February 29, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and East Hanover Township Chief of Police Stanley Hansen announce the arrest of Leonard Scolette, age 55, of East Hanover.

On February 28, 2008 at approximately 11:51 am, a call was received by the East Hanover Township Police Department reporting an explosion in the driveway of a Mount Pleasant Avenue residence in East Hanover. As a result of the explosion damage was caused to a white plastic fence and a basement window.

After further investigation, it was determined that after Leonard Scolette allegedly detonated this device in the driveway he then allegedly attempted to assault the victim with a knife. At approximately 6:30 pm, members of the East Hanover Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at the residence of Leonard Scolette located at 61 Hanover Road in East Hanover.

As a result of the investigation the defendant was charged with:

Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 2nd Degree
Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, 3rd Degree
Unlawful Possession of a weapon, (two counts) 3rd Degree
Unlawful possession of a weapon, 4th Degree
Aggravated Assault, 3rd Degree
Criminal Mischief, 4th Degree

The defendant is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at
973-285-6200, the East Hanover Township Police Department at 973-887-0432 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers program at 973-267-2255.

The investigation is ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team, East Hanover Township Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

February 28, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of John Kelly, age 48, of Morristown, New Jersey on one count of Third Degree Possession of Cocaine. John Kelly is employed as a Clerk by the State of New Jersey Superior Court and is assigned to the Morris County Court House.

On Wednesday February 27, 2008 an undercover investigation was conducted by the Morristown Bureau of Police and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. At approximately 4:54 pm John Kelly was taken into custody after he left the Morris County Court House and walked to a nearby Washington Street location where he was engaged in the acquisition of cocaine.

John Kelly was transported to the Morristown Police Department where he was processed, served with a criminal complaint and released pending his next court appearance.

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

February 25, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Hanover Township Chief of Police Stephen Gallagher announce the death of David E. Konke, age 41, whose last known address was in Parsippany.

At approximately 2:32 am on January 7, 2008, the Hanover Township Police Department received a 911 call from the victim requesting medical 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 Saint Barnabas hospital where he remained in treatment until his death at approximately 1:26 am on February 24, 2008. He died from sepsis as a result of multi organ failure. 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

February 19, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Mount Olive Township Chief of Police Mark Spitzer announce the investigation into a bank robbery which occurred at the Wachovia Bank at 50 International Drive South in the Flanders section of Mount Olive.

At approximately 12:50pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, the actor, described as a white male in his early 20's, approximately 5'02" to 5'06", entered the Wachovia Bank and passed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was displayed. The actor then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

The investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Mount Olive Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Chief Spitzer stated: "We are grateful, as always for the police assistance offered by all the surrounding towns, the FBI, the State Police, the Morris County Sheriff's Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Today's search for the actor involved police officers, canines, and helicopters, and it disrupted the normal activity at the ITC Shopping Center. We appreciate the cooperation we received from the individual store owners and employees and their patrons as well."

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 973-792-3000, Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Mount Olive Township Police Department at 973-691-0850 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

February 14, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Morris County Prosecutor's Office Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chief Sean Canning of the Lincoln Park Police Department announce the arrest of Dennis J. Gerber, the former Chief Financial Officer employed by the Borough of Lincoln Park. Gerber, age 57, of Saddle Brook, New Jersey was arrested on February 14, 2008 and charged with one count of Official Misconduct (2nd degree) and one count of Theft (3rd degree).

The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by Detective Sergeant Michael Hackett of the Lincoln Park Police Department and Detective Barry Bittenmaster of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Specialized Crimes Unit.

On February 11, 2008 the Mayor's Office of the Borough of Lincoln Park discovered evidence revealing the misappropriation of funds by Dennis J. Gerber, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Borough of Lincoln Park.

The Mayor's Office immediately notified the Lincoln Park Police Department, which resulted in a joint investigation with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

The initial phase of the investigation revealed that Mr. Gerber misappropriated Borough funds for his personal benefit during January of 2008, in an amount exceeding $10,000.00.

Mr. Gerber resigned his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Borough of Lincoln Park on February 8, 2008 prior to the information about the alleged theft being uncovered.

On February 14, 2008, Mr. Gerber was arrested and charged by members of the Lincoln Park Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. The investigation is continuing.

Mr. Gerber's bail was set by the Honorable John J. Harper, J.S.C. at $25,000 no 10%, cash bond or property. Mr. Gerber was released after posting bail.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated that "The arrest of Mr. Gerber was the result of the quick action of the Mayor's Office in reporting the alleged theft and the prompt actions of the Lincoln Park Police Department, which allowed the investigation to commence in a timely manner."

Prosecutor Bianchi is asking anyone that may have information pertaining to this allegation to contact the Lincoln Park Police Department at (973) 694-5533, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStopper 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: Captain Jeffrey S. Paul

February 11, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Washington Township Chief of Police Michael Bailey announce the investigation into an aggravated assault and subsequent arrests resulting from a joint investigation with the Washington Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office and Morris County Sheriff's Office. As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested:

Zachary Toomey, age 26, of Long Valley charged with:

Aggravated Assault, Second Degree
Simple Assault, Fourth Degree
Possession of an Imitation Firearm, Fourth Degree
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree
Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility; First Degree
Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance facility, Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Disorderly Persons
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Persons

Toomey is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $350,000.00 bail.

John Coates, III, age 23, of Long Valley charged with:

Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility; First Degree
Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance facility, Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Disorderly Persons
Possession of Paraphernalia, Disorderly Persons

Coates is being held in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000.00 bail.

John A. O'Connell, age 23, of Long Valley charged with:

Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility; First Degree
Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Second Degree
Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance facility, Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Disorderly Persons
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Persons

O'Connell is being held in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000.00 bail

On February 9, 2008, at approximately 8:45am, members of the Morris county Prosecutor's Office, Washington Township Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff's Office executed a court authorized search warrant at the residence of Zachary Toomey, John Coates, III , and John A. O'Connell located at 16A Fairmount Road in Long Valley.

Upon entry into the residence it was determined that a marijuana production facility was located within the attic of the residence.

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.

The investigation is on-going and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200, the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-3232 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime StoppersProgram at (973) COP-CALL or 973-267-2255.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

February 9, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, and Town of Dover Police Chief Harold Valentine announce the charging of Jade Michele Ransom, age 20, in connection with the murder of Jesus Dimas Rodriguez Marques, age 23 of Dover.

Ms. Ransom is charged with 1st degree murder and 2nd degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose in connection with the shooting death of Jesus Dimas Rodriguez Marques.

On January 28, 2008 Ms. Ransom was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and hindering apprehension. Ms. Ransom is being held in lieu of $750,000 bail set by Morris County Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto, P.J.Cr.

According to Prosecutor Bianchi, at approximately 10:28 pm on January 27, 2008, a 911 call was received by the Dover Police Department reporting a male subject who was lying 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, it was determined that Jesus Dimas Rodriguez Marques had been shot and was deceased.

An autopsy by Morris County Medical Examiner Ronald V. Suarez determined that the cause of death was a perforating gun shot wound to the chest and the manner of death was homicide.

Prosecutor Bianchi commended the efforts of his staff, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section and Dover Police Department. The thorough and comprehensive efforts of the collaborative investigative team resulted in the charging of Ms. Ransom with homicide.

Prosecutor Bianchi noted that the investigation, which has been on-going since January 27, 2008 is continuing and anyone with information with regard to Ms. Ransom or Mr. Marques 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 CrimeStopper Program at (973-267-2255) 973-COP-CALL.

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

February 5, 2008: A Morris County Grand Jury returned a five count indictment charging Dover resident Ricardo Alcantar-Martinez, age 31, with Second Degree Sexual Assault, Third Degree Criminal Restraint, Fourth Degree Resisting Arrest, Third Degree Resisting Arrest, and Third Degree Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.

The charges stem from an incident which occurred on May 27, 2007. At approximately 2:20 am, the Dover Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a woman screaming behind a warehouse at 102 Richards Avenue near the Rockaway River. Upon arrival, the police officers observed the alleged victim and the defendant. The victim alleged to the officers that she had been sexually assaulted by the defendant at which time the defendant allegedly fled on foot from officers after being told to stop. The defendant was apprehended a short time later after a brief foot chase.

Alcantar-Martinez is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.

If convicted of all charges, Alcantar-Rodriguez faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

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. Alcantar-Rodriguez is represented by John Velez, Esq., of Morristown.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

February 4, 2008: A Morris County Jury convicted Morristown resident Anthony Wilson, 40, of First Degree Robbery and Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. The verdict followed a 7 day trial before the Honorable John J. Harper, J.S.C. in Morristown, New Jersey. Wilson faces life in prison when he is sentenced on March 14, 2008.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This case highlighted the significant forensic talents of Detective Allen DeKler and Sergeant Bruce Dunn of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section. Through the thorough and professional processing of the crime scene as well as other relevant items, they were successful in developing DNA samples which ultimately led to the link to the defendant. The overall cooperative partnership between the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Police Officer Paul Wilkes of the Dover Police Department, Sergeant Anthony DeVincenzo and Detective Dave Frisk of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office led to the successful outcome of this case. Assistant Prosecutor D'Onofrio should be commended for his legal efforts. He dealt with a number of complex legal and forensic issues that were intricately and professionally outlined before the jury."

Assistant Prosecutor Joseph J. D'Onofrio, Jr. prosecuted the case for the State. Wilson was represented by Jessica Moses, Esq., of Morristown. Wilson's bail of $250,000.00 was revoked.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio