, including removing Urbina and his personal belongings from the OYO Hotel, deleting cell phone content, and informing the victim’s five-year-old sibling not to speak about the incident.

Crime scene at OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10, East Hanover

The investigation also revealed that Urbina had physically abused the victim on prior occasions.

On August 17, 2021, Urbina was taken into custody without incident outside the Morris County Records and Administration Building in Morristown. Straw was previously charged and arrested on August 13 concerning this incident. Both Urbina and Straw remained in the Morris County Correctional Facility during the pendency of their criminal cases.

Krystal Straw

On January 12, 2023, Straw, 29, appeared before Judge Taylor and entered an open plea of guilty to two counts of second-degree Endangering Welfare of a Child, three counts of third-degree Hindering Apprehension, third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Physical Evidence. Straw will remain in custody until her sentencing hearing, also scheduled before Judge Taylor on March 16, 2023.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful guilty verdict, the exhaustive efforts of the East Hanover Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and various Units in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in working together to investigate this incident leading to the guilty verdict. The Prosecutor would also like to thank Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler, who tried this case in court, and MCPO Detective Matthew Belcastro and East Hanover Det. Lt. Andrew Underwood for their outstanding efforts in the prosecution of this case.

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