Ridgewood NJ, tune up those singing voices , join the Pro Arte Chorale for our Annual Messiah Sing along on Monday December 11, beginning at 7:30pm. Admission is $10, we will have scores available for those who do not have one. Refreshments following. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ No reservations required.
Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers a new tool this season in the annual battle with Old Man Winter. When inclement weather limits train service, customers will be able to use new Severe Weather Schedules to clearly identify their travel options and keep moving through the snow and ice.
“In the midst of winter weather, visibility outside may be low, but we want our customers to have a clear picture of how much service we can safely operate and when their next train will be departing,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “Our operations divisions statewide have prepared the transit system, equipment and facilities, and these Severe Weather Schedules allow our customers to be prepared as well.”
During severe weather events, or other emergency situations, NJ TRANSIT may need to operate a limited weekday rail schedule, which will be designated as “Severe Weather Schedule – Level 1” or “Severe Weather Schedule – Level 2.” Customers will be informed through MyTransit alerts, social media, NJ TRANSIT’s website and mobile app as well as broadcast and print media when a Severe Weather Schedule is implemented
“Severe Weather Schedule-Level 1” and “Severe Weather Schedule-Level 2” are now available for viewing, downloading and printing at njtransit.com. Printed severe weather schedules will be available December 7th at select stations, terminals and Customer Service offices.
Customers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Severe Weather Schedules in the event that conditions warrant their implementation.
Snow fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. NJ TRANSIT is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential fury.
NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather
Rail Operations
Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.
Bus Operations
Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.
Light Rail Operations
Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJ TRANSIT’s three light rail systems.
Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
Management staff for all three lines will be coordinating with local municipalities to discuss snow removal in the light rail’s downtown ‘street running’ territory.
Stations and Terminals
All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.
Travel Advice:
Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Paramus NJ, Paramus Police took the adult male driver of a white Jeep Cherokee into custody in connection with a Tuesday evening, 12/05 hit and run crash that had reportedly taken place at the intersection of Paramus Road and West Midland Avenue, Paramus. The driver and his wrecked vehicle were located by a Paramus Police patrol officer on Eastside Avenue in Ridgewood. A field sobriety test was given to the driver before he was taken into custody. Ridgewood Police assisted in the arrest. The Jeep was towed from the scene and impounded by Paramus Police. Paramus EMS responded to the crash site, however the nature of crash related injuries, if any, is not known.
NOTE: All persons shall be presumed innocent until found guilty by a final decision of the court.
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey has long been the punching bag of state tax scholars. The state has the worst state business tax climate of the 50 states and the third highest overall state and local tax burden (behind only Connecticut and New York). Any New Jersey resident knows they pay the highest property taxes in the country, but other taxes are also high: income taxes (5th highest top rate), corporate taxes (6th highest in collections), sales taxes (16th highest in collections), cigarette taxes (10th highest), and gas taxes (8th highest) are all high, and New Jersey is currently one of two states with both an estate and an inheritance tax (the estate tax half is scheduled to be repealed in 2019, but we’ll see if the new Governor changes this). The state has more outbound net migration than any other. One bright spot: you can drink away your sorrows, with a mere 12-cent per gallon beer tax, lower than 40 other states.
The state and local tax deduction considerably reduces the sting of New Jersey’s tax bill, and it’s no coincidence that four of thirteen Republican nay votes on the House tax bill came from New Jersey representatives. New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney and newly elected Governor Phil Murphy, both Democrats, had pledged to make a higher income tax on millionaires a key early priority in 2018.
Now, however (Politico):
“We’re going to have to re-evaluate everything” if a federal bill repealing the state and local tax deduction becomes law, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney said Wednesday in Atlantic City. Just days before, Sweeney had said he would make passage of a millionaires tax his chief priority in the new administration. “I’m just saying that what’s happening in Washington is concerning the hell out of me,” he added.
The changes to SALT are likely driving the reassessment. As ITEP, a group that promotes millionaires’ taxes, has explained, the state and local tax deduction “makes state income tax hikes a good deal,” since “income and property taxes are effectively less costly to state residents than are sales and excise taxes.” Take it away and New Jersey residents must pay full freight for their state and local governments. That may explain the seemingly contradictory rhetoric that millionaires taxes won’t affect the economy but eliminating the SALT deduction will be terrible.
New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney recently remarked that “We’re going to have to re-evaluate everything” if a federal bill repealing the state and local tax deduction becomes law.
If federal tax reform prompts New Jersey to re-evaluate its tax code, it’s long overdue.
New Jersey has long been the punching bag of state tax scholars. The state has the worst state business tax climate of the 50 states and the third highest overall state and local tax burden.
In the 1960s, railroad scholar George Hilton noted that the state’s practice of loading its property tax burden onto interstate commerce had ruined the viability of every railroad crossing the state.
A 2003 state report dryly observed that state revenues had grown 1,700 percent since 1970, compared to population growth of 19 percent and inflation growth of 483 percent.
The state adopted a sales tax in 1966 and an income tax in 1976, both with promises that they would be used to reduce crushing property tax burdens.
Today New Jersey still has the nation’s highest property taxes, but with high income and sales taxes as well. It’s probably time for a rethink.
If federal tax reform prompts New Jersey to overhaul its tax code, it’s long overdue. There are 244 townships, 265 boroughs, 49 cities, 15 towns, 3 villages, and 677 school districts. The three-member board running Tavistock, NJ, is a majority of the borough’s 5 inhabitants. A 1912 article recounted the history of New Jersey tax administration, which is a seemingly unending tale of bloated local government, corruption, and inequitable assessment. In the 1960s, railroad scholar George Hilton noted that the state’s practice of loading its property tax burden onto interstate commerce had ruined the viability of every railroad crossing the state. A 2003 state report dryly observed that state revenues had grown 1,700 percent since 1970, compared to population growth of 19 percent and inflation growth of 483 percent. The state adopted a sales tax in 1966 and an income tax in 1976, both with promises that they would be used to reduce crushing property tax burdens. Today New Jersey still has the nation’s highest property taxes, but with high income and sales taxes as well. It’s probably time for a rethink.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood school district will host a hands-on technology and smart phone program for parents and guardians. Given the events of the last couple of weeks parents need to pay attention.
Last year, Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D., author of The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, addressed parents and guardians as part of our Community Outreach Program – Wellbeing Speakers Series. Following her talk, Ridgewood Public Schools administrators began follow-up discussions that continue today. One outcome of these talks is the selection of Dr. Steiner-Adair’s book for a One Book, One District initiative that will encourage the entire community to read The Big Disconnect. Additionally, the following programs have been scheduled for this school year.
January 11, 2018, Ridgewood High School Campus Center, 7:00 PM Ridgewood Public Schools will host a hands-on technology and smart phone program for parents and guardians.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police department has received a report that a company going by the name of Pro-Line Sports has been calling local businesses asking for donations for Ridgewood Athletic tee-shirts. They are stating the proceeds from the sponsorship pledges and sale of the shirts would go back to the Ridgewood High School Athletic Department to help support teams and students. According to the director of athletics at Ridgewood High School this group has neither affiliation nor tie to the Ridgewood Athletic department.
Mahwah NJ, Join Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp on Sunday, December 10th at 12pm for a ceremony to honor the completion of Mesingw masks in the Big House. In Kid Friendly Lenape tradition, Mesingw carries sacred medicine and is regarded as the protector of all the animals in the forest. Dress warmly and arrive early. Food donations and firewood welcome.
Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp
95 Halifax Road, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Washington DC, The Supreme Court has ruled that the government can fully enforce its travel ban on residents from 6 predominately Muslim nations. The ruling means President Trump’s travel ban can take full effect while legal challenges in the lower courts go forward, and suggests the court is likely to uphold the travel restrictions if lower courts attempt to strike them down.
People from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen will now be banned from entry, even if they have a relationship with a U.S.-based person or institution. Lower courts had said people from those nations with a claim of a “bona fide” relationship with someone in the United States, including grandparents, cousins, and other relatives, could not be kept out of the country.
Only 2 of the 9 justices dissented, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.
Ridgewood NJ, drones have become a multi billion-dollar industry , the New Jersey Legislature is considering steps to criminalize some of the more troublesome uses of the gadgets. Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, is sponsoring a bill that would make drunk drone flying illegal.
Under the Sarlo bill, operating a drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol would be a disorderly persons offense, as would using a drone to harm wildlife or endanger people or property.
The bill would impose a range of restrictions on operating drones, barring residents from using the robots to harm humans or snatch up animals. Flying drones while drunk or on drugs would be made illegal. Violating the rules would be a disorderly persons offense, punishable with up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Should the measure, A-5205, be signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie, it would be New Jersey’s first state-wide law regulating drones. According to a statement from Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, “Drones have become increasingly disruptive, causing near-misses with airplanes, interfering with firefighter operations and being used to smuggle drugs and other contraband into prisons,”
Ridgewood NJ, Next Tuesday December 12th at 5:30pm is Ridgewood’s 5th Annual Menorah Lighting! Come celebrate the first night of Chanukah with us in Van Neste Square!
Ridgewood NJ, according to Lenore Skanazy in , “The Helicopter Parents Have Good Intentions But Have Stolen Their Children’s Freedom And Created A Snowflake Generation.” Skanazy goes on to describe the loss of autonomy of our children and the negative impact .
The “helicopter parents” is a new term but the concept dates back over 45 years , and there has been a massive shift and the numbers are startling .
In 1971: 80% of kids age 7 and 8 walked to school or arrived independent of parents. In 1990 only 9%.
In 1971, approximately half of children’s journeys were made on foot. 80% of 7- and 8-year-old children got to school unaccompanied by an adult. This included buses, bicycles and mass transit.
In 1990: 30% of children under ten years old are allowed to travel alone to places (other than school) within walking distance. 9% of 7- and 8-year-old children got to school unaccompanied by an adult, whilst levels of car ownership and use were fairly similar.
13 percent of American elementary schoolchildren walked to school in 2009.
Skanazy asks , “Why don’t we see this for what it is? A heist! We have stolen children’s freedom. They are transported from locked space to locked space like prisoners. And we are expected to be their jailers.
Why is it so important for kids to walk around and play outside, independently?”
The loss of these mean:
• Considerable loss of autonomy.
• Decline in physical condition potentially leading to obesity and other health problems.
• Gaining insufficient practical and social skills owing to inexperience in acting independently.
Paramus NJ, the Paramus Police have issued a CRIME ALERT: Over the past several days there have been 3 home burglaries in Paramus. The first one was in the Arbor Road / Parkway School area. The second one was in the Fairview Ave / Colorado Road area. The third was in the Sycamore St. / Roosevelt Blvd area. Follow these tips on how not to be a burglary victim:
1. Report all suspicious people and cars to police via 911 immediately! Keep an eye on your neighbor’s homes.
2. Make sure you leave lights on in your home. Remember it is dark before most people return from work.
3. Lock your doors and windows.
4. Do not store your valuables in your master bedroom, Hide the around your home.
5. Prune shrubs and trees to keep them from hiding your home from street view.
6. Make your house appear that someone is home. Burglars target unoccupied homes!
If you have any questions on protecting your home call the Paramus Police Community Outreach Unit at 201-262-3400 ext. 5500, or send us a message on Facebook
Old Tappan NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of DANIEL G. PFEIFFER (DOB: 6/13/89, single; and unemployed) of 12 Windsor Place, Old Tappan, New Jersey on charges of Stalking, Invasion of Privacy, Cyber-Harassment, and Contempt of a Stalking Restraining Order. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
In October 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit initiated an investigation that revealed Daniel PFEIFFER posted nude and sexually explicit photos of a woman he was acquainted with on the Internet. Some of the postings included personal identifying information of the victim on the Internet.
As a result of the investigation, Daniel PFEIFFER was arrested on November 27, 2017 in Hackensack and charged with one count of Stalking, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10C, a third degree crime; Invasion of Privacy, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9C, a third degree crime; Cyber-Harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1(A)2, a third degree crime; and Contempt of a Stalking Restraining Order, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9A, a fourth degree crime. PFEIFFER was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his arraignment. PFEIFFER is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a first appearance on December 13, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Old Tappan Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Trenton NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino today announced arrests of 79 child predators and child pornography offenders in “Operation Safety Net,” a nine-month, multi-agency child protection initiative led by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Partnering agencies targeted sex offenders who exploited the internet and social media, making arrests in every New Jersey county and deploying, for the first time, a new van equipped as a mobile cyber forensics lab, as well as a new canine trained to sniff out electronic devices, to assist in execution of search warrants.
Those arrested in Operation Safety Net included 10 “hands-on” offenders, including child predators in California and Indiana who allegedly tried to have children transported interstate from New Jersey by adult traffickers so they could have sex with the children; four men in New Jersey who allegedly sought to lure children for sex; a camp counselor who allegedly sexually assaulted a girl, 14, under his supervision; a youth minister who allegedly sent lewd photos of himself to a young girl; and a man, 24, who allegedly used a phone app to record underage girls performing sex acts on themselves. Those arrested also included numerous defendants, ranging in age from 14 to 75, who allegedly amassed and/or distributed large collections of child pornography, including a Trenton police officer, a swimming coach, a piano teacher, an IT professional from Morris County who allegedly had over 138,000 files of suspected child pornography (possibly over one million), a mechanic from Mercer County who allegedly had over 10,000 files of child porn, and three brothers in Cumberland County who allegedly had nearly 5,000 files of child pornography.
The operation was conducted by the ICAC Task Force, which is led by the New Jersey State Police and includes the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), all 21 County Prosecutors’ Offices, and many other state, county and local law enforcement agencies. Attorney General Porrino made the announcement at the Hamilton Tech Center with DCJ Director Elie Honig, Acting State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, Supervisory Special Agent Craig Vanderhoff of HSI Human Trafficking/Child Exploitation Group, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner and representatives of other participating agencies. The Division of Criminal Justice exhibited its new cyber forensics van, and the State Police showcased its new electronics detection dog, Mega, both of which contributed greatly to the success of Operation Safety Net.
“The men we arrested lurked in the shadows of the internet and social media, looking for opportunities to sexually assault young children or to view such unspeakable assaults by sharing child pornography,” said Attorney General Porrino. “We set up a wide safety net in this operation to snare these alleged predators and to protect children, which remains our highest priority. With our new mobile forensics lab and electronics-sniffing dog, we’re even better equipped to uncover the evidence that will keep these offenders behind bars, where they cannot threaten or further exploit vulnerable victims.”
“I want to thank all of the many agencies and individuals who participated in this massive, unprecedented and highly collaborative effort to protect our children and communities in New Jersey and elsewhere,” Porrino added.
“We charged 10 men with hands-on predatory conduct against children, including attempted interstate trafficking of children for sex, sexual assault, luring, sending obscene images to a child, or manufacturing child pornography,” said Attorney General Porrino. “These cases highlight the fact that viewing child pornography is part of a continuum of deviant behavior that often leads to or drives other sex crimes.”
“The charges against Castillo reveal a dangerous child predator who went to great lengths in the belief that he was flying two very young girls to California so he could sexually assault them,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Had we not arrested him with our federal and California partners, the allegations indicate he would have continued to seek victims, including children as young as toddlers.”
“We’ve made these proactive child protection investigations a top priority by adding more staff for them at the state level and considerable new resources, including the mobile forensics lab and electronics detection dog,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “There’s no question that by collaborating across all levels of law enforcement and arresting these offenders, we protected innocent children who might otherwise have been sexually abused and exploited. We’ve also ensured that all these men who victimized children – or re-victimized them by viewing child pornography – will face justice.”
“The individuals who share this horrific material will not stop unless they are apprehended and removed from the public,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The nine-month investigation conducted by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and partnering agencies has ensured that children throughout the country will not fall victim to the actions of these depraved individuals. These arrests should put anyone looking to engage in this behavior on notice that law enforcement will be relentless in our efforts to put them behind bars.”
In addition to investigating numerous cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the ICAC Task Force in Operation Safety Net conducted proactive investigations to apprehend offenders by monitoring peer-to-peer file-sharing networks and identifying the IP addresses of individuals sharing child pornography. Detectives also conducted undercover chat investigations on social media platforms, which led to arrests of alleged hands-on offenders and defendants attempting to lure children.
Two proactive investigations initiated by the New Jersey State Police extended beyond New Jersey’s borders – with assistance from other state and federal authorities – to apprehend defendants charged with allegedly attempting to arrange the interstate trafficking of young children for sex:
George Castillo, 36, of Inglewood, Calif., faces federal charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and production of child pornography, as well as New Jersey charges including first-degree conspiracy to commit child trafficking. Castillo allegedly solicited an undercover New Jersey State Police detective – who pretended to be trafficking children – to fly a 4-year-old girl to Los Angeles so he could sexually assault her. He also allegedly solicited an undercover police detective in Washington, D.C., who posed as a father, to bring his “daughter,” 9, to Los Angeles for sex at the same time the undercover from New Jersey was expected to arrive with the other girl. He was arrested on April 4 at Los Angeles International Airport when he arrived to meet the girls and their adult escorts. The charges stem from investigations by the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Metropolitan Police Department/FBI Child Exploitation Task Force in Washington, D.C., and, in Los Angeles, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, LAX Task Force, and Los Angeles Police Department. The undercover investigators identified Castillo in separate investigations targeting pedophiles using the internet and social media.
Joseph Donohew, 26, of Brownsburg, Indiana, is charged in Indiana with attempted child molestation. He allegedly offered money to an undercover New Jersey State Police detective, whom he met on an instant messaging platform, to have sex with a 9-year-old girl. The undercover represented that he had a daughter, 9, and Donohew allegedly sent him $100 as a down payment to bring the girl to Indiana for sex. Donohew was arrested on July 13 at a gas station in Indiana, where he allegedly was to meet the father and girl. He had purchased a nightgown for the girl depicting characters from a Disney movie he believed was her favorite. The New Jersey State Police worked with the FBI, Brownsburg Police Department, Indiana State Police and Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana.
Eight other defendants were arrested in New Jersey in Operation Safety Net on charges related to various types of alleged “hands-on” conduct, including sexual assault, luring a child, conveying obscene materials to a child, and manufacturing child pornography:
William Esker, 22, of Bayonne, N.J., was charged on Sept. 7 by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with aggravated criminal sexual contact for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a girl, 14, over whom he had direct supervision as a camp counselor. He also is charged with providing obscene material to a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
Donald Beckwith, 34, of Browns Mills, N.J., is charged in Delaware with sexual solicitation of a minor and attempt to commit unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Beckwith, a captain in the Air Force stationed in New Jersey, met a girl, 14, through an online chat group for children and allegedly engaged her in sexual conversations, ultimately asking her to meet him in person. He allegedly met the girl twice in Delaware. The first time, he allegedly reached under her shirt and tried to touch her breast, and the second time he allegedly hugged her and repeatedly asked her to lie on a bed in the back of his vehicle and watch a movie with him. The New Jersey State Police arrested Beckwith on Aug. 16 in an investigation initiated by the Delaware State Police. Detectives allegedly found over 10 nude images of an underage girl on his phone.
Michael DeBlock, 22, of Hopatcong, N.J., a youth minister, was arrested on Oct. 10 and charged by the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office with possession of child pornography and conveying obscene materials to a child. DeBlock allegedly exchanged sexual photos and texts with a girl, 14, including a photo of his penis.
Brandon Morris, 24, of Hammonton, N.J., was arrested on Oct. 17 and charged by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office with manufacturing child pornography, endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct, conveying obscene materials to a child, and possession of child pornography. Morris allegedly engaged multiple underage girls in conversations on FaceTime, instructing them to perform sexual acts on themselves, which he recorded.
A 17-year-old student from Bergen County, whose name is not being released due to his juvenile status, was arrested on Aug. 17 and charged by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office with manufacturing, distributing and possessing child pornography, as well as invasion of privacy. The juvenile allegedly had over 1,000 files of suspected child pornography on his electronic devices, including video recordings he allegedly made by hiding his smartphone in a private bathroom in order to record underage boys who were nude, showering or urinating.
Craig Kirschner, 39, of Marlboro, N.J., was arrested on Aug. 21 and charged by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with luring a child, attempted sexual assault of a minor, and conveying obscene material to a minor. Kirschner allegedly solicited an undercover detective, whom he believed to be a 15-year-old male, to meet for oral sex. The detective was monitoring a mobile app when he encountered Kirschner. After the undercover detective identified himself as a 15-year-old boy, Kirschner allegedly sent him photos of an erect penis, asked him to meet for oral sex, and stated “I can be generous for your trouble.”
Isaac Toney, 40, of Trenton, N.J., was arrested on July 17 by the New Jersey State Police and charged with luring a child. He allegedly used a mobile app to solicit an undercover detective, whom he believed was a 14-year-old male, for oral sex. He was arrested at Veterans Park in Hamilton, Mercer County, where he allegedly was to meet the “boy” for a sexual encounter.
Robert Elmi, 63, of Gillette, N.J., was arrested by the New Jersey State Police on Nov. 9 on a charge of luring a child. Elmi had placed an ad on Craigslist soliciting a relationship with a younger female. An undercover State Police detective responded, posing as a young girl and indicating to Elmi that she was 13. Elmi allegedly communicated with the “13-year-old” for several weeks by text and email, ultimately arranging to meet her at a diner. He allegedly told the “girl” he would take her back to his apartment, where they would drink, watch TV, kiss and perform oral sex on each other. Elmi was arrested by the State Police at the diner.
Forty-one defendants are charged with second-degree distribution of child pornography, which carries a sentence of five to 10 years in prison, and 66 defendants are charged with third-degree possession of child pornography, which carries a sentence of three to five years in prison. Out of the 41 charged with distribution, six are charged with distributing 25 items or more, and therefore are subject, if convicted, to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison under the strict child pornography law signed by Governor Christie in August 2013. Out of the 66 defendants charged with possession, 25 are charged with possession of 100 or more items and are subject to a presumption of imprisonment under that law, even if they have no prior criminal record. More of the defendants may face those enhanced charges and penalties once full forensic examinations of their computers and electronic devices are completed.
On July 21, 2017, Governor Christie signed a new law which will take effect Feb. 1, 2018 and will further enhance penalties for possession and distribution of child pornography. The new law expanded the definition of child pornography to include child erotica. In addition, the new law makes it a first-degree crime to distribute 1,000 or more items depicting the sexual exploitation of a child, with a mandatory parole ineligibility period of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed. The new law also makes it a first degree crime to possess 100,000 or more items of child pornography, and a second-degree crime to possess anywhere between 1,000 and 99,999. Under the new law, videos depicting the sexual exploitation of a child will count more heavily than still images, each counting for 10 images.
Eleven defendants arrested in Operation Safety Net would qualify as second-degree “super-possessors” under the new law to go into effect in 2018. Because it was not in effect when they were arrested, they cannot be charged under the tough new law, but these 11 arrests illustrate how offenders routinely amass huge collections of child pornography, which soon will make them subject to the enhanced penalties:
William Camargo, 48, of Millington, N.J., an IT professional , allegedly had more than 138,000 files of suspected child pornography, and possibly more than one million files (determination awaiting full forensic examinations of computer equipment);
Callen Kapschock, 55, of Hamilton, Mercer County, N.J., a mechanic, allegedly had more than 10,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Md F. Uddin, 43, of Elizabeth, N.J., an engineer, allegedly had more than 5,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Kody Knotts, 22, of Millville, N.J., along with his two brothers immediately below, allegedly had a combined total of nearly 5,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Alexander Knotts, 27, of Millville, N.J.;
Kyle Knotts, 23, of Millville, N.J.;
Laurence Duque, 42, of Dayton, N.J., allegedly had over 4,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Gregory Piszczek, 35, of Woodbridge, N.J., an IT professional, allegedly had over 4,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Kevin Groeger, 63, of Cranford, N.J., a postal worker, allegedly had over 2,000 files of suspected child pornography;
Pasquale “Charles” Albano, 75, of Point Pleasant, N.J., allegedly had over 1,000 files of suspected child pornography; and
Juvenile Male, 17, referenced above, allegedly had over 1,000 files of suspected child pornography.
Operation Safety Net made extensive use of two key new tools: an electronics detection canine and a mobile forensics van. Both contributed greatly to the success of the operation. As electronic devices become smaller and easier to hide, the importance of dogs trained to detect them increases. There are thumb drives available that are hidden in or disguised as cuff links, bracelets, LEGO blocks, coins and other everyday items. Throughout the operation, the canine was used at State Police and Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) search warrant scenes. The canine was used for a preliminary walk-through and would identify devices and loose electronic storage media not in plain view. The detectives would then thoroughly search the area where that evidence was found to ensure all digital evidence was recovered.
Rapid triage of computers at search sites – also called forensic previewing – is a critical component of child pornography investigations. Such forensic previewing can result in the immediate arrest of individuals who otherwise might be left to continue direct illicit sexual contact with minors, preventing further abuse of victims. The previewing of computers at search sites has often had to occur in close proximity to the alleged perpetrator and often in potentially dangerous environments. As an example, in the last operation, two DCJ detectives were hospitalized after the suspect at the search warrant scene attempted to gain control of one detective’s handgun, resulting in a dangerous struggle. To maintain the integrity of the evidence gathering process, it is important for the forensic examiner to have the proper equipment to work with and the proper environment to work in. For these reasons, DCJ purchased a customized van, equipped with the appropriate desks and electrical and other equipment, which is used on-site for the forensic previewing of computers and computer-related equipment. This van enabled detectives in Operation Safety Net to safely examine suspected devices within the van and conduct more extensive previews at the scene, increasing the number of charges carrying enhanced penalties.
The following 58 additional men were arrested in Operation Safety Net on charges of possession and/or distribution of child pornography:
Paul Marinelli, 52, of South Brunswick, N.J., a Trenton police officer, charged with possession of child pornography.
James Cutrone, 54, of Hazlet, N.J., a youth swim coach, charged with distribution of child pornography.
Bryan San Andreas, 37, of Toms River, N.J., a piano teacher, charged with possession of child pornography.
John Parsons, 50, of Vineland, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Donald Williams, 39, of Camden, N.J., charged with distribution of child pornography.
Kevin Wenng, 35, of Cliffwood Beach, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Victor Kurynow, 58, of Bedminster, N.J., charged with attempted possession of child pornography and conveying obscene materials to a minor.
Paul Fuhs, 44, of Laurel Springs, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Ryan Stemetzki, 26, of Maple Shade, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Robert Ruff, 56, of Delran, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Robert King, 63, of North Wildwood, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Jason Locke, 42, of Manchester, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Stephen Slawinski, 60, of Morris Plains, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Herbert Ferreira, 43, of Dover, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Joseph Maruca, 26, of Berkeley Township, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
James Gilbertson, 60, of Manchester, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Christopher Todd, 49, of Lyndhurst, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Alexis Gonzalez, 28, of Hackensack, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Raul Rodriguez, 33, of Jersey City, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Dhanendhran Govender, 32, of East Windsor, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Luis Pacheco-Loja, 30, of Belleville, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Robert White, 66, of Morristown, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Jonathan Latiff 40, of Jersey City, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Anthony Gerace, 43, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., charged with distribution of child pornography.
Antonio Baang, 26, of Galloway Township, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Richard Lake, 65, of Trenton, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Federico Flores, 29, of Rahway, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
James Agin, 69, of Westwood, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Fortino Rosales-Rodriguez, 22, of Oaklyn, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Justin Saavedra, 22, of Clifton, N.J., charged with distribution of child pornography.
Daniel Braz, 39, of South River, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Nelson Cintron, Jr., 54, of Collingswood, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Michael Brown, 28, of Pennsauken, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Erik Baez, 38, of Sicklerville, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Larry Gonzalez, 45, of Elizabeth, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Erik Johnson, 49, charged by Union County Prosecutor’s Office with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Marco Biason, 68, of Dover, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Brian Neilson, 55, of Metuchen, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Thomas Smith, 54, of Woodstown, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Zachary Brawer, 31, of Paramus, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Brian J. Gardner, 74, of Nutley, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
John T. Ruffner, 37, of Lumberton, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
John Skubiak, 62, of Deptford, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Nicholas J. Novak, 66, of Ocean Township, Monmouth County, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Eric MacAfee, 41, of Seaside Heights, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Jeison Padilla, 29, of Somerville, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography and conveying obscene materials to a minor.
Justin England, 31, of North Plainfield, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Eric Yourish, 61, of North Plainfield, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Christopher Dunham, 22, of Rockaway, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Justin Piccola, 23, of Randolph, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Nicolas Bencze, 36, of Maywood, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Michael Yosco, 70, of Garfield, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Male Juvenile, age 14, of Bergen County, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
Julio Garcia, 29, of Bridgeton, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Joseph Lawitz, 34, of Hamilton, Mercer County, N.J., charged with possession of child pornography.
James Livas, 22, of Hopatcong, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Robert Fuscarino, 27, of Hopatcong, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Donovan Roots, 19, of Pilesgrove, N.J., charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
The charges against the defendants in Operation Safety Net are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks & Recreation present December children shows :
DECEMBER RECESS CHILDREN’S SHOWS:
Ridgewood Parks and Recreation has two children’s shows planned during the holiday recess in December. We hope you will join us!
Animals in the Winter
Pat from Pat’s Pals will bring a live animal show and talk to children about how different animals survive the winter. They will learn about migration, hibernation and more.
Wednesday, December 27th, 11:30 am
The Anne Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall
131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$5 admission – all attending, ages 2 and older
(caregivers must be ticket holders also)
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Preschool Winterfest with Mr. Jon
With guitar, songs and playful props, Mr. Jon will excite, engage and entertain as we celebrate winter.
Thursday, December 28th, 11:30
The Anne Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall
131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$5 admission – all attending, ages 2 and older
(caregivers must be ticket holders also)
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In addition, the following workshops are planned for elementary students:
Mythbusters with Education Explorers
Using scientific method and their innate curiosity, students will participate in a variety of hands-on experiments that put common “myths” to the test.
Grades 1-5
Thursday, December 28th
9:30 am to 12 noon
The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$50 includes all materials
(non-residents $60)
Please bring a NUT-free snack
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Colorful Warriors Art/Yoga/Meditation Camp
This combination class is all about encouraging healthy bodies and creative minds! Beginning with animal focused yoga, children will have fun learning the positions and movements of downward dog, cat, turtle and monkey. Afterwards the children will create a canvas painting – a sea turtle with florescent colors. Sea turtles symbolize patience, wisdom, endurance and good luck. The session will end with a relaxed, guided meditation.
Grades K-5
Thursday, 1:30 to 3 pm
The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$30 – includes all materials (non-residents $40)
Please bring a yoga mat and a NUT-free snack
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You may purchase advanced admission for the shows or register for the workshops online at CommunityPass, www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass, (Visa/MasterCard) or in person/by mail at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood (cash/check).
Please call the Recreation office at 201-670-5560 with questions or if special accommodations are needed.
![Trump_Travel_Ban_PKG_848x480_978892867855[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Trump_Travel_Ban_PKG_848x480_9788928678551.jpg "SUPREME COURT ALLOWS FULL ENFORCEMENT OF TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN")
![Operation_Safety_Net_1[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/facebook_d1cc917631922dbfd2d2_Operation_Safety_Net_11.jpg "Attorney General Porrino Announces Arrests of 79 Alleged Child Predators & Child Pornography Offenders in “Operation Safety Net”")
