Tag: Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo

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Cresskill Women Steals Over $1Million from Business in Check Forgery Scheme

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August 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Cresskill NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of TINA MADISON (DOB: 01/02/1962; married; unemployed) of 24 Poplar Street, Cresskill, NJ on Theft By Deception, Forgery, Records Tampering, and Money Laundering charges. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

In July 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint that Tina MADISON was suspected of forging and cashing checks from the account of her Bergen County-based employer.

An investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit revealed that between 2010 and July of 2018, Tina MADISON, who was working as an administrative assistant at a Bergen County business, had gained access to her employer’s checking account and written checks which she negotiated for her own benefit. Tina MADISON forged the writing, signatures, and endorsements on the checks. To negotiate the checks, she either cashed them with a forged endorsement or deposited them into her own business bank account from which she withdrew cash. To conceal the theft, MADISON altered the victim’s bank statements which she would then file for record keeping purposes. The total theft by Tina MADISON was in excess of $1,000,000.

Tina MADISON was arrested on August 3, 2018 in Cresskill, NJ and charged with one count of Financial Facilitation Of Criminal Activity, with the amount involved being greater than $500,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25b(2)(a), a crime of the 1st degree; one count of Theft By Deception, with the amount involved being greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4, a crime of the 2nd degree; one count of Forgery Of A Check, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1a(2), a crime of the 3rd degree; and one count of Falsifying Or Tampering With Records, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4a, a crime of the 4th degree. Tina MADISON is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.Acting Prosecutor Calo states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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ENGLEWOOD WOMAN CHARGED WITH WITNESS TAMPERING

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August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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

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

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

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Waldwick Man Charged with Sexual Assault on an Underaged Girl

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August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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

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

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

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Maywood Human Trafficking Fugitive Arrested Pennsylvania

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August 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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

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

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

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PARAMUS MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTION OF COCAINE

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

file photo by Boyd Loving

July 31,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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

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

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

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FOUR CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS OF BURGLARY IN BERGEN

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file photo by Boyd Loving

July 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of AASIM BOONE (DOB: 11/02/82; single; and unemployed) of 198 Waldo Place, Englewood, NJ, JOSLIN HARRINGTON (DOB: 11/13/85; single; and employed as a cafeteria worker) of 724 18th Avenue, Apt. 1, Irvington, NJ, JUSTIN DAHZY (DOB: 02/20/1999; single; and unemployed) of 44 Preston Street, Bogota, NJ, and VALERIE JOYNER (DOB: 07/08/1991; single; and employed as an aide at a residential care facility) of 19 Schirra Drive, Wanaque, NJ. The arrests are the result of a month-long investigation by a special task force comprised of members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Hackensack, Teaneck, Tenafly, Oradell, Paramus, and Rochelle Park Police Departments.

As a result of the investigation, Aasim BOONE, Joslin HARRINGTON, Justin DAHZY, and Valerie JOYNER were arrested on Monday, July 16, 2018 and charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft.

In June 2018, the Hackensack Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad and provided information that led detectives to a rental vehicle being used by BOONE and others to commit numerous residential burglaries throughout Bergen County and to the formation of the task force. After tracking the vehicle in question and using multiple law enforcement databases, a historic timeline was produced in connection with the multiple burglaries that occurred.Through witness interviews, surveillance, video and other law enforcement investigative techniques, search warrants and arrest warrants were issued.

As a result of information obtained during this investigation, several arrest and search warrants were executed for the individuals and locations involved in this coordinated criminal enterprise. On July 16, 2018, members of the task force arrested BOONE, HARRINGTON, DAHZY, and JOYNER at various locations in Bergen County and Essex County. They were charged with residential burglaries in Bergen County , in the towns of Paramus , Hackensack ,Teaneck , Tenafly, Oradell and Englewood .

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FAIR LAWN, MAN CHARGED WITH MATRICIDE

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July 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of ERIC D. KAPLAN (DOB: 9/20/1986; single; and unemployed) of 20-06 Halstead Terrace, Fair Lawn, New Jersey on charges of Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Fair Lawn Police Department under the direction of Chief Glen Cauwels.

On Sunday, July 8, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a domestic violence assault had occurred at 20-06 Halstead Terrace in Fair Lawn, which resulted in the death of ANN KAPLAN. An investigation revealed that Eric KAPLAN assaulted the victim with a knife. The victim was able to dial 911 during the assault but was unable to communicate with the dispatcher. The Fair Lawn Police Department responded to the abandoned 911 call and found the home secure. Officers observed, through a window, the victim lying on the floor. Officers forced entry into the home and treated the victim’s injuries. The victim was later pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.

As a result of the investigation, Eric KAPLAN was arrested and charged with one count of Murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3A(2), a crime of the 1st degree, and Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4D, a crime of the 3rd degree. KAPLAN was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing on Friday, July 13, 2018.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Fair Lawn Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

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Former Bank Employee Charged with Theft from the Bank Accounts of a Deceased Teaneck Resident

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July 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of SHANNELL GRIGGS (DOB: 04/16/1990; single; and employed as a receptionist) of 354 Bryant Avenue, Syracuse, NY and GIVONNI BUTLER (DOB: 08/21/1989; single; and unemployed) of 27 Pine Street, Passaic, NJ on charges of Computer Related Theft, Theft By Deception, Impersonation, Money Laundering, Receiving Stolen Property, and Conspiracy. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Teaneck Police Department under the direction of Chief Glenn M. O’Reilly.

In December 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint of theft from the bank accounts of a recently deceased Teaneck resident. The executor of the decedent’s estate reported that the decedent’s bank accounts had been accessed by an unknown party and that approximately $375,000 had been stolen between 2015 and 2016.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Shannell GRIGGS, a bank employee, had unlawfully used the bank’s computerized account and customer service systems to access and take over the victim’s bank accounts. Shannell GRIGGS and her boyfriend, Givonni BUTLER, then stole approximately $375,000 through a combination of illicit debit card purchases, cash withdrawals, wire transfers, and cashier check purchases.

Shannell GRIGGS was arrested on June 29, 2018 in Syracuse, NY and charged with one count of Computer Related Theft, in an amount greater than $250,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25c, a 1st degree crime; one count of Impersonation For The Purpose Of Obtaining A Benefit, in an amount greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17a(1), a 2nd degree crime; one count of Theft By Deception, in an amount greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Financial Facilitation Of Criminal Activity, in an amount greater than $75,000 but less than $500,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25b(2), a 2nd degree crime. GRIGGS was taken into custody in Syracuse, NY on the New Jersey warrant and is awaiting extradition proceedings.

A warrant for the arrest of Givonni BUTLER was issued on July 3, 2018 and served on July 5, 2018 as a detainer, since BUTLER is currently serving a prison sentence in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter. He was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property, with a value greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7a, a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Conspiracy To Commit Computer Related Theft, in an amount greater than $5,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25c, a 2nd degree crime.

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. Acting Prosecutor Calo would like to thank the Teaneck and Syracuse Police Departments and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.

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NORWOOD, PEEPING TOM CHARGED WITH INVASION OF PRIVACY

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July 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Norwood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of PETRO “PETER” BARBOUNIS (DOB: 06/14/1972; married; and employed as a consultant) of 12 Second Street, Norwood, NJ on charges of Invasion Of Privacy. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

On Friday, June 29, 2018, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant at the residence of Petro “Peter” BARBOUNIS during an invasion of privacy investigation. The investigation revealed that BARBOUNIS used a camera to record two victims depicting them nude and/or sexually explicit without their knowledge or consent.

As a result of the investigation, Petro “Peter” BARBOUNIS was arrested on June 29, 2018 and charged with two counts of Invasion Of Privacy, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9B(1), a 3rd degree crime. BARBOUNIS is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on July 18, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Acting Prosecutor Calo would also like to thank the Norwood Police Department for its assistance, as well as the Lyndhurst, Hillsdale, and Oradell Police Departments, which participate in the Bergen County Cyber Crimes Task Force.

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FRANKLIN LAKES WOMEN, CHARGED WITH FOURTEEN COUNTS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

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June 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Franklin Lakes NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced that DANIELLE WEITZ (DOB: 08/23/1952; married; unemployed) of 512 Haddon Place, Franklin Lakes, NJ was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. The charges are the result of an investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Franklin Lakes Police Department under the direction of Chief Carmine Pezzuti.

On May 31, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force (“B.C.A.C.T.F.”) received information that a home at 512 Haddon Place in Franklin Lakes was being operated as a dog kennel. On June 5, 2018, as a result of an investigation by the B.C.A.C.T.F. and the Franklin Lakes Police Department, a search warrant was executed at 512 Haddon Place, and 14 dogs, in varying states of health and living in conditions unacceptable for the well-being of the animals, were removed from the home. Members of the borough’s Animal Control Unit and a veterinarian were present to ensure safe handling and medical assessment of the dogs as they were removed.

On June 6, 2018, Danielle WEITZ was served with 14 counts of Failure As The Owner Or As A Person Otherwise Charged With The Care Of A Living Animal Or Creature To Provide The Living Animal Or Creature With Necessary Care, N.J.S.A. 4:22-17A(4), a Disorderly Persons offense. WEITZ is scheduled for a first appearance in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Calo states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Franklin Lakes Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

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TROY C. JONES OF WESTWOOD, NJ CHARGED TROY C. JONES OF WESTWOOD, CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER

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photo by Boyd Loving

June 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of TROY C. JONES (DOB: 09/23/1945; married; and employed as a bookkeeper) of 84 Westwood Boulevard, Westwood, NJ on charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. The arrest is the result of an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Westwood Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Pontillo.
On June 5, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information from the Westwood Police Department that two female victims were attacked inside the residence of 84 Westwood Boulevard in Westwood.
An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Westwood Police Department revealed that Troy C. JONES had physically assaulted one female victim and inflicted multiple stab wounds to another. Both victims were transported to Hackensack University Medical Center with serious injuries.
Troy C. JONES was charged with two counts each of Attempted Murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1A(1), a crime of the 1st degree; Aggravated Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(1), a crime of the 2nd degree; Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(2), a crime of the 3rd degree; and Possession Of A Weapon For Unlawful Purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4D, a crime of the 3rd degree. JONES is in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ. 2
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Westwood Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

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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 Prosecutor Announces the Formation of the Bergen County Safe Schools Task Force

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may 23,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announces the formation of the Bergen County Safe Schools Task Force. The Task Force will take a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue of school safety, with the primary focus on developing best practices for prevention and response to potential school shooting situations.

According to Acting Prosecutor Calo, “The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) and all of Bergen County Law Enforcement place the highest priority on the safety of our children, our schools, and school personnel.” He also noted that the BCPO has been at the forefront of the effort to ensure the safety of our schools and communities. For example, in 2013, the BCPO introduced a School Security Initiative comprised of officers from various Bergen County municipal police agencies. To further this effort, the BCPO sponsored training by Texas A & M University Engineering Extension Service (“TEEX”). As a result of that training, 56 police officers and 41 school security professionals were certified to conduct risk and vulnerability school assessments. Since then, Bergen County has coordinated the security assessments of 165 public and 56 private schools. The BCPO has also partnered with Bergen County municipal law enforcement agencies, the New Jersey Department of Education, and the New Jersey State Police to conduct unannounced visits to local schools to monitor and provide technical assistance for the enhancement of their lock-down procedures. To date, these unannounced visits have involved 66 schools from 42 school districts.

In 2017, the BCPO totally overhauled Bergen County law enforcement’s active shooter policy and training curriculum. Together with Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino and the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, the BCPO trained every police officer in Bergen County in these new response protocols. Additionally, the BCPO, in conjunction with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, instituted the Regional SWAT Team’s mobile patrol, which puts specially trained and equipped officers on routine patrol throughout Bergen County for a more rapid and effective response to emergency situations, such as active shooter calls.

In addition to law enforcement’s efforts, many Bergen County school, mental health, and private sector professionals have been hard at work to address the dangers presented by active shooter situations. It is the goal of this newly formed task force to bring all of these professionals together under one umbrella to identify and implement best practices to address this problem in Bergen County.

The Acting Prosecutor has appointed Senior Assistant Prosecutor Martin Delaney, the Prosecutorial Chief of Investigations, as Executive Director of the Task Force. Assistant Prosecutor Delaney, who oversees all of the BCPO’s specialized prosecutions, has deep experience in crime prevention and response and serves as Legal Advisor to the Regional SWAT Team. Other members of the Task Force are drawn from the law enforcement, educational, mental health and business communities. These members and their affiliations are as follows: Chief Robert Anzilotti, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; James J. Tedesco III, Bergen County Executive; Michael Saudino, Bergen County Sheriff; Park Ridge Police Chief Joseph J. Madden, President of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association; Joseph Zarra, Interim Executive Bergen County Superintendent of Schools; Joseph Masciandaro, President/CEO of CarePlus New Jersey; Harrington Park School Superintendent Adam Fried, Ed.D., President of the Bergen County Association of School Administrators; Saddle River Police Department Sergeant Timothy Gerity, President of the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers; Jonathan Miller, Bergen County Association of School Security Professionals; Julien Neals, Esq., Bergen County Counsel and Acting Bergen County Administrator; Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Freeholder Pro Tempore; Matt Zames, former Chief Operating Officer of JP Morgan Chase and board member of Tomahawk Strategic Solutions; Agent William Stallone, Risk Mitigation Planner/Critical Infrastructure Coordinator, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Acting Prosecutor stated with reference to the Task Force members, “These busy professionals have committed themselves to study and advise our school districts on best practices to prevent school violence and to keep our children safe. Part of that effort is identifying dangerous individuals and situations and addressing them before they turn into tragedies. The Task Force will also advise on the best law enforcement responses to violent situations.”
The Task Force is charged with making its initial recommendations by October 2018. However, the Acting Prosecutor emphasized that he envisions the Task Force as an ongoing endeavor to provide ever increasing safety to our schools and children.

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Arrest Made in Bomb Threat Against the Bergen County Courthouse

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May 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of CHRISTOPHER CAMARGO (DOB: 10/30/1992; single; and unemployed) of 267 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, on charges of Terroristic Threats and False Public Alarm. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, and members of the Hackensack Police Department under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Francesco Aquila.

On Monday, February 5, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a telephone caller using technology to anonymize his calling line identity contacted the Hackensack Police Department and made a bomb threat against the Bergen County Courthouse. Members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and Hackensack Police Department initiated an investigation to trace the call.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher CAMARGO was charged on Friday, May 11, 2018 with one count of False Public Alarm Against Critical Infrastructure, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3C, a 2nd degree crime, and one count of Terroristic Threats, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3A, a 3rd degree crime. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending an appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Hackensack Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

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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.