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."

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