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Eric Hauer Named to Ohio University’s Spring 2025 Provost’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — Ohio University has announced that Eric Hauer, a College of Arts and Sciences student from Boonton, has been named to the Spring 2025 Provost’s List, a distinction awarded to high-achieving part-time undergraduate students.

The Provost’s List recognizes students with exceptional academic performance while enrolled part-time. To qualify, students must have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing between 6 and 11.99 credit hours of letter-graded coursework during the semester.

In Spring 2025, approximately 2,180 part-time undergraduate students across Ohio University met the criteria for this academic honor.

About Ohio University

Ohio University is a nationally recognized public research institution committed to academic excellence and student success. With its main campus in Athens, the University offers more than 200 academic programs and combines a rich tradition of scholarship with a dynamic, student-centered learning environment. As a Carnegie R1-classified research university, Ohio University is known for its leadership in discovery, innovation, and engagement across diverse disciplines.

For more information, visit www.ohio.edu.

Local Students Graduate from University of Alabama

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The University of Alabama celebrated its Spring 2025 commencement at Coleman Coliseum, awarding more than 6,000 degrees to students nationwide.

Among the graduates were two local students from Morris County:

  • Joey Dallow of Florham Park earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  • Taylor Marsden of Boonton Township earned a Master of Social Work degree.

The University of Alabama, the state’s flagship institution, offers more than 200 degree programs and is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and service. As Alabama’s largest higher education institution, it plays a key role in driving innovation and economic growth statewide and beyond.

Transit Update: Ahead of Schedule

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Commuters and local businesses in Morris County are set to benefit from an early reopening of Interstate 80’s westbound lanes in Wharton, with all three lanes expected to be fully operational by Saturday, June 14, nearly 11 days ahead of schedule, according to transportation officials.

To complete the work, crews will temporarily close one westbound lane overnight on Monday, June 9, Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11 for repaving and barrier removal. At least one westbound lane will remain open each night to maintain traffic flow.

A full westbound closure is scheduled for the night of Friday, June 13, to allow for final paving and striping. Weather permitting, all lanes will reopen by Saturday morning, June 14.

Meanwhile, progress continues on the eastbound side, where all lanes are expected to reopen by Friday, June 21.

Motorists are reminded that this remains an active construction zone, and caution is strongly advised. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour westbound and 40 miles per hour eastbound.

For real-time traffic updates and lane closure alerts, drivers can visit 511NJ.org.

Sheriff Gannon and Morris Plains Police Seek Public’s Help in Bike Theft Case

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS PLAINS—The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers and the Morris Plains Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual involved in a theft that occurred on Thursday, June 5.

According to officials, the incident occurred in the rear parking lot of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, located at 1711 Route 10 in Morris Plains. On surveillance footage, a suspect driving a green Honda Pilot, believed to be a model from between 2003 and 2008, was captured approaching an unlocked TREK bicycle belonging to an employee.

The individual placed the bicycle in the back of the vehicle and drove away without the employee’s knowledge or permission.

Authorities urge anyone with information about this person or the vehicle involved to contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by visiting http://www.copcall.org, calling 973-COP-CALL, or using the “P3 Tips” mobile app.

A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest. Tipsters will remain anonymous, and no one will ask your name.

Surveillance images of the suspect and the vehicle have been released in the hope that the public will recognize the person or vehicle involved.

Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

Morris Knolls High School Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault and Endangering

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris Knolls High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving students in ninth through twelfth grades from Denville Township and most of Rockaway Township in Morris County.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Denville Police Chief Scott Welsch, and Rockaway Township Police Chief Robert Scherr confirmed that Alyssa Perry, 35, of Rockaway Township, has been charged with two counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

In March 2025, an administrator at Morris Knolls High School notified the Denville Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office of alleged inappropriate behavior by one of the school’s teachers. An investigation determined that on two occasions between February and March 2025, while at her Rockaway Township residence, Perry sexually assaulted the victim, who was a 17-year-old at the time. The defendant is a former teacher and tutor of the victim and currently works at the school where the victim attends, though Perry is presently suspended.

Morris Knolls High School teacher Alyssa Perry was charged with sexually assaulting a former student.

As a result of the investigation, Perry was charged on June 6, 2025, with two counts of Sexual Assault, a crime of the second degree, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-2c3b; and one count of Welfare of a Child, a crime of the third degree, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a)(1).

Perry has been released under pre-trial supervision with the following conditions: pre-trial monitoring level 3, no contact with the victim or the school, and no contact with any student. She has a court date scheduled for July 14, 2025, before the Honorable Ralph Amirata, J.S.C.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released.

Members of the Rockaway Township Police Department, Denville Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit participated in this investigation.

Anyone with any information about this investigation should call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.

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.

Lafayette Returns: Morristown Commemorates Bicentennial of Hero’s 1825 Visit with Parade, Music & Celebration

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morristown, known as the “Military Capital of the American Revolution,” will host a grand celebration on July 12, 13, and 14, 2025, commemorating General Lafayette’s 1825 visit as part of the American Friends of Lafayette’s (AFL) nationwide reenactment of his Bicentennial Farewell Tour. The celebration includes a parade, public programs, musical premiere, historical exhibits, and family activities — all honoring the legacy of Lafayette as a patriot, supporter of democratic ideals, and enduring symbol of Franco-American friendship.

The festivities on the Morristown Green begin at noon on Sunday, July 13, where exhibitors, historians, and lineage groups will be available to engage with the public. At 1:00 PM, a parade will depart in honor of Lafayette and escort him to the stage for proclamations, toasts, and speeches. The event will also include bells, cannon fire, musical salutes, and a family-friendly atmosphere featuring a historical flag display, children’s activities, and free ice cream.

A unique feature of the program will be the world premiere of the “Lafayette Suite,” composed by Maestro Robert W. Butts especially for the occasion. Members of the BONJ (Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey) will debut the new composition. This free public event concludes at 3:30 PM.

“We’re thrilled to welcome General Lafayette back to Morristown,” said Carol Barkin, co-chair of the event, which promises to be the most extensive heritage program of the summer, and a kick-off to the America250 festivities. “This is more than a reenactment. It is a moment to celebrate our Revolutionary history, our community spirit, and the timeless values Lafayette stood for.”

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Bastille Day and the exact 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Morristown, a symposium will be held at the Morris County Library from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Community members, reenactors, and Lafayette scholars will explore his lasting contributions to human rights, democracy, and the abolition of slavery. Registration is available through the AFL website.

Wendy York, another co-chair, has planned to reenact the 1825 male-only banquet held at the Sansay House in Lafayette’s honor. York says, “that volunteers from Macculloch Hall will once again provide the floral décor, but women will be invited to attend it this time!” The Sansay House (c.1807) still stands today on DeHart Street.

Lafayette first visited Morristown on May 10, 1780, when he delivered news to George Washington at the Ford Mansion that France would send vital support – money, armaments, soldiers, and ships – turning the tide of the war. His return on July 14, 1825, drew great public fanfare and marked a celebration of America’s independence, with Lafayette hailed as the “Hero of Two Worlds.”

Two hundred years later, volunteers in the same 24 states Lafayette visited are reenacting the tour day-by-day, according to Lafayette’s original tour diary. The journey began in Sandy Hook, NJ, in August 2024, and will continue through September 2025.

Currently, a Lafayette exhibit is on display at the Morristown National Historical Park Museum (30 Washington Place). On Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, a special “pop-up” museum will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Morristown (51 South Street), featuring art and objects from the collections of three serious Lafayette collectors.

The third co-chair, Ryan Dawson, said, “I’m pleased the community and local businesses are supporting the event so we can provide all the events free to the public. We hope to see a large, enthusiastic crowd along the parade route cheering Lafayette as they did in 1825.”

Learn more about Lafayette’s bicentennial Farewell Tour at lafayette200.org. The American Friends of Lafayette, founded in 1932, is a historical society dedicated to honoring Lafayette’s life and promoting friendship between America and France.

For updates, follow @Morristownloveslafayette on Facebook and Instagram.

Article courtesy of Carol Barkin, Co-Chair of the Lafayette Farewell Tour.

Morris County Judge Rejects Dover Gadfly’s Request for a Reversal of Prior Restraints

By
Frank Cahill
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Richard “Rico” Gonzalez, the former Dover police officer currently at the center of a legal dispute with the Town of Dover over alleged violations of a 2015 non-disparagement agreement.

DOVER — On April 4, 2025, Morris County Superior Court Judge ruled that enough was enough, and ordered that Dover gadfly and former police officer Richard “Rico” Gonzalez could no longer post disparaging material on social media against Dover and its officials.  Gonzalez had no fewer than three attorneys at the April 4 hearing, all from the law firm of Richard Flaum at DiFrancisco Bateman.  Flaum, himself, did not attend the April 4 hearing at which Judge Franzblau sternly advised his partner Lisa Fittipaldi that Gonzalez was bound by the non-disparagement agreement in his 2015 settlement agreement. 

Even though Flaum did not attend the April 4 hearing, he nevertheless filed a “motion to reconsider” with Judge Franzblau. In it, he argued the exact same points that Franzblau rejected on April 4 and that his partner, Ms. Fittipaldi, boisterously argued in person. Flaum’s submission to the Court to support his motion for reconsideration included a 24-page brief and hundreds of exhibits.

Today, Judge Franzblau decided the motion against Gonzalez in an Order and a two-page statement of reasons.  Franzblau did not deem Gonzalez’s lengthy submission worthy of the court’s time and therefore declined to hold an oral argument before deciding on the motion.

The Town attorney, Jonathan Cohen, stated that the judge’s ruling was no surprise and that the Town of Dover plans to pursue a recovery of the full $175,000 of contractual payments it made to Gonzalez because of his failure to honor the terms of the agreement, which included the non-disparagement clause in question.

Response from Jefferson Township Regarding Recent Lawsuit Allegations

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township is aware of the lawsuit recently filed by Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson and is currently reviewing the allegations in detail. While we do not comment on active litigation, we want to assure our residents that the Township is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and full compliance with all applicable laws, including the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), and local ordinances.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) referenced in the complaint was negotiated and approved in accordance with all legal standards and with the approval of our governing body at a public meeting. At every step, Jefferson Township acted in what it believes to be the best interest of its employees and residents. Any claims suggesting that the process was conducted improperly or in secrecy are categorically denied.

As for allegations surrounding employee compensation, the Township regularly reviews its salary ordinance to ensure it aligns with evolving operational needs and contractual obligations. If any discrepancies exist between salary ordinance caps and current compensation, the Township has and will take appropriate measures to address them through proper administrative or legislative action.

I have complete faith in our Township Business Administrator, Debra Millikin, that all laws, ordinances, and procedures were followed correctly.

Regarding OPRA requests, the Township and its Clerk’s Office have worked diligently to comply within the bounds of the law.

As Mayor, I recognize that public trust is essential and take all concerns from our community seriously. My administration will continue to operate with transparency and accountability while vigorously defending against claims we believe are inaccurate or mischaracterized. I think it is important to note that, as indicated in the lawsuit documents, the group that filed this matter has requested to remain anonymous as they claim to “face a real and credible threat of political retaliation.” I believe this civil action is politically motivated, an attempt to embarrass me and my administration for future political ambitions. I find it ironic that a group of supposed “Concerned Citizens” who claim to be concerned about fiscal accountability and transparency would go to the extreme of filing a civil lawsuit, which will incur significant legal fees, only to use taxpayer dollars to defend and then request anonymity. To date, no one has brought any of these alleged issues to my attention in an attempt to remedy them first.

I would respectfully ask our community to refrain from drawing a conclusion based solely on one side of an alleged issue or based on what you might read on social media.

We appreciate the community’s engagement and will provide further updates concerning this matter as permitted through the legal process.

Update: 64-Year-Old Man Dies Following Shooting; Investigation Ongoing

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township Police Department Photo Credit: Jefferson Township Police Department via Facebook

JEFFERSON — A 64-year-old man has died as a result of a gunshot wound sustained Tuesday night in Jefferson Township, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jefferson Township Police reported the incident to the Prosecutor’s Office at approximately 9:06 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. The man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the incident but noted that there is no threat to the public now.

Meghan Knab, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s public information officer, confirmed that the matter remains under active investigation. Additional details have not yet been released.

East Hanover Man Charged After Late-Night Warehouse Party in Fairfield Sparks Crashes, Violations, and Vehicle Theft

By
Frank Cahill
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FAIRFIELD — A late-night birthday party at a Fairfield warehouse has resulted in multiple charges against Victor Montana, 44, of East Hanover, according to the Fairfield Police Department.

At approximately 1:14 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, officers responded to noise complaints on Commerce Road after a caller reported seeing social media posts about an event at Canasis Express, located at 23 Commerce Road—a trucking business typically closed at that hour. Upon arrival, police discovered numerous vehicles and partygoers, with loud music echoing from the building.

Montana, who rents a unit in the multi-tenant space, allegedly sublet it for a birthday party that featured car detailing and charged a fee for its use. While awaiting backup from neighboring jurisdictions, officers witnessed a chaotic scene as attendees began fleeing, causing two motor vehicle crashes on Commerce Road.

Inside the warehouse, officers found the space filled with smoke, debris, alcoholic beverage containers, and several vehicles with rooftop speakers. The building’s windows were covered with cardboard, the fire and carbon monoxide detectors were removed, and all exterior doors were locked—some with deadbolts—raising serious safety concerns.

The Fairfield Fire Department cited multiple fire code violations, and Eagle Towing of Parsippany impounded the vehicles inside.

Montana now faces criminal charges of maintaining a nuisance and local ordinance violations for noise, operating a disorderly business, and additional fire and zoning infractions.

Fairfield Police Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza stated, “The Fairfield Police Department, along with our fire and zoning officials, take these pop-up style events seriously and will prosecute those involved to the fullest extent. Public safety is of utmost importance, and the Township of Fairfield will have zero tolerance towards those who engage in these types of events.”

In a related incident, on June 2 at approximately 1:11 p.m., Parsippany Police alerted Fairfield authorities that one of the impounded vehicles—a tan Honda CRV with rooftop speakers—had been stolen from Eagle Towing’s impound yard. Fairfield Officer Jayson Sickles later located the vehicle on Route 80 East and conducted a motor vehicle stop.

The driver, Angel Suazosoto, allegedly took the vehicle without paying the impound fees. Fairfield officers detained him until Parsippany Police arrived and arrested him. Eagle Towing once again towed the vehicle, and additional charges are pending.

“It is ironic that Suazosoto, who did not want to pay the initial impound fees, now owes double and faces criminal charges when he didn’t face any in the original incident,” added Chiarolanza.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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