PARSIPPANY — At the May 6, monthly Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company (Parsippany District Two) Marie Appel was the fire company’s special guest. She was presented the American Flag by Company President Frank DeRienzo who proudly draped her husband’s coffin at his funeral last month.
The flag was given for his military service by the Veterans Administration and the wooden and glass case by the fire company in recognition of George’s service as a firefighter, officer, and elected Fire Commissioner for Parsippany Fire District Two.
PARSIPPANY — A 25-year-old Clifton man who works at Paul Miller as an auto technician was caught trafficking child porn, authorities said.
Angel Garcia is charged with being the leader of a child pornography network, as well as possessing, maintaining, and distributing the images, Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik said.
On Thursday, May 5, he was arrested by detectives from the sheriff’s Internet Crime Against Children Task Force who found him “distributing several videos and images of child sexual abuse material using Internet chat platforms,” Berdnik said.
Garcia, who works as a technician for Paul Miller Auto remained held in the Passaic County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Paterson.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo announced that two men have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault that occurred the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, in Morristown.
On May 3, 2022, at approximately 3:41 p.m., two males approached a female and asked for money on the Traction Line Recreation Trail.
When the female victim did not provide money, one of the males pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood nearby.
It is alleged that the male who pushed the victim to the ground was armed with a rock at the time he sexually assaulted her.
Thereafter, both suspects fled the area.
Both suspects were unknown to the victim. On May 6, a 17-year-old juvenile male and an adult, Lizandro Osorio-Mejia, 18, were arrested in connection with the sexual assault.
It should be noted that these arrests were effectuated within hours of the public release of identifying information by the authorities.
The juvenile was charged with one count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) (as an accomplice), a crime of the First Degree; one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree; and Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the Fourth Degree. The juvenile will not be identified by name.
Osorio-Mejia was arrested and charged with:
Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3) and N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(4), crimes of the First Degree.
One count of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(1), a crime of the Second Degree.
Two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, crimes of the Third Degree.
One count of Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
One count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2), a crime of the First Degree.
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree.
One count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
One count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7), a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2a, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
Prosecutor Carroll commended CrimeStoppers for quickly offering a reward for information and the New Jersey State Police for composing the sketch.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Thank you to all our law enforcement partners at the state, county and local levels, without whom such a thorough and swift investigation and arrests would not have been possible. I also thank the public and our local/regional media for their vigilance and for helping to get the word out. It is this due diligence and communication that enables law enforcement to most effectively protect the public.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Prosecutor Carroll, Chief Richardson, Chief DiCarlo, and I agreed that this type of crime calls for pulling out all of the stops. The victim and the public deserve nothing less. After such a heinous crime, and especially when an imminent and public threat continues to be present, it is crucial to deliver a concerted and prompt response. This was done both to identify and apprehend the offenders and protect the people of Morris County until the danger is finally mitigated.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Just five months ago, a policy put in place is being thrown into reverse.
At the beginning of the year, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (NJOAG) updated guidelines on the state’s use-of-force policy that went into effect, which did not allow police pursuits over car thefts. It was only allowed if chase vehicles were involved in more serious crimes or to prevent imminent death.
Months later, after listening to various township leaders, Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin has reversed that decision, allowing police officers across the state to now pursue car thieves. Under former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, police were restricted from conducting pursuits as part of his reform package of use-of-force policies following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
The reasoning behind the change, Platkin says, is the sharp rise in car thefts across the state. In his announcement of the reversal of the policy at a news conference in Marlboro, Platkin said that car thefts in NJ this year were 37% higher than they were last year and 53% higher compared to 2020.
“They’re increasingly linked to other crimes,” he explained. “These changes will give law enforcement the tools they need to meet the moment and protect our communities while also being mindful of the inherent risks that come to officer safety and the public when officers do engage in these pursuits.”
According to the office of the NJAOG, more than 10% of police pursuits end in injuries or fatalities. But, it also says a significant percentage of individuals who commit auto theft offenses have also been involved in shootings. State Police say there were 14,000 vehicle thefts last year, and this year is on pace to be at least 50% greater than thefts in 2020. Nearly 99% of the car thefts, police say, are because owners are leaving their keys in the car.
Platkin’s reversal comes as New Jersey invests $10 million from the American Rescue Plan in more license plate readers to help combat car thefts. Several New Jersey towns already have had the technology in place. Additionally, $125,000 of federal money will go towards adding more detectives, prosecutors, and police departments to the auto theft task force.
Senator Joe Lagana (D – District 38) and Senator Paul Sarlo (D – District 36) support the change.
Acting Attorney General Platkin
“We applaud Attorney General Platkin for recognizing recent crime trends across New Jersey, and for issuing his directive to law enforcement at all levels that will allow them to conduct practical, safe, effective pursuits of criminals who are stealing vehicles out of Bergen County and every other county in the State,” Lagana and Sarlo said in a statement.
“These changes, which we called for in a letter to the attorney general on March 24 after receiving numerous complaints from law enforcement that the December 2020 directive concerning pursuits, though well-intended, had effectively tied officers’ hands in allowing them to properly do their jobs,” their statement continued. “This revision of that policy is a timely change, and will be welcome to those in the rank-and-file who serve and protect our communities.”
A group of lawmakers from across the state came together in Monmouth County this week calling for stiffer penalties in car theft cases, saying that the current catch-and-release policy isn’t working.
“Our judiciary cannot continue to act like a Michelin Star Restaurant offering topnotch service to criminals who are committing these crimes,” Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said. “We cannot continue to sit here and defend criminals for criminal acts.”
The change in car pursuit policy is not permanent. Platkin said that it would be in place until, at least, the end of 2022, when the NJOAG will review the policy again.
PARSIPPANY — A “Town Hall” was held on Thursday, May 5, at the Chand Palace restaurant in Parsippany Township, where small business owners and nonprofits were provided a demonstration on how to apply for up to $15,000 under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Several business owners stayed for the event, while others dropped in to pick up information about a program launched by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners on Valentine’s Day with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corporation.
Millions of Dollars in Grants Still Available! Click here to learn more.
“I thank you again, the Commissioners and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce,” said Mickey Chopra, owner of i2i Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant in Boonton, who attended the forum to tell other business owners about his grant application success.
“Let me tell you, this $15,000 is really a shot in my arm to get my business going. It’s better than getting a COVID shot. Trust me. You, know, $15,000 is a lot of money. It helps so much,” Chopra explained.
Several representatives of Solix Consulting Solutions, which is operating the grant portal under a contract with Morris County, were on hand to walk business owners through the application process. Among the Solix representatives were Eric Seguin, Salvatore Cooper, Matthew Byrnes, and others who have hosted town hall forums in the past.
“Our grant fund began with $10 million, and we have just under $3 million not yet committed, so small businesses should not hesitate to apply. So many have told us they did not think they would qualify, then found they were cleared for the full $15,000. It costs nothing to apply, so why not try,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen after the event.
Morris County Chamber Vice President Michael Stanzilis, also mayor of Mount Arlington, presided over the event, noting that anyone needing assistance in filing an application need only go to the application portal. The information is explained and a hotline is provided.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio
“I appreciate the Morris County Commissioners, the Economic Development Corporation, as well as the Morris County Chamber of Commerce for having these grants available for the Parsippany residents. We have a lot of small businesses in town that suffered during the pandemic. As the mayor of Parsippany and a life-long resident, I really appreciated it,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio.
He attended the presentation with Council President Michael dePierro, Council Vice PresidentLoretta Gragnani, and Councilman Justin Musella.
A few of the local business owners who attended the “town hall” at Chand Palace in Parsippany Township
The Morris County Small Grant Program was the brainchild of the Morris County Commissioners, who developed a unique use of funds issued to the county through the American Rescue Plan Act. The funds are earmarked for pandemic recovery efforts that continued after March 3, 2021.
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage and which applications may be approved.
The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant, even if the total amount of a single claim exceeds $15,000.
A final review may determine that some costs submitted for consideration are not covered under the program guidelines. However, by submitting all expenses that may qualify, applicants increase the possibility of getting the maximum amount of grant dollars possible.
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Alan Rauchberg was recognized by New Jersey Monthly as one of New Jersey’s Top Dentists for 2022.
For over 55 years, Rauchberg Dental Group in Parsippany has worked tirelessly to provide dental patients with the dedicated, comprehensive, and compassionate dental care they need to live happy healthy lives.
At Rauchberg Dental Group, they are pleased to have cultivated a team of specialists under one roof, to accommodate all of your dental needs
If you are looking for the very best dental team in Parsippany, you don’t have to look far. Our team at Rauchberg Dental Group is well-known as the experts that patients of all ages can turn to for high-quality dentistry in a comfortable environment. Led by Dr. Alan Rauchberg, this team combines experience and passion with a down-to-earth approach that friends and families notice right off the bat.
Rauchberg Dental Group is located at 199m Baldwin Road, Suite 120, Parsippany. (973) 334-3777.
PARSIPPANY — Jack Summa was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Summa was initiated at the University of Rhode Island.
Summa is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”
While a student at Parsippany Hills High School, Jack was involved with clubs, performed community service, and worked as a Lifeguard at Lake Parsippany. He ran cross-country for four years and was captain his senior year. He also played baseball and wrestled. He was part of the Ski Club, Italian Club, National Honors Society, and Italian Honors Society. Outside of school, as a member of St. Christopher’s Church, Jack earned service hours as an Altar Server and volunteered at Vacation Bible School. Jack graduated from Parsippany Hills in 2019.
More About Phi Kappa Phi
Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham, and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, post-baccalaureate development funding, and local, national, and international literacy grants initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, click here.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, May 2022
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented a proclamation on Tuesday, May 3, to Tajammul Khokhar, CEO, Islamic Community Cultural Center (ICCC) since Eid-Ul-Fitr is observed after the last day of fasting and is a day of rejoicing and happiness, especially for those persons who fasted and reaped the spiritual fruits of the holy occasion in accordance with the word of God in the Holy Quran.
Mayor James Barberio presented a proclamation to Tajammul Khokhar, CEO, Islamic Community Cultural Center (ICCC)
PARSIPPANY — It’s National Small Business Week. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners observes the annual event by personally delivering checks to small businesses and nonprofits that qualified for grants of up to $15,000 under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Police Athletic League of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and Mara’s Café & Bakery at 23 Main Street, Denville were visited on Tuesday, May 3, and issued checks under a program designed to help small businesses and nonprofits cope with some of the setbacks caused by the pandemic.
“It’s definitely worth it,” said Allison Kohler at Mara’s, after getting a check for more than $9,000.
Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo presented the grant after touring her bakery and interviewing her about her experience applying for the grant.
“It was some of the best customer service I ever had, and you don’t expect that from the government. Honestly, it was a process, but (the customer service representative) held my hand every step of the way,” Kohler explained
Her bakery suffered business losses and difficulty maintaining personnel, but she is hopeful the business will survive as her unique offerings of bakery goods keep customers returning.
The Parsippany PAL, in operation since 1966, has been a staple as a community center in the township, but was forced to close through 2020. After partially opening last year, the PAL is back in action this year.
PAL Controller Debra Golle, PAL Executive Director Sam Yodice, Mayor James Barberio, and Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana
Executive Director Samuel Yodice was joined by Controller Debra Golle, Program Coordinator Ashley Garofalo and Peggy Clayton, Vice President of the PAL board, in accepting a $15,000 check from Commissioner Douglas Cabana at the Baldwin Road PAL Club. Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio joined the event with Council President Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, and Councilman Justin Musella.
Also attending were Dee dePierro, Superintendent of Recreation Joe Plescia, who also sits on the PAL National Board of Directors, Police Capt. Brian Dowd and Patrolman Remo D’Alessandro, the township community relations officer.
More grants will be delivered this week and next week, and many more are being mailed.
The Morris County Small Business program launched on Valentine’s Day under the slogan “Morris County Loves Small Business,” has received over 575 applications to date, with many already approved and most others still under review.
The Commissioners dedicated $10 million to the effort.
Most of the applications heading for final approval will provide each of the qualified businesses and nonprofits a maximum grant amount of $15,000. While the remaining applications are still being reviewed, the program remains open to new applications. Businesses, as well as non-profits, are urged to take advantage of the grant offer.
There is no cost to apply.
The program is financed through Morris County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds, and it is designed to provide grants of up to $15,000 to reimburse small businesses and nonprofit organizations for specific pandemic recovery expenses. The expenses must have been incurred on or after March 3, 2021 – a timeline established under ARPA guidelines.
The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to:
The business has 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
In operation since January 1, 2019
Located within Morris County
Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage under the grant program and which applications may be approved.
The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant, even if the total amount of a single claim exceeds $15,000.
A final review may determine that some costs submitted for consideration are not covered under the program guidelines. However, by submitting all expenses that may qualify, applicants increase the possibility of getting the maximum amount of grant dollars possible.
