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ICE ERO Newark arrests 37 individuals in Middlesex County, NJ enforcement surge

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July 17.2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

Newark NJ, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark Field Office arrested 37 individuals during a five-day operation that concluded Friday, as part of the agency’s ongoing public safety efforts. The operation targeted criminal aliens who were previously incarcerated at the Middlesex County Jail (MCJ), and who were subsequently released to the community by MCJ, without honoring the ICE detainer or advising ICE of their release. The operation also targeted other criminal aliens residing in Middlesex County.

Of those arrested, 16 subjects had been previously released by MCJ without honoring the ICE detainer and 78% had prior criminal convictions or pending criminal charges.

“ERO New Jersey will continue to enforce ICE’s commitment to public safety,” said Ruben Perez, acting Field Office Director of ERO in Newark. “Middlesex county, which aspires to be a ‘sanctuary county’ by protecting criminal aliens, in the process assists criminals in undermining federal law, and creates a dangerous environment in the community. It also overburdens local law enforcement. ICE will continue to execute its mission in such communities.”
The individuals arrested as part of the operation were nationals of Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, and Turkey.
These individuals range from 21 to 68 years old and all were previously arrested or convicted of a variety of offenses. Some of the arrests and convictions included: aggravated criminal sexual contact, aggravated assault, DUI, hindering apprehension, endangering the welfare of a child, battery, theft, burglary, possession of a weapon, forgery, domestic violence assault, disorderly conduct, and illegal entry.

The 16 subjects that were released by MCJ and arrested during this operation include:
A 68-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the Perth Amboy Police Department on January 23, 2009, in Middlesex County for the crimes of murder–purposely and hinder prosecution-false info and was booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On June 14, 2011, he was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and hinder own prosecution-false info and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in state prison. On May 5, 2015, the subject was transferred from state prison back to the custody of the Middlesex County Jail as he appealed his convictions. On May 5, 2015, ICE issued a detainer to Middlesex County Jail. On May 22, 2018, the original charge was overturned and he was found guilty of a single felony charge of hindering-oneself-give false information and sentenced to time served. Even though an ICE detainer was previously issued he was released.
A 21-year-old citizen of Turkey was arrested by the South Brunswick Police Department on May 10, 2017, in Middlesex County for burglary entering structure and theft by unlawful taking, and was booked into Middlesex County Jail. On May 10, 2017, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released. On July 15, 2017, he was arrested for resisting arrest, obstructing the administration of law, and possession of marijuana. On October 12, 2017, he was arrested by ICE officers in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey and was subsequently released on bond by the Immigration Judge. On April 12, 2018, he was arrested for a third time for simple assault, harassment, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and was booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On April 13, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored again and he was released.
A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the New Brunswick Police Department on August 12, 2016, in Middlesex County for Aggravated Sexual Assault- Helpless Victim, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, Sexual Assault-Force/Coercion, and Criminal Sexual Contact and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On August 16, 2016, ICE issued a detainer. On May 18, 2018, he was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and sentenced to 644 days’ time served, parole supervision for life and registration under Megan’s Law. On May 21, 2018, Middlesex County Jail refused to honor the detainer and he was released.
A 26-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the North Brunswick Police Department on February 17, 2017, in Middlesex County for driving while his license was suspended and on his court date of May 23, 2017, he was found guilty and sentenced to ten (10) days of incarceration at the Middlesex County Jail. On May 31, 2017, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released. He also had a prior conviction for DUI.
A 46-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the Carteret Police Department on December 15, 2017, in Middlesex County for domestic violence/simple assault and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On December 25, 2017, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored by Middlesex County Jail and he was released. On June 28, 2018, he was convicted of Domestic Violence Assault.
A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the Edison Police Department on May 29, 2018, in Middlesex County for aggravated assault and possession of a weapon and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On May 30, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released.
A 42-year-old citizen of Honduras was convicted of illegal entry on November 10, 2009, and removed. On June 12, 2017, she was arrested by the Woodbridge Police Department, in Middlesex County for shoplifting, and released. On March 11, 2018, she was again arrested for shoplifting, and released. On April 21, 2018, she was arrested for a third time for shoplifting, and booked into Middlesex County Jail. On April 21, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and she was released.
A 21-year-old citizen of Guatemala was arrested by the Green Brook Police Department on June 20, 2018, in Somerset County for driving under the influence of alcohol and by the Middlesex Police Department (later that same day) in Middlesex County, for burglary-entering structure, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and hindering oneself/ false information and was booked into Middlesex County Jail. On June 21, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored by Middlesex County Jail and he was released.
A 21-year-old citizen of Honduras was arrested by the New Brunswick Police Department on May 29, 2018, in Middlesex County for aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On May 29, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but he was released.
A 37-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the New Brunswick Police Department on November 25, 2017, in Middlesex County for driving without a license, and booked into the Middlesex County Correctional Facility in North Brunswick, NJ. On November 25, 2017, an ICE detainer was issued but he was released.
A 25-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic was arrested by the Perth Amboy Police Department on May 25, 2018, in Middlesex County for harassment, hindering, and obstruction, and was booked into Middlesex County Jail. On May 29, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released. He also has prior arrests for domestic violence and forgery.
A 27-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic was arrested by the Perth Amboy Police Department on January 25, 2018, in Middlesex County for aggravated assault – significant bodily injury to a victim of domestic violence, criminal restraint – hold victim, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On January 30, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released.
A 41-year-old citizen of Honduras was arrested by the New Brunswick Police Department on September 18, 2017, in Middlesex County for driving with a suspended license and was booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On September 18, 2017, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released. Subject has prior arrests for forgery.
A 29-year-old citizen of Mexico was arrested by the Perth Amboy Police Department on March 12, 2018, in Middlesex County for aggravated assault on law enforcement and possession of CDS/analog and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On March 13, 2018, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and she was released. She has prior arrests for assault by auto and DUI.
A 28-year-old citizen of Peru was arrested by the Union City Police Department in Union City, New Jersey on May 08, 2018, for simple assault and booked into the Hudson County Jail (HCJ). At the time of his release from HCJ, it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant for contempt from the Perth Amboy Police Department, in Middlesex County. He was transferred to the Middlesex County Jail on the warrant. On May 15, 2018, ICE issued a detainer to Middlesex County Jail but the detainer was not honored and he was released.
A 29-year-old citizen of El Salvador was arrested by the Carteret Police Department on September 1, 2017, in Middlesex County for Endangering-Abuse/Neglect of a Child and booked into the Middlesex County Jail. On September 5, 2017, ICE issued a detainer, but the detainer was not honored and he was released. After his release, he was arrested for DUI and subsequently convicted on March 15, 2018 for the same offense.
Those arrested will remain in ICE custody pending removal or immigration proceedings.
ICE is focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed, and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges.
For the first two quarters of Fiscal Year 2018, ICE arrests comprise over 66 percent convicted criminals. Of the remaining individuals not convicted of a crime, approximately 23 percent have either been charged with a crime, are immigration fugitives, or have been removed from the United States and illegally re-entered, reflecting the agency’s continued prioritization of its limited enforcement resources on aliens who pose threats to national security, public safety and border security.

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Judicial Watch Obtains IRS Documents Revealing McCain’s Subcommittee Staff Director Urged IRS to Engage in “Financially Ruinous” Targeting of Tea Party Groups

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McCain minority staff director Henry Kerner to IRS official Lois Lerner and other IRS officials: “the solution is to audit so many that it becomes financially ruinous”

July 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, Judicial Watch today released newly obtained internal IRS documents, including material revealing that Sen. John McCain’s former staff director and chief counsel on the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee, Henry Kerner, urged top IRS officials, including then-director of exempt organizations Lois Lerner, to “audit so many that it becomes financially ruinous.” Kerner was appointed by President Trump as Special Counsel for the United States Office of Special Counsel.

The explosive exchange was contained in notes taken by IRS employees at an April 30, 2013, meeting between Kerner, Lerner, and other high-ranking IRS officials. Just ten days following the meeting, former IRS director of exempt organizations Lois Lerner admitted that the IRS had a policy of improperly and deliberately delaying applications for tax-exempt status from conservative non-profit groups.
Lerner and other IRS officials met with select top staffers from the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee in a “marathon” meeting to discuss concerns raised by both Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) that the IRS was not reining in political advocacy groups in response to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. Senator McCain had been the chief sponsor of the McCain-Feingold Act and called the Citizens United decision, which overturned portions of the Act, one of the “worst decisions I have ever seen.”

In the full notes of an April 30 meeting, McCain’s high-ranking staffer Kerner recommends harassing non-profit groups until they are unable to continue operating. Kerner tells Lerner, Steve Miller, then chief of staff to IRS commissioner, Nikole Flax, and other IRS officials, “Maybe the solution is to audit so many that it is financially ruinous.” In response, Lerner responded that “it is her job to oversee it all:”
Henry Kerner asked how to get to the abuse of organizations claiming section 501 (c)(4) but designed to be primarily political. Lois Lerner said the system works, but not in real time. Henry Kerner noted that these organizations don’t disclose donors. Lois Lerner said that if they don’t meet the requirements, we can come in and revoke, but it doesn’t happen timely. Nan Marks said if the concern is that organizations engaging in this activity don’t disclose donors, then the system doesn’t work. Henry Kerner said that maybe the solution is to audit so many that it is financially ruinous. Nikole noted that we have budget constraints. Elise Bean suggested using the list of organizations that made independent expenditures. Lois Lerner said that it is her job to oversee it all, not just political campaign activity.

Judicial Watch previously reported on the 2013 meeting. Senator McCain then issued a statement decrying “false reports claiming that his office was somehow involved in IRS targeting of conservative groups.” The IRS previously blacked out the notes of the meeting but Judicial Watch found the notes among subsequent documents released by the agency.

Judicial Watch separately uncovered that Lerner was under significant pressure from both Democrats in Congress and the Obama DOJ and FBI to prosecute and jail the groups the IRS was already improperly targeting. In discussing pressure from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat-Rhode Island) to prosecute these “political groups,” Lerner admitted, “it is ALL about 501(c)(4) orgs and political activity.”
The April 30, 2013 meeting came just under two weeks prior to Lerner’s admission during an ABA meeting that the IRS had “inappropriately” targeted conservative groups. In her May 2013 answer to a planted question, in which she admitted to the “absolutely incorrect, insensitive, and inappropriate” targeting of Tea Party and conservative groups, Lerner suggested the IRS targeting occurred due to an “uptick” in 501 (c)(4) applications to the IRS but in actuality, there had been a decrease in such applications in 2010.

On May 14, 2013, a report by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration revealed: “Early in Calendar Year 2010, the IRS began using inappropriate criteria to identify organizations applying for tax-exempt status” (e.g., lists of past and future donors). The illegal IRS reviews continued “for more than 18 months” and “delayed processing of targeted groups’ applications” in advance of the 2012 presidential election.
All these documents were forced out of the IRS as a result of an October 2013 Judicial Watch Freedom of Information (FOIA) lawsuit filed against the IRS after it failed to respond adequately to four FOIA requests sent in May 2013 (Judicial Watch, Inc. v. Internal Revenue Service (No. 1:13-cv-01559)). Judicial Watch is seeking:

All records related to the number of applications received or related to communications between the IRS and members of the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate regarding the review process for organizations applying for tax exempt status under 501(c)(4);
All records concerning communications between the IRS and the Executive Branch or any other government agency regarding the review process for organizations applying for tax exempt status under 501(c)(4);
Copies of any questionnaires and all records related to the preparation of questionnaires sent to organizations applying for 501(c)(4) tax exempt status.
All records related to Lois Lerner’s communication with other IRS employees, as well as government or private entity outside the IRS regarding the review and approval process for 501 (c)(4) applicant organizations.
“The Obama IRS scandal is bipartisan – McCain and Democrats who wanted to regulate political speech lost at the Supreme Court, so they sought to use the IRS to harass innocent Americans,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “The Obama IRS scandal is not over – as Judicial Watch continues to uncover smoking gun documents that raise questions about how the Obama administration weaponized the IRS, the FEC, FBI, and DOJ to target the First Amendment rights of Americans.”

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Former New Jersey Teacher And Summer Camp Employee Admits Production Of Child Pornography

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July 17,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, A Morris County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in producing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Colin M. Skeele, 32, of Florham Park, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of producing child pornography. Skeele was previously arrested and charged by complaint on Aug. 4, 2016.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Skeele previously worked as a counselor at a boys’ summer camp in Hardwick, New Jersey, and as a teacher at parochial schools in Boonton, New Jersey, and Stirling, New Jersey.
In 2011, Skeele became Facebook friends with a boy that Skeele met while working as a counselor at a boys’ summer camp in Hardwick, New Jersey. In Facebook messages with the minor, Skeele offered to pay money for the minor to take sexually explicit photographs to send to Skeele. In one instance, Skeele paid the boy approximately $100 to send nude images of himself. Skeele later sent at least one pornographic image of that minor to another minor that had also attended the summer camp.

On multiple occasions in February 2012, Skeele communicated online with individuals located in the Philippines to purchase live child sexual abuse shows, which Skeele viewed via an online video chat service. Instant messages obtained during the investigation revealed that Skeele used an online fund transfer service to purchase live sexual abuse videos of young children.

Anyone with information regarding possible victims of this activity is urged to contact the Department of Homeland Security in Newark, New Jersey, at 973-776-5500.
The charge of producing child pornography to which Skeele pleaded guilty is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation that led to today’s guilty plea.

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
JULY 18, 2018
8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations : NONE

8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
9. Comments from the Ridgewood Board of Education on moving the School Board Election from November to April
10. Village Manager’s Report
11. Village Council Reports
12. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER : NONE
13. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER : NONE
14. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-212 THROUGH 18-213 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL.THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY: 18-212 Award Professional Services Contract – Eastside Reservoir Improvements 18-213 Award Contract – Linwood and Cedar Hill Wells.THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 18-214, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:18-214 Award Contract – Public Policy Consultant
15. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3653 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance
3654 – Establish Position of Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer
3655 – Establish Licensing of Sellers of E-Cigarettes
3656 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – No Left Turn – In and Out of Starbucks on Franklin Avenue
3657 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – No Turn on North Maple Avenue into Exit Driveway of 305 East Ridgewood Avenue (Jersey Mike’s)
3658 – Amend Ordinance – Enforcement for Dead/Dangerous Trees
3659 – Amend Outdoor Café Ordinance – Enforcement
3660 – Amend Parking Meter Rates and Times 3661 – Establish Residency Requirements for Civilian Positions
16. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3650 – Bond Ordinance – Hudson Street Parking Garage ($12 million)
3651 – 2018 NJDOT Grant – Hillcrest Road Capital Ordinance
3652 – 2018 NJDOT Grant – North Pleasant Avenue Capital Ordinance
17. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-215 THROUGH 18-237 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

18-215 Award Contract – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Fire Department (NTE $25,000)
18-216 Award Contract – Vegetative Management – The View at Crest Road (NTE $5,050)
18-217 Award Professional Services Contract – Meter Rates and Times for Funding for Hudson Street Parking Garage – Walker Consultants
18-218 Title 59 Approval – Snowplowing Services
18-219 Award Contract – Snowplowing Services (NTE $120,000)
18-220 Award Contract – Purchase of Compost Material
18-221 Title 59 Approval – Leaf Collection Services
18-222 Award Contract – Leaf Collection Services (NTE $92,240)
18-223 Title 59 Approval – Infra-red Asphalt Repair,Trench Patching and Misc. Curb & Sidewalk Repair
18-224 Award Contract – Infra-red Asphalt Repair, Trench Patching and Misc. Curb & Sidewalk Repair (NTE $150,000)
18-225 Title 59 Approval – Partial Roof Replacement – Village Hall
18-226 Award Contract – Partial Roof Replacement – Village Hall (NTE $122,650)
18-227 Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Contract – 2018 Utility Vehicle – Emergency Services (NTE $118,000)
18-228 Award Contract Under Sourcewell National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Self- Contained Compaction Unit – Recycling (NTE $35,000)
18-229 Award Contract Under National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance – Hot Box for Asphalt Repairs (NTE $44,200)
18-230 Amend Contract – Security System at Village Hall (NTE $) 18-231 Authorize Interim Health Officer Coverage Agreement with Borough of Fair Lawn
18-232 Authorize Release of Escrow Funds – Stop & Shop Supermarket
18-233 Establish Annual Service Charge and Payment for Guarantee Bond for Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation and Guaranty of Payment of Revenue Bonds
18-234 Authorize Tax Collector to Charge for Mailing of Tax Sale Notices
18-235 Authorize Village Manager to Execute Membership Agreements with Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance Cooperative Purchasing Program)
18-236 Approve Field Design for Schedler Park
18-237 Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Snowplowing (Bergen County)

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-238 THROUGH 18-239, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
18-238 Award Contract – Appraiser for Green Acres Diversion
18-239 Authorize School Board Elections to be Changed from November to April 18. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
19. Resolution to go into Closed Session
20. Closed Session
Potential Purchase of Property – Green Acres Diversion
21. Adjournment

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A Bergen County, Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Purchasing Live Webcam Shows of Child Sexual Abuse

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July 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wallington NJ, A Wallington, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for purchasing live child sex shows from individuals overseas, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Stephen Hallett, 67, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

Hallett purchased live child sex shows from individuals located in the Philippines. He admitted that on Feb. 4, 2015, he received a webcam transmission of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Hallett also admitted purchasing live webcam shows of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on dozens of occasions between 2013 and 2015.

In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Hallett to five years of supervised release and imposed a $5,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Alfonzo Walsman, Co-Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Public Protection Unit in Newark.

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National Ice Cream Day!

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July 15,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

Ridgewood NJ, to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Ice Cream by Mike will be offering a Buy One, Get One Half Off special, on Sunday, July 15, 2018,

Purchase any size cone, cup or shake at the regular price and get another for half price (of equal of lesser value). This special cannot be combined with any other offer, is limited to one per customer, and available while supplies last.

Ice Cream by Mike
(201) 343-4514
305 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451

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Mail-Order Drug Dealer Gets 21 Years

Ridgewood-_Post_office_theridgewoodblog

July 14,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced a 21-year prison sentence for the leader of a drug network that marketed cocaine and designer drugs online and distributed them through the mail. The defendant was indicted with 11 other alleged ring members and associates in an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice called “Operation Skin Deep.” He and the two other top members of the ring all pleaded guilty to first-degree charges and received lengthy prison sentences.

Christopher Castelluzzo, 33, of Lake Hopatcong, N.J., was sentenced to 21 years in prison, including nearly 18 years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in Atlantic County. Castelluzzo, who formed and led the criminal organization, pleaded guilty on May 24 to a first-degree charge of leader of a narcotics trafficking network.

Castelluzzo’s partner, Luke A. Atwell, 37, of Hamilton (Mercer County), N.J., who acted as managing partner of the drug ring, was sentenced on June 14 to 19 years in prison, including 16 years of parole ineligibility. Atwell pleaded guilty on April 27 to a first-degree charge of leader of a narcotics trafficking network. The third top ring member, Aldo T. Lapaix, 31, of Absecon, N.J., was sentenced by Judge DeLury on March 23 to 10 years in prison, including 8 ½ years of parole ineligibility. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2017 to first-degree charges of racketeering and distribution of cocaine. Lapaix helped procure drugs for the ring and handled the packaging and shipping of drugs.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Barile is prosecuting the defendants and handled the sentencing of Castelluzzo for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau.
Operation Skin Deep began when a detective of the Division of Criminal Justice identified individuals trafficking cocaine while monitoring the activities of white supremacist groups in Atlantic City. The investigation into cocaine sales in Atlantic City ultimately exposed a network that was using the internet to arrange mail-order sales of cocaine and designer drugs, including ethylone, which is known as “M” and is similar to ecstasy.
“The 21-year prison sentence we secured for the leader of this narcotics network demonstrates our resolve to protect the public and make drug traffickers pay for the misery they cause by fueling addiction and violence in our communities,” said Attorney General Grewal. “I commend the detectives and prosecutors who conducted this far-reaching investigation, which started with street-level dealers in Atlantic City and expanded to uncover a multi-million dollar criminal syndicate that used the internet to market its drugs.”

“These defendants tried to stay out of sight by using the internet and the mail to move their drugs, but our prosecutors and detectives exposed them and brought them to justice,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “This was a multi-million dollar criminal operation that we dismantled, as evidenced by the nearly $1.5 million seized in the course of the investigation.”
Castelluzzo, Atwell and Lapaix were indicted on March 3, 2016 along with nine other men, including seven other alleged ring members and two alleged associates. Six of those ring members have pleaded guilty and received or face prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years.

Another man charged in the indictment, Jose Ruvalcaba, 30, of Oxnard, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He is a tractor-trailer driver who was arrested by detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice in a parking lot off Union Turnpike in North Bergen, N.J., along with alleged ring member Shazad Khan, 34, of North Bergen. Detectives found approximately $1.2 million in cash in the trunk of Khan’s Infiniti, wrapped in bundles with duct tape. It was one of the largest cash seizures in New Jersey law enforcement history. Khan allegedly met Ruvalcaba so that Ruvalcaba could transport the cash as payment for cocaine. Khan pleaded guilty in June to first-degree money laundering and faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Castelluzzo was the primary leader who formed the enterprise. Atwell, as managing partner, was responsible for marketing the enterprise’s drugs on the internet, tracking and managing the gross receipts and expenses, dealing with customers, and keeping an inventory of the remaining drugs. Lapaix helped procure drugs for the ring to sell and handled the packaging and shipping of drugs. Atwell would send computer files to Lapaix containing lists of orders, including screen-names of customers, their addresses, and the amount and type of narcotics that each customer ordered. When Lapaix received the files, he and two men who worked under him would weigh out the drugs, package them, create tracking information, and mail each of the orders. Atwell would ensure all orders were properly filled. Lapaix obtained the supplies for packaging the orders and Atwell reimbursed him. Lapaix also engaged in street-level narcotics sales.

Search warrants executed at various locations yielded approximately a quarter of a million dollars in cash, diamond jewelry, gold bars, another quarter kilogram of cocaine, numerous rounds of ammunition, firearm silencers, cocaine testing, cutting and packaging materials, and related equipment.

Deputy Attorney General Barile is prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Acting Bureau Chief Andrew Johns, Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, and Assistant Attorney General Jill Mayer, Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. Former Deputy Attorney General Alyssa Schwab and Analyst Bethany Schussler assisted in the investigation for the Specialized Crimes Bureau. Deputy Attorney General Derek Miller and Analyst Debra Maiorano handled the civil forfeiture action.

The lead detectives for the Division of Criminal Justice were Detective Scott Caponi of the Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau and Detective Brian Christensen of the Specialized Crimes Bureau. They were assisted by Sgt. Mike Rasar and worked under the supervision of Deputy Chief of Detectives Christopher Donohue and Lt. Lisa Cawley. They received extensive assistance from detectives of the Gangs & Organized Crime and Specialized Crimes Bureaus, North, South, and Central Units. The New Jersey State Police Intelligence Section also provided valuable assistance. Other partners that were critical to the success of the investigation were the Atlantic City Task Force, Bayonne Police Department, Galloway Police Department, North Bergen Police Department, New York City Police Department, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and New Jersey National Guard.

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Ridgewood Schools Get More State Aid

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July 14,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Taking significant steps to begin the process of fully and fairly funding New Jersey school districts, the Murphy Administration today released new school funding distribution totals based on increased appropriations and modernizations made to the school funding formula. In total, almost $8.5 billion will be disbursed to the state’s 577 school districts, including an additional $68 million to bring aid in balance for underfunded districts.
“A stronger, fairer New Jersey means making sure that New Jersey’s schools are receiving the funds they need to advance academic excellence for our students,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “After years of neglect, we are turning the page to bring a balanced approach to school aid by removing the growth cap on funding increases and finally beginning the process of fully implementing the state’s school funding formula established in 2008. ”
Nearly every district in the state will receive at least 58 percent of the full uncapped aid as calculated according to the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA). Compared to FY 2018, an additional $351 million in K-12 school aid will be allocated to 391 districts. Another $32 million will be redistributed from 172 districts receiving more than their uncapped aid amounts to those districts that are underfunded.
“By providing additional resources to districts that have been significantly underfunded, this budget starts a path toward the Governor’s goal of a stronger and fairer school funding structure,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet.

The District and school funding totals can be found on the NJDOE’s State Aid Summaries webpage.https://nj.gov/education/stateaid/1819/

The Governor’s FY 2019 budget also includes the largest increase in preschool funding in more than a decade, totaling $688 million, $32.6 million over FY 2018 to support existing preschool programs. In addition, Governor Murphy’s commitment to expanding access to preschool includes a total of $50 million to fund high quality new preschool seats in districts ready to grow their programs.
Other education initiatives in the FY 2019 budget include:
$195 million in extraordinary special education aid that is provided through an application process to reimburse districts for eligible high-cost special education services;
$5.4 million for the nonpublic technology initiative, an increase of $2.4 million;
$2 million in funding for a new Secondary School Computer Science Education Initiative, which will be used to support approved applications for the expansion and support of advanced computer science course offerings;
$400,000 for STEM Dual Enrollment and Early College High Schools; and
$750,000 for a new High Poverty School District Minority Teacher Recruitment Program.

Dist District 2017-18 Total K-12 Aid  : Ridgewood Village 2,453,765
2018-19 Governor’s Budget Message (GBM) Total K-12 Aid  2,586,693 
2018-19 Approp. Act Revised Total K-12 Aid 3,477,429

Transportation Aid  620,535
Special Education Categorical Aid 2,409,152
Security Aid  447,742

2018-19 Approp. Act Revised Total K12 Aid2   3,477,429 
One Year K-12 Aid Difference 1,023,664
Aid Percent Difference 41.72% 

 

 

 

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Moving Away From PARCC in Jersey could take years

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July 12,2018

Carolee Adams from the  Stop Common Core in New Jersey.

Ridgewood NJ, Moving Away From PARCC in Jersey could take years.
From my perspective, the only positive of PARCC was that it mobilized the formerly silent majority of parents to actively voice their imperative opposition to the dumbing down of their children’s education; disrespect to parental rights; and at a huge, needless, wasteful cost to taxpayers.
Further, in my humble opinion, impediments like these continue to delay our desired move away from PARCC:
1. A Pearson contract already signed.
2. The less than cooperative pushback from NJ State Senator Theresa Ruiz (D), Chair, Senate Education Committee and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D). Why? Only a guess. Pearson Education is located in Hoboken – a Democratic stronghold. Hoboken would not want to risk losing one of its key, tax-paying corporations.
3. The unnecessary interference of FedEd via ESSA. Why do we even need the USDOE when NJ is a donor state sending far more money to DC/USDOE than we receive in return?!
At a roundtable discussion. our group’s suggestions were 2 tests in K-8 (i.e. 2nd or 3rd and 7th), and 1 test in the sophomore year of high school. Regarding tests, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills was the one most mentioned for K-8. ACT/SAT seemed less popular than ever before regarding high school testing. Fair Test is usually a good resource for test information.

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Eagle Scout project dedicates a historical sign at The Hopper – Zabriskie Family Cemetery in Ho-Ho-Kus

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photos courtesy of Joe Burns American Legion Post 53

July 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho-Ho-Kus  NJ, on June 27th the borough of Ho Ho Kus  dedicated a historical sign at The Hopper – Zabriskie Family Cemetery in Ho-Ho-Kus. Located on at the lower train station parking lot. This hidden historical treasure was an Eagle Scout project by Alex Melarti, with help from Stan Kober. The project included a major cleanup, repairs, painting, adding mulch and gravel paths, erosion prevention, plantings, a new bench and the historical sign.

Pictured here(L to R) John Hanlon, Planning Bd President, Council President Doug Troast, Stan Kober, Project Liason, Scout Alex Melarti, Councilman Steve Shell, Borough Admin. Bill Jones, Chief Chris Minchin, and Councilman Kevin Crossley – special thanks to long time resident Joe Burns American Legion Post 53 for the pictures.

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President Of New Jersey Clinical Laboratory And His Brother, A Senior Employee, Sentenced To Prison In $100m+ Test Referral/Bribery Scheme

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July 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEWARK, N.J. – The president of Parsippany, New Jersey-based Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services LLC (BLS) and his brother – a senior employee at the now-defunct company – were sentenced today to federal prison terms for their respective roles in a conspiracy in which millions of dollars in bribes were paid to physicians for blood sample referrals worth more than $100 million to the company, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
David Nicoll, 44, of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, was sentenced to 72 months in prison; Scott Nicoll, 37, of Wayne, New Jersey, was sentenced to 43 months in prison. Each defendant had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Federal Travel Act and one count of money laundering. Judge Chesler imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court.

Derek Michalski explained , “Two crooked New Jersey “entrepreneurs” doctors pocketed more than $100 million from Medicare. No wonder people of this country elected Donald Tump as President. These crimes were going on for over a decade but finally Trump’s DOJ shows some teeth and looks like it’s going after those parasites. It‘s about time….“David and Scott Nicoll admitted that BLS made substantially more than $100 million from Medicare and private insurance companies – just from bills related to blood specimens sent to BLS by bribed doctors.”

“Today, the president of a diagnostic lab company and his brother were sentenced for their leading roles in a scam that led to one of the largest ever prosecutions of medical professionals in a bribery case,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “Medical referrals from a doctor should be based on what’s in the patient’s best interest, not on how much money the doctor is offered in kickbacks. The number of doctors and medical professionals sent to prison in this case should make that message abundantly clear.”

The investigation has resulted in the convictions of 53 defendants – 38 of them of doctors – in connection with the bribery scheme, which its organizers have admitted involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to BLS from Medicare and various private insurance companies. It is believed to be the largest number of medical professionals ever prosecuted in a bribery case. The investigation has recovered more than $15 million through forfeiture. On June 28, 2016, BLS, which is no longer operational, pleaded guilty and was required to forfeit all of its assets.

“The FBI views health care fraud as a severe crime problem that impacts every American,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said. “Fraud and abuse take critical resources out of our health care system, and contribute to the rising cost of health care for everyone. Today’s sentencing of David Nicoll and his brother Scott Nicoll are the result of a multi-agency investigation into a complex health care fraud scheme, requiring substantial investigative resources. The FBI, with its law enforcement partners, will continue to allocate a significant amount of expert resources to investigate these crimes and prosecute all those that are intent in defrauding the American public.”
“These two individuals masterminded an elaborate health care fraud scheme based on nothing more than greed,” Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said. “We trust that the work with our law enforcement partners – especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, IRS, and Postal Inspection Service – will send a clear message and dissuade individual health ‘professionals’ from making such corrosive schemes possible.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 9, 2013, federal agents arrested BLS president and part owner, David Nicoll; Scott Nicoll, a senior BLS employee and others, who were charged by complaint with bribery conspiracy, along with the BLS company. The conspiracy made millions in illegal profits between 2006 and April of 2013. David and Scott Nicoll admitted that BLS made substantially more than $100 million from Medicare and private insurance companies – just from bills related to blood specimens sent to BLS by bribed doctors.
BLS paid doctors millions of dollars – in cash or under the guise of sham lease, service, and consulting agreements through an elaborate network of shell entities used for that purpose. The defendants also admitted that one component of the bribery scheme was to pay some doctors a fee per test to induce them to increase their ordering of certain tests.
“Health care fraud of this magnitude cannot be tolerated, and today’s sentencings are the direct result of the tremendous investigative skills of all the participating law enforcement agencies,” Bryant Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS – Criminal Investigation is proud to have been a part of this investigative team that helped to bring down and dismantle this massive health care conspiracy.”
“Throughout the course of this long-running investigation, Postal Inspectors, federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners have diligently worked to unravel this elaborate bribery conspiracy,” Acting Inspector in Charge Judy Ramos of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said. “Although, the final defendants in this matter face sentencing today, Postal Inspectors will continue to tirelessly investigate complex fraud schemes that target consumers and businesses through the U.S. Mail.”

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Chesler sentenced the Nicolls to one year of supervised release.

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THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA JULY 11, 2018

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file photo by Boyd Loving

THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
JULY 11, 2018
7:30 P.M.

1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Public Policy Consultant
2. Award Contract – Professional Services – Eastside Reservoir Improvements
3. Award Contract – Well Improvements – Linwood and Cedar Hill Wells
4. Purchase of Ridgewood Elks Club
b. Parking
1. Revisions to Valet Parking Ordinance
2. Overbrook Road Parking
3. Parking Meter Rates/Hours and Kiosks

c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Purchase of 2018 Utility Vehicle – Emergency Services
2. Amendments to Contract – Security System at Village Hall
3. Award Contract – Self-Contained Compaction Unit – Recycling Department
4. Award Contract – Snow Plowing Services
5. Award Contract – Sale of Compost
6. Award Contract – Leaf Collection Services
7. Award Contract – Asphalt Repair and Patch/Curb and Sidewalk Repairs
8. Release of Escrowed Funds – Stop & Shop Supermarket
9. Award Contract – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Fire Department
10. Award Contract – Hot Box Asphalt Repairs
11. Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation Pilot
12. Resolution for Costs of Mailing Tax Sale Notice
13. Award Contract – Partial Roof Replacement – Village Hall
14. Award Contract – Vegetative Management – Crest Road

d. Policy
1. Appoint Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer
2. Amend Ordinance on Outdoor Cafes – Enforcement
3. Proposed Zoning Amendments – Encroachment of Stairs, Front Yard Setback –District B2
4. Residency Requirement for Civilian Positions
5. Return School Board Election to April
6. Licensing Sellers of E-Cigarettes
7. Amendment to A-Frame Sign Ordinance to Allow Displays
e. Operation
1. National Cooperative Purchasing Agreements – Sourcewell
2. Schedler Field Design
3. Ordinance – No Left Turns on to Franklin – In/Out Starbucks
4. Do Not Enter Signs – Maple Exit at Jersey Mike’s
5. Amend Ordinance – Issuance of Notices on Dead Trees
6. Interim Health Officer Coverage
7. Review of July 18, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda
8. Manager’s Report
9. Council Reports
10. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
11. Closed Session
A. Legal – HealthBarn; The Town Garage; Ridgewood Water Lawsuit; COAH
B. Personnel – Emergency Medical Services
12. Adjournment

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Ridgewood Board of Education : Board Committees

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July 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Board of Education  has many “Board Committees” , here is a list of  committees  and committee responsibilities . 

Communications Committee
Discusses district communications policy and practice, including the district website, eNews, Newsline, staff communications, etc.
Members: Christina Krauss, Jennie Smith Wilson

Curriculum Committee
Acts as a forum to review current instructional materials and future options for updating those materials at all levels. Textbooks and other materials are discussed and examined for course relevance and appropriateness before being presented to the Board for approval.
Members: Sheila Brogan, Vince Loncto

Facilities Committee and Joint Review Committee
The Facilities Committee discusses issues relating to district buildings and fields, including capital projects, maintenance and repairs and construction. The Joint Review Committee reviews custodial and maintenance services in each of the district’s schools on a monthly basis. Goals and action plans for the custodial and maintenance services are established quarterly.
Members: Sheila Brogan, Christina Krauss

Finance Committee
Discusses issues relating to the funding of the district. Responsible for the initial presentation of the budget and continual monthly review of budget transfers for the current fiscal year.
Members: Vince Loncto, Jim Morgan

Policy Committee
Reviews, revises, and drafts district policy. The committee brings recommendations to add or change policies to the full Board for discussion and adoption. Board policy requires that new or revised policies have two readings before adoption.
Members: Jim Morgan, Jennie Smith Wilson

Federated Home and School Association *
Provides information about the Board and district to, and collects feedback from, the Home and School Associations’ presidents at their monthly meeting. To learn more about Federated HSA click here.
Liaison: Christina Krauss, Vince Loncto

Fields Committee
The Joint Village/Board Fields Committee manages the upkeep and scheduling of athletic field throughout the Village.
Member: Vince Loncto

Parks and Recreation
Comprised of select village employees and citizen volunteers appointed by the Village Council to address the recreational and open space needs and activities of the community, balancing recreational interests with environmental and financial issues.
Members: Jim Morgan

REAC – Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee
Assists the Village of Ridgewood with respect to environmental concerns by formulating, adopting, and implementing practices and policies which protect the environment, respect the ecosystem, promote sustainability, reduce climate change and support earth-friendly cost reductions within the municipality and the community at large.
Member: Jennie Smith Wilson

Safety
Member: Sheila Brogan

Ridgewood Education Foundation
The mission of the REF is to enhance the quality of education in the Ridgewood Public Schools. Since 1989 it has awarded more than $400,000 in grants for special projects created by forward-thinking teachers, parents, students and alumni(ae). The Board representative offers the perspective of the BOE by providing information, asking questions, and participating in discussions that assist in the final decisions about how to distribute funds raised. Click here for more information about the Ridgewood Education Foundation.

Representative: Jim Morgan

Ridgewood Academy for Health Professions (RAHP)
The Academy is a partnership between RHS, Valley Hospital and Bergen Community College.
Member: Sheila Brogan

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JOSEPH LABOSCO OF STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK CHARGED WITH 38 YEAR OLD MURDER

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July 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, Bergen County Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of JOSEPH LABOSCO (DOB: 12/12/1946; single; unemployed) of Staten Island, New York, today, July 9, 2018, on a charge of Murder after the case went cold for 38 years.

The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cold Case Homicide Unit, which is a collaboration with the New Jersey State Police under the direction of Acting Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

On October 1, 1980, the lifeless body of Wayne Eckhart (DOB: 01/24/1930; single; of Manhattan) was found in a remote area off Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey. An investigation revealed that Wayne Eckhart had been shot to death. After an extensive investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad and the Teaneck Police Department, no arrests were made and the case went cold for 38 years.

The newly formed Cold Case Homicide Unit reopened the case in 2018 and identified Joseph LABOSCO as one of the suspects. After multiple interviews with witnesses and the submission of evidence to the New Jersey State Police Forensic Laboratory, Joseph LABOSCO was charged, with one count of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a, a 1st degree crime. Joseph LABOSCO is in the custody of Manhattan Detention Center, a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York where he is serving a sentence for an unrelated crime.

Joseph LABOSCO’s first appearance in New Jersey has not been scheduled but will be announced once it is confirmed.

The other suspect was identified as George King (DOB: 7/24/1931) of New York, New York, who died on June 30, 2007.

Bergen County Acting Prosecutor Calo states that this charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Teaneck Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

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Phil Murphy Establishes New Jersey Ministry of Propaganda and funds State Sponsored Media

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July 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy signed a bill that would dedicate $5 million in government sponsored local news.

Under the ruse of ‘social justice”, the so-called “Civic Info Bill” was passed by the state legislature in June and will create the Civic Information Consortium, a nonprofit organization that gives grants to promote media in “underserved communities, low-income communities and communities of color.”

After all “people of color” need to be told what to think by the state , and state controlled media is the best tool of the propagandist.

Applicants apply for grants by proposing a “collaboration” between one of five public universities and a community organization, a media outlet, or a member of the state’s technology sector. The proposal must also “offer a clear benefit to communities.” Which means if it keeps people down , promotes victimization and echo Democrat talking points  it will be funded .

One goal of proposed grants should be to “better meet the information needs of low-income communities and racial and ethnic communities that have been undeserved by the media.” Meaning the central idea is to push “fake news” that promotes the fialed state agenda .

Which translates into too many “people of color” are starting to think for themselves and we can have that.

The state Democrats will of coarse have a large role in deciding who is eligible to receive such grants.

Under the bill the state would establish a Ministry of Propaganda a 13-person board of directors will be in charge of approving grants will have two appointees each from the governor and the legislature, as well as five picks from the universities. Those nine directors will, by majority vote, choose the last four members.

Some activist organizations that have expressed support for the bill include Action 21 Immigrants Rights Advocacy Group, LAP Latino Alliance for Progress, and the Latin American Democratic Association. Just one Republican member of the state legislature voted in favor of the bill.

The bill was extensively lobbied for by a group ironically named , Free Press? There is no such think as a government funded “free press”,   The organization’s goal of promoting “diversity in media ownership” and is co-founded by at least one progressive journalist. Free Press Action Fund launched a campaign in 2017 to pass an earlier version of the bill. Another words lets force New Jersey’s hapless taxpayer to pay for more failed  journalists jobs.