MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced arrests of 16 alleged child predators in “Operation Home Alone,” a multi-agency undercover operation targeting men who allegedly were using social media in an attempt to lure underage girls and boys for sexual activity. The defendants will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

The underage “children” were, in fact, undercover officers. Most of the defendants were arrested when they arrived at a residence where they allegedly expected to find their victim home alone. Instead, they found law enforcement officers prepared to arrest them and process any evidence seized. Those arrested include a Ridgewood police officer, a high school teacher, drivers for two rideshare companies, a minister, a finance lead for an internet service provider, a bank branch office manager, a barbershop owner, a dental hygienist, two takeout food deliverymen, and others.

The operation was led by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which is led by the New Jersey State Police. The ICAC Task Force includes DCJ, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, all 21 County Prosecutors’ Offices, and many other state, county and local law enforcement agencies. The additional participating agencies are listed below. Attorney General Grewal made the announcement at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office with Acting Prosecutor Calo, DCJ Director Veronica Allende, Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police, Special Agent-in-Charge Gregory Ehrie of the FBI Newark Field Office, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Reinhold of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, and leaders and representatives of the other participating agencies.

“The 16 men we arrested allegedly used social media to stalk victims they believed were vulnerable children who could be sexually exploited. Fortunately, their victims were really undercover officers prepared to put them in handcuffs,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Parents need to know that the profiles of underage girls and boys we posted on social media to catch these offenders could easily have been profiles of their own children, who might also be targeted by predators on chat apps and popular gaming sites. Our message to parents with Operation Home Alone is be on guard. Our message to child predators is law enforcement is working overtime to find you and arrest you.”

“Operation Home Alone is a great example of our collaborative efforts to guard children from the ever-present danger of online predators,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will continue to partner with the State Police, the County Prosecutors, the ICAC Task Force, HSI, the FBI, and law enforcement at all levels to apprehend these sex offenders who exploit the anonymity of social media to prey on those who are most vulnerable.”

“While it is a primary function of law enforcement to protect all of our residents, the focus of this particular initiative was the protection of our most vulnerable – our innocent children,” said Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo.

“As law enforcement, we would like nothing more than to be there for every innocent child, awaiting these predators when they arrive,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Unfortunately that is not the case, so we need parents and guardians to remain vigilant and keep the lines of communication open with your children. Familiarize yourselves with the social media sites and gaming platforms that they are using to help protect them from those who would seek to victimize them. Although we cannot be outside every doorstep, this investigation should send a clear message that we will use all means at our disposal to keep our children safe.”

“This is once again a great example of how interagency cooperation has resulted in removing dangerous individuals from the community,” said Brian Michael, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Newark. “The horrendous activities of these individuals, which could have been carried out on actual children if not for the efforts of law enforcement to pursue and arrest them, show clearly that such predators are being monitored on a continuous basis.”

“One of the unfortunate consequences of the internet is the potential opportunities created for the depraved members of our society to prey on vulnerable victims,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Gregory W. Ehrie. “The exploitation of children requires swift and intense law enforcement action, such as what was executed during Operation Home Alone and, before that, Operation Open House. We at the FBI are always prepared to assist our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. Predators should heed this warning: we will continue these targeted efforts and you may be the next arrest we make.”

The arrests in Operation Home Alone were made over a five-day period from April 11 through April 15. Seven defendants travelled to the undercover house from locations in New York State, and one traveled from Philadelphia. The defendants are variously charged with second-degree luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault on a minor, and third-degree attempted debauching the morals of a child. Two men face third-degree charges of attempted showing obscene material to a minor for allegedly sending photographs of their genitals to undercover detectives. Two men are charged with having child pornography on their electronic devices, including one who allegedly had more than 13,000 files of suspected child pornography on his phone and a second who was already facing sentencing on a prior child pornography charge filed by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

The undercover law enforcement members who conducted the chats with the defendants were specially trained members of the ICAC Task Force. The defendants typically initiated contact based on profiles posted on social media platforms by the undercover detectives and agents. The social platforms that were used in these encounters included Kik, Skout, Grindr, Tinder, MeetMe, and Adam4Adam. Once chatting began, the undercover officers clearly identified themselves as underage girls or boys. Despite that information, the defendants allegedly engaged the purported “children” in conversations about sex and made arrangements to meet the “children” for sex.

“Parents need to be aware of their children’s activities on the internet, and if children appear anxious or evasive when this topic is raised, it may be a red flag,” said Attorney General Grewal. “It is critical that parents talk to their children about social media and chat apps to let them know that the people they encounter may not be who they initially seem to be.”

In past cases, the ICAC Task Force has made arrests of alleged child predators who used the following chat apps: Kik, Skout, Grindr, Whisper, Omegle, Tinder, Chat Avenue, Chat Roulette, Wishbone, Live.ly, Musical.ly, Paltalk, Yubo, Hot or Not, Down, and Tumblr. Arrests also have been made involving the gaming apps Fortnite, Minecraft, and Discord. Attorney General Grewal urged parents to familiarize themselves with these apps and warn their children about sharing information with strangers.

The defendant who is a police officer, Peter Tuchol Jr., was placed under arrest on April 15 at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office—Paramus. Thirteen other defendants were arrested at the undercover residence in Bergen County. One defendant was arrested at a shopping mall, and the remaining defendant was arrested at his own residence. Those who went to the undercover residence allegedly expected to find their victims home alone. Instead, they were arrested upon arrival, sometimes by teams that included the very officer who portrayed the child they targeted for sex.

The undercover residence was staffed with dozens of law enforcement officers and evidence technicians. Attorneys were stationed at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Electronic devices that were seized from the defendants were previewed at the scene by evidence technicians when defendants gave consent. Attorneys and detectives drafted search warrants for other seized digital devices. All of the devices were taken to the forensic computer laboratory at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for full forensic examinations. Those examinations, which are ongoing, will enable investigators to determine if the devices contain evidence of any prior encounters by the defendants with underage victims, which might constitute additional cases of luring, sexual assault or child endangerment.

The defendants were lodged in the Bergen County Jail until detention hearings were held during the past week. One defendant, Michael Mancini, was ordered detained in jail pending trial. The other defendants were released subject to stringent pre-trial monitoring conditions, including at a minimum reporting regularly to Pre-Trial Services staff and prohibitions from using the internet except for work or having any unsupervised contact with children under 18.

The following sixteen men were arrested in “Operation Home Alone.” They allegedly believed they were communicating with a minor as described in parentheses. The defendants are charged as indicated. The cases will be prosecuted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) or Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) as indicated.

Peter Tuchol Jr., 28, of Waldwick (Girl, 15) Tuchol has been suspended from his position as a police officer with the Ridgewood Police Department. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (anabolic steroids) (3rd degree), Possession of a Prescription Legend Drug (4th degree), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (hypodermic needles) (4th degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Kevin Roth, 26, Nanuet, N.Y. (Boy, 14) Roth is a teacher at the High School of Computers and Technology in Bronx, N.Y. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Dariush Ghamarnezhad, 37, of Pomona, N.Y. (Girl, 14) Ghamarnezhad is a dental hygienist. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Joel Guichardo, 38, of Passaic (Girl, 14) Guichardo is a barbershop owner. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Larry Noel Jr., 43, of Stanhope (Boy, 14) Noel is a warehouse worker. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Shaheen Lariff, 49, of New City, N.Y. (Boy, 15) Lariff is a bank branch office manager. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Rajan Lama, 33, Woodside, N.Y. (Girl, 14) Lama is a driver for a rideshare company. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact (2nd & 4th degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Luis Gonzalez Palacio, 36, of Weehawkin (Boy, 14) Gonzalez Palacio is a finance lead for a major internet service provider. Palacio allegedly had more than 13,000 suspected files of child pornography on his phone when he was arrested. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Possession of Child Pornography (3rd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Roger Arroyo, 37, of Philadelphia, Pa. (Girl, 14) Arroyo is a traveling minister. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree), Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact (4th degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Yosef Kriger, 31, of New City, N.Y. (Girl, 14) Kriger is a pharmaceuticals delivery driver. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). BCPO is prosecuting.

Michael Mancini, 36, of Hawthorne (Girl, 14) Mancini is a supermarket employee and DJ. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Teodoro Alvarez Ortega, 28, of Suffern, N.Y. (Boy, 14) Avarez Ortega is a restaurant server. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree), Attempted Showing Obscene Material to a Minor (3rd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Jacob Smith, 26, of New Rochelle, N.Y. (Girl, 14) Smith is a takeout food delivery driver. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree), Attempted Showing Obscene Material to a Minor (3rd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Jose Martinez, 47, of Fairview (Boy, 14) Martinez is a takeout food delivery driver. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree), Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree). BCPO is prosecuting
.
Jason Keizer, 33, of Garfield (Girl, 14) Keizer is unemployed. Charges: Attempted Debauching Morals of a Child (3rd degree), Possession of Child Pornography (3rd degree). Keizer is currently awaiting sentencing on a prior child pornography charge filed by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. BCPO is prosecuting.

Hareshkum Tailor, 55, Garfield (Girl, 14) Tailor is a driver for a rideshare company. Charges: Luring (2nd degree), Attempted Sexual Assault on a Minor (2nd degree). DCJ is prosecuting.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to ten years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charges against the defendants in Operation Home Alone are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Because they are indictable offenses, they will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment.

Attorney General Grewal commended all of the individuals and agencies who conducted Operation Home Alone. He thanked the members of the DCJ Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau who led and coordinated Operation Home Alone for the Division of Criminal Justice, including Bureau Chief Julia Glass, Deputy Bureau Chief Jillian Carpenter, Deputy Attorneys General Lilianne Daniel, Alyssa Bloom and Supriya Prasad, and Executive Assistant Francine Venceller.

Attorney General Grewal thanked all of the members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office who worked on Operation Home Alone, under the leadership of Acting Prosecutor Calo, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Brian Sinclair, Lieutenant Jeff Angermeyer, Detective Sergeant Dave Agar, and Detective Sergeant Diane Armbruster.

He further commended all of the members of the New Jersey Regional ICAC Task Force who worked on Operation Home Alone, under the leadership of ICAC Commander Lt. John Pizzuro of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC Unit). He also thanked the members of the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit and the New Jersey State Police Polygraph Unit.

Attorney General Grewal thanked the following federal, state, county and municipal agencies that assisted in Operation Home Alone, including numerous members of the ICAC Task Force:

Upper Saddle River Police Department
Ramsey Police Department
Saddle River Police Department
Bergen County Regional SWAT Team
Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Patrol

ICAC Task Force Members:
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
FBI Innocent Images Squad
New Jersey State Parole Board
Bayonne Police Department
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office
Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office
Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office
Hazlet Township Police Department
Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office
Keyport Police Department
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
Ocean Township Police Department
Passaic County Sheriff’s Department
Red Bank Police Department
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office
Union County Prosecutor’s Office
Voorhees Township Police Department
Warren County Prosecutor’s Office

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 — Nine communication students from County College of Morris (CCM) recently travelled to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to take part in the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night, hosted by the Phillies and Temple University’s Fox School of Business.

The students’ participation in the event was part of CCM’s growing initiative to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, including networking and hands-on experiences, internships and apprenticeships.

The night began with a moderated question and answer session that featured executives from the Phillies, NBC Sports, NBC10 and Telemundo62. Phillies pitcher, David Robertson, also made an appearance to discuss his college and major league experience. The floor was then open to the audience, and two CCM students took the opportunity to ask questions.

After introducing himself, Christian Didea, of Chester, asked Robertson what his experience was like pitching for the Phillies after having played for the Yankees for six years. Didea was able to interview the pitcher in a professional setting, exercising the skills he has learned in class.

Lloyd Wilson, of East Orange, directed a question to the panel, asking for advice for aspiring sports commentators. After the session was over, Michael Harris, vice president of Marketing and New Media for the Phillies, talked with Wilson about Wilson’s CCM-sports talk show, “Lounging with Lloyd.” Harris then offered to watch the show and provide Wilson with some advice for future episodes.

“It was a huge honor to be a part of the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night,” Wilson said. “Being able to share my information with Mr. Harris was a moment I will never forget, and I plan on networking with the organization in the future.”

Seven of the students on the fieldtrip were part of CCM’s Sports Journalism course –anew communication class, taught by Professor John Soltes, that teaches students how to report, write and edit sports-centered journalism articles.

During the networking hour, students were also able to hold the Phillies 1980 and 2008 World Series trophies, take a picture with Gary “Sarge” Matthews – the 1983 National League Championship Series MVP and Phillies Ambassador – and meet with personnel from various departments such as those who spearhead the Phillies intern program. After the networking session was finished, the students were able to watch the Phillies play against the New York Mets.

The Sports Journalism course will be offered again during the 2019-2020 academic year. To learn more about the Communication Program at CCM by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY  — The Layups 4 Life organization will be hosting its’ 5th Annual 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament on Saturday, April 27, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  This is a fun event that helps raise funds for the fight against cancer.

It is open to teams of players ages 18 and up.

Since 2014 Layups 4 Life has raised over $76,000 for cancer research and clinical trials supporting one of the leaders in cancer research and innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Led by cancer survivor Dan Exter and his wife, Dana Levine Exter, Layups 4 Life organizes one of the largest annual 3v3 charity basketball tournaments in New Jersey.

For more information on the tournament or to register your team, Click Here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association will hold its May meeting and luncheon on Wednesday, May 8 at The Birchwood Manor, 111 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. to be followed by the luncheon at noon.

The cost for members is $30.00 and guests is $35.00. The Association will also have elections for new officers at this meeting. Speaker will be Jamie Novak, author and humorist, to discuss downsizing.

Donations to the Interfaith Food Pantry, either food or monetary, will be collected at the meeting. For reservations call (973) 818-1353. For additional information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County School of Technology’s Learning Center, located in Denville, has  openings for preschool children to register for the morning session for the Fall 2019.

The morning program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. School is in session from the end of September to the middle of June.The Learning Center is an on-site preschool program taught by students in the Academy for Education and Learning and supervised by two certified teachers. Lesson plans are developed using the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and address a plethora of topics, which infuse mathematics, literacy, language, social studies, and science concepts. Fine and gross motor skills are developed through a variety of daily activities.

Children must be three years old by October 1, 2019 and residents of Morris County. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Tuition for the year is $1,425, which is broken into four equal payments. The first payment is non-refundable and due at the time of enrollment to secure a spot.

For more information on how to enroll a child in The Learning Center please call (973) 627-4600 ext. 276 and leave a message or click here. You can also download an application by clicking here.

The Morris County Vocational School District is a countywide public school district that provides vocational and technical education to public high school students in Morris County. This school prepares high school students for future careers, through its academy programs, each focusing on a particular trade as well as an advanced college preparatory program. Students apply to one of the 13 different academies in a process that starts with an application in 8th grade. The highly competitive process begins with a general admissions test and is followed by group interviews on an academy basis. The school has an overall acceptance rate of 30%.

The four-year academies focus on health-care science; visual and performing arts; education and learning; computer science; digital design; culinary arts; construction arts; finance and international business; animal science; math, science and engineering; law and public safety; and sports medicine. Several academies are located within area high schools and also partner with County College of Morris.

The school district also offers high school juniors entrance into the share-time and technical education programs, which allow students to attend their own high school for a half day. Students apply in 10th grade. Those programs include allied health; auto body and collision repair; auto service technology; carpentry; cosmetology; culinary arts and hospitality; cyber security and information protection; electrical trades; engineering, design and advanced manufacturing, fundamentals of building and grounds maintenance; fundamentals of food service; horticulture and landscape design; machining and welding technologies; and plumbing and pipe fitting.