The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
December 26,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Two police-deployed Narcan saves on 12/15 & 12/16 brought two overdose victims back to life. But two recent deaths have raised the year-to-date number of lives lost to drug overdoses to 117. This fight continues. Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said , “Last year, hardly a day went by in Bergen County without a heroin arrest, an overdose, or a Narcan save. There’s just more work to do.”
December 5,2017
the staff pf the Ridgewood blog
Old Tappan NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of DANIEL G. PFEIFFER (DOB: 6/13/89, single; and unemployed) of 12 Windsor Place, Old Tappan, New Jersey on charges of Stalking, Invasion of Privacy, Cyber-Harassment, and Contempt of a Stalking Restraining Order. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
In October 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit initiated an investigation that revealed Daniel PFEIFFER posted nude and sexually explicit photos of a woman he was acquainted with on the Internet. Some of the postings included personal identifying information of the victim on the Internet.
As a result of the investigation, Daniel PFEIFFER was arrested on November 27, 2017 in Hackensack and charged with one count of Stalking, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10C, a third degree crime; Invasion of Privacy, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9C, a third degree crime; Cyber-Harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1(A)2, a third degree crime; and Contempt of a Stalking Restraining Order, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9A, a fourth degree crime. PFEIFFER was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his arraignment. PFEIFFER is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a first appearance on December 13, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.
Prosecutor Grewal 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 also like to thank the Old Tappan Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
photo courtesy of BCPO
October 23,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Garfield N.J , Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal hosted a conference entitled “Educators Update: Combatting Bias & HIB Incidents in Schools” it was held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Venetian, 546 River Drive, Garfield, N.J. from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program was presented to educators, law enforcement officers, and social service professionals who interact with Bergen County youth. It was sponsored by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) and was funded solely through funds forfeited from criminal offenders.
The topics to be addressed this year include:
Bias Crimes vs. Bias Incidents
Social Media Awareness, Cyber Bullying & the Internet
Juveniles & Bias: Resources & Consequences
Recognition of Innovative School Programs
This annual SNAP conference was first held in 1991 as part of a Statewide Narcotics Action Plan from which the conference derives its title. Since then, it has continued each year in Bergen County as an opportunity for law enforcement to brief educators about issues facing local youth.
More than 400 school personnel, police officers, and social service professionals from Bergen County attended the event.
September 29,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Garfield NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor GURBIR S. GREWAL announced animal cruelty charges brought against JESUS GABRIEL VALENTIN RIVERA (DOB: 6/22/81, single; and unemployed) of 3812 Pinehurst Drive, Deltona, Florida, VANESSA MILLAN (DOB: 05/04/86, single; and unemployed) of 650 Kenwick Circle, Apt#102, Casselberry, Florida, and ELAINE RAMOS (DOB: 7/13/90, single; and unemployed) of 263 Rose Petal Place, Altamonte Springs, Florida. The charges are the result of an investigation led by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
On Saturday, August 19, 2017, the Animal Cruelty Task Force received information about a suspicious van in the parking lot of a store in Garfield. Task Force members, assisted by the Garfield Police Department, approached the van, which was occupied by VALENTIN RIVERA, MILLAN and RAMOS and discovered 26 English and French bulldog puppies. The dogs were contained within two cages and one cooler, all of which were feces-littered. One of the cages housed thirteen of the puppies. The temperature in Garfield that day was 90 degrees, and the puppies had no access to water.
On August 19, 2017, VALENTIN RIVERA, MILLAN and RAMOS were each charged with 26 counts of Animal Cruelty in violation of N.J.S.A. 4:22-17(a)(3), a disorderly person’s offense. The defendants were charged on summonses and their court date is scheduled for October 3, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. before the Honorable Louis J. Dinice, J.M.C. in Central Municipal Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would also like to thank the Animal Cruelty Task Force and the Garfield Police Department for their investigation.
JULY 24, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of BRANDON C. RYAN (DOB: 07/30/1994; single; and unemployed) of 161 Devon Street, Kearny, New Jersey on charges of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, and the Ridgewood Police Department under the direction of Chief Jacqueline Luthcke.
On July 16, 2017, the Ridgewood Police Department and Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a 15-year old victim was sexually assaulted by Brandon RYAN on the previous day in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
As a result of the investigation, Brandon RYAN was arrested by the Kearny Police Department on Friday, July 21, 2017 and charged with one count of Sexual Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(4), a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a, a 3rd degree crime. After being processed, Brandon C. RYAN was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Judicial Court on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Ridgewood Police Department and the Kearny Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
July 10,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bergenfield NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced today the charges of Murder, Desecration of Human Remains, Hindering Apprehension, Credit Card Fraud and Stalking against RAPHAEL LOLOS (DOB: 10/27/1976; single; and unemployed) of 5 S. Demarest Avenue, Bergenfield, New Jersey, in connection with the death of 31-year-old JENNY LONDONO of Edgewater. The charges were brought as a result of a joint investigation which was conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, and New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) under the direction of Police Commissioner James O’Neill.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, partial remains of a female body were discovered floating in the waters off Brooklyn, New York. The remains featured a distinctive Sanskrit tattoo just below the right hip, and were subsequently identified as being those of Jenny LONDONO of Edgewater, New Jersey.
After learning that LONDONO was last seen and heard from while in Bergen County, NYPD detectives contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and began to jointly investigate the circumstances surrounding LONDONO’S disappearance and death. The ensuing investigation revealed that RAPHAEL LOLOS, described by friends as LONDONO’S boyfriend, murdered and dismembered LONDONO in New Jersey then discarded her remains into the Hudson River. In the days following the murder, LOLOS consistently and repeatedly used LONDONO’S credit cards until the time of his arrest on July 6, 2017. RAPHAEL LOLOS was arrested with the assistance of the NYPD, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Sheriiff’s Office, the Union County SWAT Team, and the Linden Police Department.
After RAPHAEL LOLOS was arrested and brought back to Bergen County, he suffered a medical episode and was initially transported via ambulance to Bergen Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment and was subsequently brought to Hackensack University Medical Center (“HUMC”), where he is receiving medical treatment while in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. RAPHAEL LOLO’S first appearance before the Honorable Margaret M. Foti, P.J.Cr., will be scheduled after his discharge from HUMC.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Prosecutor would like to thank the NYPD, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Linden Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
file photo by Boyd Loving
July 7, 2017
the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of BRIAN POTTER (DOB: 07/20/1977; Single; Department of Public Works employee) Mahwah assistant fire chief ,of 16 Island Road, Mahwah, New Jersey, on charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault by Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) under the direction of Chief Robert ANZILOTTI, and the Mahwah Police Department under the direction of Chief James BATELLI.
On July 4, 2017, the Mahwah Police Department and the BCPO received information that a ten-year-old victim was inappropriately touched by Brian POTTER in March 2017 in Mahwah, New Jersey.
Following subsequent investigation, Brian POTTER was arrested on Friday, July 7, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey, and charged with violating one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(1), a 1st degree crime, one count of Sexual Assault by Sexual Contact, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, a 2nd degree crime, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a., a 2nd degree crime. POTTER was lodged in the Bergen County Jail pending his arraignment, and is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a first appearance on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:30p.m.
Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Mahwah Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
On June 22, 2016, a telephone caller using technology to anonymize caller ID information placed a bomb threat phone call to a commercial establishment in Edgewater, New Jersey, triggering a response from the Edgewater Police Department and the Edgewater Fire Department, as well as assets from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department. First responders subsequently determined that the bomb threat was a hoax.
TURNER and WALSH were each charged with one count of Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3(a), a third-degree crime, and one count of making a False Public Alarm, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3(a), a third-degree crime. After being processed, both TURNER and WALSH were released pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court on Monday, July 5, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of STEVEN P. FELICE (DOB: 06/02/1993; single; and employed as a telemarketer) of 37 Waldo Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey on charges of Wrongful Access/Disclosure of Information, Invasion of Privacy, Cyber-Harassment, and Contempt. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert ANZILOTTI.
On Friday, March 10, 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at the home of Steven P. FELICE, who was identified during the investigation as an individual who had utilized the internet to post sexually explicit videos of a female acquaintance, without her consent, along with personal identifying information of the victim. Steven P. FELICE had been ordered by Honorable Judge Lisa Firko, J.S.C. of Bergen County on September 25, 2014, in a Final Restraining Order (FRO), not to communicate and/or harass the victim.
As a result of the investigation, STEVEN P FELICE was arrested on March 10, 2017 in Midland Park and charged with one count each of: Wrongful Access/ Disclosure or Information, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-31B, a 2nd degree crime; Invasion of Privacy, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9C, a 3rd degree crime; Cyber-Harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1A(2), a 4th degree crime; and Contempt, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9A, a 4th degree crime. FELICE was charged by way of complaint summons and was released on his own recognizance pending his first appearance in the Bergen County Judicial Processing Court on Wednesday, March 29, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would also like to thank the Midland Park Police Department for their assistance in this investigation and the municipal police agencies that comprise the Cyber Crimes Task Force, specifically the Bogota Police Department.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal today released a report entitled “Report on the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic in Bergen County.” The report is a year-end report that highlights the effect that the heroin and opioid crisis had on Bergen County in 2016. A copy of the report can be downloaded at https://www.bcpo.net/images/pdf/2016-Report-on-Heroin-Epidemic.pdf .
As detailed in the report, there was an increase in 2016 in total reported overdoses in Bergen County, with 308 overdoses. This represents a 6.9% increase from 2015, during which there were 288 total reported overdoses. As in 2015, however, the majority of the overdoses in 2016 were heroin and opioid related. Despite the increase in total overdoses, however, the number of overdose fatalities remained the same in 2016 with 87 overdose deaths. The fact that overdose deaths remained constant is due in large part to the tireless efforts of County law enforcement officers, who deployed Narcan, the overdose reversal drug, on 207 occasions in 2016, resulting in 180 saved lives. This represents a 10.7% increase in Narcan deployments from 2015.
As it did in 2016, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) is sharing current County overdose and Narcan Save data, as well as mapping the epidemic in the County, using social media. The public is encouraged to follow the BCPO’s efforts on Twitter (@BCPONJ) or on Facebook (fb.com/bcponj). The BCPO is also asking the public to share their own experiences and suggestions concerning this issue by using the hashtag #StopTheODs
“The goal of this report, like our social media campaign, #StopTheODs, is to destigmatize the heroin and opioid epidemic by showing that it affects every pocket of the County.” stated Prosecutor Grewal. “By doing so, we hope to encourage parents, children, educators and others to use this information to do their part to help prevent the next overdose,” said Grewal. “In the end, however, education is the key; if we can steer children and adults from the known pathways to heroin and opioid addiction, we can stem this rising epidemic.”
Prosecutor Grewal thanked Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, and Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino for their partnership and support of the BCPO’s efforts to combat the County’s heroin and opioid epidemic.
February 22, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Bergen County Youth Police Academy – Class #13.
The Academy is a two-week “day camp” (Monday through Friday) that is offered to qualified Bergen County high school students who are entering the 9th, 10th , 11th and 12th grades, free of charge. The camp is funded through the use of monies forfeited from criminal enterprises, and is staffed by members of the Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office. This year’s Academy will run from June 26 through July 7, 2017.
The motto of the Bergen County Youth Police Academy is “Honor – Respect – Commitment.” The objective is to educate young people about public service including emergency services, law enforcement, and government agencies.
“Designed by law enforcement professionals, the Academy provides high school students with a real understanding of what police academy cadets experience,” stated Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal. “This is a unique opportunity for young people to focus on strengthening their life skills of self-respect, respect of others, teamwork, and commitment to one’s goals.”
The curriculum will consist of hands-on, interactive educational activities as well as physical training activities. Daily programs include presentations from educators, interaction with county agencies, and field trips. The cadets will be given exposure to available state and county resources.
The Youth Police Academy will be held at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah, and is headquartered at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack. Application forms are available at local high schools, police departments or online at www.BCPO.net (at Resources tab), and must be submitted by Friday, April 14, 2017. Space is limited. If you have any questions, contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Community Outreach unit at 201-226-5509, or mparenta@bcpo.net.
WEYAM RUSHDI OF JERSEY CITY CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE CRIMES RELATED TO AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MIDLAND PARK, NJ
December 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewoood blog
Midland Park NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal has announced the arrest of WEYAM RUSHDI (DOB: 09/22/1980; single; and a student) of 33 Hudson Street, Apt. 2202 West, Jersey City, NJ on multiple charges in connection with an aggravated sexual assault that took place in Midland Park, NJ during the early morning hours of December 11, 2016. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert ANZILOTTI, and the Midland Park Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael POWDERLEY.
On Sunday, December 11, 2016, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that an adult female victim walked into Midland Park Police Department and reported that she was physically and sexually assaulted in her residence by an intruder. An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and Midland Park Police Department ensued.
As a result of the investigation, Weyam RUSHDI was arrested on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Waldwick, New Jersey, and charged with the following offenses: one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault with a weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14- 2a(4), a 1st degree crime; one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault during the commission of a Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3), a 1st degree crime; onecount of Kidnapping, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1b(2), a 1st degree crime; one count of Armed Burglary, N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2b, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a 2nd degree crime; one count of Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Possession of a Weapon with an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a 3rd degree crime; and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5c, a 4th degree crime. The Honorable Walter F. SKROD, J.S.C. of Bergen County set bail at $2,000,000.00 with no ten percent option. As conditions of bail, RUSHDI is to have no contact with the victim and surrender his passport. RUSHDI is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a firstappearance on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that the above charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Grewal would also like to thank the Midland Park Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
