Thursday, July 10, 2025
Home Blog Page 3

Nisivoccia Receives The Arc of New Jersey’s President’s Award

0

MORRIS COUNTY — Nisivoccia was honored this spring at The Arc of New Jersey’s Annual Awards Dinner as the 2025 President’s Award recipient. Presented each year to an organization or individual who has significantly contributed to The Arc’s mission, the award recognizes Nisivoccia’s ongoing partnership and advocacy in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nisivoccia has proudly supported The Arc of New Jersey for many years, providing audit and advisory services and participating in events and advocacy efforts across the state.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the President’s Award from The Arc of New Jersey,” said Anthony Rispoli, Partner at Nisivoccia. “It’s a privilege to support an organization that does critical work advancing inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for everyone.”

Several Nisivoccia team members attended the awards dinner, including Anthony Rispoli, Chris Perrotta, Ryan Hynson, Christabel Valladares, Laura Lampron, Dan Shaw, Steve Cimino, and Vivian Atonya.

This award reflects Nisivoccia’s continued commitment to building strong relationships with mission-driven organizations and contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve.

Murphy Administration Announces $44 Million in FY2025 Local Bridges Fund grants

0
Governor Phil Murphy and NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor announced $44 million in Local Bridges Fund grants to improve county-owned bridges, including funding to support critical infrastructure upgrades in Morris County.

MORRIS COUNTY—The Murphy Administration announced 38 Local Bridges Fund grants totaling $44 million to help counties maintain their local bridges in good repair.

“To ensure New Jersey has a safe, modern, and efficient transportation system, we must continue to invest in local infrastructure,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “The Local Bridges Fund provides counties with the necessary resources to make critical bridge improvements while taking the pressure off local property taxes.” 

“These critical local infrastructure investments improve the reliability of our statewide transportation network and are just one example of the Murphy Administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life in New Jersey,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said.  “By providing grants to improve county-owned bridges throughout the state, the Local Bridges Fund improves safety and reliability by ensuring that all bridges in New Jersey are maintained in good condition.”

The Local Bridges Fund is a $44 million program funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which provides funding for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties to improve county bridges. Every county receives $1 million, and the additional funding is allotted based on a formula that takes into account the total bridge deck area and the amount of deck area in poor condition in the county.

The grants focus on repairing, reconstructing, and replacing bridges with the greatest structural deficiencies. Since its creation in 2009, 590 bridges have been improved through Local Bridges Fund grants. Click here for a full list of FY25 county allotments and project awards.

The grants are administered by the NJDOT Division of Local Aid and Economic Development and evaluated by the Division of Bridge Engineering and Infrastructure Management.  Each year, Local Aid grants represent a significant portion of Local System Support, including local lead projects, regional planning and project development, and transportation alternative projects, such as Safe Routes to School.

1

New Jersey Targets in $14.6B Health Fraud Case Include Pharmacist, Hospital

0
Federal authorities announced charges against Pine Brook pharmacist Nestor E. Jaime and a settlement with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center as part of a nationwide crackdown on health care fraud.

MORRIS COUNTY — Nestor E. Jaime, 36, Pine Brook, owner of Fabio’s Pharmacy in Paterson, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly defrauding Medicare of $2,505,754 by billing for high-cost prescription drugs that were neither dispensed nor properly prescribed.

The indictment is part of a massive nationwide “health care fraud takedown” announced on June 30, 2025. The takedown targeted 324 defendants in schemes totaling over $14.6 billion in fraudulent losses.

Jaime is accused of:

  • Submitting knowingly false claims for high-cost medications without prescriptions.
  • Pocketing reimbursements despite no drugs being dispensed.

Meanwhile, in a separate action tied to the same DOJ sweep, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center agreed to a $250,000 settlement. Prosecutors alleged that, from January 2018 to December 2019, doctors in the hospital’s Heart Transplant Program failed to disclose critical medical information to patients and their families, leading to unnecessary treatments.

Taejin Kim, 43, of River Vale, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to submit false and fraudulent claims to Amtrak’s health care plan for services that were never provided and were medically unnecessary. As alleged in the information, Kim, a licensed physical therapist, conspired to use Amtrak employees’ insurance information to submit false and fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary services that were never provided to the Amtrak employees. Amtrak paid approximately $2,253,453 on these claims.

Open Space Funds Proposed to Fix NJ Sinkholes

0
Assemblyman Christian Barranco

MORRIS COUNTY — Under a bill released by the Assembly Budget Committee recently, Local governments could use open space trust fund money to remediate collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on their property.

The legislation (A5649), sponsored by Assemblyman Christian Barranco, comes in response to the recent devastating 1-80 collapse in Wharton caused by several sinkholes that caused intermittent road closures between December 2024 and the end of June. The closures not only impacted the daily commute of tens of thousands of drivers but also hurt local businesses.

“North Jersey was once home to a thriving mining industry, predating the Revolutionary War, that unfortunately left behind hundreds of abandoned mines,” Barranco (R-Morris) said. “It’s when, not if, other towns and counties have to deal with remediating these shafts, they should have quick access to funds to fix the problem, because it’s an expensive problem to fix.”

The repairs along I-80 cost about $150,000 per day.

Many of the state’s 565 municipalities and all 21 counties have a voter-approved dedicated open space trust fund, levied at up to six cents per $100 valuation. Under current law, those funds may be used to preserve open space, farmland, or historic sites, to develop parks, and to protect floodplains.

Barranco’s bill would allow those local governments to use funds for mineshaft remediation and sinkhole repairs without voter approval. However, those bodies would be required to adopt a resolution or ordinance and comply with public notice requirements.

“Allowing governments to use these funds ensures the safety of our communities and protects our public lands. These funds, rooted in the public’s commitment to preserving our environment, should extend to stabilizing the ground beneath us, preventing disasters like those on I-80 and safeguarding infrastructure and lives,” Barranco said.

Police: Intoxicated Driver Crashes, Tries to Flee Scene in Dover

0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — A Wharton man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after crashing into two parked vehicles and attempting to flee the scene on Friday night, June 13.

According to Dover Police Officer German Libanzo, officers responded to Lehigh Street near Baker Avenue around 10:20 p.m. for a report of an intoxicated driver involved in a crash. Upon arrival, officers observed a silver 2003 Toyota Camry disabled in the roadway with vehicle parts scattered around. The driver, identified as Angelo J. Ricratineo, 39, of Wharton, was found at the scene.

Ricratineo told officers he had driven too closely to a parked vehicle, causing him to strike it. While attempting to leave the scene, he side-swiped another parked car before his vehicle became disabled.

Police observed several signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol. Ricratineo admitted to drinking alcohol, first claiming to have had one beer, then three. He failed multiple field sobriety tests, at one point falling asleep during the exam. Officers later discovered several open and unopened cans of Modelo beer inside his vehicle.

Ricratineo was arrested and transported to Randolph Police Headquarters for breath testing, as Dover’s Alcotest machine was out of service. He provided two valid breath samples and registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.19%.

He was issued multiple summonses, including:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
  • Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
  • Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
  • Careless Driving (39:4-97)
  • Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (39:4-51B)

Following processing at Dover Police Headquarters, Ricratineo was released into the custody of a family member.

The damaged vehicles, a 1999 Plymouth and a 2017 Subaru, were both unoccupied at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported.

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.

Bergenfield Man Arrested for DWI After Crashing into Utility Pole

0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DENVILLE — A 30-year-old Bergenfield man was arrested on multiple motor vehicle charges after crashing into a telephone pole on East Main Street, according to the Denville Police Department.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 29, at approximately 10:14 p.m. Emergency Medical Services personnel, who were in a nearby ambulance at the time, witnessed the crash at 42 East Main Street and immediately responded to evaluate the driver.

The driver, identified as Steven Escobar, was not injured and declined further medical treatment. Responding officers determined that Escobar was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He was subsequently arrested and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Escobar was charged with the following motor vehicle offenses:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
  • Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.2)
  • Delaying Traffic (N.J.S.A. 39:4-56)
  • Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)

He was released and is scheduled to appear in court to answer the charges.

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.

Rockaway Man Charged in Spa Robbery on Route 10

0
The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

DENVILLE — A 26-year-old man from Rockaway Borough has been arrested and charged with first-degree robbery following a reported incident at a local spa, according to a release from the Denville Police Department.

On Saturday, June 28, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at Serenity Spa, located at 3138 Route 10 West. Upon arrival, officers determined that a robbery had just occurred inside the business.

Following an immediate investigation, police identified the suspect as Nicolas Bernardo. He was located shortly after and taken into custody without incident. Bernardo was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing and formally charged with robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(1), a crime of the first degree.

He was then transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending a court appearance.

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.

Electric Auto Dealership Finds New Home on Route 10

0
An electric vehicle charges at a dealership location similar to the one recently leased by Prestige Collection EV LLC in East Hanover. The luxury EV dealer will occupy a 6,872-square-foot space at 265 Route 10, offering high visibility and modern amenities for its growing customer base.

EAST HANOVER — A luxury electric vehicle dealership has leased nearly 6,900 square feet of highway retail space at 265 Route 10, according to a newly announced deal brokered by CBRE.

Prestige Collection EV LLC will occupy the former tanning salon, offering prime visibility along the heavily traveled Route 10 corridor. The site has an average daily traffic count of 47,000 vehicles and is within a one-mile radius with a median household income of approximately $150,000.

The property features high-capacity HVAC, 1,200-amp electric service, well-lit paved parking for 26 vehicles, and existing pylon signage—amenities that made it an attractive fit for the growing EV dealership.

CBRE’s Marta Person Villa represented the 265 Route 10 East LLC landlord in the 6,872-square-foot lease transaction.

“Offering prime visibility along the heavily trafficked Route 10 corridor, a great signage canopy, and parking for 26 vehicles, the former tanning salon location offered a valuable opportunity for this expanding EV dealership,” said Villa. “We are thrilled we were able to negotiate a beneficial transaction for our client, Prestige Collection EV, and the local community.”

Reasons Why More Businesses Are Embracing New Customer Verification Technologies

0

With the rising number of online transactions, there’s an equally increasing need for efficient customer identification and verification procedures. This helps businesses to comply with the know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering requirements set by the law to ensure safe online transactions.

While traditional verification methods like face-to-face interactions and physical documentation are still effective to some extent, they’re costly, time-consuming, and mostly unreliable. The advent of new customer verification technologies has changed the game. Below, we’ll look at a few reasons why businesses are embracing new customer verification technologies and why you should, too.

Enhanced Security

Reputable ID-scanning and customer verification technologies from top vendors like OCR Studio can offer higher levels of security for business owners. These systems operate from a rich data source with information on customer identity that’s automatically and regularly updated. With the systems in place, you’re sure of achieving less costly processes and quick access to accurate customer data.

You don’t have to worry about human error because the systems use more accurate AI integrations to extract more data faster than a human eye can capture. AI technology can also easily spot more forgeries in cases of forged documents, as it is less likely to miss the details, as is the case with human eyes. The systems will also store your customers’ data in a secure database, reducing the risk of data theft.

Improved Customer Experience and Trust

New customer verification technologies can help your business achieve high digital security and compliance standards that, in turn, offer a stellar customer experience. The ability to verify customer data remotely allows your customers to interact with your business at their own convenience, making everything easier for them.

When customers feel their needs are prioritized, they’re more likely to trust your business and stick around for a long time. Your customers will feel safe knowing their data is well-protected and their transactions with your business are secure.

Adherence to Legal Requirements

Each industry has some set legal requirements that players should follow. Whether you’re running online or offline transactions, customer identification and data verification are a crucial legal requirement for businesses globally. Depending on the business you’re doing, you may need to verify legal age limits and other personal information before transacting with a client to avoid hefty penalties and license revocation.

A good customer verification system allows for adherence to the set legal requirements by adding another level of accuracy in age verification. By scanning government-issued identification documents, you can verify the legal age of each customer, ensuring you remain adherent to age restrictions and other requirements.

Improved Speed and Efficiency

Speed and efficiency are important ingredients for the success of any modern business. By automating or speeding up processes, you can improve your overall output and enhance customer satisfaction. Digital verification solutions enable you to do more in less time without straining your resources. Instead of your employees spending so much time performing repetitive tasks, they can use that time to solve other crucial customer problems.

If your business still relies mainly on traditional data verification solutions, you’re missing out on new customer verification technologies. The new systems will improve your overall business success by ensuring you adhere to the law and meet customer expectations speedily.

Types of Mesothelioma Compensation Available for Victims and Families

0

Usually linked to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that shows symptoms decades after initial exposure. Emotional suffering, lost earnings, and treatment expenses of the disease are usually high. Fortunately, several channels of remuneration are available to mesothelioma patients and their families to get a financial cushion. Below are some of the main types of mesothelioma compensation you should become familiar with.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Usually brought against companies that made, distributed, and used asbestos-containing goods, these cases are often instituted. Medical costs, lost income, travel for treatment, and suffering and pain might be part of the compensation obtained from these lawsuits.

Plaintiffs must demonstrate exposure to asbestos and defendant negligence that resulted in illness to win a personal injury case. Most cases are resolved before trial, enabling faster realization of funds. Victims can be represented by a competent mesothelioma attorney who can make sure the payout is completely recovered.

Bankruptcy Trust Funds

Over time, several firms responsible for asbestos exposure have gone bankrupt. As part of their bankruptcy, these businesses were ordered to establish asbestos trust funds to pay current and future victims. Billions of dollars currently reside in these trusts, an essential source of finance for deserving claimants.

Looking for a claim to an asbestos fund calls for medical reports of a mesothelioma diagnosis and evidence of exposure to a given business. It is often quicker and less complex than a lawsuit but is governed by trust guidelines and disease severity.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families most often seek wrongful death lawsuits when mesothelioma causes the death of a loved one. Actions for wrongful death seek to compensate surviving relatives for emotional damages, lost wages and benefits, and burial costs. For families to get the right financial relief, they can seek legal guidance.

Wrongful death cases have to establish a clear link between the victim’s sickness and asbestos exposure. Often filled with close relatives such as spouses or children, and they often settle before trial. Attorneys must negotiate lengthy processes and build a solid case.

Veterans’ Benefits

Special benefits are available from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans found with mesothelioma as a result of military duty. Monthly payment, medical treatment, and dependent compensation for the family are veterans’ mesothelioma benefits.

Veterans have to show that they were exposed to asbestos during active service and that the exposure caused their ailment to be qualified. Legal and medical assistance can strengthen a case with the VA. Veterans can also be paid via asbestos trust funds when the exposure is connected with civilian contractors delivering for the military.

Workers’ Compensation

Under the coverage provided by their firm, people who have been exposed to asbestos at work may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Although they rarely cover pain and suffering or full financial harm, such compensations usually comprise a percentage of lost income and medical expenses.

While limited in range, workers’ compensation claims occasionally limit future capacity to start more legal action. They offer a quick means of getting financial support. This should be considered with great care and advised by counsel before making any binding contract.

Endnote

From lawsuits, trust funds, veterans benefits, and workers’ compensation, mesothelioma can come from several sources. Each of them has different needs and perks and, the appropriate next step would depend on the nature of the case. Seeking expert legal counsel will help families obtain their due compensation while remaining concentrated on care and recovery.

Translate »