December 31, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., would like to extend his wishes to the citizens of Morris County to have a safe and happy new year. Additionally, he is asking the community to be vigilant and on the look out for suspicious activity.

With that being said, Prosecutor Bianchi and Rockaway Township Chief of Police Walter Kimble announce an investigation into a bomb threat within the Rockaway Townsquare Mall.

On December 30, 2007 at approximately 2:41 pm, a customer at JC Penny department store found a note in the woman's fitting room and notified authorities. The note, which was written on a chewing gum wrapper stated "Hello. There will be a bomb here on 1-1-08."

This is an opportunity to inform the public to maintain an increased level of vigilance and to remind citizens to report any suspicious activity to local police.

The Rockaway Township Police Department is investigating this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact them at 973-625-4000 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 29, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Morris County Prosecutor's Office Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chief Mark Spitzer of the Mt. Olive Township Police Department announce the arrest of Khac T. Nguyen, age 31, of Budd Lake, New Jersey. Ms. Nguyen was arrested on December 28, 2007 and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault (2nd degree) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2nd degree). The arrest was a result of an investigation conducted by Detective Michael Patchunka of the Mount Olive Township Police Department, Detective Robert McNally, Detective Steven Brylinski, Detective Joseph Costello of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Officer Joe Nguyen of the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office. (no relation to the defendant)

Ms. Nguyen is alleged to have physically assaulted an 11 month old boy while she was providing care for the child at her residence while the parents of the child were at work.

The child was transported to the Morristown Memorial Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where he remains in critical condition.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This was a particularly tough case because the victim is an 11 month old baby who can't tell us what happened. The investigative, legal and medical staff did a commendable job under difficult circumstances. Our prayers go out to the victim and his family."

Ms. Nguyen's bail was set by the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto P.J.S.C at $150,000.00 no 10% cash only with the conditions that she have no contact with the victim or the victim's family and surrender her passport. Ms. Nguyen was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

Prosecutor Bianchi is asking anyone that may be familiar with the defendant or this incident to contact the Mount Olive Township Police Department at (973) 691-0850, 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).

A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 28, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., announces the disposition of the motor vehicle and criminal case involving the Honorable George R. Korpita, J.M.C.

On December 28, 2007 before the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto, P.J.Cr., Korpita, age 48, pled guilty to one count of third degree Threats to a Public Servant and one count of Driving While Intoxicated. The conditions of the plea agreement call for three years probation, 100 days of community service, 12 month suspension of drivers license, forfeiture of current and future public office, referral to the Board of Attorney Ethics, Committee on Judicial Conduct and the Pension Board, and a drug and alcohol evaluation.

On November 6, 2007 at approximately 2:11 am, Korpita, a Municipal Court Judge in Dover, Rockaway Borough and Victory Gardens, was stopped on route 46 West in Roxbury. When approached by Roxbury police officers, Korpita indicated to them, who might have occasion to appear before him in municipal court, that he would take future adverse action against them if they took enforcement actions against him. After failing to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily, Korpita submitted a breath sample resulting in a .22 blood alcohol content reading.

Prosecutor Bianchi commends the actions of the Roxbury and Dover Police Officers. He stated "This case was brought forward because of the high ethical standards of the Roxbury and Dover Police Departments. I am proud to say that members of the Roxbury and Dover police departments never compromised the oath of office and never wavered in the pursuit to do what is right. These officers did exactly what the public would expect them to do. I commend the hard work of the officers and police departments involved, as well as Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Leslie Wade, Esq., the Morris County Prosecutor's Office lead detective on the case, Steve Murzenski, as well as the other detectives and attorneys who worked diligently."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 27, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Chief Walter Kimble of the Rockaway Township Police Department are seeking the public's assistance in locating the perpetrator of an alleged attempted sexual assault which occurred in the lower parking lot in the area of Macy's Department Store at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall.

On December 26, 2007 shortly after 11:00 pm, a female victim was allegedly attacked by an unknown male while walking to her car in the parking lot. The victim alleges that she was grabbed from behind by a dark skinned male wearing dark colored pants, work boots and a black hooded sweatshirt. The actor pulled the back portion of the victim’s pants exposing her buttocks. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to break free from the actor and she fled on foot. The actor is described as tall, with a height between 5'9" and 6'0, with a thin build.

The investigation is currently ongoing and is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit, Rockaway Township Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section.

Prosecutor Bianchi is asking anyone who may have observed the incident or anyone with information to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, Rockaway Township Police Department at 973-625-4000 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 21, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. proudly announces the appointment of David J. Bruno, Esq. as an Assistant Prosecutor.

Prior to coming to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Assistant Prosecutor Bruno worked as an associate at the Law Offices of Edward J. Bilinkas, P.C. in Randolph where he represented clients in the area of criminal and civil matters. In addition, Assistant Prosecutor Bruno has appeared in Municipal, Superior and Federal courts. Bruno is a 2006 graduate of New York Law School where he received his Juris Doctor degree. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Finance from Seton Hall University in 2003. While in law school, Assistant Prosecutor Bruno interned for the Honorable Paul Vichness, J.S.C in Essex County Superior Court and the Honorable Mark Falk, a Federal Magistrate Judge in Newark.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "Dave is an exceptionally bright legal talent who has criminal defense experience which is a very important tool for any prosecutor. He worked for Ed Bilinkas who is a well respected criminal defense attorney as well as a noted Assistant Prosecutor and United States Attorney which has given Dave an excellent background to thrive as an Assistant Prosecutor on behalf of the citizens of Morris County. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Bruno as co counsel in a complex federal court matter and his abilities were demonstrably greater then many of his peers with similar experience."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 21, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. proudly announces the promotion of Donald Dangler to Detective Supervisor.

Detective Supervisor Dangler began his law enforcement career at the Morris County Prosecutor's Office in 1988. At that time, he was assigned to the Grand Jury Unit. From there, Detective Supervisor Dangler spent time in nearly every unit in the office including Trial, Major Crimes/Homicide, Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Missing Persons/Juvenile and his current assignment in the Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit. He is also a trained crisis negotiator.

Detective Supervisor Dangler will continue as Detective Supervisor of the Arson and Environmental Crime Function of the Major Crimes Unit and Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team. He graduated from Marquette University in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Law Enforcement. He received his masters in criminal justice in 1985 from John Jay College.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "The promotion of Detective Supervisor Dangler is in recognition of the dedication and leadership qualities that he has exhibited throughout his career. It is an honor to be able to recognize such a committed member of this office for his service to the citizens of Morris County."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 21, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Boonton Chief of Police Michael Beltran announce the arrest of Boonton resident Terrance Batchelor, age 43.

On December 21, 2007 at approximately 1:30 pm, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit, Boonton Police Department, New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. (Technical Emergency And Mission Specialists) Unit and the New Jersey Division of Parole Fugitive Unit executed search and arrest warrants authorized by the Honorable Thomas V. Manahan, J.S.C. at 106 Maple Avenue, Apartment 2, in Boonton. Batchelor's residence is located in close proximity to Boonton High School.

This was the result of a two month joint undercover investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit, New Jersey State Police and the Boonton Police Department. The investigation focused on the distribution of heroin within the Town of Boonton. As a result of the investigation, Batchelor was charged with fifteen drug related counts including:

• Three Counts of Third Degree Possession of CDS (heroin)
• Three Counts of Third Degree Possession of CDS (heroin) with intent to distribute
• Three Counts of Third Degree Distribution of CDS (heroin)
• Three Counts of Third Degree Possession of CDS with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school
• Three Counts of Third Degree Distribution of CDS (heroin) within 1000 feet of a school

The defendant was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility and lodged in lieu of $250,000.00 bail set by Judge Manahan.

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

December 17, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Jean Francois Guglielmetti, age 55, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, on one count of Second Degree Attempted Sexual Assault, and one count of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact.

An investigation conducted jointly by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes Unit and the Morristown Bureau of Police revealed that the victim was allegedly touched inappropriately by the defendant.

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.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at 973-538-2200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 9, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief William Schievella and Montville Township Police Chief Richard Cook announce the arrest of Danielle N. Hardin, age 29, of Montville Township, on one count of Second Degree Aggravated Assault, one count of Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and one count of Third Degree Witness Tampering.

On December 7, 2007 at approximately 8:44 P.M. a 9-1-1 call was received by the Montville Township Police Department reporting a dispute at a Montville Township residence.

Patrol Officer Frank Cooney and Patrol Officer Keith Donnelly of the Montville Township Police Department responded to the call.

As a result of the investigation at the scene, the defendant Danielle N. Hardin was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault on a 6 year old female.

The victim was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital to undergo treatment for injuries which were allegedly sustained as a result of this incident.

A subsequent investigation conducted by Detective/Lieutenant Roger Atkinson and Detective Christopher Keezer of the Montville Township Police Department along with Detective Kristi Allegretta of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office as well as members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section led to the defendant additionally being charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Witness Tampering.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "The prompt and professional efforts of the Montville Township Police Department and the inter-agency partnerships with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and the Morris County Sheriff's Office allowed this tragic case to be quickly investigated with the defendant being lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility."

Danielle N. Hardin was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $125,000, no 10% cash, bond or property by Montville Municipal Court Judge Seth Davenport.

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.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Montville Township Police Department at 973-257-4300 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 7, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Riverdale Borough Police Chief Thomas J. Soules announce the arrest of James F. Nalbone, age 41, of Riverdale Borough, on one count of First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, one count of Second Degree Sexual Assault, one count of Third Degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, one count of Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Contact and one count of Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

An investigation conducted by Detective Richard Roemmele of the Riverdale Borough Police Department revealed that the alleged conduct between Nalbone and the victim occurred between July of 2007 and October 2007.

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.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200 or the Riverdale Borough Police Department at 973-835-0034 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 7, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, and Morris Township Chief of Police Michael Loughman announce the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident which took place today.

At approximately 8:05 am, a 911 call was placed to the Morris County Communications Center reporting a motor vehicle crash on Mendham Road. Bernard J. Arntz, age 54, of Morristown, was operating a silver four door 2001 Honda Accord. He was traveling east on Mendham Road where he collided head on with a 2007 Bentley being operated by Claire Eckert, age 48, of Bernardsville, who was traveling west on Mendham Road. Eckert suffered minor injuries and was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital. Arntz was pronounced dead at 8:15 am by Dr. Mark Mandel via Medic 11 from Morristown Memorial Hospital.

The accident is being investigated by the Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Department, and the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office.

Also assisting at the scene were the Morris County Park Police, Mendham Township Police Department, Morris Minutemen First Aid Squad and the Morris Township Fire Department.

The investigation is on-going and any witnesses to this crash are asked to contact the Morris Township Police Department Traffic and Safety Unit at (973) 539-0777.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

December 6, 2007: On December 5, 2007, a Morris County Grand Jury returned indictments against Aquiles F. Novillo, age 50, of the Town of Dover and his Dover-based insurance agency, All Business Insurance Managers, Inc. along with four taxi companies and their owners who are licensed by the Town of Dover. The indictments name 07 Taxi & Limo, Inc. and its owners Danilo Arias, and Hipolito Caraballo-Arias, age 49; Queens Limo, Inc. and its owner Jose Perez, age 24; Apple Limo, Inc. and its owner Jose Ramirez, age 39 and Chamo Limo, Inc. and its owner Eusebio Hidalgo, age 49, all of the Town of Dover.

These Indictments cap a year long investigation by the Town of Dover Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office into the taxi companies' insurance practices and other issues.

The 1st of the 2 Indictments charges Novillo, All Business, "07" Taxi & Limo, Queens Limo and Apple Limo and their owners with several counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud due to their filing of several auto insurance applications that contained false information or that failed to disclose material information to the insurance companies. The Indictment identifies 8 insurance organizations that were allegedly victimized by the fraud.

The 2nd Indictment charges Chamo Limo, Inc. and its owner, Eusebio Hidalgo, with filing a false auto insurance application with Carolina Casualty Insurance Company.

Both indictments also charge each of the defendants with filing with the Town of Dover, numerous taxi license applications and Certificates of Insurance containing false information about the amount of insurance coverage that each Company had. The Town of Dover requires individuals and companies that seek taxi licenses from the Town of Dover to have and to prove that they have $500,000 in auto liability insurance coverage. Novillo and his Company provided Certificates of Insurance claiming that $500,000 coverage was in effect, knowing, according to the Indictment, that less than $500,000 coverage was in effect. Each of the defendant taxi companies and their owners also knew, according to the Indictments, that the documents that they filed with the Town contained false information regarding coverage.

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.

This case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Larry Whipple.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio