MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Correctional Facility (MCCF) stands out as among the best, according to assessors from the America Correctional Association (ACA), which reported the lock-up to be 100% compliant with both mandatory and non-mandatory standards.

Last week, two out-of-state independent correctional professionals, Kyle Poppert and Marmie Schuster-Walker, conducted an ACA review. The review indicated that the MCCF stood out among the best facilities and finished at the top in every category audited. For that, the MCCF was issued 100% compliance in all areas, which isn’t common with these audits. Poppert has conducted over 200 audits since 2006.

“First and foremost, I appreciate the hospitality of the staff at this agency. They made me feel like a member of their team. It takes courage to bring outsiders in and look at your operation, but this was an easy one. This is a squared-away operation,” Poppert said during an exit interview.

“Every inmate we spoke to stated that this is the best facility they have ever been to. They are treated with dignity and respect and raved not only about the sworn staff but applauded the medical staff,” said Schuster-Walker. “I would have loved to work here. There is no finer place, from what I have seen in all my years, that is better than this. From the staff to the living and working conditions, this is a top-notch operation.”

Schuster-Walker also relayed how one inmate told her his arrival at the facility was lifesaving.

“This facility saved my life. I was cleared for incarceration by a local hospital, but when I got here, I began to go downhill fast. Both sworn and medical staff acted fast and sent me back out for emergency care. If it wasn’t for them, I would have died,” the inmate said, according to Schuster-Walker.

There are plans for the official recognition of reaccreditation to be conferred and awarded in January 2025 at the Orlando ACA Conference. Staff from the MCCF will attend the conference, where they will receive the reaccreditation award from a panel of ACA corrections professionals.

“Opening your doors and letting somebody kick the tires takes courage. I commend all of you. Oftentimes, the only role model an inmate has is you. You are their mentor. You may not remember all the inmates you have dealt with, but I assure you they will remember you,” said Sheriff James Gannon, commending everyone on a job well done.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County School of Technology’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Club’s Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapter participated in the New Jersey TSA’s State Conference. According to a release issued by the School of Technology, students placed in nine competitions, including a first-place win in Biotechnology Design for the third year in a row.

Additional highlights for this year’s achievements include first-place wins in Biomimicry, Music Production, Future Tech Teacher, and Video Game Design. Students also placed second and third in the following categories: Audio Podcasting, Drone, Engineering Design, and Prepared Presentation. In total, 32 students from the chapter are eligible for participation in the National TSA Conference, set to take place in June. According to the district, this consistent success demonstrates the club’s commitment to excellence and innovation in STEM Education.

The annual NJ TSA High School State Conference is held every spring. High school students from around the state compete in over 30 competitive events, and the winners qualify to compete against students from all over the country at the National TSA Conference, held in a different location each year.

The Academy for Biotechnology is a rigorous Career & Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for success in post-secondary programs and careers related to biotechnology. Officials said students in the Academy will develop research and laboratory skills through hands-on, project-based learning guided by real-world applications.

Email Gina DiDomenico, MCVSD Student Recruitment & Community Relations, at didomenicog@mcvts.org or visit www.mcvts.org.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed that John Dowd, 56, of Morristown, has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The charges relate to an alleged assault on May 9. Dowd, who is homeless, is known to frequent the Morristown area.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was notified on May 15 of an incident that had taken place on May 9 at George Gramby Memorial Park, located in Morristown. The four-year-old juvenile male victim reported that he was sexually assaulted by an unknown man while in the park. The man was later identified as John Dowd. Dowd was located, taken into custody, and formally charged on May 15.

The incident remains under investigation, and no further information will be released.

As a result of the investigation, the defendant has been charged with first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(a)(1), and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a)(1). Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Dowd has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Multiple law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the Morristown Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office are advising the community to be aware of an ongoing scam targeting Morris County residents. Criminals posing as law enforcement are aggressively seeking fines for alleged non-appearances for jury duty.

Morris County officials have received two reports of similar scams in the last two weeks. In these scams, fraudsters call victims, claiming a warrant has been issued for their arrest after failing to appear for jury duty. The scammers may impersonate police officers, providing titles and badge numbers.

Criminals may use actual Morris County officers’ names and manipulate the victim’s caller I.D. to appear to be coming from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, or the Morris County Courthouse. They will often ask the victim not to contact anyone and indicate the matter needs to be confidential or else they will be arrested.

To report any suspicious calls you receive regarding alleged non-appearance for jury duty, contact the Morris County Sheriff’s Office at 973-285-6600 during the day and 973-285-2900 after hours to verify agency personnel.

Prevention Tips to Help Avoid Falling Victim to this Scam:

• Legitimate law enforcement agencies will not tell you to provide money card information wire money, or ask for cryptocurrency to avoid arrest.

• Be suspicious of callers or texts who demand immediate payment and/or “fines” for any reason.