Morris County Prosecutor Fred Knapp during a press conference. Photo by Nicolas Limanov
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that the Morris County Grand Jury has returned an Indictment against Maurice Pearson, age 27, with a last known address of 55A Route 46 East, Pine Brook, and formerly of Altoona, Pennsylvania, charging him with Murder, a crime of the first degree, related to the alleged beating death of his then-girlfriend’s three year old son in April 2015.
The Indictment also charges Pearson with various additional crimes related to his alleged conduct towards the three year old child, including Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.
Pearson was also indicted on the charge of Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree, related to the alleged assault of the mother of the same three year old child.
Finally, Pearson was indicted on the charge of Hindering His Own Apprehension, for allegedly proving false information to law enforcement during the course of this investigation.
Pearson is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility, with a bail set at $1,000,000 cash, bond or property.
This case is being handled by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank members of the Montville Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, the Fairfield Police Department, and the Altoona (PA) Police Department who have contributed to this ongoing investigation and prosecution.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editors note: Despite this Indictment, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY – Local authorities and family members are seeking your assistance in locating a missing female from Parsippany by the name of Kirshis Sanchez.
Ms. Sanchez was last seen driving a 2001 Gold Pontiac Grand AM with a New Jersey registration of S87-GBP on February 23.
Please share this and if you see or know anything please contact her daughter Zenith at (973) 489-5323 or the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.
William Westhoven giving the contestant the "green light" that the word was spelled correctly
Sayanika Upadhyay, fifth grade student at Northvail School with Woman’s Cub of Parsippany Troy Hills President Marilyn Marion
PARSIPPANY — The three winners from the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Spelling Bee, Sayanika Upadhyay from the Northvail School. Audrey Kuo from Mt. Tabor School and Nehal Singhal, also from Mt.Tabor, all fifth graders, recently participated in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) District Spelling Bee held at the Sparta Middle School. Nehal Singhal and Audrey Kuo qualified for the NJSFWC Spelling Bee Championship to be held at NJSFWC Headquarters in New Brunswick on March 5.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
The next General Meeting, which is open to area women, will be held on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold their monthly General Meeting at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m.
The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service and we have fun at the same time! The meeting is open to all area women interested in learning about the club and its involvement in the local community.
After the business meeting, Moira Davis RN, BSN, OCN, Nurse Navigator at Saint Barnabas Medical Center for the Melanoma Program and Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer Institute, will be the guest speaker. She will speak on skin safety tips and present information on melanoma, the most serious skin cancer.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
10) Leniency letter to Morris County Judge for a Parsippany drug dealer on Township stationery
9) $3,000,000.00 from sewer surplus to regular operating fund and tells taxpayers the tax increase is below 2% mandatory cap.
8) Did not review Township Attorney’s submitted invoices that included $5,000.00 in sales tax. (Township is exempt from sales tax).
7) Violates township ordinance which Mayor voted for as a councilman that Mayor’s automobile should have township emblem.
6) Allows township employee(s) to take automobile home in violation of township ordinance that Mayor Barberio voted for as a councilman.
5) Starting pay scale far exceeding the retiring employee’s salary.
4) Did not follow up civil action settlement payments from former planning board attorney.
3) Staggering amount of $750,000 to a private information security firm for imaging the hard drive of a police officers computer.
2) Cost taxpayers for reimbursement of personal attorneys for Mayor Barberio’s Sunday night meeting. $5,000.00 for Mayor’s attorney and 5,662.50 for councilman Brian Stanton’s attorney.
1b) Witch-hunt of retired police captain and sewer treatment employee’s costing taxpayers $2,000,000.00 with no end in sight for the first witch-hunt.
1a) Serving legal papers to the aforementioned police officer on Christmas Eve, who’s been retired for 1½ years.
Roy’s Corner…. Next top ten arriving soon
Roy’s Corner is an Editorial from a Parsippany resident.
MORRISTOWN — A classical pianist from New York who can no longer play at the high level he mastered after suffering an elbow injury in a 2011 crash was awarded $2.5 million in compensation, according to the Daily Record. A jury voted 6-1 earlier this month to award William J. Finizio, Jr., 47, of New York…
PARSIPPANY — Kenneth A. Galley, 54, Montville, passed away suddenly on February 22. Born in Englewood, Ken was raised in Pequannock. He married Eileen Wickham in 1987 and the couple lived in West Milford before settling in Montville 28 years ago. Ken was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts Troop 173 in Parsippany and enjoyed interacting with his gaming group, the “Devil Dogs.”
Ken is survived by his wife of 29 years, Eileen; his sons, Brian, Sean and Eric; his mother, Barb Galley; his sisters, Cindy Schott and her husband Steve, and Jenna Galley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur G. Galley and his sister, Debra Galley.
Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Magnificat RC Church, Kinnelon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will present a public event entitled “The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House – Part 1”. This historic home was purchased by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills in 2013 with $676,671.85 in township Open Space funds. The house and artifacts span 3 centuries in the Troy Historic District. In 2015 a $38,376 2015 grant from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust provided the funds to complete a Preservation Plan for this site.
Now that the plan is complete, the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will begin a series of public presentations to inform the citizens of Parsippany of the Restoration Plans and future use of this site.
THE RESTORATION OF THE SMITH/BALDWIN HOUSE: On Saturday, February 27 the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will present a public event entitled “The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House Part 1”. Come learn about Parsippany’s acquisition and phased restoration of this historic and architectural public treasure located at 460 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany. A slide show and talk will be followed by a tour of the first floor. Doors will open at noon for the 12:30 p.m. presentation/tour with a 2:00 p.m. presentation/tour to follow. Attendance is by Registration Only due to space limitations. Please call (201) 519-4412 to reserve your seat.Snow date is March 5.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a pedestrian that was struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Route 46 and New Road. Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, Traffic Crash Investigator Patrol Officer Michael Sprung along with other officers responded to the scene.
Upon arrival of the officers they located the victim, Jose Dominguez, 23, Morristown, lying in the middle lane of traffic on Route 46 East unconscious and suffering from internal injuries.
Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad along with Paramedics treated the patient and transported him to Morristown Medical Center for treatment, where he is still being evaluated.
Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID and Laser Team responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Esterina Herman, 58, West Caldwell, was driving east on Route 46 in a 2002 Nissan Altima. The Nissan Altima had the right of way and was traveling in the middle lane through the intersection of New Road under a green light. Dominguez proceeded to cross Route 46 East from the south side of the roadway at which time he was struck by the Nissan Altima. The driver did remain on scene and spoke to the investigating Officer.
The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.
Parsippany Police Department Traffic Crash Investigator Patrol Officer Michael Sprung is investigating the crash and any witnesses are asked to contact (973) 263-4300.
PARSIPPANY — Township Council members voted 3-2 last week not to reappointment Township Attorney John Inglesino. Mayor James Barberio asked the Council to approve a professional services agreement for the year 2016. Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr, all voted against the reappointment of Inglesino, while Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted in favor of his reappointment. (See Resolution 2016-18)
In 2014 and 2015 the Township Council failed to confirm the appointment of Inglesino as Township Attorney, and as a result Inglesino continued to serve as Township Attorney in holdover status, but Mayor James Barberio retained him on as a holdover. Parsippany Focus asked Mayor James Barberio for comment, but he refused to supply a comment.
Resident Pat Pettacia, a regular attendee at Council meetings said, “I hope when each member of the Council places their vote, they explain why they are voting for or against the reappointment.” Council Vice President Robert Peluso was the only one to respond to Pettacia’s request when voting. Mr. Peluso said “I think the costs are astronomical, more than the county actually pays for legal fees and I strongly believe the rate for legal fees should be fixed.”
Councilman Valori
Council President Louis Valori said “that while the vote against Inglesino was based solely on the law firm’s transparency on the question of the townships legal bills, he added the Council stand committed to working with Inglesino to resolve matters looking toward a regular appointment in 2017.
Valori who is running for the Republican nomination for Morris County Freeholder with Parsippany based Peter King, Esq. added that the Council’s goal is to build on better communications with the Mayor, concluding “If Mayor Barberio wants Mr. Inglesino on board in 2017, I would give him strong consideration.”
While being a holdover for Calendar Year 2015, Inglesino’s firm, Inglesino, Pearlman Wyciskaka and Taylor received $830,112.57, from Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The firm was issued two different 1099’s since the accounting system changed in Parsippany. (Click here to view 1099-1, and click here to view 1099-2).
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Department and Morris County Prosecutors Office are investigating an accident on New Road and Route 46, on Tuesday evening.
Initial reports indicate a pedestrian was rushed to Morristown Medical Center by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
Parsippany Focus will update this article as details become available.
PARSIPPANY — The MOMS Club of Parsippany will host an open house on Monday, February 29, at 9:30 a.m. at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library meeting room A and B, 449 Halsey Road.
Circle Time Live will entertain.
Stay-at-home moms and their children, aged birth to 5, are encouraged to attend this free event.
HANOVER – One of two construction workers killed in an accident at the site of the new Whippany Fire Department firehouse Thursday has been identified as a Montague man. Joseph Donahue, 25, was a Newton native who graduated from High Point Regional High School in 2009, according to an obituary. An “avid outdoorsman” and former athlete,…
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Dispatchers received a phone call from the victim of an assault, an Sunday, February 14 at 12:09 a.m.
Patrol Officer E. Ebanks and T. Armenti responded to the scene and spoke to the 29 year old male victim.
The victim stated he observed three males jump his fence in the rear of his property. When the victim attempted to find out why they were there, the three males began to assault him and then flee the area. The victim sustained minor cuts and bruises from the assault.
The three suspects were described as follows:
Suspect #1- 6’2 approximately 150 lbs wearing a long sleeved shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect #2- 5’10 150 lbs wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt black t- shirt, and blue jeans. Suspect #3- No description given.
This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — A Kingston Road resident responded to Police Headquarters to report that his 2010 Toyota Matrix was stolen from his driveway at 8:18 a.m. on February 7.
Patrol Officer J. Lubeck spoke to the victim who stated his vehicle was stolen between February 6 at 8:00 p.m. and February at 7:45 a.m.
At 3:54 p.m. Police Dispatch was contacted by the victim who stated he found his vehicle on the shoulder of Route 80 West at exit 47 while he was traveling on the highway.
Officers responded to the scene and the vehicle impounded pending further investigation. This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Kiwanis President Connie Keller, Rodney Frelinghuysen and Mayor Mimi Letts
PARSIPPANY — Representative Rodney F. Frelinghuysen spoke about national security and economic growth during the weekly Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany breakfast meeting.
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen is serving his eleventh term as the Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. In the 114th Congress, Frelinghuysen serves as New Jersey’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and on three key appropriations subcommittees: Energy and Water Development, Homeland Security and Defense, where he serves as Chairman.
Frelinghuysen represents 54 municipalities in the 11th Congressional District, including Parsippany-Troy Hills and other communities in Morris, Sussex, Passaic, and Essex Counties.
Throughout his time in Congress, Frelinghuysen has worked to lower taxes and provide for a strong national defense. He has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey priorities earning the title “New Jersey’s ‘Go-to-Guy.’” from the New York Times. Frelinghuysen strongly advocates for New Jersey, focusing on the expansion of mass transit, improving homeland security, preserving open space, creating jobs and opportunities, and supporting our military personnel and our veterans.
Frelinghuysen graduated from Hobart College in 1969. After graduation, Frelinghuysen completed basic training at New Jersey’s Fort Dix and served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 93rd Engineering Battalion (Construction) stationed in the Mekong Delta.
After returning home from Vietnam in 1971, Frelinghuysen began his work on behalf of the people of New Jersey when he became Morris County’s State and Federal Aid Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. From 1974 to 1983, Frelinghuysen served three-terms as a member of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, where he was chosen as its director in 1980.
Frelinghuysen went on to serve in the New Jersey General Assembly in 1983. He served as Chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee from 1988-89 and again from 1992 to 1994. In Trenton, our state capital, Frelinghuysen created a record as one of the most fiscally conservative members of the legislature.
He also quickly built a reputation for outstanding service to his constituents. Through countless events in communities across the 11th District, Rodney actively seeks out and listens to the opinions and advice of his constituents. He holds regular town hall meetings, visits dozens of schools, attends hundreds of community events, and personally responds to over 75,000 letters, emails, faxes and telephone calls each year.
In 1995, Frelinghuysen was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He was immediately selected to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees all aspects of the federal budget, because of his Appropriations experience in Trenton.
Frelinghuysen serves as Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Through his work on this subcommittee, Frelinghuysen has become a well respected voice on foreign, military and intelligence affairs. He has made numerous trips to Afghanistan and the Middle East to see the situation through the lens of those New Jerseyans serving our nation.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets weekly on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual “Fish or Chicken and Chips Dinner” on Friday, February 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The event will be held at Rainbow Lakes Fire Department, One Rainbow Trail, Denville. The cost is $15.00 for adults, and children under 12 $12.00. Take-out also available.
The honorees of Parsippany-Troy Hills Club 2016 Distinguished Service Awards
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Club hosted their 52nd Annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 13, held at Knoll County Club.
This year’s “Outstanding Citizen” award was presented to Joyce Garrow. Joyce is one of those people who have a spring loaded right hand. If you ask for volunteers she just can’t help herself and that hand goes up especially if it is for the children of Parsippany. Joyce is a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club. She was a member of the Board of the Parsippany Child Day Care Center and has been seen as the Cat in the Hat reading to children. “If you need something done to help people just ask Joyce”.
Allegro Music Academy
Davey and Nancy Willans
Nicolas Limanov and David Cavaliere
Mike Mulhall and Joyce Garrow
Bob Keller and Karen DeChristopher
Deborah Mellinger and Robert Young
Mr. Todd Ricker and Brian Satch
Everth and Ylka Padilla
Bruce Downing and Melissa Billy
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Meth
Mayor Letts, Howard Letts with members of the Board of Education
Suzanne Petersen and Angela Calabria
Nicolas Limanov and Connie Keller
Karen DeChristopher and Joyce Garrow
Dist. Gov. Frank Geraghty Remo D’Alessandro, Police Chief Paul Philipps and Peggy Mader
Nick Marino and Tom Govelitz from The Music Shop with Peggy Mader
George Smith, Peggy Mader and Bruce Downing
Richard Onorevole, Erin Andreotta and Peggy Mader
Richard Onorevole, Gregory Dalakian and Peggy Mader
Rotary President Peggy Mader and Remo D’Alessandro
Peggy Mader and Bruce Downing
Councilman Michael dePierro, Samantha Gurth and Peggy Mader
Councilman Michael dePierro, Peggy Mader and Mariya Rutenberg
Peggy Mader and Joyce Garrow
Joyce Garrow with the Aktion Club members
Jack Wieners and Remo D’Alessandro
The Gurth Family
Dr. Denis L. Mulroony and Gregory Dalakian
The honorees of Parsippany-Troy Hills Club 2016 Distinguished Service Awards
Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Club
George Smith was honored with the Outstanding Public Safety award. George grew up in Parsippany and joined the Mount Tabor Fire Department in February 1982. He was made a Lieutenant in 1985 and has served as Chief a total of 16 years starting in 1991 to 92, 1994, 1998-2001 and most recently 2007 to 2015. District #1 covers the area from Mt. Tabor out to Brooklawn Drive to Littleton Road and all the way up to Greystone. They have 49 active firefighters, 5 apparatus and three fire stations.
The “Outstanding Business Person” award was presented to Nick Marino and Tom Govelitz; The Music Shop. Nick and Tom have brought the gift of music to probably thousands of New Jersey school children by supplying band and orchestra instruments to schools throughout the state. What more needs to be said. “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife”. Kahlil Gibran
The “Dean Gallo Memorial Vocational Award” has been awarded to Rocco Zicolello. The Gallo Vocational Award is given to someone who does his or her job in a manner above and beyond to make Parsippany a better place to live or work. Rocco is a security guard at Parsippany Hills High School where he is committed to the safety and security of not only the building but all students, faculty and guests who enter. He can always be counted on when a site supervisor or extra security is needed for co-curricular events. He shows courage, empathy and a good heart. Rocco exemplifies the meaning of this award.
This year’s Outstanding Rotarian award was presented to Bruce Downing. Bruce joined the Parsippany Rotary in March 1998 and has been one of our most active dependable members ever since. He never misses a club event and rarely even misses a meeting. If there is a job to be done we just have to call Bruce and he is there. Bruce is part of the backbone of our club (although he can never wear his Spiderman suit again).
Outstanding Educators Award were presented to three educators. Erin Andreatta is a Social Worker at Parsippany Hills High School where she has created programs for students that have cognitive emotional, social and learning disabilities that go beyond her duties as a School Social Worker. She has been involved in development of the Multiply Disabled program, development and management of the Peer Buddies program and assisting integration of special needs children in after-school programs such as athletics and drama.
Also receiving an Outstanding Educators Award was Gregory Dalakian. Gregory is the director of the Award Winning Parsippany High School Marching Band. They are the current USBands Group IV A New Jersey State and National Champions. The band performed at the December 27 halftime show for the Jets vs. New England football game at MetLife Stadium and on Prudential Center concourse before the January 21 Devils game. His success with the band and their accomplishments show that Marching Band is no longer the province of geeks (like when I was in High School).
And Lorraine Esposito was also honored with Outstanding Educators Award. Lorraine is the reading specialist at Northvail School where she has been for the last eight years. Her work is best summed up by Samantha Egger, grade 5. “If you say Ms. Esposito is not the best teacher ever you obviously have never had her. She is the best because she is always there to help you with learning to spell and read. She makes learning fun and enjoyable. She is the best teacher ever”.
Outstanding Law Enforcement was presented to Remo D’ Alessandro. Remo joined the Parsippany Police Department in 2004 after transferring from Paterson. His fellow officers recognized him as ”that guy” they all wanted to work with. Currently he is Community Relations Officer where he coordinates community outreach programs including headquarters tours for schools, workplace safety and crime prevention programs for residents and businesses in town. He is also quartermaster, outfitting the officers, equipping the department and coordinating thousands of hours of training. When not on duty he can sing classical music, breakdance, cook, paint and organize just about anything.
Samantha Gurth and Mariya Rutenberg was this year’s Outstanding High School Students.Samantha is a senior at Parsippany High School where she has been making a difference all four years. She possesses an impressive work ethic, dedication and genuine desire to make a difference. Samantha is President of the Rotary sponsored Interact Club and a leader for Peer Buddies and never misses the monthly Service Night or trips to the Community Food Bank of NJ. She authentically and regularly puts others above herself.
Mariya is a senior at Parsippany Hills High School where she has been active in the Interact the whole time and is the publicist this year. She is also active in Peer Leaders, The American Red Cross Club and the fall drama. Masha is an extremely mature high school student who possesses an adult understanding of her need for an education and community service.
The Rotary Club is a worldwide organization of businessmen and women dedicated to peace through humanitarian efforts and programs. Although most of the honorees are not Rotarians, the club says they demonstrate the epitome Rotary’s Motto: “Service above Self.”
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m, at Il Villaggio Restaurant, 22 Gibraltar Drive, Morris Plains, with the exception of the first week, they have a breakfast meeting at The Daily Joe, 56 Fanny Road. New members are always welcome to join.
This year’s President is Peggy Mader; President Elect is Bruce Downing; Secretary is Maurie Mader and Treasurer is Ylka Padilla.
PARSIPPANY — Third graders in both Mrs. Weber’s and Ms. Walsh’s class at Lake Parsippany School showed their love for others by making blankets to donate to the cardiac intensive care unit at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), on Friday, February 12.
Ms. Walsh’s class
The students worked together to join pieces of fleece by tying knots in order to create the blankets.
Fourteen blankets of various sizes were completed. The students also made cards that will be distributed to the patients at CHOP.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is the nation’s first hospital devoted exclusively to the care of children.
Morris County Prosecutor Fred Knapp during a press conference. Photo by Nicolas Limanov
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Frank LaRocca, 40, pled guilty to an Accusation charging him with one count of second degree Theft by Unlawful Taking in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-3(a).
Defendant was a bookkeeper who was hired by the victim to pay his bills and manage his bank account. In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted to unlawfully taking funds belonging to the victim, in the amount of $170,805.61. During his plea, the defendant admitted that he unlawfully took funds from the victim’s account to pay for his own personal expenses knowing that he was not authorized to do so.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to sign a consent judgement and pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $170,805.61. The State will recommend that the defendant be sentenced to a three year prison term.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine S. Ehrenberg represented the State in this matter.
The Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C., presided over the plea. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced May 13, 2016.
The defendant’s wife, Jennifer LaRocca, 40, Hackettstown, pled guilty on February 10, 2016 to one count of third degree Theft in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-3(a).
Under the terms of Mrs. LaRocca’s plea agreement, she signed a consent judgement and will pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $170,805.61, for which both defendants are jointly and individually responsible.
Mrs. LaRocca is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2016.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Financial Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office who assisted in the investigation and the resolution of this matter.