July 24, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella, and Pequannock Township Police Chief Brian Spring, announce the arrest of Pompton Plains resident William Christenson, age 45, on two counts of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, one count of Second Degree Sexual Assault, one count of Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of Third Degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact.

The charges are the result of a collaborative investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit and the Pequannock Township Police Department.

On June 5, 2007, Detective Dan Haber of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit, received information from Detective Lisa DeLuca Cannata of the Pequannock Police Department regarding the defendant inappropriately contacting the victim.

The defendant is alleged to have sexually abused the victim for a period of three years spanning from the summer of 2003 until January of 2006. There were numerous alleged acts of sexual penetration and sexual contact occurring in Pequannock Township. The victim disclosed the abuse in April of 2006.

Prosecutor Bianchi said, "It is commendable to see law enforcement agencies working in unison to keep our children safe from predators. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit and the Pequannock Township Police Department have done the citizens of Morris County a great service by protecting them and taking this person off of our streets."

Bail was set by N. Peter Conforti, J.S.C. in the amount of $100,000.00, no 10% option cash/bond/property, no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16. The investigation remains open and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-COP-CALL.

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.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222

July 23, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella, and Mount Olive Police Chief Mark Spitzer, announce the arrests of Washington Township residents David Evans, age 29, and Faith Evans, age 33, on charges of second degree Theft by Extortion, Conspiracy, and First Degree Use of a Person 17 years of age or younger to Commit the Crime of Theft by Extortion.

The charges are the result of a collaborative investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, the United States Secret Service, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the Morris County Park Police, the Washington Township Police Department and the Mount Olive Police Department.

On or about July 13, 2007, the victim in this case received a letter at his/her residence which stated that the letter-writer was part of a group of professional extortionists and that the victim had to pay $20,000 in cash to the letter-writer. If the victim failed to do so, or if the victim contacted the police, the letter-writer stated that the victim and/or his/her child, would be killed.

The letter gave specific directions to the victim as to the location where the money should be delivered. The letter dictated the money be placed at a specified location at Schooley's Mountain County Park by July 20, 2007.

Members of law enforcement, including the Mount Olive Police Department, Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Park Police, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service established surveillance of the drop site. On or about July 20, 2007, at approximately 4:25 p.m., defendant David Evans, along with codefendant Faith Evans, approached the drop site.

Defendant David Evans was observed changing direction to approach the drop site. He was also observed bending down in the vicinity of the drop site where the money was hidden, and that the defendant Faith Evans stood as a shield while defendant Evans bent down. The defendants then all walked away when a passerby entered the area. The entire group then returned to the vicinity of the drop site, where defendant David Evans walked away with the currency. The pair was immediately stopped by police. The marked currency was recovered from David Evans.

Prosecutor Bianchi commented, "This arrest exemplifies the benefits when all law enforcement works together in solving crimes. The citizens of Morris County are fortunate to have our police agencies working in unison for their protection."

Mount Olive Township Police Chief Mark Spitzer said of the arrests, "Mount Olive Township is grateful for the assistance of several agencies that came to the aid of these victims to make them safe again. In particular; the Morris County Park Police, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Morris County Sheriff's Department, the Washington Township Police Department, and the United States Secret Service." Additionally, "When a story like this breaks, we all tend to focus on those arrested, but I know the men and women who jointly investigated this case were particularly pleased that they could bring peace to the victims of this crime. This family lived through a week of terror as they waited for this cruel plot to play out."

Defendants were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $100,000 cash/bond/property bail. The investigation remains open and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-COP-CALL.

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.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222

July 16, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella proudly announce the appointment of William Schievella as the Deputy Chief of Investigations.

Schievella, a 20 year veteran of law enforcement, previously acted as a Homeland Security Task Force Coordinator with the New Jersey State Parole Homeland Security Task Force. Schievella was also a seven year Sergeant at New Jersey State Parole, where, prior to being promoted to Sergeant, he was a senior parole officer for six years and a senior corrections officer for seven years.

Schievella graduated from Caldwell College, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, and from Fairleigh Dickenson University with a Masters Degree in Administrative Science.

His professional affiliations include being the founder and current president of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, which is composed of more than 5000 police officers and is New Jersey's largest ethnic law enforcement organization.

His countless involvement in community relations includes being a Councilman at Large for Rockaway Township, Deputy Commissioner of Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers and 2003 Columbus Day Parade Humanitarian of the Year.

Prosecutor Bianchi says "Having Billy on board as our Deputy Chief of Investigations brings great insight to the office. His personality and ability to work well with others will be a breath of fresh air to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the law enforcement community in the State of New Jersey and the citizens of Morris County. We are lucky to have Billy on our team."

Prosecutor Bianchi indicates that Schievella's focus in the office will be on local police issues and building relationships with the local departments, as well as spearheading community outreach efforts.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222

July 3, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., announces the graduation of Assistant Prosecutor Vincent Leo, Esq., Sergeant Daniel DeGroot, Detective Evelyn Tasoulas and Detective Anthony Mauceri from the Top Gun training program.

These members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office participated in the program, which was held at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains from Friday, June 22 through Friday, June 29, 2007.

The Top Gun Program is a specialized narcotics and gang training program organized for New Jersey law enforcement. The intensive six day full immersion program is set up to train both the investigative and legal staff of New Jersey's 21 counties, as well as New Jersey State and Federal law enforcement. The program includes classroom and practical exercise in topics such as surveillance, drug interdiction, undercover operations, gang intelligence, high risk operations and courtroom testimony. The students participated in simulated raids on houses that are scheduled for demolition.

Captain Jeffrey S. Paul of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office led the Top Gun training program along with Deputy Chief Gregory Clay of the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Supervising Deputy Attorney General John Quelch of the Division of Criminal Justice.

Prosecutor Bianchi, who spent time watching the program this past week stated, "I was impressed with the quality of educational instruction and the integration and partnership between the law enforcement officers and the Assistant Prosecutors. We are one team with a common mission to serve the citizens. This valuable training will allow us to better perform our service to the public."

One hundred and four students from county, state and federal agencies participated in the training, including New Jersey county prosecutor's offices, New Jersey State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "There are dozens on the waiting list to attend this specialized training and I look forward to sponsoring members of the Municipal Police Departments to attend as well."

The Top Gun faculty number about 50 and are from equally diverse segments of law enforcement.

Congratulations to those who successfully completed this intensive program.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222

July 2, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella, Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, Roxbury Township Police Chief Mark Noll, and the Morris County Park Police announce the investigation and arrest of Joseph Green on charges of Second Degree Aggravated Assault, Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department.

On July 2, 2007 shortly after 1:00 am, a 911 call was received by the Roxbury Township Police Department reporting a stabbing at the Smiles II Go-Go Bar in Roxbury Township. Members of the Roxbury Township Police Department responded to the scene and determined that the victim, a 31 year old white male, had been stabbed in the parking lot of Smiles II.

A general broadcast was transmitted to all surrounding municipalities advising them of the suspect's description. Subsequently, members of the Roxbury Township Police Department and members of the Morris County Park Police located the defendant in the parking lot of TGI Friday's located at Route 46 in Roxbury Township.

The ongoing joint investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section and the Roxbury Township Police Department resulted in the arrest of the individual.

Joseph Green, age 44, of Roxbury Township, was apprehended. The knife that was believed to be used in the stabbing was recovered.

The victim has undergone surgery at Morristown Memorial Hospital and is listed in critical condition.

Bail has been set by Judge Wronko at $300,000.00.

Prosecutor Bianchi compliments the efforts of the Roxbury Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Morris County Park Police and Morris County Prosecutor's Office which led to a swift apprehension of the suspect.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Roxbury Township Police Department at 973-448-2100, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Stoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

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.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222