PASSAIC COUNTY — Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and West Milford Police Chief Timothy Storbeck announce that based upon an investigation by the West Milford Police Department, Ms. Tonya Fea, 47, Jefferson Township, was arrested on May 7 in relation to an animal cruelty incident that took place April 30. Fea is charged with two counts of Animal Cruelty, both Third Degree offenses and Defiant Trespass, Petty Disorderly Persons Offense.

Ms. Fea has waived her appearance at Central Judicial Processing (CJP Court) and the matter has been referred to the Grand Jury. The CJP court appearance originally scheduled for May 22 has been cancelled. Ms. Fea is represented by Richard Baldi, Esq.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact West Milford Detective Eric Darnsteadt at (973) 728-2810.

MORRIS COUNTY — Stephen M. Somers, owner and president of Vigon International, a leading manufacturer within the flavor and fragrance industry, delivered the keynote address at Centenary University’s 144th commencement on Saturday, May 11. The ceremony was held under a large tent on Anderson Field on the University’s Hackettstown campus.

Somers, who was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters at the event, has been recognized as the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year in manufacturing for the greater Philadelphia area, and his firm recently earned its third consecutive spot on the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” list compiled by the National Association for Business Resources. A part owner of the New York Yankees Triple A team, Somers and his wife, Sharon, are the lead donors of Centenary’s new baseball complex dubbed “Our Diamond of Dreams.” He holds a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry from St. Joseph’s College.

During the ceremony, 505 graduates received associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees. A hooding ceremony for students earning graduate degrees, including the University’s first doctoral class, was held on Wednesday, May 8, in the Sitnik Theatre. The Class of 2019 included graduates from Centenary’s main campus in Hackettstown, as well as the School of Professional Studies in Parsippany and Edison.

River Vale resident Milissa Plescia was valedictorian of the Class of 2019. She is the first non-traditional, adult student to earn this distinction in University history. The business administration major this year celebrates 30 years of working at BASF, where she is currently an administrative associate to the senior vice president of human resources North America. The mother of three attended classes at Centenary’s School of Professional Studies and graduated summa cum laude.

During the ceremony, the University also recognized Caitlin C. Wigger of Clifton Park, N.Y., and Christine DeLuca of Netcong with the Welsh Prize for academic excellence. A double major in equine studies: pre-vet and biology, Wigger was recognized with the Welsh Prize for traditional students and delivered a graduate reflection on behalf of undergraduates. She is a summa cum laude graduate. DeLuca received the Welsh Prize for non-traditional students. She earned her degree in business administration summa cum laude, attending classes at Centenary’s School of Professional Studies. In addition, Melissa Coleman of Hardwick, N.J., presented a graduate reflection on behalf of master’s candidates, while Rev. Najee S. Evans of Hillside, another member of the Class of 2019, delivered the benediction.

The Centenary University Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Kris Gunawan, Ph.D., of Hackettstown, assistant professor of psychology. Dr. Gunawan has taught at Centenary for three years, and has earned the respect of his colleagues and students at the University. He received his doctorate from the University of Nevada, master’s and undergraduate degrees from California State University, and an associate degree from Mt. San Antonio College in California.

The Joel A. Kobert Award for Teaching, which recognizes an adjunct professor for teaching excellence, was awarded to James Stone, an adjunct professor in the Centenary University Department of Business. A resident of Randolph, he is a certified public accountant who earned undergraduate degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Biscayne College/St. Thomas University in Florida. He is a vice president for BASF Americas.

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.

NORTH JERSEY — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested thirteen immigration violators in New Jersey during a four-day surge effort that targeted aliens who have been issued a final order of removal in the past five years, have failed to depart the United States, and have received criminal convictions or have pending criminal charges.

DENVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Chief Frank Perna of the Denville Township Police Department announce that Paul Iantosca, 52, of Randolph, has been charged with one count of Luring in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6(a), a crime of the second degree, one count of Attempted Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1(a)(1)/2C:14-2(c(3)(b), a crime of the second degree; and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 24-4(a)1, a crime of the third degree. Iantosca is the Principal at Valleyview Middle School in Denville.

These charges relate to actions Mr. Iantosca is alleged to have engaged in with a 16 year old former student.  The defendant was charged and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.  No further information will be released at this time.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Denville Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.

Anyone with information relating to these or any related incident is asked to call Detective Lydia Negron at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6213 or Det. Scot Tobin at the Denville Police Department at (973) 627-4900 ext. 9.

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.