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Jul 14, 2016

NEWARK– Federal prosecutors are scheduled to be in court this afternoon in connection with their continuing criminal investigation into the Port Authority. Officials would not say why the court hearing was scheduled, but former Port Authority chairman David Samson–who has been the focus of an ongoing probe into allegations that he coerced United Airlines to set…

Parsippany business owner ordered to Pay $7.75 Million for Falsifying Diagnostic Reports

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Jul 14, 2016

paulfishman — U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman

PARSIPPANY — A Morris County couple and their Parsippany diagnostic imaging companies were ordered to pay more than $7.75 million for knowingly submitting false claims to Medicare for thousands of falsified diagnostic test reports and the underlying tests, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul J. Fishman announced.

Judge Stanley R. Chesler, sitting in Newark federal court, also found the defendants liable for knowingly submitting false claims for neurological tests conducted without physician supervision.

Judge Chesler ordered Nita K. Patel, 53, and Kirtish N. Patel, 53, both of Rockaway, and two companies that they owned and operated, Biosound Medical Services Inc., and Heart Solution PC, both located at 1081 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany, to pay the United States $5 million in damages and $2.75 million in civil monetary penalties, plus interest for a total of $7,756,865. Judge Chesler ordered these payments after granting the United States’ motion for summary judgment on the two False Claims Act counts of a civil complaint that was filed in November 2015.

The Patels each pleaded guilty November 17, 2015, to informations charging them with health care fraud related to this conduct. Sentencing is currently scheduled for August 16, 2016, before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls.

The government’s civil complaint alleged that defendants created fraudulent diagnostic test reports, forged physician signatures on these reports, and then billed Medicare for the fraudulent reports and the underlying tests that were used solely to create these reports. The complaint also alleged that defendants billed Medicare for neurological tests that they conducted without the required physician supervision.

The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The False Claims Act also permits the government to intervene in such lawsuits, as it has done in this case. The whistleblower – a former employee of Biosound who brought the misconduct to the government’s attention – will receive 15 to 25 percent of the more than $7.7 million recovered by the government.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert, with the investigation leading the judge’s order.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Graybow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office shortly after taking office, including creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $1.3 billion in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.

Prostitution arrests at local hotels

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Jul 14, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit began investigating possible prostitution at Parsippany hotels after receiving multiple citizen complaints.

During the investigation Karen Jernark, 38, was placed under arrest for prostitution at Howard Johnson Express, 625 Route 46 on Tuesday, July 5. Ms. is homeless.

She was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters were she was processed and issued a summons for Soliciting Prostitution from an Undercover Officer.

While being processed it was determined that she also had an active warrant from Hawthorne Police Department, at which time they were notified and took custody of her once they arrived.

On Tuesday, July 12 Kimberly Smith, 23, Bronx, was placed under arrest for prostitution at Embassy Suites, 909 Parsippany Blvd.

She was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters where she was processed and issued a summons for Soliciting Prostitution from an Undercover Officer.

She was then released on her own recognizance pending her court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Sgt. Kimble arrests driver for DWI and driving wrong way on Route 46

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Jul 14, 2016

PARSIPPANY — While on patrol on Route 46 East at 12:30 a.m. on June 20, Patrol Sergeant Michael Kimble observed a vehicle traveling westbound in the left most eastbound lane of travel of Route 46 East.

Sergeant Kimble was able activate his emergency lights and avoid colliding with the vehicle, at which time the vehicle pulled over into the parking lot of 1571 Route 46.

Sergeant Kimble made contact with driver, Sharon Samolewicz, 52, from Vernon.

After a brief investigation Sergeant Kimble placed Mrs. Samolewicz under arrest for driving while intoxicated. She was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters were she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Careless Driving. She released on her own recognizance pending her court appearance.

Driver ends up in Jail for drunk driving and a list of other violations

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Jul 14, 2016

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call at 12:40 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21 reporting a vehicle driving erratically that just pulled into the parking lot of Veterans Park.

Officers responded to the scene and located the vehicle in question, a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. Patrolman Ross instructed the driver to exit the vehicle and asked for his identification.

The male failed to produce identification and gave Patrolman Ross a false name.

After a brief investigation the male was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters.

While at Police Headquarters the driver’s real name was discovered, at which time he was identified as Brian Hogarth, 38, Hammonton.

Mr. Hogarth was charged with Hindering Apprehension, Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples, Revocation for Refusal, Reckless Driving, and Driving While Suspended. While he was in custody it was also determined that a purse and the vehicle that was in his possession were stolen from Dover during the evening of Monday, June 20.

Mr. Hogarth was then charged with Receiving Stolen Property with a bail set at $10,000 with no 10% by Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Court Judge Scala. He was then transported to the Morris County Jail in default of his bail.

Correction Officer Sentenced to Five Years for Distribution of Drugs

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Jul 14, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III announced the sentencing of Nickoy Ellis, 32, of Lake Hiawatha.

On Tuesday, July 12, Mr. Ellis, a former Correction Officer employed by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, was sentenced to five years in state prison by the Honorable Angela F. Borkowski, JSC.

Mr. Ellis had previously pled guilty to Official Misconduct, a second degree crime, on May 27. In addition to his prison sentence, Mr. Ellis is forbidden from holding public office in the state of New Jersey.

On January 27, 2016, Nickoy Ellis, 31, of Lake Hiawatha was arrested and charged with Official Misconduct and Bribery, second degree crimes; he was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Money Laundering, both third degree crimes.

Mr. Nickoy Ellis was employed as a Senior Corrections Officer for the New Jersey Department of Corrections at the time of the arrest.

A joint investigation by the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Bureau of Professional Standards revealed that Mr. Ellis smuggled and distributed contraband, including synthetic marijuana, to inmates at the Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility in Clinton Township.

DWI checkpoints in Parsippany this weekend

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Jul 12, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations John Speirs announce the implementation of a Driving While Intoxicated checkpoint in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17.

The checkpoint is a result of a grant the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has received from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to conduct DWI checkpoints at various locations throughout Morris County. The County DWI Enforcement Grant is designed to establish checkpoints in cooperation with municipal departments in the county.

In New Jersey, a person with a (Blood Alcohol Count) BAC of 0.08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle or a boat is considered to be driving while intoxicated (DWI). Being convicted of a DWI is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties including: Fines, fees and surcharges. License suspension.

In a recent report, MADD ranked New Jersey among the worst states in the nation for protecting drunken driving victims, giving the state two out of five stars.

Under New Jersey law, DWI is considered a motor vehicle offense and tried in municipal court. First-time offenders face license suspensions ranging from three months to a year, imprisonment of up to 30 days and thousands of dollars in fees and surcharges.

Those penalties increase for repeat offenders, and drivers found guilty of their third DWI offense face up to 180 days in jail — the maximum allowed for DWI under state law — though part of that term can be served at a rehab facility.

When a drunken driver injures or kills another driver in a crash, there are other criminal charges that come into play, including assault by auto, aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. But those charges are handled in a different venue.

Recently, a Parsippany woman, Vanessa Brown, related to a 2012 crash that killed popular East Hanover community activist Ralph Politi, Jr. Brown, a repeat offender, was found guilty of DWI days later in a separate proceeding.

While New Jersey offenders can avoid lengthy prison sentences for drunken driving, the fines, fees and surcharges have grown over the years.

There’s an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for three years; a $100.00 surcharge for the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund; a Motor Vehicle Commission restoration fee of $100.00; an Intoxicated Driving Program fee of $100.00; a $50.00 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee; and a $75.00 Safe and Secure Community Program fee, among other expenses.

PSE&G to inspect gas meters in Parsippany

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Jul 10, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) will be inspecting natural gas meters in Parsippany this month, along with other towns in Morris County.

“Customer safety is our number one priority,” said Joe Forline, vice president of gas operations for PSE&G. “It’s important for us to conduct safety inspections like these so that we can check for surface corrosion, leaks and other conditions that might require attention or repair.”

“In the majority of the towns, we will be starting inspections in mid-July, around the week of July 18,” Puliti said. It typically takes four to six weeks to complete these inspections in a town, conditions permitting.”

If a customer has an inside meter, someone over the age of 18 will need to give technicians access to the meter for a visual inspection, according to a press release from PSE&G, which said that meters that are located outside will also be inspected.

Although technicians will be on your property, customers do not need to be home for outside meter inspections.

•PSE&G also said the following about the inspection process:

•The inspection is free and will take about ten minutes.

•Customers do not need to make an appointment at this time.

•Unless a meter requires immediate repair, there will be no interruption to service.

•Service will not be turned off during this inspection due to billing status.

PSE&G said that customers should always ask for identification when a utility worker comes to the door. Employees carry a PSE&G photo identification badge, wear PSE&G logo apparel and drive PSE&G cars or trucks, the release said.

If a customer is concerned in any way, they should call PSE&G’s customer service line at 800-436-PSEG (7734) to verify the identity of an employee.

Parsippany Lab at Center of Largest Bribery Case Pleads Guilty

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Jul 10, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services LLC (BLS), the Parsippany, clinical lab at the center of a long-running and elaborate test referral scheme operated by its president and numerous associates, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced. The company was located at 181 New Road.

BLS pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court to an information charging it with one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Federal Travel Act and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Following the plea, BLS was sentenced by Judge Chesler. The company, which is no longer operational, must forfeit all of its assets.

The investigation has resulted in 40 guilty pleas – 26 of them from doctors – in connection with the bribery scheme, which its organizers have admitted involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to BLS from Medicare and various private insurance companies. It is believed to be the largest number of medical professionals ever prosecuted in a bribery case. The investigation has to date recovered more than $12 million through forfeiture.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher; inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Cynthia Shoffner; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and IRS–Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, with the ongoing investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph N. Minish, Danielle Alfonzo Walsman, and Jacob T. Elberg, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark, as well as Barbara Ward, Acting Chief of the office’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit.

U.S. Attorney Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office shortly after taking office, including creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $1.29 billion in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.

Ithaca College Students Named to Spring Semester Dean’s List

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Nicolas Limanov

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Jul 10, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Ithaca-College congratulates Lauren Astor and Annemarie Lillis both former graduates of Parsippany Hills High School who were named to Dean’s List for the spring 2016 semester.

Both girls graduated Parsippany Hills High School in 2015.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study.

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

Two car accident on Littleton Road sends one driver to Morristown Medical Center

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Jul 10, 2016

20160627_153556 — Parsippany Police investigating the accident. Ms. Adebivi was charged with careless driving.

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, June 27 at 3:20 p.m. Mr. Hassan Hallak, 30, Paterson was stopped in traffic with his blinker on, attempting to make a left hand turn from Littleton Road Southbound onto Fieldcrest Road and struck from the rear by a vehicle driven by Ms. Folashade Adebivi, 27, Newark.

Mr. Hassan Hallak was injured and unable to provide a statement, and was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.

Ms. Folashade Adebivi stated that she did not see Mr. Hallak’s vehicle had stopped.

A witness from Passaic County Sheriff’s K9 Patrol Unit was traveling North Bound on Littleton Road and recorded the collision. The witness said “I was able to view the collision, which showed Mr. Hassan Hallak’s vehicle stopped in the lane with his left hand turn signal engaged, and Ms. Adebivi’s vehicle strike his from the rear.

Police investigation found damage consistent with driver statements, witness statements, and roadway evidence, and that the collision occurred due to Ms. Adebivi’s inattention and following too closely.

The investigation was conducted by Patrolman James Seeger. Ms. Adebivi was charged with careless driving.

Mr. Hallak was driving a 2006 Toyota Sienna, which was towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing and Ms. Adebivi was driving a 2001 Nissan Altima, which was also towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing.

20160627_153437 — Ms. Adebivi was driving a 2001 Nissan Altima, which was towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing

PHHS graduate Teddy Comora to perform at Kafe Mozart

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Nicolas Limanov

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Jul 10, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School graduate Teddy Comora will be performing at Kafe Mozart on Thursday, July 14.

Teddy Comora will be performing in the dining room starting at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are suggested.

Teddy has spent his life as a Parsippany resident, graduating from Parsippany Hills High School in 2014. He comes from a musical family. His Grandmother, Betty Comora, of Sarasota, Florida is an accomplished Jazz vocalist, pianist and washboard player.

Teddy began taking formal piano lessons as the age of seven, studying classical music, until he entered middle school and discovered Jazz.

He began taking lessons in Jazz piano, studying under local piano great, Regan Ryzuk, and saxophone lessons with Parsippany’s own Sax Legend, Frank Elmo.

In middle school he met Grover Kemble, who would become a Jazz mentor and would feature Teddy in the 2012 Mount Tabor Christmas Show on piano with Regan Ryzuk and in a Saxophone duet with his idol, Mark Rivera, of the Billy Joel Band.

In 2013, Grover produced Teddy’s first album, “Ready Teddy” which featured Teddy’s Jazz piano skills, accompanied by several local jazz musicians. Over the years, Teddy has had the opportunity to sit in with a number of Jazz musicians, including Sax legend, Jerry Vivino, of the Conan Obrien’s Basic Cable Band. He’s also been featured on piano, accompanying renowned Jazz artist, Joshua Redman.

He is currently studying at Cornell University, where he majors in Economics and minors in Music. At Cornell he is a member of the Jazz Band as well as the keyboard player in an R&B band and a Blues band.

Kafe Mozart is located at 2900 Route 10, in the Powder Mill West Shopping Center. Reservations are suggested for this event and can be made by calling (973) 998-7788.

Kafe Mozart has a large selection of delicious menu items such as homemade soups, fresh salads, panini’s, sandwiches, burgers, savory crepes, sweet crepes, dinner entrees and well as a full service espresso bar. For more information, click here.

In addition, Anthony Duke Claus will be performing on Thursday, July 21 and well known Jazz musician, Grover Kemble, will be performing on Thursday, July 28.

Breaking news: Commercial Fire on Walsh Drive

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Jul 7, 2016

PARSIPPANY — At approximately 3:15 p.m. an active fire in the boiler room at 345 Walsh Drive was reported.

Sources at the scene indicate the boiler fire has been put out, but remains in the duct work of the building.

We were told Parsippany Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are at the scene along with EMS 1, 2, 4, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad as well as Parsippany Rescue and Recovery is at the scene.

Boonton Township RIC, Denville and Mountain Lakes were also called to the scene.

Parsippany Focus attempted to go to the area for pictures, but was unable to get close enough, since the entire area is blocked off.

According to a Google search the building is occupied by Earth Thebault. The building is an 84,100 square foot industrial building.

As details become available Parsippany Focus will update this article.

Gannett buys Parsippany Life, other New Jersey publications

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Jul 7, 2016

parsippanylife — Parsippany Life is part of the North Jersey Media Group

WOODLAND PARK, N.J. — The publisher of USA Today has acquired northern New Jersey newspaper The Record and other assets of the North Jersey Media Group. Gannett Co. Inc., which already owns a host of papers in the state, said the merger creates New Jersey’s largest media company, with journalists and advertising representatives stretching across the…

Provident Bank donates to Summer Concert Series

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Jul 5, 2016

Ann Cucci, Ylka Padilla, VP, Market Manager Provident Bank, Mayor James Barberio, Mercedes Covert-Muzio, AVP, Banking Center Manager and Ellen Sandman

PARSIPPANY — Provident Bank donated to sponsor “Time Machine” on Thursday, August 25 as part of the Summer Concert Series. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, Route 46 and Vail Road.

Ylka Padilla, Vice President, Market Manager Provident Bank and Mercedes Covert-Muzio, Assistant Vice President, Banking Center Manager Provident Bank presented the check to Mayor James Barberio. Business Administrator Ellen Sandman and CFO Ann Cucci joined the Mayor in accepting the check.

Mayor James Barberio said “I am grateful for the generosity and community spirit that Provident Bank continues to demonstrate.”

One of the most well known and most sought after bands in the tristate area, Time Machine is comprised of top musicians and performers giving you unmatched showmanship and professionalism. With so many all-star performers, their show will be like listening to a human jukebox. Constantly changing styles and vocalist during the course of the concert will keep your audience entertained and awe struck all night.

Special Summertime Barbecue Presented by Shop Rite of Parsippany / Sunrise Kitchens starts at 5:00 p.m. and all proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL.

Parsippany man arrested for possession of marijuana

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Jul 5, 2016

FLORHAM PARK — Florham Park Police Officers observed a white vehicle with blue license plate lights traveling on Route 24 westbound, at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 19.

The vehicle was stopped for having unapproved equipment, the blue license plate lights. While stopping the vehicle the officers were able to detect the odor of burnt marijuana in the air.

As they approached the vehicle they observed smoke coming from the vehicles interior and detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana.

The driver, an 18 year old male from Parsippany, was removed from the vehicle and questioned about the smoke.

He indicated to the officers that his passenger was in possession of marijuana.

After an initial denial of using or possessing marijuana a subsequent search and investigation revealed the passenger to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for unapproved equipment and was released at the scene.

The passenger was charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger was processed and released pending a Municipal Court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Man said he was getting cigarette when he killed three on Route 80

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Jul 5, 2016

MORRISTOWN — A 24-year-old Mountain Lakes man, accused of killing a Kentucky family of three in a drunken crash on Route 80 a year ago, told police he was getting a cigarette and took his eyes off the road when he hit their car from behind, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Bhavuk Uppal, who…

Toddler burned on shoulders and back by spilled teapot

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Jul 5, 2016

PARSIPPANY — A 1-year-old boy suffered burns Sunday evening when a hot pot of tea spilled on him, police said. The boy was burned on the shoulders and back at a residence on Van Wyck Road in Parsippany, said Parsippany Patrolman Brian Conover. Police received a call at 9:39 p.m. and two patrolmen went to the…

Morris County Courthouse closed due to power failure

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Jul 5, 2016