The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
photo courtesy Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Team is assisting with security during this week’s 2018 FedEx Cup Playoff: The Northern Trust at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus. Security collaboration is crucial for events like this, and we are partnered with the Paramus Police and the Bergen County Sheriff.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a reminder from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office , the summer is winding down, school is about to start don’t forget to keep your eyes up.
The final vacation and travel days of the summer are here, so attentive driving is crucial.
DID YOU KNOW? Nearly half of the fatal crashes in 2016 were caused by distracted driving (more than speeding or even driving while intoxicated!). Distracted driving can be talking or texting on a cell phone, or even talking to your kids in the backseat.
So stay focused, use Safe Phone Zones to call, text, and use mobile apps, observe speed limits, and make sure everyone in your car is wearing a seatbelt.
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.
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.
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.
June 29,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair lawn NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of WILLIAM H. JENKINS, JR (DOB: 1/22/1984; single; and employed as a music producer) of 14 Van Saun Place, Fair Lawn, NJ, on a charge of Aggravated Manslaughter.
William Jenkins is the brother of New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins .
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 Monday, June 25, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a deceased male had been found within a private home located at 14 Van Saun Place, Fair Lawn, NJ. An investigation revealed that William H. JENJKINS, Jr. was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, Roosevelt Rene, which resulted in Rene’s death. William H. JENKINS, Jr., fled the area to Ontario County, New York. He was arrested on June 25, 2018, by the New York State Police on an unrelated matter and lodged in the Ontario County Jail at that time.
As a result of the investigation, William H. JENKINS, Jr., was charged with one count of Aggravated Manslaughter, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4A(1), a crime of the 1st degree. William H. JENKINS, Jr., is currently in custody in New York State, and no first appearance has been scheduled.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would also like to thank the Fair Lawn Police Department, Port Authority Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Ontario County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation
June 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Englewood NJ, 15 year old Cristian Valdez was struck by a car while riding his skateboard in Englewood and was left, while the car drove off. He is currently in a medically induced coma, and we are hoping he gets better soon. Prayers are needed at this time and we would gratefully appreciate a donation to the fund to help our friend through a speedy recovery.
https://www.gofundme.com/5ob44i0
$1000 REWARD: Authorities are looking for a dark-colored Audi A6 that struck Cristian Valdez on Knickerbocker Road June 11th. Submit a tip anonymously that leads to arrest. $1000 reward at bergencrimestoppers.org
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department are requesting information from the public regarding a hit and run collision which resulted in a pedestrian sustaining serious injuries.
At approximately 9:50 pm on Monday, June 11, 2018, the Englewood Police Department received a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Knickerbocker Road near the intersection of Bilmar Place. Upon arrival at the scene of the collision, officers observed a juvenile male victim lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim’s injuries were consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle. He was treated at the scene and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he in being treated for multiple serious injuries.
The ensuing investigation indicates that the striking vehicle is a 2001-2004 Audi A6, dark in color. The vehicle will have obvious front-end damage, including a broken grille, and possible damage to the bumper, hood, and windshield. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound on Knickerbocker Road towards Tenafly.
Anyone with information regarding this hit and run collision is encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit at 201-226-5595, or the Englewood Police Department at 201-568-2700.
June 15,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Englewood NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department are requesting information from the public regarding a hit-and-run collision which resulted in a pedestrian sustaining serious injuries.
At approximately 10:50 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018, the Englewood Police Department received a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Knickerbocker Road near the intersection of Bilmar Place. Upon arrival at the scene of the collision, officers observed a juvenile male victim lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim’s injuries were consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle. He was treated at the scene and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Evidence at the scene indicates that the striking vehicle is an early model Audi, color unknown: likely a 2000-2002 Audi A4, 2000-2004 Audi A6, or 2001-2005 Audi Allroad. The vehicle will have obvious front-end damage, including a broken grille, and possible damage to the bumper, hood, and windshield. The striking vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound on Knickerbocker Road towards Tenafly.
Anyone with information regarding this hit-and-run collision is encouraged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit at 201-226-5595, or the Englewood Police Department at 201-568-2700.
June 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paterson NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced a state grand jury indictment charging the alleged leader and 16 other alleged members of a narcotics network linked to the Bloods street gang that was distributing large amounts of heroin in Paterson. Seventeen more individuals are charged with possession of narcotics, including 16 who allegedly purchased heroin from the ring, bringing the total number of defendants indicted to 34.
The indictment, handed up yesterday, stems from “Operation Pitfall,” a collaborative investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Gangs & Organized Crime North Unit, the Division of Criminal Justice, the State Parole Board, the Newark Police Department, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Paterson Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Prospect Park Police, Wallington Police, Elmwood Park Police, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne Police, and Clifton Police.
The investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in a section of the 4th Ward of Paterson known as the four corners or “4K” area, referring to the intersections of Mercer Street and Putnam Street, Rosa Parks Boulevard and Putnam Street, Mercer Street and Warren Street, and Rosa Parks Boulevard and Warren Street. The area has a history of open air drug dealing and gun violence. The drug network was led by a local set of the Bloods street gang known as the “4K Bloods” or “Korner Boyz.” The cooperating agencies arrested most of the defendants in November, including the alleged ringleader, Jaumel Reese, 35, of Passaic, N.J., and one of his alleged bulk suppliers, Jesse Garcia, 27, of Lodi, N.J. Reese and many of the other defendants are allegedly members of the 4K Bloods.
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau yesterday obtained a 63-count state grand jury indictment charging all 17 alleged ring members with second-degree conspiracy to distribute heroin. Reese is also charged with first-degree promoting organized street crime, and Eric Huntington, 41, of Paterson, who allegedly was one of Reese’s top “runners” or suppliers to street-level dealers, is charged with first-degree distribution of heroin. During the takedown of the ring, authorities executed a search warrant at the home of Garcia, where they seized 90 bricks of heroin (each including about 50 “bags” or doses), a handgun, hollow-nose bullets, and over $19,000. Garcia is charged with additional second-degree drug and gun offenses, as well as third-degree money laundering. A total of three guns were seized during the investigation. The other ring members face various additional second- and third-degree drug charges, and the 16 alleged buyers face third-degree heroin possession charges.
“We are collaborating in investigations like Operation Pitfall to target the drug traffickers who are fueling the deadly opioid epidemic and bringing violence to the neighborhoods of our cities,” said Attorney General Grewal. “This investigation really took aim at the heart of the problem, because Paterson is a major hub for heroin distribution across northern New Jersey and the open-air drug markets allegedly controlled by this Bloods set in the city’s 4th Ward have a history of gun violence.”
“This investigation is a great example of all levels of law enforcement working together seamlessly to dismantle a significant narcotics network,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “There can be little doubt that we saved lives by stopping the heroin trafficked by these gang members from reaching people struggling with addiction in Paterson and the surrounding region.”
“When heroin dealing is introduced into a community, gun violence is not far behind, and if you add dangerous street gangs to the equation, the effect on a city’s residents can be devastating,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “I want to commend the State Police personnel and our law enforcement partners who ultimately dismantled this drug distribution network and made the streets safer for the residents of Paterson.”
Deputy Attorney General Amy Sieminski presented the case to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Annmarie Taggart and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. Attorney General Grewal commended the prosecutors in the Division of Criminal Justice, the detectives in the New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, including the lead detective, Detective Scott Sanders, and all of the detectives, officers and special agents who investigated for the other participating agencies.
The following is a full list of the defendants charged with second-degree conspiracy as alleged ring members:
Jaumel Reese, 35, of Passaic, N.J.
Jessie Garcia, 27, of Lodi, N.J.
Eric Huntington, 41, of Paterson, N.J.
Jerome Deas, 38, of Paterson, N.J.
Marvelous Pitts, 31, of Paterson, N.J.
Shaques Huntington, 24, Paterson, N.J.
Herbert Pitts, 60, of Paterson, N.J.
Justin Jones, 24, of Paterson, N.J.
Angela Whitehead, 32, of Prospect Park, N.J.
Jeffrey Hunter, 29, of Paterson, N.J.
Markeith Davis, 48, of Paterson, N.J.
Tariq Jackson, 25, of Paterson, N.J.
Devon Armstrong, 40, of Paterson, N.J.
Jonathan Cedeno, 22, of Paterson, N.J.
Isaac Coleman, 32, of Paterson, N.J.
Hanife Dock, 29, of Paterson, N.J.
Theodore Blackshear, 46, of Paterson, N.J.
The following is a list of the remaining 17 defendants. All are charged with third-degree possession of heroin, with the exception of Winter Burch. Burch, who is a girlfriend of Reese, is charged with third-degree possession of codeine and fourth-degree possession of false government documents.
Jasmine Soto, 28, of Milford, Pa.
Christopher Gutierrez, 34, of Milford, Pa.
Daniel Grimm, 67, of Franklin, N.J.
Nicholas McLaughlin, 26, of Greeley, Pa.
Christopher Holbert, 24, of Hawley, Pa.
Brent Howell, 33, of Blairstown, N.J.
Frank Marchionni, 26, of Nanuet, N.Y.
Jonathon Kleinberg, 29, of New City, N.Y.
Michael Armao, 33, of Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
Michael Sheridan, 42, of Johnson, N.Y.
Robert Ferri, 33, of Wyckoff, N.J.
Chelsea Rouse, 34, of East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Jennifer Halterman, 33, of East Stroudsburg, Pa.
David Boralsky, 35, of Stanhope, N.J.
Michael Ryerson, 48, of Paterson, N.J.
Carl McKenith, 65, of Englewood, N.J.
Winter Burch, 36, of Passaic, N.J.
Jaumel Reese, Jessie Garcia, Eric Huntington and Jerome Deas are being detained in jail pre-trial. They were charged in a prior indictment in March that has been superseded by this new indictment.
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. A sentence for first-degree promoting organized street crime must be served consecutively to the sentence for any underlying offense. The first-degree heroin distribution charge carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. Reese is charged with employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, a second-degree charge which also carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. The second-degree charges of certain persons not to possess a weapon carry a mandatory term of parole ineligibility of five years. The third-degree drug charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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.
April 20,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, Wyckoff Police Chief David V. Murphy reported that the police department received a report from Eastern Christian Middle School staff on Wednesday, April 18th at approximately 4:41pm. The staff reported that two 13 year old female students were missing and were last observed walking off of school property at approximately 3:10pm. Detectives and Officers of the department immediately gathered all pertinent information and began their investigation. Early on, information was developed that revealed this was a planned departure by the girls and that they were planning to “run away”.
With this in mind, officers continued to pursue the investigation and enlisted the assistance of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office – Special Victim’s Unit, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo and Chief of Detectives, Robert Anzilotti. Both agencies continued to work throughout the night aggressively pursuing all leads and interviewing numerous persons. At approximately 3:50am, both females were found safe and unharmed by investigating officers and turned over to the care of their parents. It was confirmed that they had planned to run away and no other persons were involved. We would like to remind everyone that both girls are minors. As such, we ask for privacy for the girls and their families during this time. Chief Murphy would like to thank the Bergen County Prosecutors Office as well as all of the local police departments that assisted.
March 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lyndhurst NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of Sean D. SLATTERY (DOB: 8/29/1982; single; and employed as a laborer) of 93 Stuyvesant Avenue, Second Floor, Lyndhurst, NJ, on charges of Stalking, Cyber-Harassment, and making a False Report to Law Enforcement. 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, March 16, 2018, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit received information from the 24-year-old victim and from Sean D. SLATTERY about a series of alarming text messages that were sent to both of them. The ensuing investigation revealed that Sean D. SLATTERY falsified his statements to detectives and was the person who used the Internet to create the alarming and harassing messages, which were designed to appear as if the sender was someone else.
As a result of the investigation, Sean D. SLATTERY was arrested on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 and charged with one count of Stalking, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10B, a 4th degree crime; one count of Cyber-Harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1A(2), a 4th degree crime; and one count of False or Fictitious Report to Law Enforcement, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4B(1), a 4th degree crime. Sean D. SLATTERY is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 8:30 A.M.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Lyndhurst Police Department, which lends support to the Cyber Crimes Task Force and whose personnel assisted with this investigation.
March 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced today the results of “Operation Helping Hand 4” – the fourth phase of an innovative law enforcement and public health initiative targeting the heroin and opioid crisis in Bergen County. The initiative was led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”), under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Calo and Chief of Detectives Robert Anzilotti, in coordination with Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino. Held from March 12 through 16, 2018, the initiative brought together Bergen County law enforcement from 30 agencies, Recovery Specialists from Children’s Aid and Family Services, clinicians and specialists from the Bergen County Department of Health Services, Division of Addiction Services, and professionals from New Bridge Medical Center to offer help to those suffering from the disease of addiction in Bergen County.
During the initiative, 37 individuals were arrested and brought to the BCPO to be processed. After they were issued summonses, largely for heroin possession, they were offered an opportunity to speak to a Recovery Specialist – a recovering addict, who has been clean and is trained to help them find treatment. This offer of help was in addition to, not in lieu of, criminal charges.
If the individual requested help, a trained clinician from the Bergen County Division of Addiction Services assessed him/her to determine the appropriate level of care and treatment needed. The clinicians, working closely with the Recovery Specialists and representatives from New Bridge Medical Center, then made arrangements for treatment, and law enforcement transported the individual to treatment.
Of the 37 individuals arrested during Operation Helping Hand 4, 19 have so far availed themselves of the treatment option, including 12 who are currently in 5-day detox programs, mostly at New Bridge Medical Center. As those individuals complete detox, longer-term treatment options are being arranged for them and their progress is being tracked by the Recovery Specialists. For those who did not avail themselves of treatment, the Recovery Specialists remain in touch with many of them and are prepared to offer help whenever they are ready to seek it.
A multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of law enforcement officers from the following agencies, under the direction of BCPO Chief Anzilotti, participated in the initiative: Bergen County Sheriff’s Office; Bergenfield Police Department; Cliffside Park Police Department; Clifton Police Department; Dumont Police Department; East Rutherford Police Department; Englewood Police Department; Elmwood Park Police Department; Fair Lawn Police Department; Garfield Police Department; Glen Rock Police Department; Hackensack Police Department; Lyndhurst Police Department; Mahwah Police Department; Morris County Prosecutor’s Office; New Milford Police Department; Norwood Police Department; Paramus Police Department; Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office; Paterson Police Department; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Ridgefield Park Police Department; Saddle River Police Department; Tenafly Police Department; Union County Prosecutor’s Office; Upper Saddle River Police Department and the Westwood Police Department.
Statistics compiled by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office indicate an increase in opioid use and drug overdoses in Bergen County from 2016 to the present. A preliminary analysis of overdose data by the BCPO Intel Unit and Narcotics Task Force revealed the following with respect to 2017:
507 total reported overdoses, 416 of which are currently identified as heroin/opioid-related.
Of the 308 reported overdoses, 131 were fatal overdoses; 111 of those were identified as heroin/opioid-related.
325 deployments of Narcan, the overdose reversal drug, by law enforcement officers, resulting in 245 lives saved. (Note: there were many other deployments – by parents, friends, family members, EMTs and in the ER that are not accounted for in this )
Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo stated that “Operation Helping Hand 4 is part of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Bergen County law enforcement’s continuing effort to combat the opioid epidemic and help those who are affected by it. The Operation demonstrates the close cooperation of law enforcement, County government and Bergen County social service organizations in the fight against this epidemic and the results that are possible through that cooperation. We will continue the fight.”
Acting Prosecutor Calo would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Bergen County Executive, New Bridge Medical Center, Children’s Aid and Family Services, the Bergen County Department of Health Services, Division of Addiction Services, as well as all the participating law enforcement agencies for their assistance with this initiative.
March 15,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) is issuing this advisory to inform the public about phantom debt scams. A phantom debt scam involves criminals impersonating law firms, judges, court officials, or debt collectors who send out threatening letters, or make threatening phone calls about phantom debts, or a non-existent debt, to try to convince people to send them money.
The BCPO received information from a Bergen County resident who reported that she received a phone call she believed was a scam. A female caller who identified herself as “Ms. Jackson,” called the resident’s home phone and knew the resident’s first and last names. As part of the scam, “Ms. Jackson” stated that she was a detective with the Bergen County DA’s Office, Restitution and Hot Checks Section, and that the resident owed the DA’s office $300.00 for not appearing in court. The caller also stated that since the resident missed her court date, interest and court fees were added, which brought the total owed to just under $600.00. Finally, the caller stated that a warrant would be issued for her arrest if the debt was not paid in full. The resident, believing this was a scam, ended the phone call and immediately contacted our office, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, not the Bergen County DA’s Office that does not exist.
To avoid becoming a victim of a phantom debt scam, follow these tips:
Be suspicious of callers making threatening claims requiring you to pay money that you do not owe.
Be wary of anyone who asks you to wire money or load a rechargeable money or gift card as a way to pay back debt.
Add your phone numbers, home and cellular, to the National Do Not Call Registry. This will not stop all unsolicited calls, but it will stop most.
If your number is on the registry and you still get calls, hang up and report them at donotcall.gov.
If you receive an unsolicited phone call and suspect it is a fraud, or if you are the victim of a scam, report it to your local police department.
March 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of HENRY MARTINEZ-DIAZ (DOB: 11/9/1976; married; and Uber driver) and YANERY MARTINEZ (DOB: 9/12/1983; married; and unemployed) both of 486 East 29th Street, Paterson, NJ on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and endangering the welfare of a child. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
On Monday, March 5, 2018, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 4 West in Paramus, NJ. A search of the vehicle revealed 5,750 bags of suspected heroin in an electronically operated aftermarket hidden compartment. Additionally, $1,021.00 believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity was also seized during the investigation. The vehicle was occupied by Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ, Yanery MARTINEZ, and their one-year-old daughter.
This traffic stop occurred only four days after the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office announced that detectives had conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 2007 Jeep Cherokee in Hackensack and seized 3,250 bags heroin from its sole occupant, Ordanny GERMAN.
As a result of the investigation, Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ and Yanery MARTINEZ were arrested and charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely heroin, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(2), a crime of the 2nd degree; and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4A(2), a crime of the 2nd degree. Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ and Yanery MARTINEZ appeared in Central Judicial Processing Court on March 6, 2018 and were released with conditions. The juvenile was turned over to the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
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.
