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