MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally are pleased to announce the hiring of Jocelyn Allen and Jazmin Munoz-Felder as Detectives for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. A swearing-in ceremony was held on May 6.
Detective Jocelyn Allen
Detective Allen will be joining the Domestic Violence Unit within the Family Division. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as a Police Detective with the Newark Police Department, where she was assigned to the department’s legal affairs unit. In this role, she assisted partner agencies with evidence collection for legal proceedings. Detective Allen also has experience as a first responder while on patrol, where she earned recognition for her courageous actions, including saving the life of a man attempting suicide. Her diverse background includes roles as a medical receptionist at Clara Maass Hospital and an Arbitration/Billing Clerk for a private company. Detective Allen is a graduate of the Essex County Police Academy and has completed several certifications.
Detective Jazmin Munoz-Felder
Detective Munoz-Felder will be assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit within the Tactical Division. She previously served in the same unit with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2013 to 2020, where she conducted interviews related to child endangerment and sexual assault, participated in human trafficking operations, and assisted multiple law enforcement agencies. Most recently, she served in the Special Victims Unit of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, where she was responsible for preparing search warrants, executing operations plans, and investigating allegations of child endangerment and sexual assault. Detective Munoz-Felder also served as a liaison for human trafficking and Internet Crimes Against Children. Her earlier roles include serving as a Police Officer for the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Police and the Middlesex County College Police Departments. She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Union County College/Ocean County College and has completed various professional training courses.
Statement from Prosecutor Carroll
“I welcome, and welcome back, our two incoming Detectives. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment and Domestic Violence Units perform critical work serving the most vulnerable victims in our community, and I am glad to strengthen our dedicated team of investigators,” said Prosecutor Carroll.
BOONTON — At approximately 9:46 a.m. on Monday, May 20, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office received a tip through the RSVP-3 system alleging the presence of an explosive device at Boonton High School. In response, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and Boonton Police Department were dispatched to the scene.
As a precaution, the school was placed under a shelter-in-place order. All bags were methodically searched, and once the search concluded without finding any suspicious devices, the shelter-in-place order was lifted.
Later, at around 11:18 a.m., the Boonton Police received a report of an alleged active shooter at John Hill School. Officers from Boonton Police, Mountain Lakes Police, and Montville Police responded and cleared the building. The report was found to be not credible, and the building was declared safe by 11:40 a.m. It was determined that the report at John Hill School resulted from a misunderstanding related to the initial shelter-in-place situation.
The investigation at both locations lasted about two hours and involved the Morris County Sheriff’s K9 Section.
The Morris County Aktion Club, which is sponsored by DAWNcil. Aktion Club is the only service club for adults with disabilities, with more than 10,000 members worldwide. Club members become competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.
MORRIS COUNTY — Dawn’s Family Fun Day and Disability Resource Fair occurred on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, at Central Park of Morris County, at One Governor Christie Drive, Parsippany.
Dawn’s Family Fun Day Brings Joy to Central Park
The event featured various activities, including a Community Resource Fair, food trucks, live music, games, prizes, and more. Attendees enjoyed a reptile show and turtle races presented by Snakes ‘n’ Scales.
Highlights of the event included:
Food trucks by Colonial Grill
Live music throughout the day by Marin Contini
Over 20 resource vendors
Lawn games
Photo opportunities with Minnie Mouse
Activities and games for all ages
Giveaways and prizes
Planting activities, sensory activities, STEM activities, and a scavenger hunt
A wheelchair softball game on Challenger Field, where attendees could cheer on the players or use provided wheelchairs to join in and experience the game themselves
This event was perfect for families looking to have a great time while learning about essential services available for individuals with disabilities. With games, entertainment, informational booths, wheelchair softball games, and live music, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The community came together to make lasting memories at this special event.
•DAWN Center for Independent Living: Dawn is a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in the New Jersey counties of Morris, Sussex, and Warren. DAWN’s dedicated and professional staff work with consumers from three locations following a self-directed philosophy. This means that consumers are always empowered to make their own decisions and set their own goals. They provide various services for people with disabilities in advocacy, information and referral, peer support, and independent living skills training. We offer employment services, life skills training classes, and recreational activities for adults, youth, and young adults. DAWN also provides support coordination and care management under many state programs. DAWN’s comprehensive services are a critical part of the support network that enables people with disabilities residing in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties to live independently in their communities. Click here for more information.
•Hope House: Hope House is located at 101-103 Bassett Highway, Dover. It is a non-profit social services agency that is part of Catholic Charities. Click here for more information.
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
•Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs: At MCOHA, the organization understands that its strength is not only in the words it stands by but also in the actions of its initiatives. That’s why MCOHA works diligently to enhance the lives of over 12,000 of Morris County’s Hispanic and low-income residents annually, offering direct social and legal services and client advocacy. Click here for more information.
•National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey: Founded in 1998, NIPD/NJ is a rapidly growing residential and family support service provider in New Jersey. With an emphasis on opportunities for people we support to live independently, NIPD/NJ offers supervised and supportive residential programs. Currently, the agency operates ten supervised group homes, ten supervised apartment programs, and one supportive apartment. The agency also offers Support Coordination services in Sussex, Hudson, Essex, Somerset, and Warren counties. Click here for more information.
•Reliant Care Transport: Reliant Care Transport was established in response to the shortcomings of conventional transportation options for individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities. We’ve leveraged the convenience and safety of Uber’s ridesharing services to offer our participants a superior, cost-effective solution. Click here for more information.
•Abilities of Northwest Jersey: Offers individualized employment and support services for persons with disabilities. Enhancing personal development by offering training activities in daily living, personal health and safety, socialization, decision-making, and communication. Providing individuals with the skills to acquire and maintain successful, meaningful employment and to benefit from community-integrated activities. Click here for more information.
•ArcMorris: ArcMorris is dedicated to caring, supporting, and advancing people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families. Click here for more information.
•A & J Majestic Care: A & J is a home care provider inspired to care majestically for recovering disabled adults and seniors. They believe each client deserves a holistic approach that restores and maintains their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Majestic Care Nurses are committed to quality care. Registered Nurses perform initial assessments, delegate responsibilities, and make periodic visits to monitor progress and client satisfaction. Click here for more information.
•Celebrate the Children: Celebrate the Children (CTC), is a New Jersey State – Approved, not-for-profit private school serving neuro-diverse individuals. Their developmental program serves a range of students ages 3-21 with Autism and other Developmental Challenges. Their school program commenced in January 2004. Click here for more information.
•Child & Family Resources: Child & Family Resources (CFR) focuses on children. They create and implement programs and services that support the development of children and their families by engaging and partnering with the community in their efforts to enhance children’s lives. Their vision is a communal state that shares the burden of early care and education with families. Click here for more information.
•Circle of Strength: Their mission is to create opportunities for growth and meaningful life choices with services and support so the individuals we service have meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals.Click here for more information.
•Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming: They partner with the DAWN Center for Independent Living to provide Care Management and other disability services to adults with disabilities. You can reach them at 973-625-1940. Click here for more information.
•Caring Hands Group Home: It is an approved provider for the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, offering many services to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the community and in homes.Caring Hands LLC administrative staff has over 20 years of combined DDD experience servicing individuals with intellectual disabilities and behavioral and medical complexities. Click here for more information.
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced the start of the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which aims to raise awareness among drivers and passengers about the lifesaving importance of wearing seat belts.
The campaign, which will run through June 2, will leverage grant funding from HTS to provide resources to law enforcement agencies across the state so they can step up enforcement of New Jersey’s seat belt requirements to keep drivers and passengers safe on our roadways.
This year, 119 New Jersey law enforcement agencies have received $766,010 from HTS to help pay for increased road patrols, seat belt checkpoints, and other enforcement initiatives during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
The campaign is part of HTS’s ongoing efforts to increase safety and reduce fatalities on New Jersey’s roadways. According to the most recent data from 2022, in New Jersey, there were 140 unbelted fatalities, and 39 percent of all motor vehicle occupant fatalities were unrestrained, compared to 44 percent nationally. Over the past five years, nearly 16 percent of all unrestrained occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in New Jersey were between the ages of 20 and 24, compared to 13.5 percent nationally.
“Seat belts save lives – we want that message to be loud and clear. And the campaign we are announcing today will provide law enforcement agencies with resources to reinforce that basic but critical point,” Platkin said. “As we prepare for the busy summer driving season, we are laser-focused on ensuring safety on roadways across New Jersey. This starts with drivers and passengers buckling up when they enter a vehicle.”
“In New Jersey, a state known for its busy highways and beautiful shorelines, spending time on the road is inevitable. However, it’s important to prioritize safety no matter your destination,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Wearing your seatbelt is not only required by law, but it can also save your life. Remember to buckle up, day or night, every seat, every time.”
Law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey take a “no-excuses” approach to seat belt compliance. The maximum penalty of a $46 fine for a seat belt violation serves as a reminder to buckle up every time.
Last year, law enforcement agencies participating in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign issued 6,989 seatbelt citations statewide, wrote 2,320 speeding summonses, and made 232 impaired driving arrests.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign also coincides with the “101 Days of Summer,” considered the busiest and most dangerous travel period of the year. Beautiful weather and New Jersey’s countless entertainment and recreational destinations create heavy travel demands between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Over the next three months, HTS will continue to work closely with local, county, state, and national law enforcement agencies to make summer travel safer and strive to reduce crashes and fatalities throughout New Jersey.
HANOVER — On Monday, May 27th, Hanover Township will host its annual Memorial Day Parade, marching down Whippany Road in a vibrant hour-long event. This year, the parade, chaired by Committeeman and Deputy Mayor Michael Mihalko and the Hanover Veterans Alliance, continues the tradition of honoring our fallen military and service heroes.
United States Army Sergeant and Team Chief Michael McCorry, who served in the 2nd USA Missile Detachment in Germany, will be this year’s Grand Marshal. The keynote speaker will be Command Chief Master Sergeant (RET) Joseph Ortu from the 108th Air Refueling Wing. Ortu began his military career in 1967 and retired in 2007, with deployments in Thailand, Norway, Ecuador, Turkey, Spain, and France.
The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at Whippany Park High School. It will kick off with the Hanover Township Committee members and feature veterans from World War II, the Slattery Marine Corps League, the US Marine Corps Color Guard, the Whippany Park Marching Band, pipe bands, military vehicles, and various service organizations. Participants will also include the Whippany and Cedar Knolls Fire Departments, area churches, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and numerous teams from Little League and soccer, marching with members of the NY Red Bulls.
The parade will conclude at the American Legion Hall on Legion Place, where ceremonies honoring those who gave their all will be held. Command Chief Master Sergeant Ortu will deliver a speech. Following the ceremony, there will be a gathering at the rear of the Legion with hot dogs and refreshments for all attendees.
Parking for the Legion ceremony will be available in the JCC parking lot at 905 Route 10. Access can be made via Legion Place anytime before the parade or the Route 10 entrance to the JCC. Signs and police officers will provide directions to dedicated parade parking, and a shuttle to the Legion will be available for those who prefer not to walk.
Morris County Crimestoppers offering reward for info leading to arrest of woman who damaged glass door in Morristown.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who damaged a glass door in Morristown.
According to authorities, on Saturday, April 20, at approximately 1:16 a.m., an unidentified white female was seen in the vicinity of 23 South Street in Morristown.
The suspect kicked the lower section of the left glass door at 23 South Street, causing significant damage. She briefly left, returned around 1:18 a.m., and began kicking the right door, continuing for several minutes. The repeated kicks, as seen in surveillance footage, resulted in damage and cracks to the lower portion of the right glass door, officials reported.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at copcall.org, 973-COP-CALL, or through any mobile device’s free “P3 Tips” app.
Tips can be submitted anonymously, and informants could receive a reward of up to $1,000.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Assembly Health Committee approved a trio of bills aimed at combating the rising use of tobacco and vaping products, especially among young people.
The proposed legislation includes increasing penalties for prohibited sales, mandating inspections for retailers, and establishing guidelines for schools to create public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking and vaping.
“Smoking and vaping can cause devastating and irreversible damage,” said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee (D-Burlington). “Too many of our youth are using tobacco and vaping products, and that needs to stop. The bills we advanced today are designed to help curb underage usage of these products.”
Bill A3992, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Venezia, Assemblyman Conaway, and Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy, proposes increased penalties for certain prohibited sales of tobacco and vapor products. Bill A2388, sponsored by Assemblyman William Spearman and Assemblyman Conaway, requires more frequent cigarette and vapor product dealer inspections. Bill A2029, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblyman Conaway, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, directs the New Jersey Departments of Education (NJDOE) and Health (NJDOH) to develop guidelines for school districts and higher education institutions on student vaping awareness campaigns.
A3992 would expand the definition of “tobacco product” to include any product containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or nicotine and affiliated accessories. This includes vapor products, snuff, hookahs, filters, rolling papers, and similar items. The bill would also increase penalties for retailers selling “tobacco products” to anyone under 21 – up to $750 for the first offense, up to $1,500 for the second offense, and up to $3,000 for subsequent offenses.
“Safeguarding the health and well-being of our youth should be a priority,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “Updating terminology and extending regulations to encompass all tobacco products and accessories is a crucial measure in our commitment to shielding our young people from the dangers of addiction and its lifelong impacts.”
Assemblywoman McCoy (D-Mercer, Middlesex) added, “Tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes and vapes, have become a significant health epidemic among our youth. This bill prioritizes the health and well-being of our constituents by strengthening existing laws to discourage young people from accessing tobacco products and revealing the associated risks.”
A2388 would allow county or municipal law enforcement, under the direction of the Attorney General or Commissioner of the NJDOH, to conduct a minimum of two annual inspections of retailers, serve and execute summonses for violations, and forfeit vapor products found in violation. Retailers in violation would receive a three-month follow-up.
“We want to discourage retailers from selling tobacco products violating the law,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester). “With the rise of e-cigarette and vape usage among teens and young adults, regular inspections will enable us to address challenges before they escalate into serious issues.”
A2029 would assist school districts, colleges, and universities in communicating with students about the risks of vaping by instructing the NJDOE and NJDOH to create guidelines for on-campus anti-vaping campaigns. These campaigns would be multi-tiered, offering decision-making tools and age-specific marketing materials with information about the consequences of vaping on physical and mental health, pregnancy, workplace environments, and exposure to young children.
“Peer trends frequently influence children and young adults. While some trends, like the latest TikTok dance, may be harmless, others, like smoking, can have significant and lasting consequences,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex). “Empowering schools to engage with their student body and provide education on resisting peer pressure and staying safe helps reduce the number of youths who try smoking or vaping.”
“A study by the University of North Carolina found that ‘Real Cost’ prevention ads decreased youth susceptibility to vaping and smoking cigarettes,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “This bill would translate that research into practice by providing schools with guidelines to help facilitate the implementation of on-campus anti-vaping campaigns tailored for adolescents and young adults.”
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit ready for another lake season
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit will again assist the New Jersey State Police in keeping everyone safe this summer. Regular tours of duty are already underway.
Like all years, this year’s emphasis will be on ensuring a safe and fun experience for everyone. The sheriff’s office said a great way to accomplish this is by following boating safety practices.
Officials said children 12 years old and under are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD).
All emergencies should be reported by calling 9-1-1, and all other issues can be resolved by contacting the New Jersey State Police at (973) 663-3400.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office offers these safe boating tips:
The operator must have an operator license, valid registration, and boating safety certificate in possession.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be available for all passengers. Children 12 years old and under must wear PFDs while the vessel is moving.
A throwable seat cushion or ring buoy must be available.
The vessel must be equipped with an adequate horn or whistle and an approved fire extinguisher.
Navigation lights must be on between sunset and sunrise.
Be aware of your swimming capability.
Avoid alcohol.
Check local weather conditions before departure.
Use common sense – operate at a safe speed, stay alert and be respectful of navigational aids and other boaters.
“Remember, boating safety for all boaters and passengers. Have a life jacket and always wear it while boating. Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket,” the sheriff’s office said.
Jersey City Man Sentenced for 2022 Armed Robbery at East Hanover Best Buy
EAST HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and East Hanover Township Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo confirmed the sentencing of Michael Guirguis, 39, of Jersey City, in connection with the armed robbery of Best Buy, 410 Route 10 East, on May 28, 2022.
On May 10, 2024, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., imposed a sentence of 28 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 23.75 years of parole ineligibility. Specifically, the defendant received 28 years for the first-degree Robbery, per NJSA 2C:43-7a(2). The third-degree Shoplifting, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon merged into the Robbery.
Guirguis was found guilty by a jury on March 22, 2024, of first-degree Armed Robbery, third-degree Shoplifting, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Judge Amirata also found Guirguis guilty of Resisting Arrest. He was held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.
The State presented evidence that on May 28, 2022, Guirguis entered Best Buy on Route 10 in East Hanover and removed multiple iPads and iPhones from a display table worth $4,500. As he tried to flee Best Buy, Guirguis brandished a knife at an asset protection employee. Guirguis also brandished the blade of the knife at a second individual after stepping outside of the store with the stolen items. Police arrived to find Guirguis in the parking lot with the knife and stolen items in hand. The defendant did not respond to lawful orders and was apprehended by force.
Prosecutor Carroll credited the Trial Team of Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Herda, Assistant Prosecutor Donald Gual, Agent John Jespersen, Detective Matthew Marino, and Support Staff members Nina Tenten, Natalie Marzalik, and Anna Cerutti.
The Prosecutor would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful prosecution, including the East Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigation Unit.
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6. Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Star-Ledger on January 2, 2024, and published in the Record and Ledger on January 5, 2024. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building.” These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting, and sufficient time for the publications to publish them.
The Town of Dover highly values residents’ input in making important decisions that affect our community. We also believe in residents’ rights to observe Governing Body Meetings. To ensure that all residents have the opportunity to offer comments, each statement/comment shall be limited to five minutes.
Mayor James Dodd (December 31, 2027)
Claudia P. Toro Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2025)
Sandra Wittner Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2024)
Sergio Rodriguez Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2025)
Geovani Estacio Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2024)
Michael Scarneo Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2025)
Karol Ruiz Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2024)
