Posted on

ICE arrests 60 during public safety operation in New Jersey

ICE : U

April 28,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ,  Officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 60 individuals throughout New Jersey during a 5-day public safety operation ending April 20.
The operation focused on individuals illegally present in the U.S. that had been convicted of serious criminal activity, to include sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Of those arrested, 80 percent were convicted criminals, more than 20 had been issued a final order of removal and failed to depart the United States, or had been previously removed from the United States and returned illegally. Several had prior felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as aggravated assault, child abuse, child sex crimes, and assault, or had past convictions for significant or multiple misdemeanors. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted ICE during this operation.

“The success of this operation is a direct result of the full commitment of the dedicated men and women of ICE.” said John Tsoukaris, field office director for ERO Newark. “We will continue to devote the full efforts of our agency to protecting citizens and enforcing federal immigration law despite challenges being pursued by politically motivated individuals.”
Arrests include:
In Passaic, a 24 year-old Mexican national, who has convictions of aggravated assault with bodily injury and domestic violence assault;
In Edgewater, a 32 year-old, Colombian national, who has convictions of domestic violence/aggravated assault, contempt – violate domestic violence restraining order, and possession of controlled dangerous substance;
In South Bound Brook, a 47 year-old previously removed Honduran national, who has convictions of felony forgery and hindering apprehension;
In Rockaway, a 38 year-old Jamaican national, who has convictions of child abuse and domestic violence assault;
In East Orange, a 51 year-old previously removed Guatemalan national, who has convictions of distribution of controlled substance and multiple domestic violence assaults;
In Lodi, a 54 year-old Italian national, and registered sexual offender, who has convictions of sexual assault of a minor, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary and resisting arrest by force;
In West Long Branch, a 32 year-old El Salvadorian national with a warrant of removal, who has convictions of evading law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury and pending charges of possession of marijuana;
Criminal histories of those arrested during the operation are as follows: DUI, domestic violence assault & abuse, child abuse, distribution of cds, sexual assault on a minor, harassment, burglary, possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, shoplifting, theft, forgery, larceny, eluding and illegal entry.
The arrestees include nationals from Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and Ukraine.
ERO deportation officers made arrests throughout New Jersey, specifically in the counties of Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union.

ICE focuses its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. However, ICE no longer exempts classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.
Some of the individuals arrested during this operation may face federal criminal prosecution for illegal re-entry after deportation. The arrestees who are not being federally prosecuted will be processed administratively for removal from the United States. Those who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining individuals are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge.

Despite politically driven challenges that certain local jurisdictions have created, ICE remains committed to its public safety mission and will continue to seek out dangerous criminal aliens and other immigration violators. ICE seeks cooperation with all local law enforcement and elected officials when carrying out the enforcement of federal immigration law.
ICE deportation officers carry out targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety, and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls. These operations involve existing, established Fugitive Operations Teams.

Posted on

Governor Murphy Signs “Motor Voter” Legislation ,ending Graveyard Shifts

VOTE_theridgewoodblog

April 18,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Right on the heels of a former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission clerk pleading guilty to operating a scheme in which he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in payments in return for allowing over 200 people to obtain permits and licenses without passing required exams.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/ex-motor-vehicle-commission-clerk-pleads-guilty-and-faces-prison-for-selling-drivers-licenses-from-lodi-mvc/

Governor Phil Murphy signed into law one of the most expansive Automatic Voter Registration policies in the nation, claiming to be strengthening and enhancing voting rights for eligible New Jersey residents, illegal aliens ,criminals and con artists.

In a press release Murphy claimed , “Today, New Jersey proudly joins a select group of states – 11 plus the District of Columbia – that have enacted automatic voter registration to expand and protect the voting rights of their citizens,” said Governor Murphy. “This stands in stark contrast to those whose only interest lays in restricting voting rights and suppressing voters’ voices. In New Jersey, we recognize our democracy is stronger when more people are given the opportunity to participate and when the residents of our state are empowered to be part of the democratic process.”

The irony is that no ID is required to vote , but getting and ID now makes you eligible to vote.

The legislation, A2014, or Motor Voter ,requires the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to automatically register to vote any eligible person who applies for a permit, license, or ID card unless the applicant declines the automatic voter registration. The MVC’s chief administrator is required to ensure that all information necessary for voter registration is collected and promptly transmitted electronically to the Secretary of State, with an exception if a person declined to register to vote.

Additionally, the bill expands automatic voter registration to any other state agency that collects proof of voter eligibility, as verified by the Secretary of State. Upon the Secretary’s approval, the agency may implement automatic voter registration for eligible individuals. The agency must comply to the extent applicable, as determined by the Secretary, with the procedures for automatic voter registration established in the bill for the MVC. New Jersey is now only the fourth state to take this additional step.

So no more hanging around grave yards and cemeteries to register voters in New Jersey.

old parmaus church

Posted on

Ex-Motor Vehicle Commission Clerk Pleads Guilty and Faces Prison for Selling Drivers Licenses from Lodi MVC

MVC

April 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lodi NJ,  Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission clerk pleaded guilty today to operating a scheme in which he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in payments in return for allowing over 200 people to obtain permits and licenses without passing required exams.

Rodman Lora, 39, of Ridgewood, N.Y., a former clerk at the Lodi MVC Agency, pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiracy (2nd degree), computer criminal activity (2nd degree), and tampering with public records (3rd degree) before Superior Court Judge James J. Guida in Bergen County. The state will recommend that Lora be sentenced to seven years in state prison, including two years and four months of parole ineligibility. He must forfeit his pension and will be permanently barred from public employment. Lora was charged in an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that Lora altered MVC driver records for over 200 people between 2014 and 2016, enabling them to obtain various permits and licenses without having passed the mandatory written and/or driving exams, including commercial driver’s licenses with school bus and HazMat endorsements. In return, he received cash payments averaging over $700 per license or permit.

The following two men were indicted with Lora and pleaded guilty today before Judge Guida to tampering with public records (3rd degree):
Luis Tiburcio, 46, of Passaic, N.J., was paid to act as a “runner” for Lora and bring him customers in the illegal scheme. The state will recommend that he be sentenced to three years in state prison.
Masood Ahmadi, 55, of Lake Hiawatha, N.J., is the owner of Ideal Transportation, a school bus company operating in northern New Jersey. He sent people seeking commercial driver’s licenses to Lora to obtain licenses through the scheme, including relatives and persons seeking employment with his company. The state will recommend that he be sentenced to probation.

Deputy Attorney General Christopher J. Keating prosecuted the defendants and took the guilty pleas for the Division of Criminal Justice. Sentencing for the defendants is scheduled for June 15.
“When motor vehicle clerks engage in fraud involving driver’s credentials, public safety is compromised,” said Attorney General Grewal. “It is particularly alarming that school bus drivers were being licensed illegally. My office will aggressively prosecute the illegal brokering and sale of driver’s licenses.”

“We will continue to work with the MVC to protect the public by identifying and charging those who engage in this type of fraud,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Through this far-reaching investigation, we charged 70 people, including numerous customers of this illicit scheme.”

“The MVC does not tolerate any type of criminal activity whatsoever, either from customers or employees,” said Acting MVC Chair and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton. “This case is a prime example of our efforts to weed out fraud and abuse, enhancing security throughout the entire organization. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure the quality and integrity of our motor vehicle services, and the safety of New Jersey drivers.”
Nine defendants were indicted with Lora, including the two who pleaded guilty today and seven others. Two previously pleaded guilty to tampering with public records and face sentences of probation: Carlos Vicuna, 37, of Elizabeth, N.J., was a “runner” for the scheme, and Jose Lora, 45, of Newark, N.J., Lora’s brother, received a commercial driver’s license without passing the written exam. Charges are pending against one defendant and four others were admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.

Beyond the indictment charging those 10 defendants, the investigation led to charges against 60 other customers and runners, bringing the total defendants to 70. Eight of those 60 pleaded guilty to tampering with public records and face probation, and 52 were admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.

Deputy Attorney General Christopher Keating presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detective Cecil Boone, Sgt. Kelly Howard, Detective Jessica Marcacci and Analyst Terri Drumm, under the supervision of Sgt. Andrea Salvatini, Lt. Bill Newsome, Deputy Bureau Chief Andrew Johns, Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, and Division of Criminal Justice Deputy Director Jill Mayer.

The Motor Vehicle Commission uncovered the alleged scheme involving Lora and referred the case to the Division of Criminal Justice after an initial internal investigation and audit. Attorney General Grewal thanked the Motor Vehicle Commission’s Division of Security, Investigations & Internal Audit for its referral and valuable assistance. He also thanked the following agencies that assisted in the investigation: Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, New Jersey Department of Treasury-Division of Payroll, Lodi Police Department, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Posted on

Reader says Show me a future Stop blaming the past

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

I am fairly well educated and successful. I reflect back on my accomplishment and look forward to future goals. I am confused by what we vote for
I know little about the candiatates to date I do believe that the mayor is a class act and nice and so forth, but she and Sedon are not effective at all.
I can’t water my lawn, drive down the street without hitting a pothole, drive with seeing cars speeding, expenses are out of control, union and school costs are exploding. Parking at the train station is a mess, residents can’t park after 645 and just try to get home when the evening trains come in. Take an issue and solve it please
I am a 25 year resident and see the village failing at many levels. We don’t need nice class acts. We need leaders and folks to address issues and have a impact. If we are voting for nice folks I guess this makes sense. Show me a list of accomplishments show me what you goals are for the village. Show me a future Stop blaming the past.

Editors note : unfortunately the past does not just go away , actions have consequences, and the election of the 3 amigos doomed the Village to years of fixing their mess , you only have your selves to blame

Posted on

Phil Murphy Appoints Bob Gordon (D-38) to the Board of Public Utilities

Senator Bob Gordon (D-38)

April 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, State Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) is going to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).Bergen sources had speculated for some time on this eventuality and today a source confirmed it.Gordon represents Hawthorne, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Bergenfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Maywood, Lodi, Oradell, New Milford, Paramus, Oradell, Rochelle Park, Paramus, River Edge, and Saddle Brook.

As chairman of the N.J. Senate committee responsible for overseeing public transportation issues Gordon came under criticism ,for seeming out of touch with New Jersey Transits problems and failing to act until far to late.

The departure of the battleground district senator sets up the most likely potential for Assemblyman Joe Lagana (D-38) and Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-38) to challenge for it. Republicans have long eyed the district and have come close to taking it several times.

Posted on

Man Arrested in Arson Attack on Lodi Bank of America Branch

Bank of amercai lodi

March 9,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lodi NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of RASHIT PEREZ (DOB: 04/06/1987; single; unemployed) of 358 Westervelt Place, Lodi, NJ. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Lodi Police Department under the direction of Acting Chief Donald Scorzetti.

On Sunday, March 4, 2018 at approximately 10:30 P.M., Rashit PEREZ poured a flammable liquid and ignited it inside the vestibule of the Bank of America located 4 Hunter Street, Lodi, NJ. On March 5, 2018, members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office located Rashit PEREZ in Paramus, NJ and took him into custody.

Rashit PEREZ was charged with one count of Arson, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1, a crime of the 3rd degree; and one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4B, a crime of the 2nd degree. He appeared in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court on March 6, 2018 and was released with conditions.

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 also like to thank the Lodi Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

Posted on

Brothers Charged in Moonachie Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

moonachie police

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Moonachie NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of BRANDON BIALEK (DOB: 05/18/1985; single; lab aide) of 16 John Street, Apartment 1, Lodi, New Jersey on charges of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision and Hindering Apprehension; and BRIAN BIALEK (DOB: 05/18/1985; single; maintenance worker) of 270 Lawrence Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey on a charge of Hindering Apprehension. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, members of the Moonachie Police Department under the direction of Chief Richard Behrens, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino.

At approximately 5:50 A.M. on Friday, January 5, 2018, the Moonachie Police Department received a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Route 46 East near the intersection with Industrial Avenue. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed a deceased male victim lying in the roadway. The victim’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. The victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was later identified as 28-year-old Brian P. Rossi.

Evidence at the scene indicated that the striking vehicle was a black Ford Focus, sedan or hatchback, model year range 2012 to 2015. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling eastbound on Route 46, before parking in the rear of a business establishment. A Mitsubishi Lancer arrived shortly thereafter, and both vehicles left together traveling east on Route 46, then north on Liberty Avenue towards Hackensack.

As a result of the investigation that followed, Brandon BIALEK was charged with one count of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, a 2nd degree crime, and one count of Hindering Apprehension in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3, a 3rd degree crime. Brian BIALEK was charged with one count of Hindering Apprehension in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3, a 3rd degree crime. Brandon BIALEK was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9:00 A.M. Brian BIALEK is scheduled for a first appearance in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court on Monday, March 4, 2018 at 8:30 A.M.
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. He would also like to thank the Moonachie Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

Posted on

8 towns in Bergen County that lowered property taxes form 2016 to 2017

bergen county

February 9,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, surprisingly there were actually 66 towns in NJ where property taxes actually went DOWN. According to NJ105 radio , while the Village of Ridgewood had a 2.80% property tax increase from 2016 to 2017.The were however 8 towns in Bergen County that lowered property taxes , none of them bordering Ridgewood.

RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE
2017 avg: $17,667
2016 avg:$17,181
Change: 2.80%

Towns that border Ridgewood :

PARAMUS BORO
2017 avg: $9,440
2016 avg:$9,098
Change: 3.80%

MIDLAND PARK BORO
2017 avg: $11,571
2016 avg:$11,272
Change: 2.70%

HO-HO-KUS BORO
2017 avg: $15,957
2016 avg:$15,583
Change: 2.40%

GLEN ROCK BORO
2017 avg: $15,805
2016 avg:$15,462
Change: 2.20%

WYCKOFF TWP
2017 avg: $13,778
2016 avg:$13,481
Change: 2.20%

HAWTHORNE BORO
2017 avg: $10,481
2016 avg:$10,331
Change: 1.50%

WASHINGTON TWP – Bergen
2017 avg: $10,777
2016 avg:$10,693
Change: 0.80%

7 towns in Bergen county had property tax decreases :

ROCKLEIGH — Bergen County
2017 average: $14,315
Cut from ’16: -8.%

NORTH ARLINGTON — Bergen County
2017 average: $9,631
Cut from ’16: -2.2%

CARLSTADT — Bergen County
2017 average: $6,886
Cut from ’16: -2.%

WOODCLIFF LAKE — Bergen County
2017 average: $15,467
Cut from ’16: -0.6%

HAWORTH — Bergen County
2017 average: $17,696
Cut from ’16: -0.4%

SADDLE RIVER — Bergen County
2017 average: $17,172
Cut from ’16: -0.3%

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS — Bergen County
2017 average: $10,707
Cut from ’16: -0.2%

LODI — Bergen County
2017 average: $10,275
Cut from ’16: -0.1%

Posted on

California Moves to Cut Pension Benefits

jerry_brown_california_reuters

January 12,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, watch out New Jersey you could be next , for decades in California, a sacrosanct rule has governed public employees’ pensions: benefits promised can never be taken away.

But now the California Supreme Court has threaten to reverse that premise and open the door to benefit cuts for workers still on the job.

California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.

ballooning expenses are an issue that Gov. Jerry Brown will face in his final year in office despite his earlier efforts to reform the state’s pension systems and pay down massive unfunded liabilities.

At issue is the “California Rule,” which dates to court rulings beginning in 1947. It says workers enter a contract with their employer on their first day of work, entitling them to retirement benefits that can never be diminished unless replaced with similar benefits.

It gives workers security that their retirement will be safe and predictable after a career in public service. But it also ties lawmakers’ hands in responding to exploding pension costs.

It’s widely accepted that retirement benefits linked to work already performed cannot be touched. But the California Rule is controversial because it prohibits even prospective changes for work the employee has not yet done.

Posted on

Former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission clerk indicted with nine alleged co-conspirators for Masterminding a payoffs for permits and licenses scheme

Rodman-Lora[1]

December 21,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) clerk was indicted today along with nine alleged co-conspirators in a scheme in which the clerk allegedly accepted thousands of dollars in payments in return for allowing more than 220 individuals to obtain permits and licenses without passing required exams.

Rodman Lora, 39, of Ridgewood, N.Y., a former clerk at the Lodi MVC Agency, allegedly altered MVC driver records for more than 220 individuals between 2014 and 2016, enabling the individuals to obtain various permits and licenses without having passed the mandatory written and/or driving exams. In return, Lora allegedly received cash payments that averaged more than $700 per license or permit.
The Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau today obtained a state grand jury indictment charging Lora with the following crimes:
Official Misconduct (2nd degree),
Pattern of Official Misconduct (2nd degree),
Conspiracy (2nd degree),
Computer Criminal Activity (2nd degree), and
Tampering with Public Records or Information (3rd degree).

The official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct charges against Lora carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison, with a mandatory minimum period of five years of parole ineligibility. The nine co-defendants indicted with Lora include four customers of the illegal scheme, three “runners” whom Lora allegedly used to recruit customers, and two co-conspirators who worked at the Lodi MVC Agency, one as an MVC clerk and the second as a security guard for a private security firm contracted by the MVC. Each of those defendants is charged with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree computer criminal activity, and third-degree tampering with public records or information.

“Corrupt motor vehicle clerks have the power to undermine public safety by issuing fraudulent documents to criminals seeking false identification, or as alleged here, by issuing driver’s credentials to unqualified individuals,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Lora sold out the trust placed in him as a motor vehicle clerk and now faces serious criminal charges, thanks to the vigilance of the MVC and the work of our detectives and attorneys.”

“This indictment sends a strong warning to those who participate in the illegal brokering and sale of driver’s licenses,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to work with the MVC to root out dishonest clerks and aggressively prosecute anyone involved in this type of criminal scheme.”
“The MVC does not tolerate any type of criminal activity whatsoever, either from customers or employees,” said MVC Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez. “Working together with our partners in law enforcement, we continue to make great strides in weeding out fraud and abuse, while enhancing security throughout our entire organization.”

The following nine additional defendants were charged in the indictment with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree computer criminal activity, and third-degree tampering with public records:

Alleged Runners
Masood Ahmadi, 54, of Lake Hiawatha, N.J., is the owner of Ideal Transportation, a school bus company that holds busing contracts with several schools and school districts in northern New Jersey. He allegedly recruited customers seeking commercial driver’s licenses into the scheme. Most were relatives of his or were seeking employment as bus drivers with Ideal Transportation.

Luis Tiburcio, 46, of Passaic, N.J.
Carlos Vicuna, 36, of Elizabeth, N.J.
Alleged Co-Conspirators at Lodi MVC Agency
Rosa Vargas, 51, of Lodi, N.J., an MVC clerk, allegedly obtained a motorcycle permit without taking the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for her.

Mark Hingston, 55, of Toms River, N.J., a private security guard at the Lodi MVC Agency, allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s permit and license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him.
Alleged Customers

Wander Jimenez-Villanueva, 25, of Bogota, N.J., allegedly obtained a Class D driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Jimenez-Villanueva previously had failed the exam on four occasions.

Angel Nunez-Lora, 27, of Parlin, N.J., allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Nunez-Lora previously had failed the exam on one occasion.

Jose Lora, 44, of Newark, N.J., who is Rodman Lora’s brother, allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him.

Wilge Rojas, 55, of Clifton, N.J., allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Rojas previously had failed the exam on one occasion.

Deputy Attorney General Christopher Keating presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Attorney General Keating, Detective Cecil Boone, Sgt. Kelly Howard, Detective Jessica Marcacci and Analyst Terri Drumm, under the supervision of Sgt. Andrea Salvatini, Lt. Bill Newsome, Deputy Bureau Chief Andrew Johns, Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, and Division of Criminal Justice Deputy Director Jill Mayer.

The Motor Vehicle Commission uncovered the alleged scheme involving Lora and referred the case to the Division of Criminal Justice after an initial internal investigation and audit. Attorney General Porrino thanked the Motor Vehicle Commission’s Division of Security, Investigations & Internal Audit for its referral and valuable assistance. He also thanked the following agencies that assisted in the investigation: New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, New Jersey Department of Treasury-Division of Payroll, Lodi Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $15,000. The charges of official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without possibility of parole upon conviction.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Robert Billmeier in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Bergen County, where the defendants will be ordered to appear in court for arraignment on the charges at a later date.

Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has a toll-free tip line 866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public can also log on to the Division of Criminal Justice webpage at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.

Posted on

Satin Dolls club the fictional “Bada Bing” in the HBO television series “The Sopranos” licenses suspended Due to Alledged Mob Ties

1bada bing

December 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lodi NJ,  Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Alcohol Beverage Control have ordered the liquor licenses of two North Jersey “gentleman’s clubs” to be sold or transferred to a bona fide third party by January 3, 2018, because of alleged noncompliance with a previous Consent Order.
The two clubs, Satin Dolls in Lodi and A.J.’s Gentleman’s Club in Secaucus, have until December 17, 2017 to cease providing live entertainment. The Satin Dolls club served as the fictional “Bada Bing” in the HBO television series “The Sopranos.” If live entertainment is provided after that date, the licenses will be suspended immediately and the owners will be subject to potential disciplinary charges.

The two clubs and their owners have been the subject of investigation and legal proceedings initiated by the Division for more than six years, during which the owners, various members of the Cardinalle family, sought to retain ownership of the licenses and continue to operate the businesses.

The Division has alleged that Anthony Cardinalle, who was criminally disqualified from maintaining involvement with the clubs’ operations, nonetheless continued to run the businesses. The Division also alleges that the owners failed to account for large amounts of cash flowing in and out of the businesses.
Under an order signed by Director David P. Rible on November 20, 2017, the Cardinalles’ involvement with the clubs must end.

“The Cardinalles may have wanted to keep the business in the family, but that’s not how it works. Their continued flouting of Alcoholic Beverage Control laws cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Illegal activity was glorified at the ‘Bada Bing’ in the fictional world of Tony Soprano, but it has no place in modern-day New Jersey It’s time to shut it down.”

In 2011, a Consent Order with the companies Route 17 Entertainment Inc. (Satin Dolls) and Sea-Card Enterprises Inc. (A.J’s Gentleman’s Club) mandated that Luceen Cardinalle, the wife of Anthony who was listed as the sole shareholder of both corporations, turn over the licenses to her daughter, Loren Cardinalle. The Cardinalles were ordered to pay $1.25 million in penalties as a compromise in lieu of revocation of both licenses, and Loren Cardinalle was ordered to transfer both licenses to a bona fide third party by December 31, 2015.

“The holding of licenses to sell and serve alcohol is contingent upon the owners’ behaving in a reputable manner,” said Director Rible. “The Cardinalles, quite simply, have not played by the rules despite many opportunities to correct their behavior, and it’s time to get them out of the alcohol business once and for all.”
Anthony Cardinalle pled guilty in 1995 to federal income tax evasion for not reporting cash payments from “gentleman’s clubs” in which he held undisclosed interests. During the Division’s investigation, evidence was uncovered that Anthony Cardinalle was still actively involved with running the clubs.

Anthony Cardinalle was subsequently indicted by the federal government in January 2013 for participating in a conspiracy by the Genovese crime family related to the waste-disposal industry in New Jersey and New York. He pled guilty in December 2013 to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit extortion and was ordered to spend 30 days in jail and pay a fine and restitution.

As the 2015 Consent Order deadline approached, Loren Cardinalle asked the Division for permission to continue to hold the licenses. A series of extensions were granted, with the latest deadline set for September 28, 2017. After further investigation, the Division issued a Notice of Charges for criminal solicitation for prostitution and lewd activity on the licensed premises in May 2017. Those charges remain pending.

The Division continues to allege that Anthony Cardinalle is involved with the operation of the clubs, citing the following as evidence:
The Lodi Police Department advised the Division that Anthony Cardinalle has been the contact person for issues with the Satin Dolls license.
When police were called to the club because of a report of an attempted burglary, Anthony Cardinalle was the club representative dealing with the matter.
The Attorney General thanked the Division’s Investigation Unit for its work on this matter.

Posted on

Hackensack Police and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office are Seeking the Publics Assistance in a Hit and Run Investigation 

Hackensack Police

November 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hackensack Police Department are requesting information from the public regarding a hit and run collision which resulted in a pedestrian sustaining serious bodily injury.

At approximately 7:11 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017, the Hackensack Police Department received a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a motor vehicle near the intersection of Polifly Road and Lodi Street in the city of Hackensack. The striking vehicle then fled the scene of the collision, traveling south on Polifly Road, possibly onto Route 80 East.  Upon arrival at the scene of the collision, officers observed a male victim lying in the roadway. The victim suffered serious injuries consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle, and was transported and admitted to Hackensack University Medical Center.

At this time, the vehicle is believed to be a 1992 to 1999 Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville, or Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, light in color, with possible damage to the front bumper, hood, and/or windshield, as well as tire/wheel damage.

Anyone with information regarding this hit and run collision is encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit at 201-226-5595, or the Hackensack Police Department at 201-646-7777.

Posted on

America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani helping out on the New Jersey Campaign Trail

Rudy Giuliani

November 5,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, the campaign seemed to finally heat up this weekend with America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani  endorsing the GOP  District 39 ticket, Senator Cardinale, Assemblyman Auth and Holly Schepisi and helping us raise additional money last night.

District 39 – (Bergen and Passaic)  Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington (Bergen), Westwood, Woodcliff Lake.

23031612 1328876943890238 5557704317876364848 n

Giuliani  also endorsed and campaigned with Kelly Greco Langschultz for NJ Senate. Kelly Landschultz of New Milford is the Republican candidate for Senate, with William Leonard of Glen Rock and Christopher B. Wolf of Saddle Brook the GOP Assembly candidates

District 38 – (Bergen and Passaic)  Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook .

Posted on

Tax Foundation Study Confirms that Bob Gordon’s Policies are Destroying New Jersey’s Economy

Kelly Langschultz,

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Kelly Langschultz for NJ Senate LD38

NEW MILFORD, NJ – New Jersey once again is grabbing headlines as the worst state to do business in. The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan Washington-based think tank, released their 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index earlier this week, ranking New Jersey 50th overall in tax policy.

“While attempting to start a business and raise a family, all while being a constituent of Bob Gordon’s for the last fourteen years, I have personally experienced the unintended consequences of our Senator’s voting record that has led us here.” said Kelly Langschultz regarding the Tax Foundation’s findings.

“Voters in Bergen and Passaic have seen enough of Bob Gordon’s policies, which is why I’m campaigning aggressively to replace Gordon in three weeks and put our state back on the right track.”

The Tax Foundation rated New Jersey dead last in overall business climate, 42nd in Corporate Tax competitiveness, 48th in Individual Taxes, 46th in Sales Taxes and ranked New Jersey’s Property Taxes the highest in the nation.

“Whenever any legislation is on the Senate floor and Bob Gordon gets the opportunity to stand up for his constituents, the Senator fails every time. Every effort to seriously reform our state’s tax code and put New Jersey on the path to affordability and economic sustainability, Bob Gordon balks at every attempt to save those struggling in the 38th District. The sad truth, Bob Gordon has yet to meet a tax increase he didn’t like.”

While serving as councilwoman in New Milford, Kelly Langschultz presented a fiscal stability plan earlier this year that will continue to contribute towards the borough’s taxes remaining flat and will give New Milford a path towards responsibly paying down its debt while protecting taxpayers.

“The stability plan and financial know-how I’ve been providing to New Milford residents is exactly what Trenton needs, and I plan on providing the same kind of relief to the residents of New Jersey when I’m sworn in this January.”

Kelly Langschultz is a mother of four, small business owner, councilwoman in New Milford and a candidate for State Senate in New Jersey’s 38th Legislative District. Learn more about Kelly on her website, KellyLangschultz.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/kelly4njsenate.

District 38 – (Bergen and Passaic)  Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook

Posted on

Closter Parent and Family Banned for Life from Peewee Football

Peter Iappelli, 50, of Closter 

photo courtesy of the Westwood Police 

October 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ,  A peewee football league has banned a parent and his family for life after the father allegedly snapped when his son was rotated out as quarterback on a flag football team and attacked a teenage coach.

Peter Iappelli,  50, who earns $171,136 a year as school business administrator in Closter, was charged Wednesday by Westwood Police  with simple assault and disorderly conduct after allegedly placing the 16-year-old coach in a chokehold.

Westwood Youth Football is for 6 to 12-year-olds and Westwood Youth Football is a founding member of newly created and formed NNJJFL ( The Northern New Jersey Junior Football League). This newly formed league was built with fair competitive play as the cornerstone of its development. Joining Westwood in the NNJJFL are the following programs: Washington Township, Hillsdale, Rivervale, Lodi, Garfield and Hawthorne.