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Incumbents Swept Out in Dover: Three Councilmembers Ousted in Primary

By
Frank Cahill
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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — Morris County Board of Elections has completed the official tally, including all provisional ballots and mail-in ballots postmarked by the deadline.

  • Ward One: Daniella Mendez has unseated incumbent Claudia Toro, winning the Democratic primary by a margin of 179 to 165. Jose Pagan has filed to run as an Independent in the general election. There is no Republican challenger.
  • Ward Two: Judy Rugg defeated incumbent Sergio Rodriguez with a decisive 238 to 129 victory. Rugg will run unopposed in November.
  • Ward Three: Chris Almada has ousted incumbent Mike Scarneo with a 204 to 126 win. Maria Rosario has received enough write-in votes to qualify as the Republican candidate in November, though it is currently unclear whether she will accept the nomination.
  • Ward Four: A.B. Santana ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and will also face no opposition in the general election.

All results are now certified by the Morris County Board of Elections.

Arrests Made in Connection with Morristown Homicide Investigation

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo, and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed the arrest of Enrique “Flaco” Vega, 33, and Cassandra West, 31, in connection with a June 13, homicide investigation in Morristown. Both Vega and West are homeless and known to frequent Morris County.

At approximately 9:14 a.m. on Friday, June 13, paramedics and Morristown Police responded to a report of an unresponsive individual found on Patriots Path, south of Cory Road near the railroad tracks in the vicinity of the Morristown substation. On arrival, they located a deceased man, later identified as Stanley M. Robinson, 65, of Dover. The victim was discovered on NJ TRANSIT property.

It is alleged that Vega and West were present during a physical dispute between Robinson and another individual, R.E., in the early-morning hours of June 13. It is alleged that after Robinson was severely injured, Vega and West did not seek medical assistance for the victim.

A postmortem examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the cause of Robinson’s death to be blunt force trauma to the victim’s head, and the manner of death to be homicide.

At some point after leaving the area of the dispute, Vega and West went to the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover. It is alleged that on Saturday, June 14, Vega stole $2,500 from the cash register in the business office, while an employee had stepped away. It is further alleged that West acted as a lookout for the burglary and theft.

It is further alleged that on Saturday, June 14, Vega and West discovered R.E. deceased in an unoccupied residence on Ridgedale Avenue in Hanover. West is alleged to have tampered with this scene by discarding an empty heroin fold she located near R.E.’s body.

Police found R.E. deceased in the residence on the afternoon of Monday, June 16. Final results of the postmortem examination conducted by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office are pending. There was no noted trauma to the deceased.

On Monday, June 16, West and Vega were apprehended at the Broad Street rail station in Newark, and transported to the Morristown Police Department.

On June 17, Vega and West were charged by complaint-warrant in connection with these incidents. With respect to the Morristown incident, Vega and West have been charged with Endangering an Injured Victim (a crime of the third degree) and Defiant Trespass (a petty disorderly persons offense). With respect to the incident at the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover, Vega has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (a crime of the third degree), Burglary (a crime of the third degree), Theft (a crime of the third degree); and West has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (a crime of the third degree) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft (a crime of the third degree).

With respect to the incident at Ridgedale Avenue in Hanover, Vega and West have been charged with Criminal Trespass (a disorderly persons offense) and West has been charged with Tampering with Evidence (a crime of the fourth degree).

Vega has been remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. West remains in custody pending a detention hearing.

The investigation into the death of Stanley Robinson remains ongoing.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Many thanks to our law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation – the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown Bureau of Police, NJ Transit Police, Hanover Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Special Operations Division – for their vital contributions to this investigation and which remains ongoing.”

New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo, “The New Jersey Transit Police Department takes pride in working hand-in-hand with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety and security of its riders and the public at large. We were pleased to take part in this multi-jurisdictional investigation resulting in the suspects’ apprehension.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Cub Scout Fishing Derby at Malapardis Park

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER — Cub Scout Packs 40 and 142 are holding a Fishing Derby at Malapardis Park in Cedar Knolls on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cub Scouts is a family-oriented, youth program for K-5 boys and girls that develops character and leadership through outdoor activities and community involvement.

If you would like to learn about Cub Scouts, please join us. You can bring your own equipment or make a bamboo rod here. For more information, please contact Matt Panek at [email protected]’t hesitate to get in touch with Matt Panek.

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

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morristown man is facing multiple charges, including Driving While Intoxicated and possession of a prohibited weapon, following a traffic stop on June 10, 2025, according to the Denville Police Department.

At approximately 8:16 p.m., police received a report of a suspected drunk driver traveling in the area. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 near Franklin Road.

The driver, identified as Ronald C. Roccasecca, 62, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. During the stop, officers also discovered that Roccasecca was in possession of a billy club, a weapon prohibited under New Jersey law.

Roccasecca was arrested and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (2C:39-3e) and issued the following motor vehicle summonses:

  • 39:4-50 — Driving While Intoxicated
  • 39:4-50.19 — Driving Without Interlock Device
  • 39:4-51b — Open Container of Alcohol
  • 39:4-88 — Traffic on Marked Lanes
  • 39:4-96 — Reckless Driving
  • 39:4-97 — Careless Driving
  • 39:4-123 — Improper Left Turn

After being processed, Roccasecca was released to a sober friend and is scheduled to appear in court later.

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.

Newark Man Charged in Gift Card Scam at Denville CVS

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — A Newark man has been charged in connection with a gift card scam that took place at the CVS located at 276 East Main Street, police announced.

According to the Denville Police Department, officers responded on June 13, 2025, following a report of an individual attempting to tamper with and replace legitimate gift cards with fraudulent or altered versions—a scheme commonly referred to as a gift card scam.

Upon arrival, patrol officers located the suspect, later identified as Rinalds Ivzans, 25, of Newark, shortly after he exited the store. Ivzans was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the surrounding area recovered multiple fraudulent gift cards.

Ivzans was charged with:

  • Possession of forgery devices
  • Tampering with evidence
  • Criminal attempt – Theft by deception

He was processed at Denville Police Headquarters and released pending a mandatory court appearance.

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.

Former East Hanover Police Sergeant Sentenced to Five Years in Fatal Route 23 Crash

By
Frank Cahill
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Keith M. Gunther, 42, of Wanaque, was sentenced to five years in state prison in connection with a fatal head-on crash on Route 23 in Riverdale.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Riverdale Police Chief Charles Quant confirmed that Keith M. Gunther, 42, of Wanaque, has been sentenced in connection with a fatal head-on collision that occurred on October 15, 2024, on Route 23 North in Riverdale.

On April 8, 2025, Gunther pleaded guilty before Judge Stephen Taylor to the following charges:

  • Second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide
  • Third-degree Assault by Auto
  • Driving Under the Influence

On June 17, Judge Taylor sentenced Gunther to five years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the No Early Release Act, he must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Hamid Shabuddin, who died when Gunther’s pickup truck slammed into the car in which he was riding.

At the time of the crash, Gunther was a sergeant with the East Hanover Police Department, though he was off duty during the incident. He is no longer employed by the department.

The crash resulted in the death of Hamid Shabuddin, 55, of Paterson, who was a passenger in the sedan struck by Gunther’s pickup truck.

Shabuddin, a recent immigrant from South Africa, was a married father of a teenage daughter.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office prosecuted the case, with assistance from the Riverdale Police Department and Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Suspended Dover Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Distribution of CSAM

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed that Anthony Kelly, 37, of Ledgewood, has pled guilty to charges related to the distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Kelly is employed as a Dover Police officer and is currently suspended without pay.

The investigation in this case was triggered by a referral of six CyberTips generated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and sent to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. The CyberTips detailed distribution of over 100 items of CSAM from a Kik account, an instant messaging application, between July 2024 and October 2024. The investigation revealed that the subscriber information on that account belonged to Kelly. He was subsequently charged on November 26, 2024. (Click here to read the previous article)

On June 16, 2025, Kelly pled guilty to one count of second-degree Distribution of CSAM before Judge Ralph Amirata. The State agreed to recommend seven years in New Jersey State Prison. Upon his release from Prison, the defendant must register according to Megan’s Law and comply with Parole Supervision for Life.

Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Amirata on July 18, 2025.

Prosecutor Carroll recognizes the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, especially Detective Danny Witek, whose efforts contributed to the guilty plea in this case.

Jefferson Township Police Officer Honored with MADD Recognition of Excellence Award

By
Frank Cahill
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP—The Jefferson Township Police Department proudly congratulates Officer Adam Riley on being awarded the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Recognition of Excellence Award for his outstanding efforts in DWI enforcement during 2024.

Officer Riley’s dedication to keeping impaired drivers off the road has made a measurable impact on our community’s safety. His unwavering commitment to protecting the residents of Jefferson Township and motorists traveling through our township is commendable, and we are grateful for his continued service.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. The organization is dedicated to ending drunk, drugged, and impaired driving, supporting victims and survivors of these crimes, and preventing underage drinking. Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers nationwide who go above and beyond to stop impaired driving and save lives.

This recognition from MADD is a testament to Officer Riley’s proactive enforcement efforts and commitment to the core mission of ensuring safe roadways for all.

Climate Plus Teams Up with Nick’s Hope for Socks & Underwear Drive

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

JEFFERSON — In a heartwarming display of community support, Climate Plus Heating + Air has partnered with local nonprofit Nick’s Hope to launch a Socks & Underwear Drive, collecting essential items for individuals in need throughout Jefferson Township and beyond.

The drive, which runs from now through July 14, invites residents to donate new, sealed socks and underwear—some of the most requested yet often overlooked items at shelters and outreach programs. Donations can be dropped off at Climate Plus’s office, located at 5558 Berkshire Valley Road in Oak Ridge, or handed directly to any service technician during a home visit.

“At Climate Plus, we believe in being more than just a service provider—we’re part of this community,” said a spokesperson for the company. “When Nick’s Hope reached out, we knew right away we wanted to get involved and help make a difference.”

Nick’s Hope, a Jefferson-based nonprofit, is dedicated to supporting teens and families in crisis. Through a network of volunteers and donors, it provides clothing, hygiene supplies, food, and emotional support. This drive is a vital part of its mission to bring dignity and relief to those who need it most.

In addition to boosting donations, the initiative aims to raise awareness of everyday needs that are often taken for granted. “Socks and underwear are essential, yet many families can’t afford them,” said representatives from Nick’s Hope. “Thanks to Climate Plus and our generous neighbors, we can provide comfort and care where needed most.”

Community members seeking involvement can call (973) 838-3200 for more details. Every donation—no matter how small—has the potential to make a big impact.

For more information on Nick’s Hope, visit @nicks_hope_inc.

Together, we can make Jefferson Township a little warmer—one pair at a time.

I-80 Sinkhole Crisis Exposes Gaps in Infrastructure Oversight, Urges Swift Legislative Action

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

MORRIS COUNTY — The I-80 collapse, which shut down lanes for months and caused major disruptions across western Morris and Sussex counties, has been traced to long-abandoned mine activity beneath the highway. Dunn noted that New Jersey is home to nearly 600 abandoned mines, with an estimated 10% near state roads, yet the public can’t access basic information about them online.

“Even now, if you go to the Department of Environmental Protection’s website to learn more about our mines … guess what the message says if you Google it, if you go to the website right now? Page not found. I think that says a lot, doesn’t it?” she said.
Dunn emphasized that the crisis was not abstract. It affected her constituents daily.
“I was on the ground throughout this process, talking to residents who could not get to work, parents rerouting their kids to school and activities, and about the countless missed and canceled appointments. Businesses were severely impacted. This has been a lived crisis for my community,” Dunn said.

She called for a centralized mine mapping and monitoring system, data-sharing across agencies, and the creation of early warning systems to prevent future emergencies.
“The state’s approach to mine safety so far has been neither comprehensive nor consistent. It has been fragmented, outdated, and reactive,” she said. “The closure alone cost the state an estimated $200,000 per day. So we are north of $25 million, not including the law enforcement costs to address this crisis. As stewards of public funds, we have to act now because failing to plan will only cost more, not just in dollars but in public confidence.”Dunn concluded with a bipartisan appeal.

“This isn’t a partisan issue. I feel good we found one nonpartisan that we could all get around,” she said. “So as we pave the nation’s corridor, know that together we are paving a path to a more unified, prepared, and resilient New Jersey.”

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