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BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE AND NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE CREATE COLD CASE HOMICIDE UNIT AND IDENTIFY SUSPECT IN 1999 ENGLEWOOD, HOMICIDE

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June 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo and Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced today the creation of a Cold Case Homicide Unit (“the Unit”) within the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) and the charging of a defendant in a 1999 cold case. The Unit is a joint effort between the BCPO under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the New Jersey State Police (“NJSP”) under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and is dedicated exclusively to the review of cold case homicides in Bergen County.

The Cold Case Homicide Unit is currently reviewing more than 90 cold cases dating back the 1950’s. The Unit resides within the BCPO Major Crimes Unit and consists of one Prosecutor’s Office Detective Sergeant, an on-loan Detective from the New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit, and a dedicated Senior Assistant Prosecutor.
In March 2018, as the result of the resubmission of evidence to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences and advancements in forensic technology, the Unit developed a suspect in the 1999 homicide of Hyo J. Lee (DOB: 10/17/65; employed at a nail salon). Ms. Lee left her home at 37 North Dean Street in Englewood just after midnight on Sunday, July 4, 1999 to go for a walk. She was sexually assaulted and murdered, and her body was found later that morning behind a dumpster in Englewood.

Upon review of the case file, members of the Cold Case Unit resubmitted evidence to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences in Hamilton, NJ, which was able to create a DNA profile of the killer. That newly developed DNA profile was uploaded to a national DNA database, and JOSE COLON, a.k.a., Luis Chavez, was identified. COLON had been arrested in Cleveland, Ohio in 1999 for a similar crime but in which the victim survived.
Jose COLON has been charged for the Englewood homicide with Murder and Sexual Assault and entered into a nationwide law enforcement database as a Fugitive from Justice. COLON was deported from the United States in 2005 to his native Nicaragua after serving time in Ohio State Prison for the 1999 Cleveland assault. The Unit is working with federal authorities and the United States Department of Justice to locate COLON and extradite him to the United States to stand trial for the murder.

“When a crime goes unsolved – especially a serious crime like murder or rape – justice is denied, victims and survivors lack closure, and a dangerous criminal may be left free to victimize others,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Beyond that, society is harmed, because our faith in justice and our sense of security under the rule of law are shaken. As New Jersey’s top law enforcement officer, pursuing justice for all is my top priority, and this new cold case unit is an outstanding example of law enforcement diligently pursuing justice.”

Acting Prosecutor Calo stated, “This Cold Case Homicide Unit is testament that the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office does not forget the victims of violent crimes no matter how much time passes, and that we will dedicate the energy and resources to bring justice to those victims whenever possible.”

In announcing the new unit with Acting Prosecutor Calo and the State Police, Attorney General Grewal discussed the importance of these specialized units and outlined a plan to encourage other counties to implement such units to focus personnel and resources on investigating and solving cold cases. In April, the Attorney General announced the creation of a panel, led by the Honorable Virginia Long, former Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Paul J. Fishman, to advise on establishing a statewide Cold Case Unit in the Attorney General’s Office, as well as a Conviction Review Unit, which would review credible claims of innocence regarding defendants convicted of serious crimes. The panel is expected to make recommendations by September.

Acting Prosecutor Calo additionally states that the charges against Jose COLON are only accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Englewood Police Department and the United States Department of Justice for their assistance with this investigation.

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Bergen County Historical Society : Celebrate Prinkster

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May 19,2018

the staff of the ridgewood blog

Riveredge  NJ, Experience history in one of the storied places where it was made! Pinkster is celebrated with a Maypole Dance at 1:30 & 3:00 pm with a participation session during the country dances. Ridley and Anne Enslow are featured on fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

This event features fun children’s activities including flower seed planting in clay pots to take home and lawn games in front of the Demarest House.
The 3 houses including the Steuben House a state-historic site and the barn are open for tours.
A new exhibit of 4 large historical paintings by B. Spencer Newman will be in the Steuben House. The Chariot Painting, 1830, by Marageta Van Wagoner of Oradell will be on exhibit. Broom making in the barn. Pinkster cake and raspberry punch are available in the Campbell-Christie House Tavern along with other refreshments.
Illustrated Talk at 2:30 pm: Treasures Through Time – The BCHS Collections

For well over one hundred years, the Bergen County Historical Society has been collecting artifacts of the famous and infamous, the exceptional and the everyday. Past President and Museum Collections Chairperson, Deborah Powell, takes us on a visual tour through centuries of Bergen life via its artifacts.

The Outkitchen cooks are demonstrating natural egg dyeing using vegetables and spices, and dyeing fabric and yarn with onion skins. If our weather is fair, we will make authentic old style onion rings, oliebollen (Dutch fried dough) and fried chicken legs using recipes from the outkitchen collection of 18th century recipes.
Event with something for everyone!

All 3 sandstone houses, including the Steuben House, a state historic site, are connected by an ADA compliant gravel walking path. Weather permitting the Westervelt-Thomas Barn will be open. Free parking is available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus via NJ Transit to the “New Bridge Landing” train stop. Walk one block north & east. By car, HNBL is only 7 miles from the GWB.
Refreshments in the 18th century tavern (additional cost). Some folks come just for the cider and cider donuts!

Historic New Bridge Landing: American Revolutionary War Battleground including 3 Jersey-Dutch Sandstone Houses, exhibits of BCHS collections, tavern, gift shop, outkitchen & barn. $12 adults, $7 students, BCHS members free. (Become a member and support our efforts!, $20 individual / $30 household).
HNBL, 1201 Main St., River Edge, NJ.

Traveling by carriage from Newark to view the Passaic Falls in Paterson on June 6, 1797, William Dunlap noted in his diary, “The borders of the Pasaick [River] are colour’d by the Iris now in bloom. On the rocks near the [Great] Falls was the Kalmia [or mountain laurel], the wild Columbine & wood pink. The settlements along the river are Dutch, it is the holiday they call pinkster & every public house is crowded with merry makers & waggon’s full of rustic beaus & belles met us at every mile.”

The name of the holiday derives from the Greek word, Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth day,” which originally signified the ancient Jewish celebration of the first fruits of the harvest, arriving seven weeks after Passover. On the seventh Sunday after Easter, Christians commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The English identified this holiday with the white garments of baptismal candidates, calling it Whitsunday or “White Sunday.” Among the Jersey Dutch, a rose-colored Azalea blossom, known as the “Pinxter blomachee,” was the May bush.

Bergen County Historical Society
May 17 at 6:50am ·
Join us this Sunday for our next event!
Pinkster Fest
A Jersey Dutch Celebration of Spring
May 20, 2018, Sunday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

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“OPERATION LOUD SPEAKER” CHARGES BERGEN RESIDENTS IN MULTI-STATE MARIJUANA DRUG TRAFFICKING NETWORK

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May 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of OSCAR HOLGUIN (DOB: 8/3/1979; single; and employed as an entertainment promoter) and his girlfriend PAOLA AMADOR (DOB: 12/21/1988; single; and unemployed) of 3301 Riverview Avenue, Englewood, NJ on narcotics and related and child endangerment charges. Additionally, NATALIE STOJANOV (DOB: 12/14/1990; single; and employed as a bartender) of 90 Bristol Station Court, Carteret, NJ was arrested on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

In January 2018, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious packages being shipped from California to the NY/ NJ area. The investigation revealed that OSCAR HOLGUIN was the ringleader of a nationwide drug-trafficking network. Over the course of the following two months, detectives from the BCPO were able to uncover the details of HOLGUIN’s illicit operation and identified AMADOR and STOJANOV as co-conspirators.

Traveling under the guise of a music promoter, HOLGUIN made weekly trips to an area north of San Francisco, California known for the production of marijuana in outdoor grow facilities. HOLGUIN large quantities of the marijuana at wholesale prices, planning to re-distribute it in New York and New Jersey. Breaking the bulk marijuana down into smaller, tightly sealed packages, HOLGUIN secreted his illegal product in large “subwoofer”- style speakers typically used by professional musicians, which he then shipped to various locations throughout New York and New Jersey.

The investigation culminated in the seizure of approximately 100 pounds of raw marijuana at several locations in New York and New Jersey, which were found secreted in speakers. Detectives froze bank accounts for HOLGUIN and seized a Range Rover and Dodge Durango, believed to be proceeds of his criminal activities. Detectives estimate that HOLGUIN and his associates used this method to ship thousands of pounds of marijuana over the course of 3 to 4 years from California to New Jersey. Although arrests have been made, more arrests are anticipated in New York and New Jersey.

As a result of the investigation, OSCAR HOLGUIN and PAOLA AMADOR were arrested on April 20, 2018 in Englewood, NJ and each charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in a quantity greater than twenty-five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5B(10)(A), a crime of the second degree; Possession of Marijuana in a quantity greater than one ounce but less than five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(11), a crime of the third degree; Possession of THC Edibles in a quantity greater than one pound but less than five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(10)B, a crime of the second degree; and Child Endangerment, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4A(2), a crime of the second degree. HOLGUIN also faces additional charges in New York in relation to Marijuana and THC Edibles in Yonkers. OSCAR HOLGUIN made a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on April 23, 2018.

NATALIE STOJANOV was arrested on April 20, 2018 in Carteret, NJ and charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in a quantity greater than twenty-five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5B(10)(A), a crime of the second degree. STOJANOV and AMADOR are scheduled to make their first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on May, 3, 2018.

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, and would also like to thank the Englewood Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Paramus Police Department, the United States Postal Service, and The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York for their assistance in this investigation.

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Bergen Sheriff’s Office target of a lawsuit Alleging a plan to use $7.5 million in federal money “to keep the budget flat during County Executive James Tedesco’s reelection campaign.”

Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino

April 27,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, 5th District Republican candidate Steve Lonegan said he was stunned today to learn of allegations of possible illegal actions at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.

As reported in northjersey.com, the Sheriff’s Office is now the target of a lawsuit brought by former finance director, Omid Bayati, who says he was retaliated against after blowing the whistle on alleged unlawful activities, including “inappropriate vendor deals” and a plan to use $7.5 million in federal money “to keep the budget flat during County Executive James Tedesco’s reelection campaign.”

In a lawsuit, filed on April 20, 2018, in Bergen County Superior Court, it is alleged that in violation of State Law, that a meeting was held in “late 2017” in which “ a meeting was called by the County for all Department heads in relation to the budget. At that meeting, the County CFO noted that it was an election year for the County Executive and therefore there needed to be a zero percent increase in the budget. In order to accomplish this, they decided to rely upon funding from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to partially fund the Sheriff’s Office

Bergenfield Mayor, and Bergen County Executive candidate Norman Schmelz has asked the United States Department of Justice to investigate the Bergen County Executive’s Office, including the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Bergen County, for conspiring to use Federal Funds to aid in the reelection of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.

Lonegan noted ,“John McCann was the right hand man of Sheriff Michael Saudino, a Democrat, while these alleged activities were going on. He was his chief counsel and he is implicated in all of this,” Lonegan stated. “If Mr. Bayati is telling the truth, it means John McCann disregarded the evidence presented to him and failed to investigate his claims. His job was to protect taxpayers, not the Democrat he worked for and not the Democratic County Executive.”

“A disturbing pattern seems to be emerging here regarding John McCann. Is it incompetence or is it corruption? The people in District 5 deserve answers. What did John McCann know and when did he know it?”

Mayor Schmelz, wrote, “If these allegations are true, then the public needs to know, who was involved, what was agreed upon, and how much taxpayer dollars are being used for political purposes.”

Schmelz continued, “The allegations are clear that Federal Tax dollars (and possibly state and local tax dollars as well) are being used for political purposes, instead of providing essential services in a proper manner.”

The Schmelz letter continued, “It is inconceivable and outrageous that such illegal activities are taking place in the offices of the Bergen County Executive. Each person who had knowledge of such activities should immediately come forward, divulge what they know, and resign forthwith. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”

Schmelz concluded, “I ask that the Department of Justice investigate these allegations presented in a court of law, that if true contain a clear and compelling picture of illegality at the highest levels of government. This breach of trust, is devastating to hard working taxpayers who demand their tax dollar be spent on essential government services, not for political agendas as is alleged.”

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Bergen County’s history truly is Revolutionary! This time war comes to Ho-Ho-Kus

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River Edge NJ, right from the Bergen County Historical Society:

April 16th, 1780. Ho-Ho-Kus would never be the same…

On Saturday the 15th inst. a detachment of cavalry, consisting of two Captains, six Subalterns, and about one hundred and twenty horse, were ordered from Staten-Island on an excursion in the Jersies. They embarked by four o’clock in the afternoon, and the whole were at Bird’s-Point by eight o’clock in the evening, when Capt. Diemar pursued his march to Dumeres’s, where he arrived without opposition by twelve o’clock that night, joining Major Du Buys, who with three hundred foot had crossed the North-River at Fort Lee. The troops marched on as quick as the badness of the roads would permit, arrived at New Bridge about half past two, where one shot was fired by the enemy; one continental officer and three militia were taken, the former by the Hessians, and the latter by Lieut. Col. Buskirk, who served as a volunteer on the expedition. Major Du Buys left one Captain and fifty foot at the Bridge, to secure the return of his Majesty’s troops on that road, the remainder marched on towards Paramus, but the day appearing, and the rebels having one hundred and fifty continentals at the town, and a steep hill at a mile distance in their rear, the surprize could not be effected, on account of the fatiguing march which the foot underwent, it was therefore judged necessary that the cavalry should lead the van, when they pushed on, and finding a rebel picket of about thirty foot, commanded by an officer, on the right hand side of Paramus, in a field, surrounded with a fence, who fired several shot without effect, and then took to their heels, when Captain Deimar intercepted them: Fourteen were killed on the spot, and the officer retired with the remainder to a house, where he and several more were killed and the rest taken in arms. Some deserters came to join the party, and the commanding officer of the cavalry getting intelligence that the rebels had taken possession of a stone-house, he ordered them to dismount, surround, and storm it, which they did sword in hand. The house where they entered was fired at, but advancing slowly on the floor, and crying out that no quarters would be given, unless they surrendered instantly, which they did; and Major Boyl, of the 3rd Pennsylvania regiment, three subalterns, and about 6 privates were taken at the house. The rebel major being wounded through the breast, and unable to be transported, Captain Diemar left him upon parole. The loss of his Majesty’s troops were some men wounded before the house, Capt. Diemar’s horse was shot through the body; after they had surrendered a shot was fired from the top of the house, which dangerously wounded one of the Queen’s Rangers; the house was then set on fire, and had it not been for the humanity of Captain Diemar all the prisoners would have been put to death.
The cavalry took one Major, one Capt. three Subalterns, and fifty-two privates, and being rejoined by Major DuBuy at Paramus, the rebels having collected some hundred militia on the hill near the town, it was not thought expedient to attack them: Having compleatly succeeded in the enterprize, and two officers and about forty rebels killed, the whole detachment returned in as regular an order as any military manoeuvre can admit. The rebels pursued the King’s troops towards the English Neighbourhood, but lost many men by the spirited behaviour of the Hessians and the detachment of Colonel Robinson’s corps. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of the detachment of cavalry, who behaved with great gallantry. They returned the 16th by eight o’clock in the evening, to their quarters at Staten-Island, without a single man or horse being taken by the enemy, after a continued march of more than eighty miles without having their horses fed.
Such is the exertion of British soldiers who fight in a just cause and for the rights of the best of Sovereigns, against the dishonourable banditti who formerly were too happy and fell into temptation.
Source: The Royal American Gazette (New York,) April 20, 1780.

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SMOKED of Ridgewood Wins North Jersey Best BBQ

SMOKED of Ridgewood,  Wins North Jersey Best BBQ

March 22,018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Congratulations to Dee and Richard for winning “BEST BBQ” at the North Jersey BBQ Showcase on Thursday March 15, 2018 at the Garden State Plaza.

SMOKED offers slow smoked meats and fish. Homemade sides and desserts. Authentic, smokehouse meals eat in or take out. Complete home cooked meals to go.

Stop by and see their trophy at their Ridgewood location…2 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Best smoked food in Bergen County…make sure you try all the other creative and delicious food…eat in or take out…Ask to see how they smoke their food or to eat in the kitchen…nothing like it.

Call (201) 447-6653

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Body Discovered in creek running between the Home Depot and a Tesla car dealership on Route 17 North in Paramus

Body Discovered

Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

February 28,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Paramus Police personnel at the scene of a reported dead body found in a creek running between the Home Depot and a Tesla car dealership on Route 17 North in Paramus, on Wednesday afternoon, 02/28. The body was said to be of an adult male. Foul play is not suspected.

According to Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg , The body found partially submerged in a brook near Home Depot in Paramus Wednesday has been identified as a 49-year-old man from Bergen County. The cause of death was suicide.

 

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NJ Transit Environmental Review to Move forward with Hudson-Bergen Light Rail expansion

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February 14, 2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In a unanimous vote, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved the proposed alignment of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail’s planned expansion into Bergen County as described in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact statement dated March 2017. The selection of the “Locally Preferred Alternative” is required as part of the federal environmental review process.

The Board action also authorizes the submission of the Locally Preferred Alternative to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Board of Trustees for designation and inclusion in their Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan.

During Project Development the project sponsor must select a Locally Preferred Alternative; get the Locally Preferred Alternative adopted into the fiscally constrained metropolitan transportation plan; and complete the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

By selecting the Locally Preferred Alternative at this time, NJ TRANSIT will be able to initiate design and engineering activities upon completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and receipt of the Record of Decision from the FTA, in advance of requesting entry into Project Development.

Locally Preferred Alternative

The Locally Preferred Alternative consists of a 10-mile two-track extension of the HBLR from its current terminus at Tonnelle Avenue northward to the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, generally utilizing CSX Transportation’s Northern Branch running track. The project will construct a total of seven stations in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood (three stations) and parking for approximately 2,740 vehicles. Service is proposed to operate from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. with six-minute headways during the peak period and 15-minute headways during the off-peak period. It is estimated that the project will serve 12,370 passengers per average weekday in the year 2030.

See attached map for a visual of the route of the Locally Preferred Alternative.

 

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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%

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The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking information on Carlstadt Hit and Run

police tape

January 26,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Carlstadt NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the investigation into a hit and run accident that occurred at approximately 6:05 p.m. on January 22, 2018 near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Road A in Carlstadt, N.J.  The victim was crossing Washington Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle travelling northbound on Washington Avenue.  This investigation is being conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Carlstadt Police Department under the direction of Chief Thomas Nielson.

The victim suffered serious injuries that required surgery.  She is currently listed in critical but stable condition at an area hospital.  The subsequent investigation revealed the striking vehicle to be a Nissan Murano, model years 2003 to 2007.  The vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side headlight area, fog light area, and hood.  Witnesses stated the vehicle swerved after it struck the victim and continued northbound without stopping.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking information from anyone who was in the area of Washington Avenue in Carlstadt at the time of the crash.  Anyone with information should contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-226-5631.  All information will be kept confidential.

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County Sheriff Sued Over Contamination at the Bergen County Police Academy Gun Range

Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino

January 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Mahwah NJ, the Bergen Record reports (https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/2018/01/10/suit-bergen-knew-gun-range-site-contaminated-squashed-probe/1016898001/ ) a lawsuit claims that not only did county officials know about the contamination at the Bergen County Police Academy gun range, but that they actively squashed an investigation into alleged crimes by those who led the dumping.

The law suit alleges the famed “double dipper” and “party changer” Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino retaliated against Frank Carrafiello and other officers who investigated the soil remediation project. The suit names not only Saudino, but the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office , the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bergen county government .

The suit claims that Sheriff Saudino demoted officers, forced others to retire and changed the assignments of those officers who investigated the remediation.

The New Jersey Sierra Club and Mahwah officials outlined the contamination at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute. They also said the county allegedly announced lead bullet casing and other potentially toxic materials to be dumped on the site for about a year.

Jeff Tittel, executive director of the Sierra Club, said the materials oxidized and broke down, possibly seeping into the groundwater and nearby streams, the Ramapo River and the Ramapo Aquifer, which provides drinking water to thousands of people.

A Bergen County spokeswoman claims in April that County Executive James Tedesco’s administration “took swift and immediate action upon learning of the potential environmental issue at the Law and Public Safety Institute shooting range located in Mahwah.”

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Earthquake felt in North Jersey

Earthquake00[1]

November 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, yes that was an earthquake you felt . An earthquake in Delaware was felt as far as North Jersey today. The United States Geological Survey reports that a 4.1 magnitude earthquake was detected northeast of Dover around 4:47 p.m. Thursday. That earthquake was about 8 kilometers deep.

“WTF was that? Was that an earthquake” a reader responded to the slight shaking and readers from New York City, all over Bergen county and as far south as Philadelphia reported a little shaking going on. Many Ridgewood residents reported feeling it.

Emergency officials have not said if there was any damage or injuries because of the earthquake. Originally the earthquake was reported as 4.4 magnitude, but the USGS later downgraded it .

New 12 reports that Today’s earthquake is reminiscent of the 2011 earthquake in Virginia. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was felt across over a dozen states, including New Jersey, and parts of Canada.

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Bergen County Sen. Gerry Cardinale Endorses Lonegan for Congress; Declares Lonegan ‘Committed, Courageous, and Battle-tested’

"Steve" Lonegan

photo of Steve Lonegan
November 27, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ , Steve Lonegan picked up a key supporter in his quest to break his losing streak and pick up the CD5 House of Representative seat . State Senator Gerry Cardinale, (R-Bergen), today announced his support for conservative Republican Steve Lonegan in his campaign for congress in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District.

“Steve Lonegan has been a tireless champion of the Republican Party when no one else would step forward to take on the tough battles,” Sen. Cardinale said. “I’m pleased to be the first state legislator to announce my support for his campaign.”
In announcing his support for Lonegan, Sen. Cardinale said it is imperative that Republicans unite to take back the Fifth Congressional District in 2018.
“Prior to 2016, North Jersey had not elected a Democrat congressman since the Depression,” Sen. Cardinale said. “To defeat the incumbent, we need a candidate who is committed to the principles of the Republican Party, courageous in campaigning, and battle-tested. Not only is Steve Lonegan the only candidate in North Jersey who fulfills those criteria, his opponent, John McCann, comes up woefully short.”
Sen. Cardinale, who was first elected to the State Senate in 1981, has long been recognized as the most influential Republican leader in Bergen County and one of the most respected Republican leaders in New Jersey.
“Senator Cardinale has been at the forefront of every worthwhile conservative cause,” Lonegan said. “I’m honored to have earned his endorsement, grateful for his consistent service, and excited by the momentum behind our campaign to take back the Fifth District.”
Lonegan is the only candidate who has been endorsed by the National Republican Congressional Committee having satisfied significant qualifying criteria that only the most elite candidates nationwide are able to do.

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North Bergen Sister of Boston Marathon Bombers accused of threatening a woman

10355565_802978836425434_8Ailina Tsarnaeva,

November 14,2017

David Henderson and the staff of the Ridgewood blog

North Bergen NJ, for those who don’t believe the system is being sucked dry by people who hate us, Ailina and Bella Tsarnaev, sisters of the Boston Marathon bombers, are living as unwed welfare mothers in North Bergen with Katherine Russell, widow of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was killed in the aftermath of the bombing.

Being on welfare hasn’t stopped Ailina from getting arrested on a counterfeiting charge for which she didn’t appear. and also making bomb threats..The 24-year-old, of North Bergen, New Jersey, is accused of threatening a woman who previously had a romantic relationship with her partner.

She also was arrested in 2009 on charges she left the scene of an accident, but the case was dismissed. Prosecutors also said Tsarnaeva failed to cooperate with a police officer investigating the passing of a counterfeit bill by a group of people eating at an Applebee’s restaurant in the South Bay Center, a mall in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, on April 16, 2010.

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Former Deputy Director of Public Works in North Bergen Pleads Guilty to Ordering Municipal Employees to Perform Political Errands Using Township Vehicles While Being Paid by the Township

Timothy-Grossi[1]

October 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

North Bergen NJ,  Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that Timothy Grossi, former deputy director of the North Bergen Department of Public Works (DPW), pleaded guilty today to a charge that he ordered subordinate employees to run political errands while they were on duty and being paid by the township.

Grossi, 77, of Jersey City, N.J., pleaded guilty today to a charge of third-degree misapplication of entrusted property and property of government before Superior Court Judge Margaret M. Foti in Bergen County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Grossi be sentenced to five years in state prison. However, the judge indicated on the record in court that she intends to suspend the sentence because of the condition of Grossi’s health. Grossi will be permanently barred from public office or employment in New Jersey. He is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 8.

In pleading guilty, Grossi admitted that he directed on-duty DPW workers using township vehicles to go to the county clerk’s office to perform errands related to his personal political activity in the township – and unrelated to township business – including picking up and dropping off challenger badges.

Deputy Attorneys General Cynthia Vazquez and Charles Wright prosecuted Grossi and took the guilty plea for the Division of Criminal Justice. Grossi is the fourth supervisor from the North Bergen DPW to plead guilty or be found guilty at trial in an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau into abuses involving DPW employees being paid by North Bergen Township for work unrelated to DPW functions. On Sept. 11, 2012, former DPW Superintendent James Wiley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit official misconduct, admitting he directed DPW employees to perform hundreds of hours of chores at his home and to work on campaigns while being paid by the township. He is awaiting sentencing. In 2015, former DPW supervisors Troy Bunero and Francis Longo were convicted at trial of second-degree charges of conspiracy and official misconduct for assigning municipal employees to work on election campaigns and complete personal chores or projects for them or their boss, Wiley. Bunero and Longo were each sentenced to five years in state prison.

“Grossi was one of the top officials in the North Bergen Department of Public Works, but this guilty plea will make him a convicted felon, just like the three supervisors under him who previously pled guilty or were convicted at trial,” said Attorney General Porrino. “By arrogantly abusing the power entrusted to him and exploiting public workers for political purposes, Grossi promoted a culture of corruption within his department, a culture we exposed through our investigation.”

“North Bergen residents pay taxes to fund essential government services, not to fund officials who misuse public resources for personal gain or political advantage,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to protect public assets by aggressively investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials like Grossi.”

Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has a toll-free Corruption Tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities confidentially. The public can also log on to the Division webpage at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially