MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed that Melissa Rivera, 61, Haskell, has been sentenced for theft from Roman Catholic parishes in Washington Township and Pompton Plains.

On May 19, 2025, Rivera pled guilty to two counts of Theft, a crime of the third degree, in violation of 2C:20-3A, before Judge Robert Hanna.

On September 12, Judge Hanna sentenced Rivera to a term of five years probation. As a condition of probation, Rivera will be required to pay the two victim parishes a combined $292,728 in restitution at a rate of $800 a month.

An investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit began after a referral alleged Rivera stole approximately $192,000 while employed as a bookkeeper at Our Lady of Mountain Parish in Washington Township (Morris County), by writing herself numerous checks from parish accounts.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that between May 2018 and May 2024, Rivera created 137 checks at Our Lady of the Mountain totaling $287,487 and 3 checks at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish totaling $5,242, both located within Morris County, while employed as a bookkeeper. The total loss was $292,728. As a result of this investigation, Rivera was subsequently charged on March 27, 2025.

Prosecutor Carroll recognizes the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to the guilty plea in this case.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Office of Temporary Assistance is hosting an Open House Hiring Event on October 2 for those interested in employment with the Morris County Department of Human Services. Whether you’re looking for a new job, internship, or are just curious about what opportunities are out there, this is the perfect chance to meet with our team face-to-face, tour our facility, and learn more about the programs and services we deliver to Morris County residents. 

For more information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — At just 42 years old, Joan Van Soest’s life changed with three words no one ever wants to hear: You have cancer. What began as unexplained weight loss of over 40 pounds led her gynecologist to recommend further testing. That decision ultimately revealed she had breast cancer.

As a result, she underwent an eight-hour surgery followed by six long months of chemotherapy. Unlike many patients, she didn’t require radiation, but the treatments were just as difficult. Joan still remembers the exhaustion, the painful mouth sores, and the muscle aches that she experienced and seemed to linger endlessly.

But the hardest moment came just three days after her first chemotherapy session, when her hair fell out. “That was the true sign that this was real. That I was actually sick,” Joan recalled.

However, she refused to give up. Grounded in faith, she leaned on the unwavering support of her husband and children, who reminded her of what she was fighting for: the chance to see her kids grow up and live the rest of her life. She also found strength in the doctors she trusted deeply, never doubting their care and guidance.

At the time of her diagnosis, she lived in Franklin Lakes. Now a Montville resident, she reflects on her journey with gratitude. For 20 years, she returned annually to her doctors for follow-ups. Today, she proudly celebrates being a breast cancer survivor for 25 years.

Surviving cancer gave her more than just her health back but also gave her a mission. She has since dedicated herself to supporting others walking the same difficult path she once faced. Whether it’s joining calls and offering advice with patients preparing for surgery through the Reach For Recovery organization or hosting the annual Zumba for the Cure event, she shares her experience openly. Her words provide comfort, encouragement, and hope to those about to face what she endured. By turning her struggle into service, she has become a beacon of resilience and compassion in her community. 

MORRIS COUNTY — Joan Van Soest, a breast cancer survivor for 25 years, is hosting her 15th Annual Zumba for the Cure, in partnership with Mary Massey, on Sunday, September 28, at the Police Athletic League of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will bring the community together to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Zumba for the Cure draws about 100 attendees each year for an energizing and inspirational morning of dance and fundraising. Over the past 14 years, the event has raised more than $192,000 with matching funds for the American Cancer Society, making a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Each year, the event begins by welcoming breast cancer survivors to the stage to honor their journeys and inspire attendees. Survivors are celebrated as living proof of strength and hope, setting a powerful tone before the dancing begins.

The community-driven fundraiser continues to thrive thanks to dedicated organizers, participants, and supporters who return year after year. Zumba for the Cure has become a staple of Parsippany’s calendar, combining fitness, philanthropy, and heartfelt moments.

This uplifting event is open to all, and donations are encouraged! The PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, and Mount Olive Chief of Police Michael Spitzer confirmed the sentencing of Jose A. Lousa, 62, of Mount Olive Township.

A jury trial before Judge Ralph Amirata resulted in a hung jury on April 30, 2025. On May 12, Lousa pled guilty to one count of second-degree Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) before Judge Ralph Amirata.

On September 5, Judge Amirata imposed a sentence of four years in New Jersey State Prison. Upon his release from New Jersey State Prison, the defendant is required to register pursuant to Megan’s Law and comply with the Special Sentence of Parole Supervision for Life.

The investigation began when the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark – Child Exploitation Group identified possible CSAM on a BitTorrent site in Morris County. BitTorrent is a Peer-to-Peer file sharing network. Further investigation revealed numerous media files, each depicting the alleged sexual exploitation or abuse of a minor, were stored on the BitTorrent site and accessible for download. The BitTorrent was associated with the defendant’s residence and the investigation revealed in excess of 1,000 items of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful prosecution, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark – Child Exploitation Group, the New Jersey State Police, Mount Olive Township Police Department, and Boonton Township Police Department.