MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announced that two men and one woman have been arrested and charged in connection with motor vehicle burglaries.

On Monday afternoon, October 10, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to multiple motor vehicle burglaries across the Morris County Parks. At least five vehicles were burglarized.  The Patrol Division alerted surrounding agencies.  The cars were parked in various County Parks in Mendham Township, Chester Township and Washington Township.

A few hours later, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Peapack and Gladstone Police Department, located in Somerset County, conducted a motor vehicle stop on a suspicious vehicle.  After an investigation, it was determined the occupants of the vehicle were suspects in the burglaries that occurred in the Morris County Parks.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Squad responded to the Peapack and Gladstone Police Department and conducted a follow up investigation.  Through the investigation, it was determined the three occupants, Bennie M. Ogletree of Coral Springs, FL, Travis J. Ward of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Misty M. Stover of Philadelphia, PA were responsible for the motor vehicle burglaries that occurred within Morris County.  The actors were arrested and charged with the following crimes:

Ogletree was arrested and charged with:

• Three counts of Burglary in violation of NJSA 2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3rd
• Two counts of Credit Card Theft in violation of NJSA 2C:21-6C(1), a crime of the 4th
• Three counts of Conspiracy in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Conspiracy of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3rd

Ward was arrested and charged with:

• Three counts of Burglary in violation of NJSA 2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3rd
• Two counts of Credit Card Theft in violation of NJSA 2C:21-6C(1), a crime of the 4th
• Three counts of Conspiracy in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Conspiracy of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3rd

Stover was arrested and charged with:

• One count of Possession, Use or Being Under the Influence, or Failure to Make Lawful Disposition in violation of NJSA 2C:35-10A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• One count of Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution in violation of NJSA 2C:29-3b(4), a crime of the 4th
• One count of Use or Possession with Intent to Use in violation of 2C:36-2A, a Disorderly Persons offense.
• Three counts of Burglary in violation of NJSA 2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3
• Two counts of Credit Card Theft in violation of NJSA 2C:21-6C(1), a crime of the 4th
• Three counts of Conspiracy in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:18-2A(1), a crime of the 3rd
• Three counts of Conspiracy of Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of NJSA 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:20-3A, a crime of the 3r

Sheriff Gannon commended the Patrol Division and Detective Squad for a quick investigation.  Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office continues to uphold the safety and the security in the Morris County Parks.  This is a great example of fast police work.  People should be able to enjoy the County Parks on a beautiful day without any worries.”

The three actors were charged on complaint warrants and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.  The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Section also assisted in the investigation.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing 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 — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 2022 “Arts and Humanities Month” during a recent work session meeting in Morristown.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen read parts of the formal resolution as he presented the framed proclamation to Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts. Werder was joined by Weusi Baraka, Director of Arts in Community for Morris Arts; Dave Sipple, President, Morris Music Men, and Jenna Castano, Director of Marketing and Communications for Morris Arts.

“Tonight, Morris County will resume an annual practice that was interrupted by the pandemic.  The Board of County Commissioners will formally recognize the month of October to be Arts and Humanities Month by virtue of the proclamation I now hold,” said Director Selen.

“It says in part, that we honor arts and humanities because they have come to embody much of the accumulated wisdom, understanding and imagination amassed over the centuries by humankind and have allowed us to explore ideas, express emotions and better appreciate the diverse and many cultures around the globe,” the director added.

Many organizations, nonprofits and small businesses involved in the arts and humanities benefited from the Morris County Small Business Grant Program, which was launched on Valentine’s Day and closed to applications last month.  Designed to assist small businesses and nonprofits still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 723 grants had been approved as of September 30, although many applications submitted by that deadline are still under review.

Among the grants were more than 40 approved for groups such as the Growing Stage in Netcong, the Morris County Art Association, the Morris Museum, the Denville String Band, the All Children’s Art Center, The Barn Theatre, the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey and, of course, The Morris Arts.

The Morris Arts has been actively promoting the arts in Morris County for nearly 50 years and that work is noted in the proclamation presented.

MORRIS COUNTY —  On Tuesday, October 11, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll issued a commendation to Agent Gus Amato for rendering medical assistance while off-duty.

The commendation, signed by Prosecutor Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie M. Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, was prompted by Agent Amato’s potentially life-saving actions on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

At approximately 12:10 p.m., while on a scheduled day off, Agent Amato entered the BP Gas Station, 42 East Main Street, Denville, where he observed an employee, (who declined to be identified in this release), within the convenience store exhibiting odd and peculiar behavior, and who appeared confused.

Based upon his prior law enforcement first aid training and experience, Agent Amato correctly identified that the victim was suffering from a medical episode.  Agent Amato assisted the victim to the floor, then called 9-1-1 and requested medical assistance. While waiting for the arrival of emergency services, Agent Amato continued care and ultimately determined that the victim may have been suffering from a diabetic episode, at which time he asked another patron in the establishment to get a can of soda, then assisted the victim while consuming it.

Once the victim ingested some soda, the condition improved, but medical distress continued.

Agent Amato continued to monitor the situation until emergency services arrived and assumed care of the victim, who was ultimately hospitalized for several days.  The victim subsequently spoke with Agent Amato and said, “Thank you, you saved my life”, multiple times.

Prosecutor Carroll stated, “During this incident, Agent Amato exemplified his dedication to public service, and demonstrated how professionals are always on-duty.  He not only represents himself well, but also the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Don Bacon (NE-2) introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation will provide state and local law enforcement agencies with federal grant funding to help them combat auto thefts and stolen vehicle trafficking. According to State Police data, 14,320 cars were reported stolen in 2021 in New Jersey. That is a 22% rise in car thefts from 2020. By August 2022, 9,000 cars were stolen. That is expected to rise to 17,000 by the end of the year.

“Motor vehicle theft is a growing public safety issue. Not only are members of our community having cars stolen, but their sense of safety and security is being stolen, as well,” “In response to alarming trends across the state and many conversations with concerned residents, police chiefs, prosecutors, and mayors in NJ-11, I introduced commonsense legislation to give our law enforcement the tools needed to curb these auto thefts and make our neighborhoods safer. As a former federal prosecutor, I am committed to making sure our local police departments have the resources needed to strengthen community safety and build trust in our towns and cities.”

“Local law enforcement, including those in our district, need the technology and top-notch equipment to track and catch car thieves quickly and efficiently,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m glad to lead this legislation with Rep. Sherrill and believe this grant program will not only combat the rise in auto thefts but will help deter future crimes and show criminals they won’t be able to get away with robbing the community.”

This legislation will create a new competitive grant program within the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to fund state and local law enforcement efforts to combat auto thefts. In addition, the legislation creates a new eligible use of funds within the existing COPS grant program that allows police departments to use funds on new equipment, hiring, and compensation to help combat auto thefts. It is designed to direct funding to areas of the country that are most impacted by a rise in auto thefts.

Grants can be used by police departments to purchase equipment used to combat auto theft, such as law enforcement vehicles and license plate readers, hire additional law enforcement officers and support staff, fund overtime costs and additional compensation for law enforcement officers and support staff, provide resources for joint task forces, and fund law enforcement data collection and research activities related to combating auto theft.

The legislation has been endorsed by the National Troopers Coalition, International Union of Police Associations, New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties. Original cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Salud Carbajal, Angie Craig, Josh Gottheimer, Andy Kim, and David Trone.

New Jersey’s Attorney General has published information on best practices to keep your vehicle safe, which can be found here. Important tips to prevent vehicle theft include:

• Never leaving your keys or key fob in your vehicle
• Not leaving your vehicle running while unattended
• Parking your car in well-lit areas
• Ensuring all windows are closed
• Hiding your valuables
• Making sure all doors are locked

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Senior Freeze program — also known as the Property Tax Reimbursement program — reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence.

Click here for eligibility.

New Jersey Senior Freeze program — also known as the Property Tax Reimbursement program — reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence.

Eligible homeowners are encouraged to file applications online or by phone. However, some homeowners will be required to file a paper application. All eligible tenants can file online or by completing a paper application.

To be eligible, homeowners must have:

• Been a New Jersey resident; and
• Owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; and
• Paid the 2019 property taxes on their main home; and
• Had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $250,000.

To be eligible, tenants must have:

• Been a New Jersey resident; and
• Rented and occupied an apartment or residence in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; and
• Lived in a unit with its own separate kitchen and bath facilities (if the building had more than one dwelling unit); and
• Paid rent on their main home, which was subject to local property taxes; and
• Had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $150,000.

Applicants can choose to receive their benefits either as a check or direct deposit. To learn more about the ANCHOR program, or to file an application, visit the NJ Division of Taxation’s ANCHOR website.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding a Fall Open House packed full of informative and engaging sessions and activities, including a raffle to win a virtual reality headset.

Several academic programs will be holding showcases to provide students with deeper insight into different courses of study. Participants also will be able to tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, labs and studios. To obtain a solid understanding of the lay of the campus – the Land of the Titans – there will be a scavenger hunt and a raffle for those who take part. The winner will receive a Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset.

The Open House takes place Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with three starting sessions at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Registration is required and is now taking place. To register click here.

As always, the Open House will provide high school students, their families and adult learners with the opportunity to learn about the highly ranked education CCM provides to meet educational and career goals. Those attending the Open House will be able to talk with faculty and explore the more than 100 degree, certificate and professional development programs CCM offers. They also can learn about the admissions and registration process, and the support services and co-curricular programs CCM provides to ensure the success of its students. Special admissions and registration sessions also will be held for students to secure their enrollment at the college.

Included among its many distinctions, CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college also continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.  To apply click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey announced a new Property Tax Relief Program which replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program and has expanded eligibility for property tax relief for Tax Year 2019. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program will benefit a large number of homeowners and tenants. Click Here for more information.

The deadline for filing your ANCHOR benefit application is December 30, 2022. They will begin paying ANCHOR benefits in the late Spring of 2023. ANCHOR payments will be paid in the form of a direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills.

They are currently mailing ANCHOR benefit information mailers to homeowners and tenants. Allow until the first week in October to receive your mailer. Homeowners who filed a homestead benefit application last year may be able to obtain their ID and PIN numbers online. Tenants do not need an ID or PIN number to file. Click here to visit the Division’s ANCHOR page for all filing information.

Due to high call volume, the ANCHOR and Homestead Benefit Hotline may be unable to take your call at certain times.

If that occurs, please try your call at another time. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.