MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a promotional ceremony at the Morris County Correctional Facility on June 11. At the event, Francesco Manna, John Baena, Brian Kooger, and Tim Stewart were promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, respectively.

Captain Tim Stewart

In 2003, Captain Timothy Stewart was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections after working for two years as a Juvenile Detention Officer. He graduated in 2004 from the Passaic County Police Academy, receiving the Academic Award and holding the position of Squad Leader. Captain Stewart has taken numerous training classes at various Police Academies and Training Facilities to further his Law Enforcement career.

As an Officer at the Morris County Correctional Facility, he has excelled in many areas, including Housing Units, Intake, Main Entrance, Corridors, and the Control Center. Captain Timothy excels at firearms and ranks as one of the finest within the Bureau of Corrections. He has received the Expert Shooter Award and competed in several shooting competitions over the years. Captain Stewart became a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 after completing the FBI Crisis Negotiator Training Course at the Essex County College and Police Academy. He became the team leader of the Crisis Negotiation Team after attending numerous seminars and training events in crisis and hostage situations and assisting with negotiations for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office CNT during several crises.

In 2015, after 12 years as a Corrections Officer, Captain Stewart was promoted to Sergeant. He worked as a Housing Sergeant, supervising Officers on shifts and managing the inmates in the facility. Captain Stewart quickly became one of the standout sergeants of the facility and was selected to train newly promoted sergeants in their new positions. In 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Shift Commander for five years.

Most recently, and prior to his promotion, Captain Stewart was moved to the position of Security Lieutenant, where he oversaw the Intake Unit, Inmate Discipline, and all security aspects of the facility. Over his exemplary 24-year career, Captain Stewart has gained experience and knowledge of the job, making him an excellent choice for the position of Security Captain for this facility.

Lieutenant Brian Kooger

Lieutenant Kooger began his career as a Corrections Officer in 2006 and graduated from the Passaic County Police Academy Corrections Class on July 12, 2007.

He has worked in multiple areas of the Correctional Facility, including the Housing Units, the Kitchen, and the Intake/Records Division. He was also assigned to the Transportation Unit, responsible for transporting inmates throughout the state for court appearances and other programs. He was promoted to Sergeant in October 2019 and assigned as a Housing Unit supervisor.

Lieutenant Kooger has received several firearm proficiency awards, including the Merit Service Award. He participates in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefits New Jersey Special Olympics.

Sergeant John Baena

Sergeant John Baena graduated from Morris Hills High School in 2000. Deeply moved by the events of September 11, 2001, he made the life-changing decision to enlist in the United States Army. Over his three years of service, he was deployed to Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served for nine months with distinction, earning several medals for his dedication and bravery.

After completing his military service in 2005, Sergeant Baena continued his commitment to public service by pursuing a career in law enforcement. Today, he is a respected Morris County Correctional Facility Security Team member. In addition to his daily responsibilities, Sergeant Baena is an integral member of multiple specialized teams, including the Special Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team, where his calm demeanor, discipline, and communication skills play a vital role in de-escalating high-pressure situations.

Corporal Francesco Manna

Corporal Francesco Manna began his career at the Morris County Correctional Facility on August 28th, 2016. Early on, he served as a relief and intake officer until being permanently assigned to the records department, where he has worked for the last five years. He graduated from the 16th Basic Corrections Academy at the Morris County Public Safety Academy as the number one recruit and earned Top Shot and Top Academics awards. He has earned numerous achievements during his career, including employee of the year for 2023, the Exceptional Duty Medal, and the Lifesaving Medal. Corporal Manna also has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris.

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.

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.

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.