MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Roxbury Township Police Chief James Simonetti, and Denville Township Police Chief Christopher Wagner announce that Abner O. Irias-Paz, age 24 of Victory Gardens, New Jersey has been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery.
During the months of May and June multiple armed robberies of area gas stations occurred within Roxbury Township and the Township of Denville. Through a collaborative investigation, Irias-Paz was developed as a suspect.
Irias-Pas was taken into custody early this morning as he was observed leaving his residence. This was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Denville Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit.
Abner O. Irias-Paz was charged with three (3) counts of Robbery, a first degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2); three (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b; three (3) counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a; three (3) counts of Theft, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3; and three (3) counts of Terroristic Threats, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b.
The Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C., set a blanket bail of $300,000.00 with no 10% option. A bail source hearing requirement, waiver of extradition, and surrender of passport were further conditions of the bail. Irias-Paz was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is being released at this time.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Roxbury Township Police Department, Denville Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Randolph Township Police Department who participated in the efforts that contributed to this arrest.
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) has an impressive lineup of new and existing noncredit programs to assist individuals with enhancing their professional skills for career success. Classes begin in early September with registration now taking place.
All the details on this fall’s programs can be found in the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking here.
Information sessions also will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. There will be individual sessions for 11 different programs; and Admissions counselors will be on hand to assist those interested in pursuing a for-credit degree. See the Fall Continuing Education brochure for the location of each session and additional details.
New for this fall, CCM has teamed up with the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) to upgrade its Medical Billing and Coding program. Now graduates will qualify to sit for the AAPC Certified Professional Coders exam – the industry accepted initial certification for employment.
Adding to CCM’s entry-level healthcare programs, the college will be offering the New Jersey Board of Nursing approved Certified Homemaker/Home Health Aidecourse. In just four weeks, students can begin working in the healthcare field.
Additionally, CCM is expanding training programs in one of the fastest growing health fields, addictions counseling, with the Chemical Dependency Associate, Peer Recovery Support Certificate. This course is designed for people already working in the field who lack certification. Best of all, the training hours can all be used toward the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor program.
Another new program is the Toastmasters Basic Business Communications course to help participants gain the confidence to give high-quality, engaging presentations, along with developing basic meeting management, critical thinking and listening skills. Also being offered is the Non-Profit Fundraising Essentials Certificate to help individuals working with nonprofit organizations to create an effective annual fundraising plan and program.
In addition, CCM once again is offering the alternate route to teaching program, known as New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ). This fall, the college is offering the Stage II course for the first time in several years after adding back Stage I training last year. Stage I will be offered again in the spring. And the Introduction to Teaching: 24-Hours Component course will be offered in September, January and June. NPTNJ is best for people interested in K-5, 6-12 subject matter and special education licenses. For more information on this program, click here.
Returning programs include an array of healthcare professional certifications, basic and advanced PC skills courses, New Jersey construction official courses, a full complement of business skills certificates and much more. CCM is a rich resource for Morris County residents. Be sure to take a look at the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking hereto learn about all that is being offered.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy is extremely grateful to Provident Bank for sponsoring the concert by “Time Machine” on Thursday, August 13. This amazing band had the audience dancing on the lawn and rocking to an array of selections both old and new.
The sale of Time Machine tee shirts was successful with all proceeds going toward sending a little cancer victim to Disney World.
Adding to the success of the evening was the always delicious barbecue sponsored by Parsippany ShopRite with proceeds being donated to the Parsippany PAL.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill and Recreation Superintendent Joseph Plescia
OEM Volunteer Karen DeChristopher, Dawn Keimel and OEM Volunteer Edy Toussaint
Allison and Sara Larger, Sabinet and Olivia Haeupl and Kathy Larger enjoying the sounds of the Time Machine
Kiwanis Action Club member Brian Daly
Kiwanis Action Club member Brian Daly
Nancy and Davey Willans enjoying the music
The crowd enjoying the Time Machine
Joyce Garrow enjoying the concert
Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience
Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience
Pledge of Allegiance
OEM members Pradip Trevedi, Nicolas Limanov, Karen DeChristopher and Claus Finke volunteering during the concert at Vetrans Park
Provident Bank, 401 Smith Road, was the main sponsor of the concert
The Time Machine
Provident Employees Ylka Padilla, Kati Orahood, Naima Reig, Mercedes Covert–Muzio and Christine Matthews were giving out popcorn to the crowd
Parsippany Woman’s Club President Marilyn Marion and Betsy Lowry, President Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance
Madison Thiel, Jennifer Thiel, Dylan Deuer, Omar Santos and Ryan Chmura
Toni Bosskay, Shop Rite’s Catering Coordinator, Tony Bonavitacola, Execuritve Director PAL, Allison Ferguson, Store Manager, and Brian Hyland
Parsippany Recreation Superintendent Joseph Plescia and Tony Bonavitacola, Executive Director PAL
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit (PR&R) and Lake Parsippany Fire Department held their 5th annual car and truck show at Lanidex Plaza off Parsippany Road. This event was held Saturday, August 15.
The show featured unique cars, trucks, motorcycles and vehicles.
Proceeds will go to Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit and Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 to help continue their service to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
LEMONADE STAND: The lemonade stand was staffed by the Wives and Daughters of Rescue and Recovery. From left to right are Ceyla Beg, Ruby Beg, Kelli Neidel, Chrisanne Sandford, Vicki Sandford, Bea Niclaus, Jessica Niclaus and Judy LarickFormer Councilman Jonathan Nelson and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul PhilippsParsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps and Parsippany Focus Photographer Nicolas LimanovCouncil Vice President Robert Peluso and Robert, Jr., were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck ShowThe trophies for the winnersChrisanne Sanford, 11 and Gio Collins were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck ShowJake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Chief John Tranculov, with the Carifi twins Jonathan and TylerJake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Council candidate Loretta Gragnani and Rescue and Recovery Chief John TranculovPradip Trevedi, Al Goldberg and Claus Finke
MORRISTOWN — The Fifth Annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival was held on Saturday, August 15 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
The line up included Swingadelic, Bria Skonberg, Bucky Pizzarelli Guitar Summit with Frank Yignola, Vinnie Raniolo and Ed Laub, Roomful of Blues and Charlie Musselwhite Band.
The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival has become one of the most popular events in the region for so many reasons. Of course, Morristown has a wonderful town center with a beautiful Green, but is also offers plenty to do when the music stops. But the music is the main attraction and the talent has been top-notch.
The crowd enjoying the Jazz and Blues FestivalMorristown Township Attorney Vijayant Pawar, his wife, Jennifer, Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty and Former Parsippany Councilman Jonathan NelsonParsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown’s First Lady Mary DoughertySeven month old Collie was enjoying the festival. Collie was a rescue dog adopted from The Last Resort RescueThe crowd was huge at the Jazz & Blues Festival on the Morristown GreenBria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival.Peter Gordon from Discover Maps of Morristown was handling out Morristown maps to all of the concert goersMorristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty with former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Jonathan NelsonBria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues FestivalParsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty
Swingadelic is a ten-piece “little big band” that performs regularly up and down the East Coast. Popular at summer jazz festivals, the group was in residence at Maxwell’s in Hoboken for six years and has recorded six CDs. The band currently is in residence at Swing 46, located in the New York City Theatre District.
With guest guitarists Frank Vignola, Vinnie Raniola and Ed Laub, Guitar Summit has become a tradition for the festival and for good reason. Legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli surrounds himself with extraordinarily talented players and do they swing! At almost ninety, Bucky is playing better than ever and who knows who will show up to jam with him.
Trumpeter/vocalist/composer Bria Skonberg is a star on the rise in the jazz world. Since moving from British Columbia to New York City in 2010, she has attracted attention from DownBeat Magazine, theWall Street Journal and the Jazz Journalists’ Association who nominated her “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of the Year” in 2013. Her current ensemble will be coming to Morristown from their appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival.
For more than 45 years, Roomful of Blues has celebrated jump blues and R&B with their horn-powered ensemble. Led by acclaimed blues guitarist Chris Vachon, the group has received five Grammy nominations, seven Blues Music Awards and was twice selected by the DownBeat Critics Pollas the Best Blues Band. Their infectious swing will have everyone partying.
Harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite is one of the most revered blues musicians in the world. This Blues Hall of Famer has collaborated with an extraordinary list of music legends over his 50 year career, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams and B. B. King to name a few. He has won countless awards, appeared on scores of albums and was the inspiration for Dan Akroyd’s character in the Blues Brothers!
Major sponsors of Morristown Jazz and Blues included Jeff Rawding AIA, Toll Brothers, Hot House, NJ Arts.net, Star Ledger, Riker Danzig Alaimo Group, Atlantic Health System, DeFrancescoBateman, Greenbaum Rowe Smith Davis, LLP, Hampshire, The Herrick Company, Iron Bar, Lindabury, Marchetto Higgins Stieve, McEnerney, Brady and Company, MPAC, Morristown Municipal Airport, Jersey Jazz Society, Porzio, Bijou Properties, Inglesino Webster Wyciskala Taylor, LLC, Jersey Central Power and Light, Normandy, PSE&G, Sherman Wells, Connect One Bank, Grasshopper off the Green and Investors Bank.
Additional sponsors included Headquarters Plaza, Lakeside Consulting, Morristown Inn Best Western, Morristown Parking Authority, Silverman, Sona Thirteen, Weiner Lesniak, David Brady, Esq., Cipollini Carting and Villa Enterprises.
PARSIPPANY — Emma Marie Wyman is a happy, beautiful nine-month-old baby girl undergoing at least one year’s worth of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a rare type of sarcoma.
Her parents, AJ & Lindsey (Kmit) Wyman, who are lifelong residents of Parsippany, learned of Emma’s tumor in late May and have taken her to Philadelphia to be treated by internationally-recognized pediatric oncologists.
As they await more in-depth results regarding the type of sarcoma Emma has and begin chemotherapy, AJ has begun to take time off from his job as a corrections officer, while Lindsey is on her unpaid summer break from teaching sixth grade social studies at Brooklawn Middle School. During this life-altering time, AJ and Lindsey will incur costs from medical to travel expenses, while keeping up with their regular monthly bills for their cars, home, etc. Please know that even the smallest donation will go a long way to aid baby Emma and her loving parents during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your love, support, and above all, your prayers.
Wide World of Summer Camp Counselors volunteer their time for this fundraiserTricky tray baskets raised money for the fundraiser, donated by local area businesses
The counselors, leaders, teachers from the Wide World of Summer Camp, gathered together and arranged a fundraiser for Emma. They hosted a movie night and tricky tray at Parsippany High School on Thursday, July 30.
Wide World of Summer (WWS) provides a fun-filled summer for your child and a worry free summer.
WWS is an eight-week camp/enrichment program for in or out-of-district students that is filled with fantastic activities, programs, and field trips. Students swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and spend Wednesday’s on an exciting field trip. Afternoons are spent participating in enrichment classes in science, art, computers, physical education and more.
PARSIPPANY — Mt. Tabor celebrated the 146th Annual Children’s Day Weekend, starting on Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9.
The King is Noah Munn; Queen is Hannah Ververs; First Attendants are Rachei Bozza and Harrison Weaver; and Second Attendant are Brianne Partington and Jamaai Parker.
The 2015 Mt. Tabor Children’s Day is all about paying tribute to the children of Tabor.
The 146-year-old celebration, which kicked off Thursday and the parade, concert and fire works took place Saturday throughout the historic Parsippany neighborhood.
Presiding over the special day is the led by King is Noah Munn and Queen is Hannah Ververs. The monarchs and their court will be crowned at the yearly coronation ball held for Mt. Tabor residents and guests Friday evening.
The centerpiece event of the day is the annual Midway Parade.
Another parade kicked off at approximately 7:00 p.m. This event featured the prize winners and Parsippany’s Volunteer Fire Districts, Ambulance Squads, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.
The evening ended with a concert featuring “Herman’s Hermits” at the country club and then fireworks.
The concert and fireworks are funded by Margaret and Francis X. Wentworth.
Other weekend events, since their inception 145 years ago, have been funded by the residents who volunteer their time, effort and money through fund raising events including a bake sale, pancake breakfast, car wash, hoagie sale and house to house collections.
The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department provided a barbecue dinner to all of the local emergency responders who participated in the parade.
Herman’s Hermits performed after the parade.
Grand Marshall Wayne Englehardt
The parade continues
Steve Cisco from Mt. Tabor Fire Department
Jeff Swenson, Ambassador of Good Will of Morristown Fire Department hands Steve Cisco a certificate honoring the Mt. Tabor Fire Department for 105 years of community service
King Noah Munn and Queen Hannah Ververs
First Attendants Harrison Weaver and Rachael Bozza
Second Attendants Jamaal Parker and Brianne Partington
The Magic Dragon: Hudson Catanzaro
The United Methodist Church at Mt. Tabor
Breanne Calabrese and Aaron Bauer, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Dan Morgan, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery
Paul Anderson and Chief John Tranculov
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery
Captain Louis Yuliano, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery
Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad
Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad volunteers Julia Ruggier and Gina Pasquale
Andres Felipe Giraldo, Parsippany Fire District 5
Karen DeChristopher, OEM
Nicolas Limanov, Al Goldberg and Edy Toussaint
Lake Hiawatha Fire Department receiving a citation from Jeff Swenson, Ambassador of Good Will of Morristown Fire Department
Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4
Lake Hiawatha Fire Department receiving a citation from Jeff Swenson, Ambassador of Good Will of Morristown Fire Department
CHESTER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announced the arrest of several cocaine traffickers following a two month drug investigation in western Morris County.
Members of the Chester Borough Police Department received information regarding cocaine distribution within their jurisdiction. Thereafter, an investigation commenced and intelligence was developed by members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Chester Borough Police and officers assigned to the Morris County Narcotics Task Force.
Multiple individuals were identified as the persons alleged to be distributing cocaine from their residence.
On August 14, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at a residence in the Long Valley section of Washington Township. As a result, about 262 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street retail value in excess of $16,000, various packaging and distribution materials, and some $15,000 in U.S. currency were seized.
The Narcotics Task Force subsequently arrested Arnoldo Castro Balcarcel, 42, Long Valley; Gerson Manuel Castro Balcarcel, 19, Long Valley; and Rolando Cabrera Hernandez, 24, Long Valley.
The trio has been charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely cocaine, in a quantity greater than 5 ounces, plus third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
They were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in Morris Township default of $250,000 bail.
A fourth suspect, Oscar Castro Balcarcel, of Long Valley, was charged with third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine. He was issued a summons and released.
Judge Ira Cohen authorized the warrant complaints and bails for the defendants.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit continues to combat dangerous drugs being distributed throughout Morris County,” said Prosecutor Knapp.
“The success of these investigations and the efforts against narcotics related offenses is not possible without our municipal, county and state partners, who not only contribute to intelligence gathering efforts but also supply officers to the Morris County Narcotics Task Force.”
The prosecutor said the following agencies played a prominent role in the investigation: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Chester Borough Police Department, Washington Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
The investigation was led by Captain Michael Rice and Lieutenant V. Harrison Dillard of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division and Chester Borough Police Chief David Jara.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan of the Special Operations Division and supervised by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Matilda A. Mola, 66, of Mountain Lakes, has been sentenced today in connection with the forgery of $136,800.00 worth of checks.
On May 19, 2015, Mola pled guilty to ten counts of forgery, which are third degree crimes.
Superior Court Judge William J. McGovern, III, today sentenced Mola to a five years of probation, after which she must serve 364 days in the Morris County Corrections Facility.
Mola also was ordered to pay the remaining amount of restitution totaling $114,460.00. Prior to her sentencing, Mola paid $22,340 in restitution.
This prosecution stemmed from Mola’s action of forging her sister’s name on ten courtesy checks totaling $136,800.00 from a Bank of America line of credit account. The account belonged to her sister and brother, Mary and Joseph Mola.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine S. Ehrenberg represented the state during the prosecution.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Financial Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, for their efforts on this case.
It’s a cool start to Friday across New Jersey, but it will get much warmer. Although some parts of northwestern New Jersey are reporting temperatures in the low 50s as of 7 a.m, it won’t stay that way. Forecasters are calling for another sunny, warm afternoon which will lead into an even hotter weekend. PLUS: Early…
