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Convicted Car Thief Accused of Stealing $200K Mercedes-Maybach, Entering Owner’s Home

By
Frank Cahill
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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, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Morris Township Police Chief Robert Shearer announce the arrest of Tysean Ware, 20, Newark. 

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., members of the Morris Township Police Department received a report of a burglary in progress. Responding officers learned that Ware twice entered a Morris Township residence, where a minor was present in the home. Thereafter, video surveillance of Ware showed him getting into and stealing the resident’s 2021 Mercedes SL500 Maybach. 

Tysean Ware

The investigation revealed Ware was in Morristown that day for a scheduled visit with his Morris County Recovery Court Probation Officer. Ware was dropped off and picked up from his probation visit in a stolen Range Rover. The stolen Range Rover was recovered in Ridgefield Park, Bergen County, with proceeds from burglaries that occurred on January 10, in Mendham Township and Morris Township. In June of 2022, Ware was convicted of stealing a motor vehicle and eluding from an incident in Florham Park. Ware was admitted into the Morris County Recovery Court Program over the State’s objection. 

On the evening of January 11, 2023, police in Secaucus were involved in an incident with Ware while he was driving the stolen Mercedes-Maybach, ultimately leading to Ware ramming a Secaucus patrol vehicle. Following this incident, the stolen Mercedes-Maybach was recovered quickly in Newark. Ware has been charged in Secaucus with second-degree eluding, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:29-2b, and second-degree receiving stolen property, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-7. 

On January 12, 2023, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Operations Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Newark Police Department arrested Tysean Ware for entering a vehicle outside his Newark residence. 

Tysean Ware has been charged with the following: 

• Conspiracy to commit theft, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2 and 2C:20-3, a crime of the second degree;
• Theft, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-3, a crime of the second degree (motor vehicle);
• Theft, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-3, a crime of the third degree (personal property)
• Conspiracy to commit burglary, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2 and 2C:18-2a(1), a crime of the third degree;
• Burglary (three counts), in violation of N.J.S. 2C:18-2a(1), a crime of the third degree;
• Criminal Trespass, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:18-3, a fourth degree crime. 

This arrest was the result of excellent police work by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Operations Division, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office (Trends & Analysis Team and Crime Scene Investigation), the Morris Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Newark Police Department, and our law enforcement partners. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan is representing the State in this prosecution. 

Ware was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on the complaint warrants pending a pretrial detention hearing. 

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.

East Hanover Mom Faces Decades Behind Bars Covering Up Death of Son

By
Frank Cahill
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Liam Christian

EAST HANOVER — An East Hanover mother faces decades behind bars for helping her boyfriend escape after he allegedly beat her son to death and then lied to police.

On Thursday, Krystal Straw, 29, pleaded guilty to child endangerment, witness tampering, and hampering an investigation. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16.

Edwin Urbina/Courtesy Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

Edwin Urbina, with a last known address of 14-02 Clyde Potts Drive, Morristown, the alleged killer of Straw’s three-year-old son, Liam Christian, who turned himself in, is scheduled for a pretrial conference on January 18.

According to news reports, Straw left her son and five-year-old daughter in Urbina’s care at the now-closed OYO Hotel on August 12, 2021, to work an overnight shift at QuickChek, despite being aware of past abuse by Urbina towards the young boy. In the early morning hours of August 13, Urbina called Straw about an emergency, and she soon realized that he had killed the boy.

Instead of alerting the authorities, she helped Urbina clear the hotel room and dropped him off at a residence before showing up at the hospital with her son. The three-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after 5 a.m. at Morristown Medical Center. Following an autopsy, the medical examiner determined the cause of death as multiple injuries and the manner of death as a homicide. The medical examiner also noted pre-existing injuries to the boy’s ribs and wrists that predated August 13.

She deleted communication with Urbina from her phone and told police that she had been with her kids all night and that the bruising occurred while she was trying to administer CPR.

Urbina, of Morristown, had allegedly told Straw that she wouldn’t get in trouble because she had a clean record. He told her not to tell anyone about his involvement due to his criminal history.

One day after authorities sought the public’s help with locating Urbina, he was taken into custody without incident on August 17 outside the Morris County Records and Administration building in Morristown.

Urbina, charged with murder and other offenses in the matter, rejected a plea deal that would have locked him up for 50 years. Urbina is accused of using a slipper or sandal to beat the child in the early morning hours between August 12 and August 13 while Straw was working an overnight shift at QuickChek.

Straw and Urbina were in a relationship before he went to prison in October 2018 after being convicted of a series of robberies in Morris and Sussex counties. The couple resumed their relationship after he was paroled in December 2020 from Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility, prosecutors said.

Urbina told prosecutors he wouldn’t accept any deal for more than ten years behind bars. Straw is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Urbina’s next court date, a pretrial conference, is scheduled for January 18.

A GoFundMe account was set up to help with Liam’s expenses. Click here to donate.

Laylah, Liam’s sister, is five years old and has experienced things in life that 99% of adults will never, and furthermore, a five-year-old. Unfortunately, Laylah did everything in her power to protect her little brother, and she will hold herself accountable for that due to the lack of priorities of the one that should have protected both of them; with that being said, Laylah will require extensive counseling throughout the remainder of her life, and we want to make sure she can get the help she requires without worry.

The donations received will go to the burial service for her brother, and then the remaining monies will go into a trust account that ONLY her aunt and she can access until she is 18 years old.

 

Help Solve Montville Burglary

By
Frank Cahill
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FSS Armory is located at 36 Route 46, Pine Brook

MORRIS COUNTY — The Montville Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify individuals involved in a burglary that occurred on Friday, January 6, between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., at the FSS Armory located at 36 Route 46, Pine Brook.

The suspects managed to steal several firearms.

If you have information, contact the Morris County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers  Morris County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers at www.copcall.org or 973-COP-CALL or use the free “P3 Tips” app on any mobile device. No one will ask your name. REWARD up to $1,000.

Landing Resident Arrested for Child Pornography 

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Morris County Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker announce the arrest of James T. Hess, 49, Landing section of Mt. Arlington, in connection with the distribution and possession of child sex abuse material. 

The defendant has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM)), a second-degree offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(a)(i), and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of CSAM), a third-degree crime in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b)(iii). 

The investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referencing the upload of video files allegedly depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of minors. The video files were allegedly uploaded to Kik, an internet-based chat application, by the defendant, who is also alleged to have viewed CSAM on Kik. Hess allegedly uploaded CSAM while at the Netcong Volunteer Fire Department, where he is a captain. It is further alleged that the defendant possessed additional images of CSAM on an electronic device. The defendant works for the New Jersey Fireman’s Home. 

Hess was arrested on the above charges on December 21, 2022. Following his arrest, he was released pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act with pretrial release conditions that included monitoring and limited internet usage. 

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Roxbury Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in this investigation. 

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200. 

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.

Lehigh University Announces Students Who Attained Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Lehigh University. File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Students at Lehigh University attained Dean’s List in Fall 2022. This status is granted to students with a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

Marissa Argen of Boonton
Miranda Asral of Florham Park
Molly Culligan of Madison
Laila Dages of Mountain Lakes
Isabela Giraldo of Madison
Charlie Petro of Florham Park
Harper Rosati of Boonton
Lauren Schiffman of Florham Park
Emma Visioli of Boonton
Kleon Voliotis of Madison
Sydney Wolfe of Madison
Andrea Zeien of Florham Park

For more than 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly-ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s five colleges – College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000+ students to discover and grow in an academically rigorous environment along with a supportive, engaged campus community.

Memory Cafe Social Event

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER —  Join the social support group designed specifically for family members caring for loved ones living with memory loss.

What is a Memory Café? 
Initially started in England, this informal setting provides the caregiver a forum for discussion, reducing the isolation often felt by people with dementia, their caregivers, and families. Discussions can range from practical tips for coping with dementia and avoiding caregiver burnout, or information about community resources. Many attendees develop friendships that result in support even outside the memory café setting.

The event will be held on Monday, January 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.

For more information, call (973) 581-1800 or [email protected].

Memory Care Is All We Do:  Arden Courts Memory Care Community, located on Eden Lane in Whippany, caters to the special needs of individuals with memory loss. Staffed by specially trained caregivers, Arden Courts cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Their community features friendly common spaces, an inviting kitchen, family rooms, and walking paths within enclosed courtyards, all designed for the safety and comfort of the residents.

Morris County Government Reorganizes for 2023

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus takes the oath of office

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner John Krickus was sworn in on Friday, January 6, as the 2023 Director of the Board of County Commissioners after fellow board members Douglas Cabana, Thomas Mastrangelo, and Christine Myers were sworn into new, three-year terms and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon was sworn into another term. Commissioner Krickus was sworn in as Director of the Board by state Senator Steven Oroho as the Commissioner’s wife, Carolyn, held the bible.

“Morris County is the best-run county in New Jersey, by far,” said Director Krickus, noting multiple accomplishments achieved by the county. “Some of the safest towns in New Jersey; county property taxes are among the lowest in the state, and our Vocational School and County College are nationally recognized. Morris residents enjoy our leading park system, open space, farmland, and historic preservation. Is this heaven? No, it’s Morris County.”

Commissioner Christine Myers, who had previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018, was sworn into her new term in office by Morris County Counsel John Napolitano, as her husband, Stan, held the bible.
Commissioner Christine Myers was sworn in as Deputy Director of the Board by her nephew, attorney Robert Ferguson III.

Commissioner Christine Myers, who had previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018, was sworn into her new term in office by Morris County Counsel John Napolitano, as her husband, Stan, held the bible. She was sworn in as Deputy Director of the Board by her nephew, attorney Robert Ferguson III.

In 2017 Myers was appointed Regional Advocate, Office of Advocacy – U.S. Small Business Administration by the Trump Administration. During her tenure, she met with more than five thousand business owners to identify burdensome regulations and reform or remove them in accordance with Trump’s Executive Orders on regulatory reduction.

Sen. Anthony Bucco officiated the oath of office to Commissioner Doug Cabana, as the bible was held by Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the Senator’s wife.
Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the Senator’s wife, Doug Cabana and Senator Anthony Bucco

The meeting opened with the swearing-in of Commissioner Douglas R. “Doug” Cabana, now beginning his tenth term. Senator Anthony Bucco officiated as the bible was held by Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the senator’s wife.

Cabana is the longest-serving member of the Board of County Commissioners, having joined the board in April 1997 when it was still known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo was sworn in by his daughter, Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Brittney Mastrangelo, as the Commissioner’s wife, Debbie, held the bible. His son, Christoper, watched on.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo was sworn in by his daughter, Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Brittney Mastrangelo, as the Commissioner’s wife, Debbie, held the bible.

Sheriff James Gannon was sworn in by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the Sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.

Sheriff James Gannon was sworn in by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the Sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.

The annual Morris County Reorganization Meeting was held in person in the Commissioners’ 5th Floor Public Meeting Room at the Morris County Administration & Records Building with full public attendance. It was the first time since 2020 and the onset of the pandemic that the reorganization meeting was not predominantly virtual.

Returning for the event was the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard, with Robert McNally, Deputy Chief of Investigations of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, playing the bagpipes. They were joined by a crowd of well-wishers, family, friends, and public officials packing into the meeting room.

The National Anthem was sung by Ella Conroy and Victoria Cooney, 10th-grade students at the Morris County Vocational School.  Ella is in the academy for design, and Victoria is in the Academy for Biotechnology.

Invocations were provided by Monsignor John Hart of The Assumption Parish in Morristown, and Father Stepan Bilyk of Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany provided a benediction.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next work session and meeting on January 11. The work session begins at 4:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held publicly in the Administration & Records Building.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon with Former Freeholder and Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll

Kumon Math and Reading Center Held Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

By
Frank Cahill
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Kumon Math and Reading Center held a Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, January 7

EAST HANOVER  — Kumon Math and Reading Center held a Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, January 7. The new location is located at 240 Route 10 West.

East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Councilman Brian Brokaw Sr., Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli, Councilman Michael Martorelli, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, and Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, will cut the ribbon with Kumon owner Hema Popat.

Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Hema Popat, Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli, Councilman Michael Martorelli, Councilman Brian Brokaw Sr., and Frank Cahill, Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce

Kuman has been in East Hanover for ten years at the previous location on Ridgedale Avenue. Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. More than 290,000 preschools to high school-aged children across the United States are developing their math and reading skills independently and gaining confidence through the Kumon Method of Learning.  The Kumon Center of East Hanover joins the more than 1,500 U.S. Instructors committed to helping children excel through the self-learning program.

Hema Popat

Hema Popat is a proud Kumon parent of two teenage boys and has firsthand witnessed their growth through the Kumon program.  She started her Kumon journey in 2012 when she transitioned from a very chaotic full-time role in the financial industry, commuting daily to New York, to start her venture with Kumon within my local community.  Her goal is simple: to achieve a better work/life balance for my family and provide quality education to other children, just as she was doing for her two boys. She has seen my boys transition seamlessly from elementary school to middle school and then from middle school to high school and enjoy the journey whilst achieving success in the classroom. Kumon has been the steady backbone throughout their journey.

Hema has seen students succeed academically and develop their study skills such as independence, focus, self-motivation, tenacity, self-confidence, and perseverance and become well-rounded capable learners.  “It is so rewarding to see a student transform along this journey and strike the confidence levels to believe that the sky is their limit,” said Hema.

Hema Popat completed the comprehensive Kumon Instructor training and is a certified professional Instructor.

Hema Popat completed the comprehensive Kumon Instructor training and is a certified professional Instructor. She is a mentor who guides your children through their work while providing direction, support, and encouragement. She creates an at-home study plan in addition to monitoring classroom assignments and emphasizes the importance of accurately completing each assignment within a designated time frame. This has helped many of my students increase their self-confidence, thus becoming more self-reliant. Like all Kumon Instructors, I have a true passion for education and an earnest desire to help children succeed.

The desk in the Kumon Center

Hema Popat is a business professional and a Certified Management Accountant.  She has extensive experience in all aspects of Business Management in the financial industry and is also Six Sigma Green Belt certified. Amongst the many skills acquired whilst working in the financial industry, the main skill she continues to practice is customer service. She listens to all concerns and touches base frequently to guide the students throughout the program. Parent conferences are available all year round, and she makes herself accessible to all parents outside of class hours.

To reach Hema Popat, call 862-701-5858 or email her at [email protected]. You can also click here to view their website.

The new Kumon location is located at 240 Route 10 West.

Home Sweet Home Holiday Window

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — In keeping tradition, the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce recognized several businesses festively decorating their storefront windows for the holidays. Businesses have presented a certificate from the Chamber.

“We appreciate the creativity and spirit that our businesses put into decorating their storefronts,” said Peter Daniele of Rose City Collision and Repair, 291 Main Street, and vice president of the Chamber. “Their efforts are enjoyed by all who visit downtown.”

The following businesses were recognized:
Adams Dental, One Kings Road; Avenue Travel, 62 Main Street; Cramers Carpet One Floor & Home, 73 Main Street; Gerlach Jewelers, 61 Main Street; Healthy Italia, 55 Main Street; Home Sweet Home, 27 Main St., J & M Home & Garden, 201 Main St.; Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main St.; Madison Pet Shop, 26 Main St.; Prima, 44 Main St.; Sugar Rush, 10 Waverly Pl., The Pink Pear, 42 Main St. and Waxing the City, 25 Main St.

Recreational Needs and Desires Focus Group Held

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

BOONTON — Town of Boonton Mayor Corcoran invited representatives from over 45 stakeholder groups throughout Boonton to discuss their needs, desires, and vision for the Town of Boonton’s recreation facilities and services.

Approximately 50 representatives of these community groups met at the Senior Center on January 4 to share their ideas about what they want future recreational facilities in Boonton to look like.

Chris Colley of Topology, the town’s planning consultant firm, led the discussions. Mr. Colley gave a presentation on a potential new area for a park, as outlined in the 2018 Master Plan.

This potential project would be made possible by a collaboration between the Town of Boonton and River Walk, LLC, the developer who has purchased and invested in the redevelopment of the property adjacent to the recycling center. If created, the park would span approximately 11 acres at the current site of the town’s recycling center. Attendees were asked to dream, vision, plan, and share what they would like to see in the new park. Several stations were set up to assist participants in the brainstorming process. At the draw-your-own park station, a scaled drawing of the site was provided as a blank canvas for residents to draw in all the features they would like to see. Another station asked residents to vote on options they would like to see in the open space, within an indoor facility, and what programming would be most enjoyed. Another station asked residents to provide feedback on specific topics, including what they feel is missing from Boonton’s current recreational facilities and offerings, which local park (within or near Boonton) is their favorite to visit, and why. Topology will compile all the feedback received during the evening, and once completed, the data will be shared with the public. Each resident will have an opportunity to provide individual feedback via a digital survey that will be available to Boonton residents in the coming months.

Mayor Richard Corcoran

Mayor Corcoran was diagnosed with the flu and could not attend the event. Still, he was pleased with the turnout and stated, “I’m looking forward to hearing what the community wants in new recreational facilities. All residents can provide their feedback digitally to share what is most important to them. Once we’ve had the opportunity to hear from the residents, our task will be to allow their feedback to guide the direction of the new facilities. This is the first step in the process, but it’s very exciting.” To see a list of all the stakeholder groups invited, click here.

A digital survey will be available to all Boonton residents in the coming weeks. Once available, it will be announced at a Town Council meeting, posted on the Town website, and shared on the town’s official social media.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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