PARSIPPANY — A 44-year-old Newark man who robbed a bank by threatening to detonate a bomb was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison, the office of Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said in a statement. Avery Spottswood walked into the Santander Bank branch Dec. 23, 2013 and handed a teller a note stating he had…
Fake Marine Arrested For Sexual Assault Of 14 Year-Old
BOONTON — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief David Mayhood of the Town of Boonton Police Department announce the arrest of Johnathan Lozada, 21, of Boonton, on charges of Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(c)4, a crime of the second degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a)1, a crime of the third degree and Unlawful Wearing of a Uniform, in violation of N.J.S.A. 38A:14-5, a crime of the fourth degree.
On June 12, a 14 year old girl reported to law enforcement that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mr. Lozada while at his home in Boonton. The victim also stated that Mr. Lozada represented himself to be a member of the United States Marine Corps and wore what appeared to be authentic military insignia, specifically dog tags, and a United States Marine Corps tattoo. The victim alleged that Mr. Lozada convinced her to engage in sexual acts by telling her that he was deploying with the military within days.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Mr. Lozada was not and had never been enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
The Honorable James DeMarzo, J.S.C. set bail at $75,000 no 10% with conditions of a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order and no contact with children under the age of 18.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Town of Boonton Police Department, specifically, Detective Karl Mangino, and Det. Janet Thai of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
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.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Town of Boonton Police Department, (973) 402-9371.
Man Sentenced For Robbing Wells Fargo Bank, Harmon Discount Store And Gas Station
SUCCASUNNA — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Roxbury Township Police Chief James Simonetti announce that Derek Morisco, 23 of Succasunna, was sentenced today in connection with three separate robberies of various businesses located in Succasunna, within a span of four days between March 31, 2014 and April 3, 2014.
On May 26, 2015, Morisco entered a guilty plea to one count of second degree and two counts of first degree Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1. Today, the Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C. sentenced the defendant to seven years in New Jersey State Prison, of which he must serve 85 percent before being eligible for parole pursuant to the No Early Release Act.
On March 31, 2014, at approximately 6:19 p.m., Morisco entered the Harmon Discount Store located at 274 Route 10 in Succasunna. Once inside, Morisco passed a note to the cashier demanding money. Morisco then fled the store on foot prior to receiving any money from the cashier.
On April 2, 2014, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Morisco approached the Fuel 10 Gas Station located at 65 Route 10 in Succasunna, on his bicycle while armed with a knife. He attempted to obtain money from the gas station attendant. Morisco made continual unsuccessful attempts to enter a gas attendant booth during this incident. Morisco then fled from the scene on his bicycle.
On April 3, 2014, at approximately 4:42 p.m., Morisco entered the Wells Fargo Bank located at 106 Route 10 West, Succasunna. Once inside, Morisco passed a note to the teller demanding money and claiming to be armed. Morisco received $1,065 from the teller, and then fled from the scene on foot.
Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the Roxbury Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Morris County Narcotics Task Force Apprehends Texas Based Drug Distribution Organization
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief James Simonetti of the Roxbury Police Department announce the arrest of six interstate drug traffickers and the seizure of over 2,000 Xanax pills (Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance) and approximately 15 pounds of marijuana.
Members of the Roxbury Township Police Department received information that a group of individuals were importing illegal narcotics into Morris County from the state of Texas. Narcotics Detectives intercepted this drug distribution crew at a motel located in the Roxbury area, where the drug seizures and arrests were made. Police also seized over $2,000.00 in cash and a Land Rover that was being used to transport the illegal narcotics.
The street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $90,000.00.
Timothy Wayne Simmons, 35, of Houston, Texas, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Simmons’ bail at $150,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
Cynthia Espinoza Golden, 41 of Houston, Texas, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Possession with the intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Golden’s bail set at $125,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
Christian Sky Chudleigh, 38 of Houston, Texas, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Possession with the intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Chudleigh’s bail at $175,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
Esteban Gomez, 22 of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Possession with the intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Gomez’s bail at $125,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
Skylar Armando Ortiz, 22 of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Possession with the intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Ortiz’s bail at $125,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
Matthew David Ortega, 24 of El Paso, Texas, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana)
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) with the intent to distribute
- 1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree Possession with the intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
- 1 count of third-degree conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Xanax)
The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set Ortega’s bail at $150,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing is required.
All six individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on Thursday, June 18. The charges were authorized and the bail was set by the Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: “Police successfully interdicted a significant quantity of prescription medication and marijuana that were destined to be sold in Morris County. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work together to thwart interstate drug distribution organizations that import illegal drugs into our communities.”
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Roxbury Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration NJ Task Force 3 and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group.
Parsippany PAL to host Chess Club during Summer
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany PAL will host a “Chess Club” on Saturdays, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8 and August 15.
Learn how to play the most popular game ever invented with National Master, Jim West!
Come play the game of strategy and problem solving. Beginner students will learn: 1) All the chess pieces and how they move 2) Special moves (castling, en passant) 3) Key chess tactics such as Pins, Forks, Double Attacks, Skewers, Discovered Checks 4) Basic Opening Theory and Defense Strategies. Intermediate and Advanced Students will focus on Opening, Middlegame and Endgame Strategies. You will learn by analyzing famous chess games, solving checkmate puzzles and playing chess against each other. A tournament will be run for all the levels in the class.
The program is open to children ages 5 to 12. Cost is $99.00, and all materials are supplied.
Brought to you by Enrich and Grow Academy, New Jersey’s premier provider of after-school enrichment programs.
You can register online by clicking here, or you can click here and register by selecting the registration tab, spring session. Select the Registration tab, Spring Session. Click the button “Register Online”, you will be brought to Community Pass. Create an account for Enrich and Grow on Community Pass. Add your child under “Family Members”. Select “Register for an Activity” on your Family Homepage and choose Parsippany PAL – Spring 2015. Pick your classes and proceed to check-out.
For additional information or questions, please call Kim Pereira at (973) 362-5973.
The Parsippany PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road.
I-287 to return to final configuration this weekend
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced traffic on I-287 northbound and southbound will shift to its final configuration this weekend as the project to resurface the roadway and replace the bridge deck over Eden’s Lane nears completion in Morris County.
Beginning on Friday, June 19 until 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, NJDOT’s Contractor, Tilcon of New York, Inc., is scheduled to close two northbound lanes to restripe lanes to the final configuration on the I-287 northbound bridge over Eden Lane in Hanover Township. At 2:00 a.m. the lane closure will shift from the two left lanes to the two right lanes, to complete the final lane configuration.
On Saturday, June 20, at 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 21 at 8:00 a.m., Tilcon, Inc. will repeat the procedure on I-287 Southbound. Closing first the double left lane and later switching to a double right closure, to complete the final lane configuration for the southbound side.
The new traffic pattern will shift all five lanes back to the left into its final configuration on both the northbound and southbound sides.
“Each time the Department completes a project it helps to ensure New Jersey’s motoring public is traveling efficiently and safely,” NJDOT Commissioner Jamie Fox said. “The completion of this significant resurfacing and bridge repair reflects our commitment to maintaining our roads and bridges. As our infrastructure ages it is the Department’s responsibility to repair and replace those elements that could pose a risk to motorists. The entire region will benefit from the completion of this project.”
The $27.4 million project – which began initial construction activity in September 2012 – improved the pavement condition on a seven-mile segment of I-287 in both directions from just south of the South Street underpass in Morristown (Milepost 35.4) to the Littleton Road overpass in Parsippany (Milepost 42.2). The project also included replacement of the bridge decks over Eden Lane in Hanover (Milepost 38.8) and upgraded guide rails, drainage clearing and various other incidental improvements to the highway.
Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
Flash flood watch issued for Parsippany as heavy rain approaches
More heavy rain is on the way for Father’s Day weekend that may cause flooding throughout New Jersey. Tonight, forecasts call for a chance of thunderstorms but the weather is expected clear up by morning. Lows will be around 70 degrees. Saturday morning will be cooler than normal with highs will be in the mid 70s…
Breaking news: Major Motor Vehicle Accident on Route 46
PARSIPPANY — Route 46 Westbound reopened for traffic between Arlington Plaza and North Beverwyck Road. Earlier in the afternoon there was a three car crash.
This article will be updated when reports are available.
Parsippany’s Farmer Market to open June 26
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Farmers’ Market will open, and will once again be in the town parking lot at the corner of North Beverwyck Road and Minnehaha Boulevard in Lake Hiawatha every Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Opening day will be Friday, June 26 and is open weekly until October 23.
The market carries a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, jams and jellies, honey, flowers and baked goods.
The market is open rain or shine.
Yong S. Kim Found Guilty Of Stalking
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the return of a guilty verdict in the trial of Yong S. Kim, 44. The jury trial commenced on May 26 in front of the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto, J.S.C. , and verdicts were returned on Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18. The jury returned a verdict of guilty against Yong S. Kim on counts of Stalking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 12-10b; Stalking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10c; and Contempt of Court, in violation of N.J.S.A.2C:29-9a.
The jury deliberated over the first phase of a bifurcated trial on Tuesday, June 16 and rendered a verdict of guilty on two counts of stalking. The jury then deliberated on Thursday, June 18 over the charges presented during the second phase of the trial and returned a verdict of guilty of stalking in violation of an existing court order and contempt of court.
This prosecution stemmed from the arrest of Yong S. Kim for his role in stalking a female with whom he did not have a prior relationship. The stalking had occurred in New Jersey however, the defendant was apprehended in Cincinnati, Ohio. A restraining order had been issued in New Jersey which the defendant violated resulting in contempt of court.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo represented the State during the prosecution of this matter with Agent Augustine Amato as investigative support.
This matter is scheduled for sentencing before the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto, J.S.C. on July 23, 2015.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to specifically thank the Morris Plains Police Department; the Chatham Township Police Department; the Berkeley Heights Police Department; the Cincinnati Ohio District Township Police Department; the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, CIS; and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigations Unit.