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Young Artists Shine at Jefferson Township Student Art Recognition Ceremony

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Alexa Scholz, Logan Martin, Jonathan Denicoli, and Declan Davis are pictured at the December presentation. Sydney Morgan was not present.

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Arts Committee proudly announced its December 2025 Student Artists of the Month (SAM) recipients, recognizing outstanding student artwork from Jefferson Township schools during a presentation held on Wednesday, December 10, at the Jefferson Township Public Library.

Students were invited to describe their artwork during the ceremony. With gentle encouragement from Jefferson Township art teacher Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema, the young artists confidently shared insights into their creative process and inspiration.

December 2025 Student Artists of the Month

  • Jonathan Denicoli – Arthur Stanlick Elementary School
  • Logan Martin – White Rock Elementary School
  • Sydney Morgan – Jefferson Township High School
  • Alexa Scholz – Jefferson Township High School
  • Declan Davis – Jefferson Township High School

In attendance were Susie Wright, SAM Chairperson, Carol Punturieri, President of the Jefferson Arts Committee, and several district art educators, including Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema (White Rock, E.T. Briggs, and Arthur Stanlick Elementary Schools) and Ellen T. Briggs, who assisted with the presentation and discussed each student’s artwork alongside the artists.

Each month, Jefferson Township art teachers select exceptional student pieces and submit them to the JAC. The selected artwork is displayed for one month at the Public Library, after which the previous month’s pieces are showcased at the Jefferson Township Board of Education offices on Route 181 in Lake Hopatcong. The program culminates each month with an awards presentation, where students receive a certificate and medal recognizing their achievement, surrounded by family and friends.

The SAM program will resume in January, and toward the end of the 2025–2026 school year, all participating students and their families will be invited to a special end-of-program reception and exhibit at Jefferson Township High School. The celebration will coincide with the school’s annual art exhibit and feature a guest speaker.

Participating Art Teachers for 2025–2026

  • Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema – White Rock, E.T. Briggs, and Arthur Stanlick Elementary Schools
  • Renee Trevenen – Jefferson Township Intermediate School (Grades 6–8)
  • Edouard Jacques – Jefferson Township Intermediate School (Grades 4–5)
  • David DeVries, Stephanie Wassmer, and Kaia Canales – Jefferson Township High School

The Student Artists of the Month program was conceived more than two decades ago by former JAC President, the late Jack Kelly, to celebrate and encourage artistic talent among Jefferson Township students. Committee members continue to honor his legacy and service to the community.

The Jefferson Arts Committee extends its sincere thanks to the Jefferson Township Public Library for hosting the monthly exhibits and presentations, the Board of Education for displaying student artwork in its offices, the district’s art teachers, and Maria Dunbar, Supervisor of Fine Arts, for their continued support and participation.

Multi-Town Prostitution Investigation Leads to Charges Against Oak Ridge Man

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

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced that Ricardo Botti, 56, of Oak Ridge, is among seven individuals charged in connection with an alleged large-scale prostitution enterprise tied to illicit massage parlors operating across multiple towns in New Jersey and New York.

Botti faces charges that include promoting prostitution, along with additional counts tied to the broader racketeering and money-laundering investigation, authorities said. Prosecutors allege he played a supporting role in the operation alongside several co-defendants accused of managing, facilitating, or profiting from the alleged network.

According to state officials, the investigation centers on an organization authorities say was led by Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York, and Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, New York. Both face first-degree racketeering and money-laundering charges, as well as counts of leader of organized crime, promoting organized street crime, and promoting prostitution.

Investigators allege that Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha, used his massage license to obtain and maintain business licenses for multiple massage parlors that were allegedly fronts for prostitution. Authorities say Lin held or maintained licenses for several locations despite prior prostitution-related enforcement actions and maintained residences and business ties in Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and East Hanover, all of which were searched during the investigation.

Court documents identify multiple massage parlors allegedly connected to the operation, including Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn, Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough, Kyoto 14 in Passaic, Violet Spa in Williamstown, and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick. Prosecutors allege these locations were used for prostitution based on surveillance, online reviews, interviews, and financial analysis.

Also charged are Thowleong Chew, 43, of Flushing, and Min Li, 41, of Flushing, who authorities allege transported women and supplies between locations, and Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford, whose charges include promoting prostitution.

On December 2, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated search warrants at numerous locations across New Jersey and New York, including a residence in Lake Hiawatha connected to Lin. Authorities reported seizing more than $150,000 in cash, with financial records and bank deposits indicating more than $500,000 in alleged illicit proceeds.

“This investigation dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that exploited women and generated substantial illegal profits,” Attorney General Platkin said in a statement.

If convicted, first-degree racketeering charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey state prison and are subject to the No Early Release Act.

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.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Canine Officer Titan

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Meet Titan: New Belgian Malinois Joins Morris County Sheriff’s Canine Unit

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has officially welcomed a new four-legged member to its Canine Section with the addition of Titan, a five-month-old Belgian Malinois who has already begun training for future patrol and explosive detection duties.

Sheriff James M. Gannon announced the newest canine officer on December 23, noting that Titan was donated to the Sheriff’s Office after being evaluated for temperament, workability, and suitability for law enforcement service. The young Malinois was originally surrendered to Garden State K9 by a family who found the energetic puppy too challenging to manage. After a thorough assessment, trainers determined Titan showed exceptional promise for patrol and scent detection work and sought to place him in a professional working environment where he could thrive.

Titan has been paired with Detective Corporal Marc Adamsky and has already begun the critical bonding process and early-stage training. At this stage, training is focused on building confidence, sociability, and drive, using food and toy rewards to reinforce learning and performance. Over time, Titan will be trained in obedience, tracking, evidence recovery, suspect searches both on and off leash, explosive odor detection, criminal apprehension, and handler protection

Detective Corporal Marc Adamsky and Titan

The training process will continue until Titan achieves certification in both explosive detection and patrol techniques. These certifications will be conducted through evaluations by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office as well as the United States Police Canine Association, ensuring the canine team meets rigorous performance standards. Titan is expected to begin working on the road and responding to calls for service at approximately two years of age.

Once fully certified, Titan is slated to replace Detective Corporal Adamsky’s current partner, Canine Tim, a nearly nine-year-old veteran trained in narcotics detection and patrol techniques who has served with distinction alongside the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. Tim’s service record sets a high bar, one the Sheriff’s Office is confident Titan will meet in the years ahead.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office currently operates with seven canine handlers and twelve canines trained across multiple disciplines. Through the month of November alone, the Canine Section responded to 742 calls for service, underscoring the vital role these highly trained teams play in public safety throughout the county. With his training underway, Titan is expected to continue that tradition of excellence.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2026. Click here to view the magazine.

Senate Approves Pennacchio Bill to Maintain Tax Benefits for Independent Contractor

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Senator Joe Pennacchio

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio aimed at protecting the independent contractor status of real estate professionals while allowing them to continue receiving commission income through limited liability companies (LLCs).

The measure, known as S-4889/A-5978, amends existing state law to clarify that real estate agents may accept commission payments through an LLC without jeopardizing their classification as independent contractors—an issue that surfaced following new registration requirements enacted last year.

According to Pennacchio, the bill is designed to ensure real estate professionals can preserve their independence while benefiting from federal tax deductions available to independent contractors.

“This bill ensures that New Jersey real estate professionals can keep their independence while taking full advantage of federal tax benefits,” Pennacchio said. “It’s a simple, common-sense fix that will protect realtors’ hard-earned money while making New Jersey a more business-friendly state.”

Industry advocates raised concerns that the prior registration changes could have unintentionally forced real estate professionals into employee status, potentially eliminating access to important federal tax advantages. The newly approved legislation addresses those concerns by clearly defining that commissions paid through an LLC do not alter a realtor’s independent contractor standing.

With Senate approval secured, the bill now advances through the legislative process as New Jersey lawmakers continue efforts to balance worker protections with flexibility for small businesses and independent professionals across the state.

Denville Man Arrested After Motor Vehicle Stop Escalates on Route 46

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

DENVILLE — A routine motor vehicle stop on Route 46 East escalated into an arrest Monday morning after a driver allegedly became uncooperative and assaulted officers, according to the Denville Police Department.

Police said the incident occurred on December 15, 2025, at approximately 8:47 a.m. near Franklin Road, when officers conducted a traffic stop for an alleged cell phone violation.

During the stop, the driver—identified as Nicholas Piolli, 35, of Sussex Borough—reportedly refused to cooperate with officers and declined to identify himself. Authorities said officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Piolli allegedly slammed his vehicle door against them.

Following a brief struggle, officers were able to take Piolli into custody. He was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

According to police, Piolli was charged with resisting arrest by physical force, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of the administration of law, along with several motor vehicle violations, including failure to use a hands-free device and failure to possess a driver’s license, registration, and insurance.

After processing, Piolli was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he was held pending a future 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.

Police: DWI Suspect Nearly Hits Patrol Car

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File Photo

MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Boonton Township man was arrested following a late-night traffic stop in Mountain Lakes after police said his vehicle crossed into the wrong lane and nearly struck a patrol car.

According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m. on November 22 along the Boulevard, when an officer on patrol observed a vehicle veer into the opposite lane of travel, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision.

An investigation led to the arrest of Jose Lopez-Fabian, 39, of Boonton Township.

Police said Lopez-Fabian was charged with multiple motor vehicle offenses, including driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle while in possession of narcotics, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, and refusal to submit to chemical breath testing.

He was also charged with criminal offenses, including unlawful possession of four or fewer prescription legend drugs and obstructing the administration of law.

Lopez-Fabian was released pending mandatory court appearances.

Calais Foundation’s Year-End Appeal Focuses on Empowering Extraordinary Students

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Jacob M., a student at The Calais School, is thriving thanks to the support of the Calais Foundation’s 12 Plus and Work-Based Learning programs—an inspiring example of how community giving helps students with disabilities build confidence, independence, and a path toward a successful future.

HANOVER — The Calais Foundation has launched its 2025 Year-End Appeal, calling on the community to help transform the lives of students with disabilities at The Calais School. This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on the inspiring journey of Jacob M., a Calais student whose story exemplifies the power of belief, opportunity, and community support.

Every child has untapped potential waiting to be discovered. For Jacob, that journey began with uncertainty. When he first enrolled at The Calais School, the prospect of independent living or succeeding in a fast-paced work environment seemed out of reach. Through the unwavering support of The Calais Foundation and The Calais School’s 12 Plus and Work-Based Learning programs, Jacob began to gain confidence in his abilities and envision a future filled with possibility.

A pivotal moment in Jacob’s journey came through a work-based partnership with Johnny’s Pizzeria, where he gained hands-on, real-world experience. There, Jacob learned the importance of teamwork, managing pressure, and taking pride in his work. With encouragement from Chef Al-Nissa Salaam in The Calais School’s Culinary Program, Jacob embraced the belief that determination and hard work could open doors he once thought were closed.

Jacob’s accomplishments were celebrated this past spring when he was honored at the Calais Foundation Gala. Shortly thereafter, he began an exciting new chapter—living independently and pursuing his passion at Universal Technical Institute.

Today, Jacob is thriving. He is building a career, living independently, and shaping a promising future. His journey highlights the transformative impact of Calais Foundation programs and the generosity of donors who make these opportunities possible.

“When you give to The Calais Foundation, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in potential,” said Richard Gentles, President of the Calais Foundation. “You’re helping students with special needs gain the confidence, skills, and independence they need to thrive.”

Jacob’s success is a powerful reminder that community support changes lives. Contributions to the Calais Foundation 2025 Year-End Appeal directly fund programs that help students and young adults with special needs reach their fullest potential.

To donate or learn more, click here.

Mail-In Ballot Drop Boxes Are Now Open!

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Voters in the 11th Congressional District can securely deposit their Mail-In Ballot for the Special Primary Election at an official ballot drop box starting now through 8:00 p.m. on February 5.

Drop boxes are available 24/7 and are monitored to ensure the security of your vote.

  • Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box
    10 Court Street, Morristown
    Located across the street outside the front entrance to the Morris County Courthouse
  • Boonton Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    155 Powerville Road, Boonton
    Located outside the main entrance
  • Butler Borough Ballot Drop Box
    10 High Street, Butler
    Located at the entrance next to the stairs
  • Chatham Borough Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham Borough
    Located at the south side entrance
  • Chatham Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    58 Meyersville Road, Chatham Township
    Located at the front entrance
  • Denville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    1 St. Mary’s Place, Denville
    Located outside the main entrance
  • Dover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    37 North Sussex Street, Dover
    Located in front of the building
  • East Hanover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    411 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover
    Located in the parking lot near the back door
  • Florham Park Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    111 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park
    Located at the entrance to the Police Department
  • Hanover Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    1000 Route 10, Whippany
    Located outside the main entrance
  • Jefferson Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge
    Located outside the main entrance
  • Kinnelon Borough Town Hall Ballot Drop Box
    130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon
    Located by the front entrance
  • Madison Public Safety Complex Ballot Drop Box
    62 Kings Road, Madison
    Located in Commuter Parking Lot 3
  • Mendham Borough Ballot Drop Box
    3 Cold Hill Road South, Mendham
    Located outside the front entrance
  • Montville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    195 Changebridge Road, Montville
    Located in front of the municipal building
  • Morris Plains Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
    Located outside the entrance
  • Morris Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township
    Located at the rear of the building by the middle entrance
  • Morristown Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    200 South Street, Morristown
    Located in the rear parking lot by the right-side entrance
  • Mount Arlington Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    419 Howard Boulevard, Mount Arlington
    Located on the left side near the courtroom entrance
    For use only during the January 27, 2026 Special School Election
  • Parsippany Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany
    Located outside the main entrance facing Route 287
  • Pequannock Municipal Complex – Senior House Ballot Drop Box
    530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock
    Located adjacent to the municipal building outside the main entrance to the Senior House
  • Randolph Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
    Located outside the main entrance
  • Rockaway Borough Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    1 East Main Street, Rockaway Borough
    Located to the left of the front entrance
  • Rockaway Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    65 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway Township
    Located outside the Police Department
  • Town of Boonton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box
    100 Washington Street, Boonton
    Located by the front entrance

Make your voice heard—every vote counts!

Autumn Costa Makes Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Belmont University

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Autumn Costa, a June 2025 graduate of Hanover Park High School, was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Belmont University, earning the academic honor through her outstanding scholastic achievement.

Autumn Costa, a graduate of Hanover Park High School, Class of June 2025, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester at Belmont University. Costa was among approximately 55 percent of Belmont’s 6,934 undergraduate students who earned the academic distinction.

While attending Hanover Park High School, Costa was actively involved in several extracurricular programs, including membership in the National Honor Society. She also served as a Student Producer with the Hanover Park High School Theatre Department and was a Section Leader and Historian for the Chamber Choir, demonstrating both leadership and a strong commitment to the arts.

“The high percentage of students earning Dean’s List honors reflects more than academic excellence—it reflects who we are becoming together as a Belmont community,” said Dr. David Gregory, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Excellence. “This achievement demonstrates what is possible when students pursue their goals in an ambitious, supportive community committed to the flourishing of all.”

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the semester and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, with no grade below a C.

Located near the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University enrolls nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries. The university is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to higher education and its commitment to undergraduate teaching. Belmont offers more than 115 undergraduate majors, 41 master’s programs, and five doctoral programs, with a mission to develop leaders of purpose, character, and wisdom.

Sheriff Gannon Promotes Eleven Correctional Police Officers at Morris County Facility

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MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a ceremony at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which included the recognition and promotion of eleven Correctional Police Officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. The listed sworn personnel received promotions: Warden Anthony Lotz, Captain Thomas Markey, Captain Michael Schweizer, Lieutenant Robert Doriety, Lieutenant David Jenkins, Lieutenant William Williams, Sergeant Jillian Schweizer, Sergeant Michael Provenzano, Sergeant Richard Dalesandro, Sergeant Jason Simpson, and Sergeant Mike Molde.

Warden Anthony Lotz

In 2002, Warden Anthony Lotz was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections and went on to graduate from the Passaic County Police Academy in July of 2004. Throughout his tenure, he served in several Housing Units as well as the Intake Unit, earning a promotion to Sergeant in December 2011. In that role, he supervised operations as both a Housing Unit Sergeant and later as the Classification Unit Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2016 and advanced to the rank of Captain in October 2019. Warden Lotz recently served as the Administration Captain, overseeing administrative operations for the facility. Warden Lotz takes over the role of Warden from Warden Christopher Klein who proudly served as Warden from August 2013 to December 2025 where he was responsible for the daily oversight of over 180 sworn and non-sworn members of the Bureau’s three divisions: Administrative Division, Support Services Division and Security Division.

Captain Thomas Markey

Captain Markey began his service as a Correctional Police Officer in 2006, where he quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong sense of duty.  He has served in the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant primarily working on shift. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Captain Markey serves as one of the department’s firearms instructors, ensuring that officers receive comprehensive, safety-focused, and skill-driven training. He also leads the Resiliency Program Officer (RPO) program for the agency. As he steps into the role of Security Captain, Tom Markey brings with him more than two decades of dedication, technical skill, and integrity.

Captain Michael Schweizer

Captain Michael Schweizer was hired as a Correctional Police Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2000. While at the jail, he worked many different posts and excelled at learning several different positions. In January 2012, Captain Schweizer was promoted to Sergeant where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant and Control Center Sergeant. In July 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he was assigned as the Shift Commander for several years. In the summer of 2017, Captain Schweizer took over as the Support Services Lieutenant where he remained until his current promotion of Captain. Mike has been a member of the Special Olympics Torch Run for 7 years, and he will be riding in his 6th Police Unity Tour in May of 2026.

Lieutenant Robert Doriety

Lieutenant Doriety was hired for Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in August 2001. He was initially assigned as a relief officer where he worked multiple areas of the jail. Lieutenant Doriety was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2012 where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant, Control Sergeant, and then later assigned the role of Classification Supervisor in 2016. In 2021, Lieutenant Doriety was assigned the role of Security Sergeant where he remains today. In addition to his daily duties, Bob is actively a firearms instructor and a member of the Sheriff’s Motor Unit. Lieutenant Doriety looks forward to continuing his career with this promotion to Lieutenant and will remain in the Security Division where some of his responsibilities include the Classification Department, Intake Unit, Facility Gang Unit, and Facility Security.  

Lieutenant David Jenkins

Lieutenant David Jenkins was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2005. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012. Lieutenant Jenkins has served in various roles within the Bureau, and most recently served as Control Sergeant. Lieutenant Jenkins looks forward to continuing serving the department in his new role. 

Lieutenant William Williams

Lieutenant William Williams’ law enforcement career began in 2002 when he was hired as a Corrections Officer at the Warren County Correctional Facility. He graduated from the Camden County Correctional Academy in 2003. Lieutenant Williams was employed there until he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2006. Lt. Williams was a relief officer at the facility, primarily working various posts until he became the permanent Housing Unit Officer on 3-Alpha. This position dealt with all day-to-day activities that occurred in the housing unit. Lieutenant Williams remained in this position for several years, until he was promoted to Sergeant in February 2014. As a Housing Sergeant, he oversaw any issues involving inmates in the facility. Lieutenant Williams is looking forward to continuing his career as a Shift Commander at the facility. 

Sergeant Jillian Schweizer

In April of 2007. Sergeant Schweizer was offered a job as a Social Worker for the Morris County Correctional Facility marking the start of her career in criminal justice. After a short time, Sergeant Schweizer decided that she had a passion to become a Corrections Officer and was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections in August of 2009. She has worked various positions within the correctional facility, but the last ten years of her career have been spent handling all the payroll duties for various unions and over 200 employees. Promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2021, she enjoyed being able to mentor new employees and help ease their transition into corrections. Sergeant Schweizer is the department’s Resiliency Programs Officer, which works in conjunction with Cop2Cop to help break the mental health stigma in law enforcement. Sergeant Schweizer is also an FBI trained Crisis/Hostage Negotiator for Morris County, an MOI certified instructor at the Public Safety Training academy and the Equal Opportunity Coordinator within the Bureau of Corrections. Sgt. Schweizer is looking forward to the opportunity to supervise and help motivate new employees, while continuing to learn and grow in her new position.

Sergeant Michael Provenzano

Sergeant Michael Provenzano began his law enforcement career in November 2012 and has continually served with dedication, professionalism, and integrity with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Provenzano has served multiple key assignments, including the Intake Unit, the 3rd Floor Corridor, and Housing Unit 2Delta. He has also proudly served on the Morris County Honor Guard. In addition to his operational roles, Sergeant Provenzano dedicated ten years to the PBA Local 298 board, serving as both Trustee and Vice President, further demonstrating his commitment to his fellow officers and the department’s mission. Sergeant Provenzano is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong leadership qualities, and dedication to mentoring newer officers. His promotion reflects over a decade of outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Sergeant Richard Dalesandro

Sergeant Richard Dalesandro attended Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in May of 2016. In 2019, he was accepted to the Juvenile Justice Commission Correctional Police Academy in Sea Girt. Upon graduating in July of 2019, he started working at the New Jersey Training School for Boys in Jamesburg until March of 2020 when he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. Since hired as a Correctional Police Officer, Sergeant Dalesandro has been the permanent officer assigned to 3D and 3D-MCU housing units. Sergeant Dalesandro looks forward to the responsibilities in his new role as Sergeant.  

Sergeant Jason Simpson

Sergeant Jason Simpson began working after graduating high school as an auto mechanic. While working full-time, he began taking evening classes at County College of Morris where he would graduate with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. In August 2006, he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. After graduating from the Bergen County Police Academy, Sergeant Simpson worked Housing Unit 3D for a total of six years. In 2012, he was assigned to the Medical Officer position where he worked for 13 years. In October 2024, Sergeant Simpson was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Recently in March 2025, he was awarded the position of Transports. Jason has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and is ready for his new promotion to Sergeant.  

Sergeant Mike Molde

Sergeant Mike Molde began his law enforcement career in June 2009 and has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to excellence throughout his sixteen years of service. Sergeant Molde has held a variety of critical roles within the correctional facility, starting on the housing tiers before moving to Intake, where he developed advanced expertise in criminal street and prison gang dynamics. Sergeant Molde’s proficiency in this area led to his selection for the Gang Intelligence Unit, where he contributed to major operations including raids, surveillance initiatives, and specialized gang-related training events. Sergeant Molde has also served as a departmental firearms instructor, further reflecting the trust placed in his skills and judgment. In 2021, he was promoted to Detective Corporal within the Internal Affairs Unit, where he conducted sensitive investigations requiring a high degree of integrity, discretion, and analytical ability. Now promoted to Sergeant, he brings a proven record of leadership, operational experience, and dedication to supporting both the mission of the department and the development of the officers under his command. 

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