January 9, 2008: On January 9, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned an eight count indictment charging Joseph Bousa, age 48 of Jefferson Township with:

• one count of First Degree Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer
• one count of Second Degree Aggravated Assault
• one count of Third Degree Resisting Arrest
• Two counts of Third Degree Terroristic Threats
• one count of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes
• one count of Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• one count of Third Degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution

The charges stem from an incident which occurred on August 30, 2007. At approximately 6:21pm, Jefferson Township Police responded to 33 Croft Road in Jefferson on a report of an assault. Upon arrival, Officer Ernest Braun spoke with a victim who indicated that the defendant had allegedly assaulted him after he asked the defendant to turn his music volume down. The defendant then allegedly charged towards the officer. He then allegedly threatened the officer and attempted to take his firearm. After a struggle, the defendant was taken into custody.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a great demonstration of fine police work. Officer Braun did a great job in protecting this victim and apprehending the defendant."

Bousa is currently free on bail after posting $75,000.00.

If convicted of all charges, Bousa faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 20 years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% subject to No Early Release Act.

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 Bradford Seabury.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio