Morris County Democrats to Hold Convention on Tuesday

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Democrats will hold their convention on Tuesday, February 27  at 33 Baldwin Road starting at 6:30 p.m.

There will be delegates present who will vote on which candidate to support in the June primary. Morris County Democrats are all invited to attend and are entitled to a vote at the convention. Please make sure that you are available to attend.

There are opportunities to volunteer for help with signs, signing up volunteers, and collecting petition signatures.

You can contact Ore Obiwumi at o.obiwumi@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. or  click here.

Letter to the editor: Frelinghuysen voted to support usurious credit card rates

parsippany focusDear Editor:

On January 29, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen announced his decision to retire.  Presumably he is now free to vote his conscience rather than blindly go along with his party’s agenda against the interests of the working class in America. 

On February 14, he voted to support a bill that allows usurious credit card rates to apply when loans are sold from one institution to another. The bill, with the Orwellian title, Protecting Consumers’ Access to Credit Act of 2017, states, “A loan that is valid when made as to its maximum rate of interest in accordance with this subsection shall remain valid with respect to such rate…regardless of state law.”  The bill was prompted by a 2015 federal court ruling, Madden v. Midland, where a judge ruled against a New York debt collector charging an interest rate of 27 percent on credit card debt purchased from a bank. The legal limit in New York is 25 percent. 

The Center for Responsible Lending says “The sole purpose of this bill is to enable non-bank lenders to use bank partnerships to override state interest rate limits. The bill poses a serious risk of enabling predatory lending and unsafe lending practices. Unaffordable loans have devastating consequences for borrowers—trapping them in a cycle of unaffordable payments and leading to harms such as greater delinquency on other bills.”

It’s sad that Frelinghuysen still cannot stand with working families of the district as he retires as their representative.

Tom Wyka
Parsippany

Driver arrested for under the influence of CDS

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was contacted by the driver of a tow truck who had recently towed a vehicle from Eisenhower Parkway near Route 280 and gave the driver, John Colangelo Jr, 47, Morris Plains, a ride, on Thursday, February 22 at 6:22 p.m.

The tow truck operator stated that Mr. Colangelo began to act strange and was nodding off.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Scott Baker spoke to Mr. Colangelo and requested an ambulance to assess him due to his inability to recall details of the crash. Mr. Colangelo spoke to members of Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad and refused further medical attention.

After a brief investigation Mr. Colangelo was placed under arrest for being under the influence of CDS. He was also found to be in possession of a short straw with suspected heroin residue and two bundles (containing 18 individual glassine folds) of suspected heroin. He was transported to police headquarters for processing at which time he was charged with one count in the Third Degree of Possession of CDS (Heroin)
one count of Being Under the Influence of CDS, a Disorderly Persons Offense
one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (straw), a Disorderly Persons Offense.

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

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.

Male arrested for refusing to leave Subway

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to Subway, 1113 Route 46, on Sunday, February 18 at 4:56 p.m., for a male refusing the leave the premises.

Upon the arrival of Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Gregory Bloete, he was advised by the complainant and caller that they wanted the male, identified as Gregory Abeel, 32, Randolph, to leave the store.

Officer Bloete advised Mr. Abeel of this, but he refused to leave. Mr. Abeel then made several attempts to walk past the officer and use the bathroom after being told he must leave numerous times.

Officer Bloete escorted him out of the building and placed him under arrest. He was transported to police headquarters for processing and was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Defiant Trespassing.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his 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.

Sheriff Warns Residents of Rising Car Thefts & Burglaries

MORRIS COUNTY — Over the past year, Morris County has seen a rise in the number of car burglaries and stolen vehicles. Morris County Sheriff James Gannon is asking for the public’s help in reducing the statistics in 2018.

Car burglars often go to residential neighborhoods and walk up and down the street checking car door handles to see if they are open. Once an unlocked vehicle is located, they enter the vehicle to look for valuable items to steal.

“Some find key fobs inside which allow them to start the vehicle and drive away with it.  In addition, car thieves are using a phone app to locate vehicles with key fobs inside, making the theft of your car a quick and easy process,” said Sheriff Gannon.

In 2017, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to local towns in Morris County to process one hundred sixty-eight (168) motor vehicle burglaries for evidence and latent prints. Only forty-one, or 24%, of those vehicles were reported to have been locked.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section also responded to and processed eighty-nine (89) motor vehicles that were stolen from within the county in 2017. Of those vehicles, only 15, or 17% were reported to have been locked or secured in a structure before being stolen. The remaining seventy-four (74) vehicles were parked and left unlocked with keys or key fobs inside.

Sheriff Gannon said, “Car burglaries and stolen vehicles can lead to additional crimes, such as home burglaries and identity theft if keys, garage door openers, purses and wallets are left in vehicles. Help protect yourself and your family and let’s work together to make Morris County a safer place.”

By following these tips you can take an active role in preventing crime in Morris County:

  1. Lock your vehicle and remove the key fob.
  2. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
  3. Protect your identify and accounts by removing purses, wallets or checkbooks from your vehicle.
  4. Contact your local Police Department to report any suspicious individuals or vehicles in your neighborhood.

Report tips and remain anonymous by contacting The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at:  973-COP-CALL or www.copcall.org from your mobile device. No one will ask your name.

Kimberly Lindner has been named to Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Kimberly Lindner, a 2014 graduate of Parsippany High School, is studying Painting and Drawing.

Lindner has been named to Purchase College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2017 semester

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs and 3.75 for Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music Performance programs. They must take a minimum of 12 credits.

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College-SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College click here.

Multiple Vehicles Burglarized

PARSIPPANY — During the night of Tuesday, February 20 into the morning of Wednesday, February 21, multiple vehicles were burglarized.

Below is a list of the locations and other pertinent details.

A common thread among these burglarized vehicles is most, if not all, were unlocked.

The simple act of locking your vehicle doors and not having expensive items viewable from the outside will prevent most vehicle burglaries from ever happening.

Strowbridge Avenue
2009 Mercedes Benz 320- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
Woodland Road
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Owner reported that cash and coins were stolen.
2010 Subaru Forester- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
2017 Toyota Rav4- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
Troy Road
2014 Dodge Durango- Owner reported that cash, credit cards, and iPhone, and personal documents were stolen.
2350 Route 10
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Owner reported cash, personal documents and power tools were stolen.
Erica Way
2013 Mercedes Benz C300- Owner reported that his wallet, cash, personal documents were stolen.

Verbal Argument at Exxon turns in drug arrest at 7-11

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Parsippany Exxon gas station, 3019 Route 46 East, for a verbal argument at 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20.

Upon arrival of responding officers, the victim advised them that he was being verbally harassed by at least one occupant of a parked 2014 Toyota Corolla while he was outside of the building getting water.

The occupant continued to verbally harass him and taunt him. The victim took a picture of the vehicle’s plate so he could document the incident. As he did so, two male occupants exited the vehicle and one of them confronted the victim.

That person was later identified as Stephen Laverty, 20, Morris Plains. Mr. Laverty began to use racial comments towards the victim and attempted to take his phone and punch him. The victim was able to avoid the punch and call 911. The victim further stated that the occupants got back into the Toyota Corolla and left the area.

As officers were searching for the vehicle, the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a phone call at 10:28 p.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle and possible drug activity. The dispatcher quickly realized it was the same vehicle from the earlier incident at the Exxon Gas Station and dispatched officers to 7-11 Convenience Store, 31 North Beverwyck Road.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota as it attempted to leave the parking lot. After a brief investigation, passengers Stephen Laverty and Antony Wyzga, 23, Lake Hiawatha, were found to be in possession of CDS. It was also confirmed that Mr. Laverty was the male who attempted to strike the victim earlier at the Exxon Gas Station. They were both transported back to police headquarters for processing. Parsippany Police Department Detectives also assisted in the investigation.

Stephen Laverty was charged with one count of Bias Intimidation in the Fourth Degree, one count of Possession of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of CDS on the Third Degree (Xanex Pill), one count of Under the Influence of CDS a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Harassment-Striking/Offensive Touching a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense and one count of Harassment-Communication in a Manner to Cause Alarm a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense.

Antony Wyzga was charged with one count of Possession or Use of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of less than fifty grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police, a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Both males were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearance.

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.

Car Robbery on Larkspur Drive

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the area of Pond Road and Larkspur Drive on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:46 p.m. for a 2013 Infiniti JX parked in the roadway.

After a brief investigation it was determined that the Infiniti was stolen from a residence on Larkspur Drive. Parsippany Focus was able to obtain a home video from the area.

The owner advised that the vehicle was unlocked with the key fob in it.

They also found that as the suspect attempted to drive away, the vehicle struck a utility box, street light pole, and a garbage can.

The vehicle began dragging part of the street light pole and the trash can at which time the suspect got out of the vehicle and got into an accomplice vehicle and fled the area.

While on scene, they also found a 2007 Toyota Camry was also burglarized while parked on Larkspur Drive.

Parsippany Detectives and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CIS unit also responded to assist in the investigation.

Register for the Sixth-Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Program

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is extremely proud to announce that the sixth-annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program will be held this July for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall.

The enrollment process is beginning early this year, starting on March 1, due to the highly competitive nature of this extremely popular summer program. With limited space and an expected wait list of attendees, Youth Academy Coordinators are seeking the best of our Morris County youth for the 2018 program.

The MCPSYA is limited to students entering Grades 9 – 12 in the fall of this year.

The Youth Academy is run and coordinated by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Park Police. It is funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

The 2018 program will be held the week of July 23 to July 27 at the Morris County Public Safety Complex located in Parsippany. The Academy, which is uniquely designed to provide high-school students with exposure to the various facets within the field of public safety, is free of charge to cadets and their families.

“At a time in their lives when young men and women from Morris County are making crucial decisions regarding their on-going education and potential career paths, and may be considering the field of public service, we want them to experience what it means to be a first responder and be a part of the phenomenal group of public safety professionals in Morris County,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

“This is an opportunity for our great team of county public service professionals to interact with Morris County youths who are considering the possibility of a future as part of Morris County’s public safety team,” said Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo.

This uniquely designed Youth Academy program provides cadets with intensive, specially designed training and hands-on experience in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management. Class size is limited, and this 2018 class is expected to fill to capacity. Applications for enrollment will open on March 1 and close on April 8.

The Youth Academy curriculum is structured to expose cadets to a variety of interactive, educational, and hands-on activities throughout the week. The success of the program is attributed to the full participation of our Youth Academy instructors and cadets.

Physical training is a key part of the daily routine and is designed to follow a similar model to the training experienced by our Morris County police recruits — with appropriate adjustments made for this program. Regardless, it is a challenging and rewarding part of the overall experience.Sixth-Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy -- Apply Starting March 1

Applicants as well as their parents and guardians should carefully review the application with a full understanding of what is required and expected for those who participate. Once a cadet is accepted and agrees to participate in the program, he or she takes the place of another hopeful applicant.

For more information on the Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program, or to download the application for enrollment, click here.