Readers says Light sentence implies Mr. Rica is in possession of information that the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office views as invaluable
It is becoming increasingly apparent that Mr. Rica is in possession of information that the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office views as invaluable. Perhaps information pertaining to others who were stealing parking meter revenues, and/or information about miscellaneous shenanigans at Village Hall, and/or information about the illicit activity to which the money was being funneled (I personally don’t buy his story that the money was used to help out with family expenses) . The public outcry associated with his receipt of a light sentence will certainly make it difficult for prosecutors to ask for harsh sentences going forward unless there are special circumstances associated with Mr. Rica’s case (that is, he’s dropping the dime on a fish bigger than he is).
Wouldn’t they wait until they had other arrests/indictments/ or convictions before giving this guy a pass?
All I know is there should be people lining their pockets with municipal funds nationwide by now. Apparently, all you need to worry about is paying it back, and that’s only if you get caught. And, they’ll let you use your vacation and pension to do it! Precedent has been set.
I want to see a separate account established to receive his monthly payments, and I want to see it made public so that anyone who is interested can know the day he falls behind in payments. And when this gentlemen declares bankruptcy (which he will, trust me) to get the debt expunged, I want him in jail the next day. But that’s not how this is going to happen. He will file for bankruptcy, keep his house, and never have to pay a cent. You will see him at Raymonds with a BMW parked out front.
This is fucking bullshit, and I get angrier every time I read about it.
If he gets charged with a federal charge…say tax evasion, then if he is convicted, a judge could impose paying back the $480,000 as part of sentencing. If that happens, then filing bankruptcy does not allow him to discharge that debt.
I am not sure if the state statutes allow him to file a bankruptcy if part of his sentence is to pay back the money.
Also, if he had ‘info’ on others as the original post stated, then he wouldn’t be sentenced until AFTER he testifies so I’m thinking he doesn’t have anything on anyone else in the Village. He just got a great once-in-a-lifetime deal due to a very good lawyer.
I agree with 3, he didn’t give anyone up there would have been other arrests or firings. The town wants it’s money back, Judges don’t want to jail non-violent offenders, The only person involved he was Rica, bankruptcy doesn’t discharge criminal fines, alimony, and child support. If he reneges on a plea deal a warrant can issue for his arrest and that warrant can be executed anywhere in the US. unlike Non-indictable’s which you can’t transport the accused across state lines. ie: DWI>, and child support or Alimony
“Judges don’t want to jail non-violent offenders”
Our prison system is full of non violent offenders. All drug related. I guess it’s less of a crime to steal a half million from an entire town. Because drugs are bad, right? They cause people to do bad things, like steal…wait, what?
“Our prison system is full of non violent drug offenders” which is why judges are slow to jail non- violent offenders, i.e.: PTI, conditional discharge, superior court initiated drug court, these are all programs to keep non-violent offenders out of jail. If he goes to jail the town doesn’t see a dime of it’s money back I feel that’s what this is about. No matter what the mayor says. Remember the prosecutor was appointed by a democratic Governor (Corzine) and our mayor is a democratic politician regardless of non party politics.
this is getting good. what about his pall , yeah that one , the new lap dog. what is he up too.
Which one #7. What new lap dog? Just give us a hint.
Yeah #7, name names please. Let’s get the Feds on their case.
oh no, the dirt will come out by it’s self. and for the dog watch your self I have my eye on you, your smart. but not that smart. you are taking my bone.arf’arf’
the dog is a bit scared , we truly think his cell is taped by the fed’s. he won’t talk on the cell.this shit is not over.
what did he know
How do we know there was no private hearing at which at least one name was named in exchange for leniency?
Isn’t parking under the RPD ? Where is the coin room ? How did this guy get a master key when he was supposedly a “public works inspector” ? How does a “public works inspector” in Ridgewood get a $30,000 annual pension and $8,400 in accumulated leave time after only 10 years working for VoR ? Insane.
#10 & #11 are you guys ok? Really, get some help or stop smoking weed.
Parking enforcement is under is under the cops but meter collection is under signal which is part of the dpw. Rica was a supervisor in engineering which covers all building operations that’s how he had a key.
adding this for another poster
No-jail plea deal for Ridgewood coin thief dismays officials
It was first thing in the morning yesterday. A little earlier than now. It
was a mathematical breakdown: 750 days in 25 months-220 weekend
days-vacation, holidays, sick days, etc. Coming out to 4000 coins per day!
And now that the video of the plea deal came out on northjersey.com I wonder
why he was only charged with 4 counts? And why, if they EACH carry a 5 yr
probation, why isn’t he getting 20 years?
So may questions about this…
James, Ricas job was 24/7 he worked around the clock for time back, so the amount of opportunity to steal was actually a lot higher than what is thought. No one would think twice if you saw him in the buildings at odd hours. If he was only charged with 4 counts that could be because he did it all in 4 instances, or the total was total stolen but the 5 yr statute of limitations expired.( like with Hemmer) The judge has discretion with regards to sentencing, I still think this is about money if he get he gets his chance to pay it back and he screws up he goes to jail.
24/7 ???
I thought this guy was a family man spending time with his kids ? He was working round the clock so he could steal quarters and get overtime, too ?
can somebody tell me why it’s say’s dell rica on the side of his brother truck. it should say rica.
yea more bull shit.