May 30, 2008: The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, in conjunction with Morris Knolls High School, Denville Township Police Department, and the Denville Township Fire Department, simulated a mock car crash at the Morris Knolls High School. The cooperative program was designed to educate students about the perils of drinking and driving and to promote safety on the roads.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi stated "The timing of this program was designed around the prom, graduation and summer vacation. The all day event included programs in which students wrote their own obituaries, participated in the mock crash scene as well as other presentations informing new drivers of the risks involved with speeding and aggressive driving.

Our focus is to educate our youth and to proactively interdict before they get into trouble. I want to get to these students now, before they get to my office or the Medical Examiner later.

This program is part of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office proactive community outreach with our other community partners. Nothing is worse than being responsible for making a death notification. I am hopeful that our cooperative message was heard loud and clear. If it was heard by one it is worth the effort."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 20, 2008: A Morris County Grand Jury returned a six count indictment charging Morristown resident, Robert A. Woebse, age 27, with:

one count of First Degree Attempted Murder
two counts of Second Degree Aggravated Assault
one count of Third Degree Aggravated Assault
one count of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
one count of Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

The charges stem from an alleged incident which occurred on August 25, 2007. At approximately 2:51 a.m., Morristown police officers responded to a reported assault at 35 1/2 James Street. While approaching the residence, police officers observed the defendant running from the backyard. The defendant collided with the police officers sending them to the ground. Subsequently, the officers walked to the back of the residence and found the 28 year old victim bleeding profusely as a result of numerous stab wounds.

If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately 55 1/2 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 David J. Bruno, Esq. Mr. Woebse is represented by John Dell'Italia, Esq.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 19, 2008: Prosecutor Robert Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief William Schievella, and Chief of Police Douglas Scheer announce the investigation into a bomb threat at the Morris Hills High School in Rockaway Borough.

On May 19, 2008 at approximately 11:18, school resource officers notified school officials that a written bomb threat was found on the wall in a second floor boys bathroom. The investigation, conducted by the Rockaway Borough Police Department, Morris County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, Morris County Sheriff's Office CIS and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team revealed that a handwritten message was found on a stall wall in the second level boy's room.

The note stated today's date "5/19" and the word "Bomb".

The building was searched by school officials with the assistance of the Morris County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team and nothing was located. School was not evacuated due to the low level threat. The school was in a modified lock down.

Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, Rockaway Borough Police Department at 973-627-1314 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 16, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Deputy Chief William Schievella proudly announce the promotion of Sergeant Stephen Wilson to Lieutenant and Detective Supervisor Debbie Van Fleet to Sergeant.

Lieutenant Wilson, who was previously with the Bergen County Sheriff's Department and the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, came to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office in 2000. Over the past eight years, Wilson has worked in almost every unit in the office including General Investigations Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit and his current assignment with the Major Crimes Unit.

Sergeant Van Fleet, a 24 year veteran of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, has dedicated countless hours to different units in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. She began as a paralegal assigned to Case Preparation and Trail Unit. In 1986, Van Fleet was promoted to County Investigator and transferred to the Special Enforcement Unit conducting undercover and surface investigations in Narcotics, Gambling and Prostitution. She was transferred to the Juvenile / Missing Persons Unit in 1995 and then in 2004 she was promoted to Detective Supervisor and began overseeing the Juvenile, Missing Persons, CARE and Bias Units.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "These promotions acknowledge the hard work, professionalism and leadership qualities that each of these individuals has exhibited. It truly is a pleasure for me to be able to recognize them with these well earned promotional opportunities."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 11, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Morristown Chief of Police Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Morristown resident Kleber Cordova, age 29, who has been charged with:

• First Degree Attempted Murder


• Second Degree Aggravated Assault

On May 9, 2008 at approximately 7:19 am, a 911 call was placed by the defendant requesting medical assistance for his wife who was located at their residence located at 85 Western Avenue in Morristown. Responding officers found the victim submerged in a bathtub, face up, with her head positioned under the faucet. The victim was pulled from the tub by the first responding Morristown Police Officers. CPR was performed by Morristown Police, Morristown Ambulance Squad and the victim was treated by paramedics as well. She was ultimately transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant had an argument with the victim and a struggle ensued where the defendant held the victim's head under water for several minutes until she stopped struggling.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated:

"This is a tragic case, especially in that the children have been deprived of the love and care of their mother. On this Mother's Day, our prayers and sympathies are extended to the victim and her children along with our commitment to ensure that this defendant is made to pay for his actions.

I would also like to commend the excellent legal and investigative work which was performed by members of Morris County Prosecutor's Office, as well as the prompt response and investigative follow up by members of the Morristown Bureau of Police and the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section. The teamwork that was shown allowed us to secure the necessary evidence to solve this crime. The legal and investigative staff members of all agencies worked around the clock from Friday morning until this morning when the defendant was ultimately lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.

The investigation with regard to the defendant's legal status in the United States is on-going. We have been in contact with authorities from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and in the event that he is determined to be illegal a detainer will be placed on him."

The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail set by the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto, P.J.Cr.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973)-267-2255.

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

May 8, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. would like to extend an invitation for all media outlets to attend a training session being held on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy Auditorium.

This training session will also be attended by all Morris County School Principals, Fire Chiefs, Directors of Emergency Management, School Resource Officers, Counter Terrorism Liaison Officers and Private / Catholic School Principals.

The media is invited to attend either of two sessions- either from 9am until 11am or from 1pm to 3pm.

The training will focus on school safety and training objectives related to critical incident response. There will also be directives and policies distributed on how to address critical incidents that take place within the school environment.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This training session is an example of the significant efforts being made by all of our community partners. It is incumbent upon all of us to do everything we can to protect our most precious commodity, our children. Awareness and preparedness will be the focal points of the training. Keeping our children safe is our top priority, and by working together, in a collaborative effort, will go a long way towards ensuring their safety."

All agencies that plan on attending are asked to RSVP to Robyn D'Onofrio at 973-285-6222 in advance.

May 7, 2008: A Morris County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging two defendants who are citizens of Mexico, Mario Nieto-Rivera, age 34, and Marcos Jose Riveria, age 22.

Mario Nieto-Rivera is charged with:

-one count of first degree Murder
-one count of Third Degree Hindering Apprehension
-one count of Second Degree Tampering with Human Remains

Marcos Jose Riveria was charged with:

-Third Degree Hindering Apprehension
-Second Degree Tampering with Human Remains

The charges stem from the discovery of human skeletal remains on October 12, 2006 in the area of 11 Chapin Road in Montville. The remains were removed from the scene. All bones were examined and a skeletal structure was reconstructed piece by piece as part of the forensic examination. An autopsy was conducted and Dr. Carlos Fonseca of the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the decedent had suffered a skull fracture, multiple rib fractures as well as other injuries. The cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma and the manner of death was determined to be homicide. The victim had distinctive cosmetic dentition, namely, two upside down hearts on his front teeth. The remains were positively identified as those of Alfredo De Los Santos-Francisco.

Further investigation revealed that the defendants were known acquaintances of the victim. It was ultimately determined that an argument had taken place between the victim and Nieto-Rivera at which time Nieto-Rivera began punching and kicking the victim. Nieto-Rivera than slammed the victim's head against the wall until the victim was unresponsive, at which time he dragged the victim down the stairs. The two defendants then retrieved a large piece of plastic and wrapped the body in it and carried it to the area of 11 Chapin Road where it was placed into a wooded area.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a great demonstration of fine police work on a homicide that was not discovered until many months after the crime had occurred. Once again, the dedication and talents of our attorney and legal staff, and that of the Montville Police Department and Morris County Sheriff's Office helped solve this case."

Both defendants are currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility and immigration detainers have been lodged against both defendants. Nieto-Rivera is being held on $50,000.00 cash, bond or property bail set by the Honorable N. Peter Conforti. Riveria is being held on $75,000.00 cash, bond or property bail set by the Honorable N. Peter Conforti.

If convicted of all charges, defendant Nieto-Rivera faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison. If convicted of all charges, defendant Riveria 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 Ralph Amirata, Esq. Nieto-Rivera is represented by Jessica Moses, Esq., of Morristown and Riveria is represented by William Johnson Esq. of Dover.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 6, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police John Palko, Jr. announce that Demetrius Diaz-Bridges who has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with the murder of Elizabeth O'Brien appeared before the Honorable J. Fullwood at the Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh, North Carolina on May 5, 2008 and at that time, refused to waive extradition.

Prosecutor Bianchi Stated:

"I have initiated the Governor's Warrant Process which I expect to have before the Governor's Office this week. The Governor's Warrant Process takes up to 90 days to complete and begins when the Governor of New Jersey sends the Governor's Warrant to North Carolina's Governor. The defendant will then return to court when the warrant gets to North Carolina at which time he will be arraigned."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

May 5, 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 arrest of Demetrius M. Diaz-Bridges who has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with the murder of Elizabeth O'Brien.

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 Elizabeth O'Brien, age 49, deceased within her residence.

On January 31, 2008 Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca conducted an autopsy and determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

The investigation revealed that at the time of the murder, Demetrius M. Diaz-Bridges, DOB 12/31/88, lived at 150 Nolan's Point Road. He was a neighbor of Elizabeth O'Brien and a friend of one of her two sons.

It was also determined that Mr. Bridges stayed at Mrs. O'Brien's residence at 120 Nolan's Point Road on the night of January 29-30, 2008.

On May 2, 2008 Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson Township Police Department located Mr. Bridges in Raleigh, N.C.

On May 2, 2008 Judge John Triarsi J.S.C. (Union County) authorized the warrant charging Mr. Bridges with Murder, a crime of the 1st degree and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the 3rd degree.

Mr. Bridges is being held in the Wake County Jail where he will be held pending extradition proceedings.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated:

"This case has been our number one investigative priority each and every day since January 30, 2008. Not one day has passed without this case being pursued very aggressively by both the legal and investigative staff of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson Township Police Department. The task force which was formed specifically for this investigation worked 7 days a week. Members of this task force worked throughout Morris County and eventually into the state of North Carolina, where we apprehended and arrested the defendant for Murder.

The manner in which this investigation was pursued was deliberate, far-reaching and thorough.

We established a room used solely for this case. We were committed to finding the killer of Elizabeth O'Brien and that meant leaving no stone unturned. That meant not rushing to judgment and pursuing every angle methodically.

This methodical process involved numerous interviews, re-interviews, collection and submission of numerous pieces of evidence and a regular review of every investigative issue on a daily basis.

I personally oversaw this investigation with my top staff. The 1st Assistant Prosecutor , Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor, Executive Assistant Prosecutor, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor for Major Crimes, Deputy Chief of Investigations, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and a solid team of Prosecutor Detectives, Support Staff, Municipal Command and Investigative Staff from the Jefferson Township Police Department as well as members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office investigated and conferred on a daily basis.

From the moment we arrived at the scene on the night of this tragic incident to this day, we did not, we would not, jump to conclusions. This team moved in a slow and deliberate manner. No expense was spared. We not only looked for the person responsible for this heinous crime, but also worked tirelessly eliminating suspects, so that the case was not only solved, but was healthy and sustainable in a court of law, where we have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.

This arrest reflects the culmination of so many man hours, resources, and represents an unwavering commitment to the family and friends of Elizabeth O'Brien. This case is now ready to stand well the rigors of the courtroom.

I applaud the exceptional and exemplary legal and police work which was conducted. So many members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police were involved in this case that I cannot list all of their names. I do, however, take great pride in applauding everyone for their outstanding efforts which led to the apprehension of Mr. Bridges.

To the family and friends of Elizabeth O'Brien our heartfelt condolences are once again extended. I realize that at times it became frustrating wondering what was happening with this investigation. Your patience and support throughout the investigation were greatly appreciated and helped us to come to a successful resolution in the pursuit of justice. This investigation is by no means over and our pursuit of justice will now move to the court room.

We are still seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have observed the defendant or anyone with information about this investigation 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 CrimeStoppers Program at 973-267-2255."

Media Contact: Captain Jeffrey S. Paul