January 8, 2008: On January 8, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned a ten count indictment charging Michael Rosario, age 34 of Belleville with:

• one count of First Degree Robbery
• one count of Second Degree Robbery
• one count of Third Degree Theft
• one count of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes
• one count of Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• two counts of Third Degree Possession of CDS
• one count of Third Degree Receiving Stolen Property
• one count of Third Degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
• one count of Fourth Degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons

The charges stem from an incident which occurred on October 15, 2007 at the Braunschweiger's Jewelry Store on South Street in Morristown. The defendant allegedly entered the store, requesting to see three Rolex watches. The defendant then allegedly placed the watches in his pocket and attempted to leave the store. Employees were able to detain the defendant until police arrived. The defendant was allegedly in possession of a knife at the time of the offense and CDS were also allegedly found on his person.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a great demonstration of community policing. The employees of Braunschweiger's did a great job in keeping themselves alert and aware of this individual and in detaining him until police could arrive."

Rosario is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.

If convicted of all charges, defendant Rosario faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 66 1/2 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% of 40 years to be served without the possibility of parole.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

This case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph J. D'Onofrio, Jr. Rosario is represented by Michael Fletcher, Esq., of Morristown.