Category: Bergen County

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ENGLEWOOD WOMAN CHARGED WITH WITNESS TAMPERING

08 01 18 Charlene Yabut21

August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of AASIM BOONE (DOB: 11/02/82; single; and unemployed) and CHARLENE YABUT (DOB: 12/10/1979; single; and employed as a registry clerk) of 198 Waldo Place, Englewood, New Jersey. The arrests are the result of a two-week investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 16, 2018, a task force initiated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad arrested Aasim BOONE and charged him with multiple counts of burglary and he was remanded to the Bergen County Jail. Shortly thereafter, an investigation ensued into BOONE and his communications with Charlene YABUT asking her to contact a victim/witness and attempt to have her drop pending domestic violence charges.
On August 1, 2018, Charlene YABUT was arrested and charged with Hindering, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3A(3) and Witness Tampering, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-5A(1). Aasim BOONE was charged with Witness Tampering, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-5A(1). They are scheduled for first appearances in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

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Waldwick Man Charged with Sexual Assault on an Underaged Girl

08 01 18 Jose Palacios Rivas1

August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Waldwick NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of JOSE A. PALACIOS RIVAS, (DOB: 12/02/1992; Single; and employed as restaurant food runner) of 32 West Prospect Street, Waldwick, New Jersey, on charges of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Waldwick Police Department under the direction of Chief Mark Messner.

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit (“BCPOSVU”) received a report that Jose A. PALACIOS RIVAS, who was then twenty-years-old, had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions with a female who was under the age of sixteen. An investigation by the BCPOSVU and the Waldwick Police Department resulted in the arrest of PALACIOS RIVAS on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. PALACIOS RIVAS was charged with one count of Sexual Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2C(4), a crime of the 2nd degree and one count of Endangering The Welfare Of A Child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a), a crime of the 3rd degree. PALACIOS RIVAS is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 1:30 PM.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Waldwick Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

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Maywood Human Trafficking Fugitive Arrested Pennsylvania

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August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Maywood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of KEVIN J. NEWELL (DOB: 11/10/1962; married; salesman) of 94 East Pleasant Avenue, Maywood, New Jersey, a fugitive from justice based on multiple charges filed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Maywood Police Department under the direction of David Pegg, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) – Pittsburgh Field Office, and the North Strabane (PA) Police Department.

On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, in connection with a months-long human trafficking and child sexual exploitation investigation initiated by HSI and the North Strabane Police Department, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and special agents from HSI executed a search warrant at the residence of Kevin J. NEWELL. NEWELL was taken into custody and charged by Pennsylvania authorities with Trafficking In Individuals (PA 18 § 3011 §§ A1); Trafficking In Minors (PA 18 § 3011 §§ B); Unlawful Contact With A Minor – Sexual Offenses (PA 18 § 6318 §§ A1); Photograph/File/Depict On Computer Sex Act – Knowingly Or Permitting Child (PA 18 § 6312 §§ B1); and Criminal Use Of Communication Facility (PA 18 § 7512 §§ A). He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending extradition proceedings.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Acting Prosecutor Calo would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations, North Strabane (PA) Police Department, and the Maywood Police Department for their assistance, as well as the Lyndhurst Police Department, which participates in the Bergen County Cyber Crimes Task Force.

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Baronfest, a day of music, beer, and food at Historic New Bridge Landing

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August 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society will Celebrate Revolutionary War hero Major-General Baron von Steuben’s birthday and greet the Baron in person! Enjoy the finest that regional craft breweries Brix City and Alementary have to offer together with delicious food in a historic village. Relax to music by Long Hill String Band and thrill to Mott’s Artillery demonstrations in The Meadow. Tour three 18th century houses, barn and outkitchen, and stroll the grounds of Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge where Washington, Lafayette, and, of course, the Baron once walked.

As one past festival visitor remarked, “I feel like I’m on a farm in upstate New York!” but we’re only 7 miles from the George Washington Bridge!

Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Steuben, also referred to as Baron von Steuben, was a Prussian and later an American military officer. He served as Inspector General and a Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is credited with being one of the fathers of the Continental Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and disciplines. He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, the book that served as the standard United States drill manual until the War of 1812. He served as General George Washington’s chief of staff in the final years of the war.

Help us raise funds for a Hall of History Museum celebrating Bergen County’s storied past. Family-friendly event, games for kids. Book sale. No rain date. Free parking.

Baronfest, a day of music, beer, and food at Historic New Bridge Landing
Sept 29, 2018, Saturday, 1-5 pm

 

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District 39 Legislators Announce $1.3 Million in Grants for Local Bridge Reconstruction Projects

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August 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Senator Gerry Cardinale and Assemblyman Robert Auth (both R-39) announced that Montvale Borough and Mahwah Township will receive $1.3 million in “Local Bridge, Future Needs” grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to undertake bridge reconstruction projects in the two municipalities.

Sen. Gerry Cardinale and Asm. Robert Auth announced that Montvale and Mahwah will receive $1.3 million in grants to undertake bridge reconstruction projects. (Wikimedia Commons)
“New Jersey must continue to make sound investments in our transportation infrastructure,” Sen. Gerry Cardinale said. “Families and commuters rely heavily on well-maintained bridges. Bridges and roads in Mahwah and Montvale, for example, are in desperate need of repairs. I am relieved to see that these communities will receive $1.3 million in grants, so that they can complete construction without burdening taxpayers.”

The Local Bridges, Future Needs grant program (LBFN) is funded through the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), and will provided more than $47 million in funding to New Jersey’s 21 counties for county bridge improvement projects, including reconstruction plans in Montvale Borough and Mahwah Township.
The 2018 LBFN grants were based on a NJDOT formula that took into account the total bridge deck area in each county, as well as the portion of bridge infrastructure within each county that was rated in poor condition.
The projects funded in Legislative District 39, which encompasses parts of Bergen and Passaic Counties, include:
• Repairing the Ramapo Valley Road Culvert: $800,000
• Repairing the Magnolia Avebye Bridge: $500,000
“Investing in our public infrastructure, including our bridges, helps our local economy thrive,” Asm. Robert Auth said. “The $1.3 million in grants for projects in Montvale and Mahwah will keep our local roads safe, well-maintained, accessible for all of the residents, commuters, and hardworking business owners who use this infrastructure every day.”

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Hawthorne Residents Get Hit With IRS Scam

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August 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hawthorne NJ, BORO OF HAWTHORNE: 8/1 – Residents reporting calls from 973-427-1800 claiming to be IRS demanding money for back taxes. This is a scam call, provide no info
Please advise neighbors and any Senior Citizens in your neighborhood. These people are threatening arrest if money is not paid. Total Scam IRS would not call to collect taxes!

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Trader Joe’s, Walgreens and Kroger hit by Recall of beef, pork and poultry salad and wrap products

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August 1,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC,  Federal authorities at the USDA  have issued a public health alert about more than two dozen beef, pork and poultry salad and wrap products as a precaution due to possible parasite contamination.
The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the products, distributed by Indianapolis-based Caito Foods may be contaminated with cyclospora. The parasite causes intestinal illness.

The USDA says Caito Foods was notified from their lettuce supplier, Fresh Express, that the chopped romaine used in some of the salads was being recalled.

The products were sold by grocery stores including Trader Joe’s, Walgreens and Kroger. They have the establishment number “EST. 39985 or P-39985.” The USDA has posted a complete list online . Consumers are urged to throw them away.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/1827c9ab-6a03-4020-a74e-e8b2d5e7e8dc/List-USDA-Product-PHA-Cyclospora.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

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Community College Innovation Challenge Could Mean Free Community College

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August 1,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Community college students in New Jersey may be able to attend free of tuition and fees in the spring semester of 2019, if their college applies and is selected to participate in the Community College Innovation Challenge, a new pilot program launched today. New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher Education and the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) have invited the state’s 19 community colleges to submit an application for the program.

“I’m very excited that the Secretary of Higher Education and HESAA are moving forward to make higher education more accessible and affordable for New Jersey families,” said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver. “Having the opportunity to obtain a college degree was an instrumental part of my life, and in today’s job market, it’s a matter of fairness and equality. Making higher education attainable will help secure a successful future for our students and strengthen New Jersey’s workforce and economy.”

New Jersey’s fiscal year 2019 state budget includes new funding for the first phase of Governor Murphy’s community college initiative, including up to $20 million for Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) awards to be applied directly to eligible student accounts. At participating colleges, students with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $45,000 who take six or more credits in the spring 2019 semester will be eligible to receive CCOG awards to cover tuition and educational fees, after applying any other federal or state grant aid which the student receives.

“All too often, the cost of college prevents students from earning the postsecondary credentials they need to boost their careers,” said Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher Education. “This initiative is an important step in improving affordability for thousands of community college students, increasing their likelihood of completion, and strengthening the talent pipeline for the state’s economy.”

“Governor Murphy’s goal is to make two years of community college tuition free for students across the state,” said David Socolow, Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. “We’re taking a crucial first step by testing the Community College Opportunity Grants at a select number of colleges. This initial phase will not only help thousands of students next spring, both recent high school graduates and working adults, but also will provide valuable lessons for future expansions of the program to offer free tuition to more students.”

The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and HESAA will jointly evaluate applications from colleges to select an initial group of colleges whose students will be made eligible for CCOG awards. The application specifies key criteria including the colleges’ plans for outreach to and support for students, how their cost projections fit within statewide funding constraints, and geographic diversity. All colleges that submit an application will be eligible to receive a capacity building grant of at least $250,000 to plan for subsequent phases of the program.

Colleges have until August 31, 2018 to submit their application. Participating institutions will be notified in the early fall to begin planning and recruiting students.
To access the Notice of Fund Availability application, colleges will access this online link:
https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NoticeofFundAvailability.aspx

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1 in10 New Jersey Residents is a Non-Citizen

Bike_Ridgewood_Public_Library_theridgewoodblog

August 1,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood

Hackensack NJ, New Jersey is home to about 900,000 residents who are not United States citizens . That’ equals about 1 in 10 people in the state, according to most recent estimates. Census figures put Ridgewood’s non-citizen population at about 2,000, or approximately 8 percent of the village’s 25,500 residents.

The Ridgewood Public Library even hosts six-week program meets twice weekly for 90-minute classes. It uses the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services booklet “Learn About the United States, Quick Civic Lessons for the Naturalization Test.”

The federal government is planning to have the 2020 Census ask people their citizenship status. Many elected officials and community advocates say such a question could threaten federal funding for states like New Jersey.

The simple solution would be to create more US citizens in order to safe guard Federal Funds .

The next Census Day is set for April 1, 2020, and a 2017 release from the U.S. Census Bureau identified the date for wording of all Census questions to be submitted to Congress as March 31 of this year. So for those fighting for a question on citizenship status to be excluded, the clock has been ticking for months already.

To give you an idea of the magnitude of the issue the Ridgewood blog has listed the towns the have the largest concentration of Non-citizens in Bergen County .

Palisades Park
U.S.-born citizens: 6,887
Naturalized citizens: 6,057
Non-citizens: 7,215 — 35%

South Hackensack
U.S.-born citizens: 1,534
Naturalized citizens: 455
Non-citizens: 725 — 27%

Fairview
U.S.-born citizens: 6,843
Naturalized citizens: 3,687
Non-citizens: 3,608 — 25%

Little Ferry
U.S.-born citizens: 5,669
Naturalized citizens: 2,570
Non-citizens: 2,431 — 22%

Hackensack
U.S.-born citizens: 25,272
Naturalized citizens: 8,238
Non-citizens: 9,631 — 22%

Fort Lee
U.S.-born citizens: 16,475
Naturalized citizens: 11,398
Non-citizens: 7,941 — 22%

Leonia
U.S.-born citizens: 4,853
Naturalized citizens: 2,220
Non-citizens: 1,935 — 21%

Teterboro
U.S.-born citizens: 63
Naturalized citizens: 5
Non-citizens: 18 — 21%

Edgewater
U.S.-born citizens: 6,698
Naturalized citizens: 2,559
Non-citizens: 2,503 — 21%

Garfield
U.S.-born citizens: 17,663
Naturalized citizens: 6,885
Non-citizens: 6,251 — 20%

Ridgefield
U.S.-born citizens: 5,790
Naturalized citizens: 3,087
Non-citizens: 2,208 — 20%

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Rooney bill creates recycling program for plastic bags

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August 1,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wyckoff NJ,  Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney has introduced legislation requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a recycling program for plastic bags and plastic film.

“We know how bad plastic bags are for the environment” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “They constantly litter highways, parks and street corners, clog sewage systems, and easily damage marine and wildlife.”

Rooney’s bill (A4349) requires the department to develop a program for stores and municipal recycling centers to collect and recycle plastic bags and film, such as bread and produce bags, food storage bags, and paper towel and bathroom tissue wrappings.

“It’s not that used plastic bags, wraps and film can’t be recycled, they just need to be recycled differently,” said Rooney.

The department will also develop an education program about the dangers of plastics, how people can reduce their use, and where items can be taken to be recycled. The new program will have no additional cost to the state or local taxpayers.

“Instead of turning to another new, useless tax it’s time we implement real changes to help the environment and residents of New Jersey,” concluded Rooney.

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Ho Ho Kus Police Report Car Break -ins on West Saddle River Road

Ho Ho Kus Police

July 31,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus NJ, Ho Ho Kus Police department reported on July 26th that , in the area of West Saddle River Rd, north of Hollywood Ave, there were several vehicles entered.

All residents are reminded to please lock their vehicles and remove the key fobs.

Please do not hesitate to report any suspicious incidents !

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PARAMUS MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTION OF COCAINE

Paramus Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person Dennis Meeman

file photo by Boyd Loving

July 31,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ (DOB: 06/03/1973; married; and unemployed) of 24 Highland Street, Paterson, NJ on charges of Distribution Of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Cocaine; Possession Of Controlled Dangerous Substances, namely Cocaine and Oxycodone pills; and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Paramus Police Department under the direction of Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg.

In July 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ was involved in the distribution of Cocaine. During the course of an investigation, Samuel RODRIGUEZ distributed Cocaine to an undercover detective on multiple occasions, including Thursday, July 26, 2018 when he was arrested in Paramus, NJ and charged with the following: one count of Distribution Of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Cocaine in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(2), a crime of the 2nd degree; one count of Possession Of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Cocaine, in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(2), a crime of the 2nd degree; one count of Possession Of A Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Oxycodone, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A(1), a crime of the 3rd degree; and one count of Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, a disorderly persons offense. RODRIGUEZ was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Paramus Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

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Freight Railroad Bridge Collapses in Ridgefield Park

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July 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgefield park NJ, A railroad bridge collapsed Saturday in Bergen County just as a freight train was passing over it, officials said. No one was injured and the rail bridge does not effect New Jersey Transit.

The track collapsed at about 8:20 a.m., according to NYSW Railroad. The train didn’t derail, but the last wheels on the last car of the train went into the water.

The rail bridge crosses Overpeck Creek in Ridgefield Park near the NJTurnpike. All operations over the bridge has been suspended.

It was scheduled to be replaced this year and contractors had already set up equipment to start driving piles on Monday, according to Nathon Fenno, a spokesman for NYSW.

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Former New Jersey Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Receipt Of Child Porn

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July 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lodi NJ,  A former officer with the N.J. Department of Corrections today admitted receiving images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Stephen Salamak, 38, of Lodi, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with receipt of child pornography.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Salamak used email to seek and obtain images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children.

The receipt of child pornography charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Salamak will be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Nov. 15, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Alfonzo Walsman, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.

 

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Forest Ave Closed in the area of the Bergen Town Center

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July 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, the Paramus Police Department has issued a TRAFFIC ALERT: Forest Ave in the area of the Bergen Town Center will be closed in both directions daily from 5am to 5pm from Monday July 30 through Wednesday August 1. Detours will be in place and posted. Anyone traveling in the area should plan an alternate route.