The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
June 21,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, An unoccupied NJ Transit bus caught fire while parked at Bergen Community College’s Paramus campus on Wednesday afternoon, 06/20. Firefighters from Paramus FD Engine Company #1 and Engine Company #3 extinguished the conflagration. The bus, owned by Saddle River Tours, Inc. of Lodi, was completely destroyed in the blaze.
How is the Ridgewood policy different from Paramus?
Could we hire a 77 yr. old man who had multiple infractions and suspensions??
Paramus was dup’d by the system, they never would have hired the driver if they had known his record.
Additionally, at what age is it too old to drive a school bus ?…..that is a hard question to answer, but should be looked at.
June 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor announced today that a Bergen County neurologist indicted last year on third-degree charges in connection with a statewide medical kickback scheme now faces additional charges of health care claims fraud, misconduct by a corporate official, and other second-degree offenses, as the result of a newly returned superseding indictment.
The superseding indictment alleges Dr. Terry Ramnanan, 65, who operates the Interventional Spine and Pain Treatment Center facility in Paramus, used his medical facility to fraudulently bill insurance carriers for more than 637 medical procedures totaling $682,000 related to patients involved in the kickback scheme. The 10-count superseding indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw in Mercer County yesterday.
“The deeper our investigators dig, the more dirt they uncover on doctors who conspired to buy and sell patients for profit in this statewide kickback scheme,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Upon further information and review, additional, upgraded charges against Dr. Ramnanan are appropriate, given his alleged role in this conspiracy to corrupt New Jersey’s health care industry.”
Ramnanan, who lives in Upper Saddle River, is one of dozens of health care practitioners charged in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Commercial Bribery Task Force (CBTF) that was formed in January 2016 to target commercial bribery in the health care industry. The task force includes deputy attorneys general and detectives from the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau.
The CBTF investigation has uncovered a statewide criminal enterprise in which doctors received hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks in return for providing patient referrals worth millions of dollars to other doctors and medical service providers.
In August 2017, Ramnanan was indicted on one charge each of third-degree conspiracy, commercial bribery, and criminal use of runners for allegedly paying Totowa chiropractor Ronald Hayek in exchange for patient referrals.
Ramnanan is now accused of bribing another health care professional, identified only by the initials A.A, for patient referrals and then fraudulently submitting insurance claims for medical treatment performed on those patients.
“Dr. Ramnanan’s alleged crimes are greater in number and more serious in nature than we originally believed. The charges contained in the superseding indictment reflect the true nature of his involvement in this scheme,” said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson. “Our Commercial Bribery Task Force will continue to run down tips and follow leads to ensure that all those involved in this criminal enterprise are held fully accountable for their actions.”
In addition to the previous charges against Ramnanan, the superseding indictment contains additional charges of:
Misconduct by a Corporate Official (2nd degree)
Health Care Claims Fraud (two counts, 2nd degree)
Theft by Deception (2nd degree)
Commercial Bribery (3rd degree)
Criminal Use of Runners (3rd degree)
It also upgrades the previous count of Conspiracy from 3rd degree to 2nd degree.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
According to the superseding indictment, between January 2012 and April 2016, Ramnanan conspired with both “A.A.” and Hayek in a kickback scheme in which Ramnanan paid them for referring patients for treatment at his medical facility.Hayek was among dozens of doctors charged in two prior medical fraud investigations that led to the formation of the Commercial Bribery Task Force:
An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau that led to guilty pleas in 2016 from Dr. Manoj Patharkar and his associate Mohammed Shamshair on charges that they hid and laundered approximately $3.6 million in income from the doctor’s pain management clinics to evade taxes, and “Operation Rayscam,” an investigation by the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor that led to guilty pleas in May 2015 from Rehan Zuberi, his wife, and three other defendants in connection with commercial bribes that Zuberi paid to doctors in return for the referral of patients to his medical imaging centers.
In July 2016, Hayek pleaded guilty to two accusations. The first accusation, filed by the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau, charged him with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree money laundering, six counts of commercial bribery, (four in the second degree, two in the third degree), and one count of third degree failure to pay taxes. The second accusation, filed by the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, charged him with one count of third-degree conspiracy. He is awaiting sentencing.
In pleading guilty to the accusation filed by the Division of Criminal Justice, Hayek admitted he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in kickbacks from Shamshair, Patharkar, Ramnanan, and others, in exchange for referring patients to them and their related medical facilities. He also admitted paying commercial bribes to attorneys in exchange for the referral of clients to his practice. In pleading guilty to the accusation filed by the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, Hayek admitted to receiving kickbacks in exchange for referring patients to diagnostic imaging facilities owned or controlled by Rehan Zuberi.
May 29,2018
the staff off the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, The Northern Trust (which was previously known as The Barclays), the first event of the Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs, will be played August 21-26 at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey, will not only have incredible views of the best players in the world in a truly thrilling competition, but will have the very best that New Jersey can offer in Fashion, Food and Do-or-Die Drama.
The Ridgewood Country Club is a twenty-seven-hole private golf course and clubhouse constructed in Paramus, New Jersey and opened on May 30th, 1929. The Norman Revival clubhouse, located at the north end of the property, is the core from which three nine-hole loops extend toward the southwest, south, and southeast. The golf course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, and the clubhouse by Clifford Wendehack. Tillinghast and Wendehack, respectively, were among the foremost golf and clubhouse architects of the early twentieth century.
THE NORTHERN TRUST is the first of four events in the FedExCup Playoffs, the culmination of the season-long competition that is the centerpiece of the PGA TOUR Season. Played in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area, THE NORTHERN TRUST features do-or-die drama as the top 125 players compete to advance, and for one in five, their season will end. With strong ties to the essential elements of New York culture, the event is a celebration of fashion, food and the best golfers on the planet. Many of the world’s top players have won THE NORTHERN TRUST including Adam Scott, Jason Day, Matt Kuchar and 2017 champion Dustin Johnson, who won the event for the second time in thrilling playoff over Jordan Spieth. Since the tournament’s inception in 1967, it has generated more than $46.2 million for New York/New Jersey Metropolitan-area charities, including $1.4 million in 2016.
Volunteer Registration Now Open . Experience a professional golf tournament from “inside the ropes” and enjoy unique behind-the-scenes experiences, plus daily access to the tournament grounds when not volunteering, volunteer uniform package that includes an official cap, shirt and volunteer pin, lunch on the days you work, invitation to the volunteer appreciation party and an additional weekly grounds ticket book for a guest.
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 28,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, A Paramus EMS ambulance and a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital were dispatched to aid the adult female driver of a 2-door coupe who lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a utility pole on Route 17 southbound near West Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus on Sunday morning, 05/27. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. A flatbed tow truck removed the wrecked coupe from the scene. Paramus Police investigated the incident.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, An adult male bicyclist was struck by an SUV and seriously injured Thursday afternoon, 05/24, on Paramus Road just south of West Midland Avenue in Paramus. The victim, who was knocked off of this bike and thrown against the SUV’s windshield, was rushed by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center’s main campus. The visibly distraught driver of the SUV remained on the scene and was also transported by ambulance to an undisclosed hospital. A flatbed tow truck lifted the SUV off of the damaged bicycle and removed the vehicle from the scene. Paramus Police and EMS, responded along with an ambulance from Hackensack University Medical Center, and a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital. Police at the scene were observed interviewing several witnesses to the incident, including an individual who was waiting for a bus at a nearby bus stop.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, One (1) adult male driver was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital following a two (2) vehicle collision in front of the New Bridge Medical Center, 230 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, on Wednesday morning, 05/23. Paramus Police, EMS, Fire department Companies 1 & 2, and Paramus Rescue Squad personnel responded. The “Jaws of Life” were required to free the victim from his 4-door sedan. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. The victim’s injuries were reported to be non life threatening in nature.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
May 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, No injuries warranting ambulance transport were reported in a two (2) vehicle crash at the intersection of Paramus Road and West Century Road, Paramus on Friday morning, 05/18. Separate flatbed tow trucks removed both wrecked vehicles from the roadway. Paramus Police investigated.
May 18,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Law enforcement officers from the Paramus Police Department will join with police from around the country in cracking down on unbuckled motorists and passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign.
Beginning May 21 and running through June 3, the annual “Click It or Ticket” national mobilization utilizes high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, in combination with local and national publicity efforts, to reiterate the life-saving value of seat belts.
“Using a seat belt is the simplest way for a driver and his or her passengers to protect themselves when traveling,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “In 2016, it is estimated that more than 14,500 lives were saved nationally by the proper use of seat belts.”
Poedubicky added that a key focus of this year’s campaign is to promote seat belt usage by adults in all seating positions in the vehicle, both front AND rear seats. The front seat belt usage rate in New Jersey currently stands at 94.07%. However, adults riding in rear seats are buckling up at a significantly lower rate, only 48% in the most recent survey. “For whatever reason there seems to be a disconnect with people feeling they don’t need to buckle up when riding as a passenger in rear seats, and this is a concern,” he said.
During the 2017 “Click it or Ticket” campaign, 350 New Jersey police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. As a result of the effort, law enforcement officers issued 17,792 seat belt citations, 6,363 speeding summonses and made 976 impaired driving arrests.
May 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Paramus Police Department reports that ,Parents as you are aware one our buses was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash, while enroute to Waterloo Village, with East Brook 5th Graders on board.
We are working as fast as we possibly can to obtain further information concerning the well-being and exact location of your child. All information will be provided in person in the auditorium of the East Brook Middle School.
Dismissal of grades 6, 7, & 8 is ongoing. The remaining 2 buses of 5th graders have returned to East Brook Middle School. Those children will be re-unified and released to their parents shortly. Children will only be released to a parent or guardian. Updates will follow as soon as additional information becomes available.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 15,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, An aerial lift truck owned by a tree service rolled over onto its side in front of 387 Paramus Road, Paramus on Monday afternoon, 05/14. Fair Lawn Heavy Rescue and Rochelle Park Fire Department responded to the incident on a mutual aid basis because Paramus Fire Department and Rescue Squad personnel were engaged at a multiple alarm fire in Paramus. The driver of the truck self-extricated from the vehicle and was uninjured. A hazardous materials response team was summoned to evaluate/remediate a diesel fuel spill resultant from the crash. Paramus Police was assisted at the scene by members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Service Division. An overhead communications cable was also damaged in the mishap.
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
May 15,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Paramus Fire was assisted by Oradell Fire Department in fighting a Monday afternoon, 05/14, structure fire in a single family home located on Arbor Road, Paramus. Paramus EMS was observed attending to an adult female who was apparently in the structure when it caught fire. The victim was conscious and alert while being attended to. Damage to the home appeared to have been severe enough that it was uninhabitable. Paramus PD and Rescue Squad also responded. No word as to what caused the multiple alarm blaze.
May 1,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, yesterday was the first bear sighting of the season, we should expect to see more as bear populations increase. The bear made its initial appearance in Siranni Park, prompting police to caution residents to call 911 if they spot it. Officials claim the bear appears to be male, possibly a yearling, about 200 pounds.
Paramus Police were unable to capture the bear. It was last seen moving north west from the Midland Avenue area.
If you see a bear, you should try to avoid them. However, for the most part, these bears are more afraid of you. Click on this link for some common sense bear tips. Remember if you have a bear in your neighborhood, leave it alone and call 911.
April 28,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, on Saturday , May 05, 2018 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the Primrose School of Paramus will host its Grand Opening .
Fore a preview everyone is invited to tour the school, during our Open House, on Sunday, April 29, 2018. We are located, at 639 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ 07652.
Primrose Schools® is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Our Franchise Owners, Leadership Teams and School Staff partner with parents to help build the right foundation for future learning and in life
Primrose School of Paramus, is located at 639 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652
For any questions or to learn more about this school please contact:
Arlene Flores, School Director
201-445-5330
or visit their website www.PrimroseParamus.com
April 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of PAUL A. DYKSTRA (DOB: 02/04/1949; married; and self-employed as an attorney) of 424 Abbott Road, Paramus, NJ on Misapplication of Entrusted Funds and Hindering charges. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
In March 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint from a client of Paul A. DYKSTRA, Esq., regarding his failure to disburse to the client approximately $275,000 he received in trust as the result of the sale of real property.
An investigation determined that Paul A. DYKSTRA received the funds into his attorney trust account, and, instead of forwarding them to the client, used them for his own purposes. In an effort to hinder the investigation, Paul A. DYKSTRA provided the client and detectives with false information regarding the transaction and disbursement of funds due to the client.
Paul A. DYKSTRA was arrested on April 10, 2018 in Paramus, NJ and charged with one count of Misapplication of Entrusted Funds, with the amount involved being greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-15, a crime of the 2nd degree; and, one count of Hindering Investigation/Prosecution, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3b, a crime of the 3rd degree. Paul A. DYKSTRA is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 9:00 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.
