Updated Information on Suspicious Letter Mailed to Pequannock PD
August 29, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella re-confirm the negative test results of samples collected during an investigation in the Township of Pequannock.
On August 22, 2007, a letter was received by the Pequannock Township Police Department. In that letter, the term "anthrax" was found inside along with a number of amber colored beads. Following an evacuation of the building for the safety of the employees therein, preliminary on site tests were performed by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team showing negative results for the presence of radiological and chemical weapons agents.
The substance was then further tested by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, for the presence of biological agents, with negative results. This initial testing by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.
The results of the definitive test and final confirmation by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services as to the presence of any biological weapons material are conclusively negative for the presence of key biological weapons agents.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated "I am thankful that there was no harm to any individual from contact with this material. I again commend the detectives and officers from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Township of Pequannock Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force and Hazardous Materials Unit, United States Postal Service, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section, Pequannock Township First Aid, Pequannock Township Fire Department and Chilton Memorial Paramedics."
Bianchi further stated "The matter pertaining to the investigation of the person responsible for this incident is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255)."
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222
Investigation into Discharge of Irritant Spray in Boonton Township
August 29, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella announce the conclusion of an investigation regarding an incident occurring on August 16, 2007 at the Deer Lake Club located at 118 Rockaway Valley Road in Boonton Township.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Boonton Township Police Department concluded their investigation into the discharge of an irritant spray at the Deer Lake Club. On August 16, 2007, approximately 30 people were overcome by the release of irritant material, including four people being transported to a local hospital for treatment. No serious injuries resulted.
The investigation reveals that a can of Counter Assault Bear Deterrent was inappropriately discharged by Thomas Senatore, Jr., 18, of Towaco. The bear deterrent spray contains Oleoresin Capsicum as an active ingredient. The defendant was charged by the Boonton Township Police Department with Disorderly Conduct.
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
Suspicious Letter Mailed to Pequannock PD Tests Negative
August 23, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella re-confirm the negative test results of samples collected during an investigation in the Township of Pequannock.
On August 22, 2007, a letter was received by the Pequannock Township Police Department. In that letter, the term "anthrax" was found inside along with a number of amber colored beads. Following an evacuation of the building for the safety of the employees therein, preliminary on site tests were performed by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team showing negative results for the presence of radiological and chemical weapons agents.
The substance was then further tested by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, for the presence of biological agents, with negative results. This initial testing by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.
The results of the definitive test and final confirmation by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services as to the nature of the substance are expected to occur within 72 hours of its collection.
The Pequannock Township Police Department is fully functioning at this time. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office received extensive assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force and Hazardous Materials Unit, Pequannock Township Police Department, United States Postal Inspectors, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section, Pequannock Township First Aid, Pequannock Township Fire Department and Chilton Memorial Paramedics.
Preliminary inquiry and test results confirm that there is no concern to the public at large with respect to this matter.
Further updates will be provided upon receipt of same.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222
Suspicious Letter Mailed to Pequannock Police Department
August 22, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella confirm an investigation in the Township of Pequannock regarding the recovery of a suspicious substance found inside of an envelope mailed to the Pequannock Township Police Department.
The matter in under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Township of Pequannock Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Service and Joint Terrorism Task Force. Prosecutor Bianchi confirms that the preliminary investigation reveals that a letter with the term "anthrax" was found inside along with a number of honey colored "bb like" pellets. Recovery of the substance is underway following an evacuation of the building for the safety of the employees therein. The substance will then be preliminarily tested and eventually final confirmation as to the nature of the substance should occur within 72 hours of its collection.
Prosecutor Bianchi and Chief Cannatella have authorized the dispatch of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Mobile Command Center, a sophisticated communication facility, to ensure that there is no interruption in communication and so that full police services can continue to be provided to the citizens.
Preliminary inquiry has found that there is no concern to the public at large with respect to this matter.
Further updates will be provided upon receipt of same.
If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222
Former Kinnelon DPW Superintendent Sentenced for Theft
August 17, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella announce the sentencing of Perrineville resident Jeffrey LaPooh, age 43, on one count of Third Degree Theft.
The charges are the result of a collaborative investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Kinnelon Borough Police Department.
The defendant, who is the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works in Kinnelon, pled guilty to taking $3,926.03 from the Borough of Kinnelon between November 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006. Assistant Prosecutor Leslie Wade, Esq, argued on behalf of the State that the defendant should receive probation and up to 180 days in jail. Judge Salem Vincent Ahto sentenced the defendant to three years probation with 90 days to be served in the Sheriff's Labor Assistance Program. He was also required to pay restitution, which he did prior to sentencing. Additionally, the defendant was required to forfeit his position in public office and forfeit any future public employment.
Given the defendant's position as a public servant as the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, the State chose not to argue for a sentence which would have called for a non custodial probationary term, opting instead to argue for a jail sentence.
Prosecutor Bianchi said, "The State's position in this case is consistent with our attempt to prosecute those who attempt to steal the taxpayer's hard earned money. I would specifically like to thank Assistant Prosecutor Les Wade, Esq., and Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detectives Ron Pellek and Chris Lombardi. Additionally, the assistance of Lieutenant John Schwartz of the Kinnelon Borough Police Department was pivotal to the resolution of this case."
Capture of Jose Torres
August 17, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella announce the capture of a fugitive from justice, Jose Torres.
The defendant had previously been charged in 2006 with the crimes of Conspiracy, Leader of an Auto Trafficking Network, Theft, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Handgun) as well as violations of the Firearm Regulations. These charges are being handled by the Attorney General's Office. Judge Salem Vincent Ahto issued a bench warrant for the defendant on these charges on August 15, 2007.
The arrest took place on August 17, 2007 at approximately 5:30 a.m. It was the result of an early morning joint initiative by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad, the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
The defendant, who is 34 years old, was arrested without incident at his residence located in Paterson, New Jersey. The defendant is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility without bail.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "This is just another example of the professionalism and coordination by law enforcement which led to the successful capture of Jose Torres. I feel that it is especially important for me to recognize the specific participants in bringing this defendant to justice. My sincere thanks go out to Sergeant Scott Smith of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit, Detective Dave Kenny of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad, Detective/Sergeant John Lazzara of the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Senior Investigator Al McBride Jr., Investigator Thaddeus Caldwell, Senior Investigator Dan Klotz, Principal Investigator Ellis Allen and Senior Investigator Jerome Scott of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit and Lieutenant Brian Slattery of the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit."
Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial, at which time the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the United States and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222
Capture of Mario Winston
August 15, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella announce the capture of Mario Winston on charges of Third Degree Terroristic Threats and Fourth Degree Contempt.
The charges are the result of a collaborative investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad, the United States Marshals Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Passaic County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey State Parole, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Fugitive Unit, the Wharton Borough Police Department and the Morristown Police Department.
The defendant, who is 44 years old, was arrested without incident at a relative's house in Wharton Borough. Defendant is currently lodged in the Passaic County Correctional Facility. Judge Falcone set the defendant's bail at $250,000.00 with no 10% option.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "I am truly impressed by the professionalism and coordination of efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the successful capture of Mario Winston. Each of the agencies involved made the search of this defendant a priority. The defendant was captured in a matter of 15 hours of our notification of his release. I feel that it is important for me to recognize the specific participants in bringing this defendant to justice. My sincere thanks go out to Sergeant Scott Smith and Detective Evelyn Tasoulas of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit, Detective Chester Kurdyla and Detective Michael Nunn of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad, Detective Sergeant John Lazzara and Detective Drew Santucci of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force (Passaic County Sheriff's Office), Matthew Testa of the New Jersey State Parole, Senior Investigator Al McBride Jr., Investigator Thaddeus Caldwell, Senior Investigator Dan Klotz , Principal Investigator Ellis Allen and Senior Investigator Jerome Scott of the New Jersey DOC Fugitive Unit, Sergeant David Young and Patrolman Charles Kranz of the Wharton Borough Police Department and Detective Thomas Loia of the Morristown Police Department."
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
Fifth Annual National Night Out
August 8, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, extend their congratulations and thanks to the participants and guests of the Morris County National Night Out.
The Fifth Annual National Night Out was hosted by the Morris County Park Police in cooperation with the Morris County Park Commission. It was held on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at the Mennen Sports Arena. The program was directed towards the public in an effort to familiarize them with the diverse law enforcement and community service agencies in Morris County. Attendees enjoyed free hot dogs, ice skating and music.
Members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office participated in the program, namely individuals from the Victim Witness Unit, Narcotics Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, CARE Function and Fugitive Unit. Specifically, Executive Captain Richard Rose, Sergeant Michael Rogers, Agent William Tsigaras, Detective Elaine Stewart, Detective Mark Occhiuzzo, Detective Arama Perez-Ortiz, Detective Jan Monrad, Detective Supervisor Matthew Potter, Sergeant Steven Wilson, Detective Supervisor Charles Brady, Assistant Prosecutor Catherine Broderick, Victim Witness Coordinator Trish Stewart and Victim Witness Advocates Janine Schilp, Amanda Frey and Keyla Dent were all in attendance.
Morris County Park Police Captain Gloria Sullivan, who coordinated the event, indicated that approximately 4,000 people attended the festivities.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "Tonight's event was a real success. The Morris County Park Police did an outstanding job of organizing and coordinating the program and the representation by members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office was impressive. I look forward to interacting with the community through programs such as this."
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222