Jefferson Twp. Homicide Investigation
January 31, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police John Palko, Jr. announce the investigation into a homicide.
On January 30, 2008 at approximately 5:27 pm, a call was received by the Jefferson Township Police Department requesting assistance at a Nolan's Point Road residence in Jefferson. Upon the arrival of the Jefferson Township Police Department, they found a 49 year old female who was deceased within her residence.
The identity of the victim has not been released pending next of kin notification. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "Currently, authorities are seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity during the early morning hours and into the evening is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStopper program at 973-267-2255."
The investigation is ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Dover Shooting Investigation Update
At approximately 10:28 pm, a 911 call was received by the Dover Police Department reporting a male subject who was laying on the ground in front of 59 East Blackwell Street in Dover. Upon the arrival of the Dover Police Department and Town of Dover Fire Department, they determined that the male subject had been shot and was deceased. The identity of the victim is Jesus Demas Rodriguez Marques, age 23, of Dover.
On January 28, 2008, Jade Michele Ransom, age 20, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was charged with Third Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Fourth Degree Hindering Apprehension. She was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $300,000.00 bail.
The investigation is ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Town of Dover Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Dover Police Department at 973-366-0302 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program at 973-267-2255.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Dover Shooting Investigation
January 28, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Town of Dover Chief of Police Harold Valentine announce the investigation into a shooting which occurred in Dover on January 27, 2008.
At approximately 10:28 pm, a 911 call was received by the Dover Police Department reporting a male subject who was laying on the ground in front of 59 East Blackwell Street in Dover. Upon the arrival of the Dover Police Department and Town of Dover Fire Department, they determined that the male subject had been shot and was deceased. The identity of the victim has not been released pending next of kin notification.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated "Currently, authorities are speaking with a person of interest who may have been involved in this incident."
The investigation is ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Town of Dover Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Dover Police Department at 973-366-0302 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program at 973-267-2255.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Hopatcong Resident Sentenced on Two Counts of Drug Distribution
January 18, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., announces the sentencing of Hopatcong resident Rodney Scott, age 29, on two counts of Second Degree Distribution of Cocaine.
The charges are the result of investigations conducted by both the Mount Olive Township Police Department and Roxbury Township Police Department.
On April 27, 2007, Mount Olive Township Police observed the defendant engage in a drug transaction. The defendant was arrested and released after posting bail. Then, on August 7, 2007, Roxbury Township police officers observed the defendant engage in a drug transaction in their jurisdiction. The defendant was again arrested and held in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.
The defendant pled guilty on December 18, 2007. Judge Salem Vincent Ahto sentenced the defendant to seven years in New Jersey State Prison with three years of parole ineligibility. Additionally, the defendant was required to forfeit a total of $4,535.00.
Prosecutor Bianchi commended the proactive investigative actions of the Mount Olive Township and Roxbury Township Police Departments. "The actions of the police officers allowed us to pursue this second degree case which resulted in a significant term of incarceration."
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Main Target of "Operation PainKiller" Pleads Guilty
January 15, 2008: First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas A. Zelante, Esq., announces the disposition of the criminal case involving the main target of Operation PainKiller, Evan Rokoszak.
On January 14, 2008 before the Honorable Thomas V. Manahan, Rokoszak, age 20, pled guilty to one count of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS, two counts of Second Degree Employing a Juvenile in a Distribution Scheme, and one count of Second Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS. The recommended sentence is 10 years in New Jersey State Prison with 5 years of parole ineligibility. The defendant also forfeited $5,550.00. Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2008
On July 27, 2006, approximately 57 individuals were arrested following a three month investigation dubbed "Operation PainKiller". At the time of his arrest, Rokoszak was a senior at Whippany Park High School in Hanover. He supplied large quantities of oxycodone pills to approximately 15-20 separate buyers. Rokoszak's co-defendant, Newark resident Omar McKinnon, was previously sentenced by Judge Manahan to ten years in New Jersey State Prison with four and a half years of parole ineligibility.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Jefferson Twp. Resident Charged in Attempt to Disarm Police Officer
January 9, 2008: On January 9, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned an eight count indictment charging Joseph Bousa, age 48 of Jefferson Township with:
The charges stem from an incident which occurred on August 30, 2007. At approximately 6:21pm, Jefferson Township Police responded to 33 Croft Road in Jefferson on a report of an assault. Upon arrival, Officer Ernest Braun spoke with a victim who indicated that the defendant had allegedly assaulted him after he asked the defendant to turn his music volume down. The defendant then allegedly charged towards the officer. He then allegedly threatened the officer and attempted to take his firearm. After a struggle, the defendant was taken into custody.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a great demonstration of fine police work. Officer Braun did a great job in protecting this victim and apprehending the defendant."
Bousa is currently free on bail after posting $75,000.00.
If convicted of all charges, Bousa faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 20 years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% subject to No Early Release Act.
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 Bradford Seabury.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Romero Gets 20 Years in Prison for Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault
January 9, 2008: First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas A. Zelante, Esq. announces the sentencing of Morristown resident Joel Romero, age 28.
Romero pled guilty to First Degree Kidnapping and First Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. The Honorable Joseph A. Falcone, J.S.C., sentenced the defendant on January 8, 2008 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% of the sentence to be served before being eligible for parole, Parole Supervision for Life and register under Megan’s Law. The defendant has been incarcerated since the time of his arrest on July 10, 2005.
On July 10, 2005, the victim, who was walking home from a Morristown bar, passed a group of men, one of them, Romero, who broke away from the crowd and followed the victim. He tried to engage the victim in conversation and then pushed her down on a sidewalk on Olyphant Place. He attempted to rape the victim there; however he dragged her up an embankment and behind shrubbery to a secluded wooded area. Romero then choked her and raped her. A neighbor heard the screams and called 911.
Co-defendant Juan Amendano, age 25, who previously pled guilty in April, now wishes to withdraw his guilty plea. Judge Falcone has scheduled a hearing on March 14, 2008 to determine whether or not to allow Amendano to withdraw his plea.
First Assistant Prosecutor Zelante said "I am proud of the passionate arguments made by senior staff attorney, Maggie Calderwood, on behalf of the victim in this case and all of the citizens of Morris County. They were well articulated and forcefully presented.
This sentence hopefully begins to bring closure to the victim. I applaud the expeditious police work by the Morristown Bureau of Police, specifically Officer Brian McDonnell, Officer Jason DelosSantos and Detective Daniel Widdis, in their apprehension and investigation of this individual."
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Hewitt Resident Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault
January 9, 2008: On January 9, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned a five count indictment charging Andrew Pena, age 40, of Hewitt, with:
The charges stem from an incident which occurred on January 28, 2007. On that date, the victim, a 19 year old female, drove to the G&A Bagels store on Route 23 in Butler at approximately 3:00 am. After she dropped off two companions, the victim parked her vehicle. She was told by an individual that she could not park there and was directed to drive to the back of the store. The defendant then allegedly approached the victim, reached into the vehicle, pulled her out and sexually assaulted her.
The defendant was released after posting $75,000.00 bail.
If convicted of the above charges, the defendant faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 20 years, subject to the No Early Release Act, Parole Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law.
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 Meg Rodriguez, Esq. The defendant is represented by Theodore Quarg, Esq. of Saddle Brook.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Belleville Resident Charged with Robbery, Theft
January 8, 2008: On January 8, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned a ten count indictment charging Michael Rosario, age 34 of Belleville with:
The charges stem from an incident which occurred on October 15, 2007 at the Braunschweiger's Jewelry Store on South Street in Morristown. The defendant allegedly entered the store, requesting to see three Rolex watches. The defendant then allegedly placed the watches in his pocket and attempted to leave the store. Employees were able to detain the defendant until police arrived. The defendant was allegedly in possession of a knife at the time of the offense and CDS were also allegedly found on his person.
Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a great demonstration of community policing. The employees of Braunschweiger's did a great job in keeping themselves alert and aware of this individual and in detaining him until police could arrive."
Rosario is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.
If convicted of all charges, defendant Rosario faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 66 1/2 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% of 40 years to be served without the possibility of parole.
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 Joseph J. D'Onofrio, Jr. Rosario is represented by Michael Fletcher, Esq., of Morristown.
Lake Hiawatha Resident Charged with Sexual Assault
January 8, 2008: On January 8, 2008, a Morris County Grand Jury returned a six count indictment charging Eric C. Rangel, age 20, of Lake Hiawatha, with:
The charges stem from an incident which occurred on April 22, 2007 in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. The victim, an 18 year old female, was walking home from a party when she was allegedly chased and assaulted by the defendant. Neighbors allegedly observed the victim being chased and called 911. The defendant allegedly caught up to the victim and then allegedly physically and sexually assaulted her. The defendant was apprehended by police at the scene.
The defendant is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000.00 bail.
If convicted of the charges, the defendant faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 20 years, subject to the No Early Release Act, Parole Supervision for Life and Megan's Law.
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 Meg Rodriguez, Esq. The defendant is represented by Neil Q. Hamilton, Esq., of Morristown.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Hanover Twp. Medical Aid Investigation
January 7, 2008: First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas A. Zelante, Esq., and Hanover Township Chief of Police Stephen Gallagher announce the investigation into a request for medical aid.
At 2:32 am on today's date, Hanover Township Police Department received a 911 call from the victim requesting assistance on Wing Drive in Hanover Township. The Hanover Township Police Department and Cedar Knolls First Aid Squad responded and treated the victim for burns. The victim was transported to the hospital where he is currently being treated. The circumstances of the incident are currently being investigated by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Hanover Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, Hanover Township Police Department at 973-428-2512 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL.
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Creation of Morris County Fugitive Task Force
January 4, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford announce the merger of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit with the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad.
The Task Force, which will be known as the Morris County Fugitive Task Force, will be comprised of five members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and nine members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office. The Task Force will combine to manage a total of 2097 current outstanding warrants.
In a joint statement released today, Prosecutor Bianchi and Sheriff Rochford stated:
"This pilot program will allow for the combination of shared resources and will lead to taxpayer savings, more efficient work product, and the ability to take advantage of the strengths of each agency. Additionally, it will allow for a more comprehensive utilization of resources which will allow us to avoid overlap and duplication and will provide for significant and vital sharing of information."
In addition, the Task Force will join forces with the United States Marshals Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. This will foster an environment of cooperation and connectivity within Federal Law Enforcement which ultimately will bring a greater level of resources and services to Morris County.
The Fugitive Task Force will also be playing a key role in joining forces with the newly implemented Intelligence Crime Task Force.
Prosecutor Bianchi and Sheriff Rochford stressed that the ultimate goal of both agencies is to serve the public.
"We are breaking down barriers and sharing resources. We are serving the taxpayers and it is incumbent upon us to do that in the most efficient manner possible."
Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
Morristown Resident Charged w/ Luring, Endangering Welfare of a Child
January 4, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Morristown Chief of Police Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Morristown resident Rene Alejandro Dominguez, age 19.
On January 3, 2008 at approximately 3:40 pm, the victim, an 11 year old female, was walking on Sussex Avenue when the defendant allegedly made unwanted sexual remarks towards her and attempted to convince her to go to a private location to engage in sexual relations. As a result of the investigation, Dominguez was charged with:
The defendant was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility and lodged in lieu of $100,000.00 bail set by Judge Michael Noonan, J.M.C.
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