MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s office announced the apprehension of suspects in the active sexual assault investigation regarding the incident that took place earlier this week. As a result of a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, the public, and the media. This occurred just a few hours after a press conference was held and a composite sketch was released. The investigation remains active and there will be additional information as soon as available.
The assault took place on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown
The active sexual assault investigation is taking place by police, announced Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson.
At approximately 3:41 p.m. on May 3, two males approached a female and asked for money, according to police. When she did not provide money, one of the males pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood by.
Both suspects, who were unknown to the victim, fled the area thereafter, said authorities.
The assault took place on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown.
One suspect is described as a Hispanic male with black hair, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a white polo shirt and blue jeans. A second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie sweatshirt with white lettering on the back, and black pants. One of the suspects was also seen riding a bicycle.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at 973-538-2200 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF (743-7433) or 973-COP-CALL (267-2255).
MORRIS COUNTY — Atlantic Health System announced that Maureen Schneider, Ph.D., MBA, RN, has been named president of Chilton Medical Center, following a successful tenure as Chief Nurse and Operations Officer at Chilton that saw numerous clinical care and quality achievements.
Schneider has served as interim president of Chilton since November 2021, following the transition of Stephanie Schwartz to the president of Atlantic Health’s Overlook Medical Center. Working closely with the leadership team and frequently rounding among frontline team members throughout the hospital, Schneider has maintained her patient-centered focus in her new role, to continue building success at Chilton.
“Maureen is leading the Chilton team with the passion and vision she has exemplified since joining Atlantic Health System,” said Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO of Atlantic Health System. “Through her collaborative leadership and dedication to our patients and caregivers, Maureen is ensuring Chilton’s forward momentum while advancing our mission to build healthier communities.”
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“I’m honored and excited to continue my journey at Chilton Medical Center, and as a president, contribute to its ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and extraordinary patient care,” Schneider said. “I look forward to working more broadly with our physicians as well as our clinical and support teams who make Chilton the hospital our community looks to for high-quality care.”
Schneider joined Atlantic Health in 2014 as Chief Nurse and Operations Officer of Chilton Medical Center. As an integral part of Chilton’s leadership team, she maintained clinical, financial, and operational responsibilities for all inpatient and outpatient units and clinical services for the 260-bed community hospital. Her leadership of the nursing teams has been instrumental in many of Chilton’s achievements and accolades, including being named the #1 mid-size hospital in New Jersey by Castle Connolly for the past seven years and a high-performing hospital in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, she led Chilton to achieve Magnet® Accreditation Recognition for Nursing Excellence, the third health care organization where she achieved this award.
Schneider received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Hunter College-Bellevue School of Nursing, an MBA from Monmouth University, and a doctorate from Seton Hall University, she is certified in Advanced Nursing Administration, Quality Healthcare is a Fellow in the College of Healthcare Executives and is a Johnson and Johnson Executive Wharton Fellow.
Schneider holds an adjunct faculty position at Seton Hall University teaching doctoral and graduate business and leadership/management and undergraduate students and is an accomplished author, coach, presenter, and executive/ leadership mentor. She is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Nursing, an NJ Biz Top 50 Women in Business Award, a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, and was nationally named as one of 2022 Becker’s Top 66 CNOs to Know.
MORRIS COUNTY — Just five months ago, a policy put in place is being thrown into reverse.
At the beginning of the year, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (NJOAG) updated guidelines on the state’s use-of-force policy that went into effect, which did not allow police pursuits over car thefts. It was only allowed if chase vehicles were involved in more serious crimes or to prevent imminent death.
Months later, after listening to various township leaders, Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin has reversed that decision, allowing police officers across the state to now pursue car thieves. Under former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, police were restricted from conducting pursuits as part of his reform package of use-of-force policies following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
The reasoning behind the change, Platkin says, is the sharp rise in car thefts across the state. In his announcement of the reversal of the policy at a news conference in Marlboro, Platkin said that car thefts in NJ this year were 37% higher than they were last year and 53% higher compared to 2020.
“They’re increasingly linked to other crimes,” he explained. “These changes will give law enforcement the tools they need to meet the moment and protect our communities while also being mindful of the inherent risks that come to officer safety and the public when officers do engage in these pursuits.”
According to the office of the NJAOG, more than 10% of police pursuits end in injuries or fatalities. But, it also says a significant percentage of individuals who commit auto theft offenses have also been involved in shootings. State Police say there were 14,000 vehicle thefts last year, and this year is on pace to be at least 50% greater than thefts in 2020. Nearly 99% of the car thefts, police say, are because owners are leaving their keys in the car.
Platkin’s reversal comes as New Jersey invests $10 million from the American Rescue Plan in more license plate readers to help combat car thefts. Several New Jersey towns already have had the technology in place. Additionally, $125,000 of federal money will go towards adding more detectives, prosecutors, and police departments to the auto theft task force.
Senator Joe Lagana (D – District 38) and Senator Paul Sarlo (D – District 36) support the change.
Acting Attorney General Platkin
“We applaud Attorney General Platkin for recognizing recent crime trends across New Jersey, and for issuing his directive to law enforcement at all levels that will allow them to conduct practical, safe, effective pursuits of criminals who are stealing vehicles out of Bergen County and every other county in the State,” Lagana and Sarlo said in a statement.
“These changes, which we called for in a letter to the attorney general on March 24 after receiving numerous complaints from law enforcement that the December 2020 directive concerning pursuits, though well-intended, had effectively tied officers’ hands in allowing them to properly do their jobs,” their statement continued. “This revision of that policy is a timely change, and will be welcome to those in the rank-and-file who serve and protect our communities.”
A group of lawmakers from across the state came together in Monmouth County this week calling for stiffer penalties in car theft cases, saying that the current catch-and-release policy isn’t working.
“Our judiciary cannot continue to act like a Michelin Star Restaurant offering topnotch service to criminals who are committing these crimes,” Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said. “We cannot continue to sit here and defend criminals for criminal acts.”
The change in car pursuit policy is not permanent. Platkin said that it would be in place until, at least, the end of 2022, when the NJOAG will review the policy again.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirm an active investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in Morristown on Tuesday, May 3. Law enforcement is seeking information from the public.
On May 3, at approximately 3:41 p.m., two males approached a female and asked for money on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown. When the female victim did not provide money, one of the males pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood by. Thereafter, both suspects fled the area.
The suspects were unknown to the victim. One suspect is described as a Hispanic male with black hair, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a white polo shirt and blue jeans. A second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years of age, last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie sweatshirt with white lettering on the back, and black pants. One of the suspects was also seen riding a bicycle.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at (973) 538-2200 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF (743-7433) or 973-COP-CALL (267-2255).
Persons reporting any information may remain anonymous. Information on how to submit an anonymous tip can be found on the CrimeStoppers Program website at www.morriscrimestoppers.org. CrimeStoppers tips can be provided by phone, submitted online, or downloaded the app (P3 TIPS).
Looking over a tray of goods, (l-r) Owner Kohler with Commissioners Smith and Mastrangelo.
PARSIPPANY — It’s National Small Business Week. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners observes the annual event by personally delivering checks to small businesses and nonprofits that qualified for grants of up to $15,000 under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Mara’s Café & Bakery at 23 Main Street, Denville, and the Police Athletic League of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township were visited on Tuesday, May 3, and issued checks under a program designed to help small businesses and nonprofits cope with some of the setbacks caused by the pandemic.
“It’s definitely worth it,” said Allison Kohler at Mara’s, after getting a check for more than $9,000.
Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo presented the grant after touring her bakery and interviewing her about her experience applying for the grant.
“It was some of the best customer service I ever had, and you don’t expect that from the government. Honestly, it was a process, but (the customer service representative) held my hand every step of the way,” Kohler explained
Outside the bakery Commissioners Mastrangelo, Smith, and owner Allison Kohler
Her bakery suffered business losses and difficulty maintaining personnel, but she is hopeful the business will survive as her unique offerings of bakery goods keep customers returning.
The Parsippany PAL, in operation since 1966, has been a staple as a community center in the township, but was forced to close through 2020. After partially opening last year, the PAL is back in action this year.
More grants will be delivered this week and next week, and many more are being mailed.
The Morris County Small Business program launched on Valentine’s Day under the slogan “Morris County Loves Small Business,” has received over 575 applications to date, with many already approved and most others still under review.
The Commissioners dedicated $10 million to the effort.
Most of the applications heading for final approval will provide each of the qualified businesses and nonprofits a maximum grant amount of $15,000. While the remaining applications are still being reviewed, the program remains open to new applications. Businesses, as well as non-profits, are urged to take advantage of the grant offer.
There is no cost to apply.
The program is financed through Morris County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds, and it is designed to provide grants of up to $15,000 to reimburse small businesses and nonprofit organizations for specific pandemic recovery expenses. The expenses must have been incurred on or after March 3, 2021 – a timeline established under ARPA guidelines.
The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to:
The business has 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
In operation since January 1, 2019
Located within Morris County
Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage under the grant program and which applications may be approved.
The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant, even if the total amount of a single claim exceeds $15,000.
A final review may determine that some costs submitted for consideration are not covered under the program guidelines. However, by submitting all expenses that may qualify, applicants increase the possibility of getting the maximum amount of grant dollars possible.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Mount Olive Police Chief Stephen Beecher, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Richard Pantina, the Morris County Board of Commissioners, and Morris County Crimestoppers announce two Gun Buy Back events are scheduled to be held in Morris County.
The County and locally-run “Guns for Cash” events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on:
Saturday, May 14, 2022 Budd Lake Fire Department
378 Route 46
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Sunday, May 15, 2022 Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) Building
33 Baldwin Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
New Jersey residents are invited to turn in firearms with “no questions asked,” and will receive as much as $300 per weapon for up to three guns. Payouts will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. This program will accept firearms from all persons including juveniles without requiring the disclosure of names or other personal information.
Those looking to surrender firearms are asked to bring them to the above locations wrapped in plastic or contained in a box. Police officers will be stationed at each buyback location to collect and secure the guns.
The Morris County Gun Buy Back Amnesty Program will be funded with a total of $60,000.00. Below is a table detailing the funding sources and the total amount of each contribution.
FUNDING SOURCE
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION
Morris County Commissioners (County ARPA Funds)
$20,000.00
Morris County Crimestoppers Commission
$10,000.00
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (CLETA)
$20,000.00
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
$10,000.00
TOTAL
$60,000.00
Acting Attorney General Platkin said, “Reducing gun violence in our communities is paramount, and gun buybacks are vital for removing firearms from circulation before they can be used to take a life. We proudly support counties and local law enforcement in buyback efforts that advance our shared goal of bringing an end to gun violence and restoring peace to communities across New Jersey.”
Prosecutor Carroll said, “I would personally like to thank our funding partners – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Morris County Crimestoppers, and the Morris County Board of Commissioners – for their leadership and support of the program. The Buy Back program is ‘no questions asked,’ and a great way for law enforcement and New Jersey residents to work together to reduce the number of unsecured guns circulating in the community.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Reducing gun violence necessitates a cooperative response. Every gun we will collect represents a gun taken off the streets. This is all about Safety in our communities. Many times, people pass away and the family is left with firearms in the home that can be turned in to us with no questions asked. I applaud our partners at the state, county, and local levels for helping ensure a successful Program.”
Morris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana, the board liaison to Law and Public Safety, said “This program is designed to prevent unwanted firearms in Morris County households from landing on the street. The aim is public safety, and it is a suitable use of American Rescue Plan Act funding obtained by the county.”
Mount Olive Police Chief Beecher said, “The Mount Olive Police Department is pleased to partner with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department to offer our community a no-hassle and if wanted, anonymous way to get rid of unwanted guns.”
The last Gun Buy Back program in Morris County, held in March 2013, resulted in the surrender of 600 weapons and paid out a total of $49,550.
File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Police Department Chief Paul Castimore, announce the arrest of William Mickel, 68, of Lake Hopatcong.
The defendant has been charged with one count of Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), a crime of the Second Degree; and one count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii), a Third Degree crime. It is alleged that on or about January 25, Defendant was in possession of numerous videos and material depicting children in various prohibited sexual acts, constituting possession of child sexual abuse material.
In addition, it is alleged that Mickel was in possession of the above materials and that he distributed the same. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was first notified and alerted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Mickel was arrested on the above charges on April 22, and after his arrest, he was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. Upon being formally advised of the charges against him, he was released pursuant to Criminal Justice Reform and is pending a Pre-Indictment Conference on May 31.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, the Jefferson Police Department, the Chester Township Police Department, and members of the New Jersey State Police Task Force on Child Sexual Abuse for their efforts in the investigation and arrest of this defendant.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the 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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Celebrate your favorite mom by donating blood and as a thank you, New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) will be giving out free planters to all presenting donors Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend.
Mothers lose about one pint of blood when giving birth and NJBS donors ensure that blood is available for new mothers and their babies. NJBS is encouraging folks to donate in honor of mothers over the holiday weekend. The blood supply has suffered over the last month as schools went on spring break and families took vacations. Currently, NJBS is low on blood types O-, B- and B+.
“Mothers deserve a thank you every day and this week we’re proud to celebrate them with planters that will grow to be beautiful flowers,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director at New Jersey Blood Services. “Whether it is your actual mom or even your neighbor, teacher or co-worker, donate blood in honor of all moms and help us to replenish the region’s blood supply.”
Participating in blood drives include on Saturday, May at Morris Plains Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Drive, Morris Plains from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Folks can also stop by their local donor center to donate blood and receive a planter over the holiday weekend at the following locations:
It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. Those in need include cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or click here.
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is a nonprofit organization that is one of the world’s largest independent, community-based blood centers. NYBC, along with its operating divisions Community Blood Center of Kansas City, Missouri (CBC), Innovative Blood Resources (IBR), Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), and Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC), collect approximately 4,000 units of blood products each day and serve local communities of more than 75 million people in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT), Mid Atlantic area (PA, DE, MD, VA), Missouri and Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Southern New England. NYBC and its operating divisions also provide a wide array of transfusion-related medical services to over 500 hospitals nationally, including Comprehensive Cell Solutions, the National Center for Blood Group Genomics, the National Cord Blood Program, and the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, which — among other milestones — developed a practical screening method for hepatitis B as well as a safe, effective and affordable vaccine, and a patented solvent detergent plasma process innovating blood-purification technology worldwide.
Karen DeChristopher, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Adam Gragnani, Dee dePierro, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Senator Anthony Bucco
MORRIS COUNTY — The American Cancer Society of Morris County’s Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, May 21 at Parsippany Hills High School at 20 Rita Drive in Parsippany. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Registration starts at 3:00 p.m.
Western’s Angel’s For Hope 2021
The Relay for Life is a noncompetitive walk event to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. The Theme for this year’s Relay is Star Wars. Attendees can come dressed in Star Wars attire and bring Star Wars games and accessories.
The day and night will be filled with music courtesy of a DJ and guest entertainers. There are many activities including Contests, Corn Hole, and Flag Football. There will also be themed laps from start to finish to help keep Relayers going through the event because “cancer does not sleep.”
There are three central themes to every Relay for Life Event – Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. The celebration portion includes a dinner for cancer Survivors and their CareGivers. The remembrance portion includes a moving Luminaria Ceremony in which friends and loved ones lost to cancer are remembered. The entire event is a way of fighting back against cancer by raising funds for Research. The American Cancer Society funds research for all types of cancer. 93% of all money raised goes to continuing research efforts.
By supporting Relay For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
