February 29, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and East Hanover Township Chief of Police Stanley Hansen announce the arrest of Leonard Scolette, age 55, of East Hanover.

On February 28, 2008 at approximately 11:51 am, a call was received by the East Hanover Township Police Department reporting an explosion in the driveway of a Mount Pleasant Avenue residence in East Hanover. As a result of the explosion damage was caused to a white plastic fence and a basement window.

After further investigation, it was determined that after Leonard Scolette allegedly detonated this device in the driveway he then allegedly attempted to assault the victim with a knife. At approximately 6:30 pm, members of the East Hanover Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at the residence of Leonard Scolette located at 61 Hanover Road in East Hanover.

As a result of the investigation the defendant was charged with:

Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 2nd Degree
Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 3rd Degree
Unlawful Possession of a weapon, (two counts) 3rd Degree
Unlawful possession of a weapon, 4th Degree
Aggravated Assault, 3rd Degree
Criminal Mischief, 4th Degree

The defendant is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at
973-285-6200, the East Hanover Township Police Department at 973-887-0432 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program at 973-267-2255.

The investigation is ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team, East Hanover Township Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio