MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Boonton Township man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police during a traffic stop in Mountain Lakes last month.
On Friday, July 18, at approximately 11:06 p.m., an officer attempted to stop a motorcycle. Police said the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Baziar Roberts, refused to comply and sped away from the scene.
Following an investigation, Roberts was identified and issued summonses for failure to maintain lane, failure to stop for a red light, failure to signal a turn, careless driving, reckless driving, and eluding.
Roberts was also given a mandatory court appearance in connection with the motor vehicle violations and the criminal charge, according to police.
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.
MCPO Capt. Joe Costello, MCPO Capt. Steven Brylinski, MCPO Deputy Chief Jan-Michael Monrad, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, NJSACOP Director Harry Delgado, MCPO Chief of Staff Ernie Giampietro, and MCPO Capt. Mark Castellano.
MORRIS COUNTY — Local officials and law enforcement gathered last night for the Morris County Board of County Commissioners public meeting in Morristown, where the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) formally received its fourth reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).
Harry Delgado, accreditation program director for NJSACOP, presented a reaccreditation certificate to Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and his leadership team, praising the MCPO for its continued excellence in training, policy, records management, community outreach and operations.
“Only a select few law enforcement agencies in the state have achieved reaccreditation four times. Out of all agencies in New Jersey — including sheriff’s offices, prosecutor’s offices, local law enforcement and campus police — about 54 percent earn accreditation once and remain in the program. Twelve percent obtain a second reaccreditation, and fewer than eight percent secure a third,” said Director Delgado. “The MCPO is now among less than six percent of agencies statewide to earn a fourth reaccreditation, demonstrating exceptional longevity and commitment towards following best practices.”
The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive assessment completed in April by NJSACOP, which reviewed compliance with 112 professional standards covering administration, personnel, operations, investigations and arrestee management. The MCPO was first accredited in 2013, and its status is now valid through June 2028.
Catch You Later Foundation Honored
Following the presentation, Prosecutor Carroll thanked Delgado and NJSACOP for their rigorous review.
“I commend Director Delgado and his team of accreditors for conducting a thorough and comprehensive examination of our office that fully evaluated and tested our operations and oversight functions,” said Prosecutor Carroll.
Prosecutor Carroll then honored Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation, with a certificate recognizing her work to raise awareness about impaired and distracted driving. O’Donnell established the foundation after her husband, Tim, and 5-year-old daughter, Bridget, were killed in 2016 by an impaired driver on the New Jersey Turnpike.
“Pam O’Donnell turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope and action. Her foundation is helping raise awareness of dangerous driving behavior and inspiring people to speak up before it’s too late. Her work has directly supported our DWI enforcement efforts and public safety outreach across Morris County,” said Prosecutor Carroll.
Commissioners Douglas Cabana, John Krickus and Christine Myers; Director Tayfun Selen; Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation; Prosecutor Robert Carroll; Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo.
He also cited two high-profile impaired driving matters this year: an April crash in Roxbury that killed a young woman and led to a vehicular homicide charge, and a recent DWI checkpoint in Florham Park held in memory of Tim and Bridget O’Donnell.
“We have worked hard with our law enforcement partners, municipal leaders, county commissioners and administration to confront these perennial tragedies. Our local patrols have amplified their efforts to identify impaired vehicle operators,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “An important component of this effort is help from the public to notify police. When residents report dangerous driving, it makes a difference.”
The MCPO regularly coordinates DWI checkpoints and educational outreach in partnership with municipal police, supported by funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Between 2023 and 2024, the MCPO ran four DWI checkpoints, interviewing 1,116 drivers, resulting in six DWI arrests and 23 motor vehicle summonses being issued. So far in 2025, three checkpoints have been conducted with 657 interviews, resulting in two DWI arrests and 11 summonses.
“The MCPO’s reaccreditation from NJSACOP confirms what we in Morris County already know: that the Prosecutor’s Office is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and public service,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “We also commend Prosecutor Carroll’s dedicated efforts to reduce impaired and reckless driving, which continues to claim far too many lives.”
The Catch You Later Foundation promotes New Jersey’s #77 Aggressive Driving reporting program and provides scholarships in Bridget’s memory.
“The memory of Tim and Bridget continues to make an impact. We are proud to partner with those who are willing to stand up, speak out and help prevent another family from experiencing such loss,” Prosecutor Carroll said.
To date in 2025, there have been 315 fatal crashes resulting in 335 deaths in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey State Police. Morris County has reported 14 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths. From 2006 through 2023, the state recorded 10,356 fatal crashes, with 2,428 — about 23 percent — involving drivers who had consumed alcohol, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Attendees at the meeting included members of the MCPO, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr , and Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Knights of Columbus Bishop McLaughlin Council #3495 will host its 41st Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, September 29, at Flanders Valley Golf Course, located at 81 Pleasant Hill Road in Flanders. All proceeds from the event will benefit local charities and disabled citizens in the surrounding communities.
The day begins with registration and lunch at 11:00 a.m., followed by a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Monday, October 6.
The $175 golfer entry fee includes golf, unlimited beer and wine, buffet dinner, and a chance to win over 50 prizes. A “Dinner Only” option is available for $75, which also includes unlimited beer and wine and entry into the prize drawings.
Golfers and sponsors must submit payment no later than September 22. Checks should be made payable to Knights of Columbus. Hole sponsorships are also available. Click here for more information.
For more information, call the Flanders Valley Golf Course at (973) 584-5382.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
DENVILLE — On Friday, August 8, at approximately 10:52 p.m., Denville Police responded to reports of a black sedan that had crashed into the woods off Franklin Road near the train overpass.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the driver, Marcie B. Levinson, 60, of Morris Plains, was impaired due to alcohol and/or drugs. Levinson was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
She was charged with:
39:4-50 Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
39:4-97 Careless driving
39:4-96 Reckless driving
39:4-88 Traffic on marked lanes
Levinson was issued the appropriate summonses and released to a sober friend pending a future appearance in Denville Municipal Court.
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.
DENVILLE — On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at approximately 1:03 a.m., Denville Police Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 53 South after observing a vehicle following too closely.
During the stop, officers determined that the driver, identified as Fabian Carvajal Patino, 21, of Morris Plains, was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Patino was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.
He was charged with:
39:4-50 Driving while under the influence
39:4-89 Following too closely
39:4-96 Reckless driving
39:4-97 Careless driving
Patino was issued the appropriate summonses and released to a sober friend pending a future appearance in Denville Municipal Court.
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.
Representatives from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Hazard Mitigation team join members of the Dover Office of Emergency Management during the launch of Dover’s state-funded flood mitigation initiative on August 8, 2025.
DOVER — On August 8, 2025, under the leadership of Mayor James P. Dodd, the Town of Dover took a landmark step in its ongoing fight against flooding, welcoming the New Jersey State OEM Hazard Mitigation Unit and experts from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to launch a major, science-driven mitigation initiative.
Recognizing flooding as one of Dover’s most persistent and costly challenges, Mayor Dodd has made securing long-term protection for residents and infrastructure a top priority of his administration. His push for innovative, research-backed solutions brought together post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and leading engineers to work directly with Dover in identifying and addressing the community’s most flood-prone areas.
Fully funded by the State of New Jersey, this effort will deliver in-depth surveying and data collection — critical steps that position Dover to compete successfully for both federal and state mitigation grants. By championing the collaboration, Mayor Dodd has ensured the town is at the forefront of using advanced technology to protect its future.
Town Planner Alex Dougherty and Dover OEM Coordinator Anthony Rosario are leading the local engagement on the ground, working in close coordination with state and NJIT teams. Together, they are mapping priority sites, including key locations along the Rockaway River and Blackwell Street, where severe flooding can cut off access to Route 10 and delay emergency response.
The project’s core strategy includes deploying advanced monitoring devices in major hotspots, technology that will provide continuous real-time data on flood behavior — a game-changing tool for decision-making and prevention.
“This is about more than just addressing the problems we see today,” said Mayor Dodd. “It’s about ensuring Dover’s safety, connectivity, and resilience for decades to come. By partnering with NJIT and the State’s Hazard Mitigation Unit, we’re building a future where flooding no longer threatens our residents, our economy, or our emergency response capabilities.”
This initiative represents the beginning of a high-level collaboration that has the potential to reshape Dover’s flood strategy, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock millions in funding. Under Mayor Dodd’s leadership, Dover is moving decisively toward a stronger, safer, and more resilient tomorrow.
Stephanie Milligan, Preschool Program Director; Valerie Kuglin, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway; and Crystal Quaglio, Preschool Program Nurse, during the Kiwanis Club’s clothing essentials donation to the Dover Preschool Program.
DOVER — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway kicked off the school year with a generous donation to the Dover Preschool Program, delivering bags filled with clothing essentials to support young students and their families. The club’s goal is to ensure children have what they need to feel comfortable and confident as they begin the year.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Locally, the club focuses on serving the needs of children in Rockaway and surrounding communities through service projects, donations, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway or to get involved, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/GreaterRockawayKiwanis.
Mayor James P. Dodd joins the Town Council and ExcelCare at Dover to cut the ribbon on the facility’s new Spanish Program, a vital initiative supporting the township’s diverse senior community.
DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd and the Town Council proudly celebrated the launch of ExcelCare at Dover’s new Spanish Program, marking a significant step forward in supporting the community’s diverse senior population.
During last week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Dodd emphasized the Town of Dover’s continued commitment to programs that enhance quality of life for residents.
“We are proud to support initiatives that truly make a difference in the lives of our seniors,” Mayor Dodd said. “ExcelCare’s new Spanish Program will help ensure that language is never a barrier to receiving the care and connection our seniors deserve.”
ExcelCare at Dover provides a wide range of services for older adults, and this new program is designed to foster inclusivity and improve communication for Spanish-speaking residents.
The Town expressed its gratitude to ExcelCare for its dedication and daily efforts to serve seniors in Dover. “Your impact is deeply appreciated,” officials said.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has added Edward C. Morris T/A MC Contractors, located at 25 James Road, to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL), a public database of employers barred from state, county, and municipal contracts due to unresolved wage, benefit, or tax law violations.
According to NJDOL, MC Contractors owes $35,136.82 in unpaid contributions, penalties, and interest to the Unemployment Compensation Fund and the State Disability Benefits Fund.
Violations:
The Unemployment Compensation Law (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.)
The Temporary Disability Benefits Law (P.L.1948, c.110; C.43:21-25 et seq.)
The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law (P.L.2008, c.17; C.43:21-39.1 et seq.)
Date of Final Judgment/Order: Jan. 3, 2019 Date Posted on The WALL: Aug. 5, 2025
Launched in September 2023, The WALL was created to prevent noncompliant businesses from obtaining public contracts until they settle all outstanding liabilities. The program was established under bipartisan legislation (S-4226) in 2020 to combat worker misclassification and exploitation.
Businesses receive warning letters and have 20 days to resolve their debts before being posted. Since its inception, the initiative has recovered more than $692,000 from employers either listed or warned.
Det. Captain Micheal Turkot, Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose, Undersheriff Richard Rose, Chief Sheriff’s Officer Aaron Tomasini, Sheriff James Gannon, Undersheriff Mark Spitzer and Det. Captain Walter Rawa.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon officially swore in Chief Sheriff’s Officer Aaron D. Tomasini to lead the bureau of law enforcement during a ceremony held in the commissioners’ public meeting room at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, where officials, law enforcement colleagues, family and friends gathered to honor his distinguished career and leadership.
“The county of Morris is fortunate to have a leader like Aaron, whose integrity, expertise and leadership skills are certain to propel the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to new heights. His role as Chief Sheriff’s Officer will undoubtedly enhance community relations and promote a safer environment for all residents and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Gannon.
Chief Sheriff’s Officer Aaron D. Tomasini
Chief Tomasini began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in July 2005 after graduating from the Morris County Basic Police Academy, Class #66. He was initially assigned to the protective services division before transferring to the K-9 Unit, where he served the majority of his career.
Within the special services division, Chief Tomasini served as a K-9 handler and trainer, bomb technician, and tactical operator with the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. Over the years, he worked with several K-9 partners, including Jax, Hydro, Sig, Kiara and Po. He has also served with the New Jersey State Police Detect and Render Safe Task Force as both an explosives detection specialist and bomb technician.
In addition to his tactical and training experience, Chief Tomasini has supervised units across the agency, including crime scene investigation, patrol, the newly formed emergency services unit and the marine police unit.
“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that words mean little without action. When I think about the kind of chief I’d want, it’s someone who has my back. Someone who supports me, who empowers me, who sees and hears me, and who invests in my development because I matter. With that in mind, I pledge my full support to you; my time, my energy, and my focus, to meet your expectations and help you thrive,” said Chief Tomasini, who addressed attendees following the oath of office.
“To my fellow chiefs, law enforcement partners and community stakeholders, if there’s one universal truth about leadership, it’s that it cannot exist without relationships. The partnerships we form and sustain are the foundation of our collective success. I’m reminded of the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I pledge to build strong bonds and meaningful collaborations. I look forward to seeing how far we can go — together,” he continued.
Chief Tomasini is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan and has served more than two decades in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where he currently holds the rank of major. He is the infantry branch chief for the Observer Coach/Trainer Group, known as “OPS Group Devil.” His extensive military education includes Ranger School, airborne and air assault courses, senior service and Command and General Staff College courses, and multiple leadership programs.
Academically, Chief Tomasini holds an associate degree in criminal justice from the County College of Morris, two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology and a master’s in management from Thomas Edison State University, an MBA in human resources from William Paterson University, and a doctor of education in organizational leadership from Stockton University. He is also a member of multiple international honor societies and volunteers with several community organizations.
Sheriff Gannon closed the ceremony by thanking all for attending the event and wishing Chief Tomasini all the best as he embarks in this new role and continues his service to the people of Morris County.
