On February 22, 2024, Nicole Graves-Watson, ECPO Community Relations Specialist, was one of the honorees during this year’s public safety awards presented by the Peace Islands Institute.  Nicole was the only woman honoree and only recipient from Essex County.  Additional honorees included representatives from Union County EMS, Paterson Police Department, Paterson Fire Department, NJ State Police and the FBI Newark Field Office.

For more details please visit – https://njecpo.org/community-programs/

“Sanctuary”

A Domestic Violence Response Initiative

An Outreach Program of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of

Victim-Witness Advocacy

What is “Sanctuary”?

Sanctuary is an intensive, interactive 100-hour training program designed to equip community residents to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to domestic violence related assault, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, property crime victims, as well as survivors of domestic violence-related homicide victims.  The course is presented in two formats: basic and advanced.  Upon completion of both the basic and advance courses, volunteers who are members of local churches, mosques, synagogues, municipal police departments and their response teams, social service and emergency agencies, fraternal organizations, and other allied organizations located in greater Essex County will be able to provide immediate, culturally sensitive outreach to domestic violence victims-survivors and their families within a 24-72 hour period.

Course Topics Include:

BASIC COURSE TOPICS: the nature of catastrophe, assisting underserved victim populations (part I), crisis intervention and crisis counseling, the spiritual dimension of trauma, cultural aspects of criminal victimization, crime victim/legal advocacy, effective communication skills and supportive services, safety planning and threat assessment (part I), ethics and professionalism, value clarification, the effects of trauma on an individual’s developmental stages, the intersection of substance abuse, mental health, and victimization, trauma assessment, local area resources and networks, and the criminal and family court processes.  ADVANCED COURSE TOPICS: emerging trends in crime victim advocacy, trauma informed care, trauma bonding, captivity theory, and the science of attraction, the politics of power in intimate relationships, ritualistic abuse, primary aggressor, the topology of battering behavior, social aggression and the bystander effect, the use of technology as a means to stalk and terrorize, intimate partner violence-related workplace violence, working with the media, assisting underserved victim populations (part II), safety planning and threat assessment (part II) and vicarious trauma, spirituality and self-care. 

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and nine Police Departments in the western part of the county have formed an Anti-Crime Task Force.

The anti-crime partnership will allow police officers from Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell and Livingston to work together combating crimes that go beyond established geographical borders such as burglaries, car thefts and other quality of life issues that affect the residents of each of the nine towns. The partnership will focus on deterrence, education and detection. The officers assigned will participate in safety checkpoints throughout the partnership towns in addition to increased cooperative patrols.

“One of the most effective ways of extending the reach of law enforcement is by sharing information and personnel,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Stephens. “Criminals do not recognize borders particularly when it comes to property crimes. By working together, we can identity patterns that we hope will enable us to solve crimes quicker and disrupt criminal crews that may be working in multiple communities.’’

North Caldwell Police Chief Mark A. Deuer, the President of the West Essex Chiefs’ Association, said, “The local police chiefs all saw a need to help each other combat auto thefts and burglaries in the area. Although we have always had a great working relationship with each other, this new unit brings us all together as one team with one mission. With the full support of the Essex County Prosecutors Office we are sure this new initiative will be a success.”

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that the charges are being dismissed against nine cast and crew members of the reality television show “Staten Island Hustle.” As part of an episode of the show, the men tried to bring a device — originally misinterpreted as being a bomb — through the x-ray screening at Newark Liberty International Airport.

On Jan. 18, the following individuals were charged with creating a false alarm, conspiracy to create a false public alarm and interfering with public transportation for putting through the screening system at Newark Liberty International Airport a device that appeared to be suspicious. It has since been determined that the device was not a destructive device but a makeshift luggage shrinking device designed by characters starring in a reality television show.

Consequently, all charges will be dismissed against all nine defendants.

• Ronald Montano, 44, of Staten Island, New York
• Samuel Micah Berns, 39, of Hollywood, California
• Jacob M. Towsley, 34, of Portageville, New York
• Michael L. Palmer, 51, Staten Island, New York
• William Oaks, 36, of Brooklyn, New York
• Philip K. Nakagami, 26, of Jersey City
• Carlos F. Gonzalez, 33, of Queens, New York
• Timothy S. Duffy, 34, of Sparta, NJ
• Adolfo Lacola, 51, of Staten Island, New York

“The conduct engaged in by these individuals was ill-advised, and demonstrated extremely poor judgment in this age of heightened security awareness, but it does not rise to the level of a knowing violation of the criminal laws of the State of New Jersey,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph A. Giordano, who handled the case, the incident which led to their arrests occurred on Jan. 18 of this year. Ronald Montano entered the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal C, and placed for x-ray screening a suitcase containing a black Bissell vacuum cleaner motor with connecting half inch PVC pipes, a metal connector and a power cord. Adolfo Lacola was with Montano. Both men had boarding passes for a flight to Boston. Samuel Berns, the producer of the show, was behind the checkpoint when Montano went through. They were filming the incident with a cellphone.

Eventually, TSA bomb techs cleared the bag but all nine men were charged.
Michael Palmer, Timothy Duffy, Philip Nakagami, Carlos Gonzalez, were all apprehended right outside of the checkpoint awaiting the exit of Montano.

William Oaks, the alleged mastermind behind the idea to have Montano walk through TSA checkpoint, arrived later. Berns said that they were affiliated with CNBC but could not immediately provide any media credentials. They all arrived in a Blue Nissan Armada parked at the airport. The vehicle was located and the driver, Jacob Towsley, was arrested.

“From our perspective, TSA officials did exactly what they are supposed to do. They discretely stopped Montano and inspected his luggage and concluded that the device was possibly an explosive and called for help which led to the arrests,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.

But as we investigated the case, we learned the device was not an explosive, said Acting Prosecutor Laurino. Moreover, the defendants, through their lawyers, claimed they believed they were permitted to bring this onto the plane based on their independent research and past company practice.

“As tempting as it is to use this case to make a public example of what NOT to do, based on all the facts and circumstances, we concluded that the charges had to be dismissed because they did not knowingly create a false public alarm, as required by the statute. Fortunately, the airport was not evacuated. No planes were grounded. No action was taken that disrupted the flow of actively at the airport that day,’’ said Prosecutor Laurino. “These individuals could face civil penalties but we have concluded they will not face a criminal prosecution in state court in New Jersey.”

“Every case has to be judged on its unique set of facts,” added Prosecutor Laurino. “Anyone who does intentionally seek to disrupt or cause harm to the commuting public should be forewarned that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Acting Essex County Prosecutor: Threats Against Schools Are a Serious Crime

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino issued a warning today to juveniles and others tempted to threaten schools on social media.

In the wake of the shooting in Florida, Essex County has had three incidents of teens, ranging in age from 13 years old to 18 years old, making threats against schools.

“These copycat incidents are serious crimes and those who engage in this kind of criminal conduct face serious consequences,’’ said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Laurino.

“We want to make it clear to young people who think this is a joke or a prank, that they will be prosecuted for this behavior,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.
In the last few days there has been a considerable spike in incidents.
Michael Schmitt, 18, of West Caldwell has been charged with false public alarm after he allegedly posted a threat against Caldwell High School on social media on Saturday.
On Feb. 16, two days after the Valentine’s Day shooting in Florida, Joseph Rafanello, 18, of Nutley was also charged with false public alarm after an incident closed the Nutley High School.
A 13-year-old from Madison and 14-year-old from Nutley were also charged with causing a false public alarm for making a threat against Abundant Life Academy, a private Pre-K to 12th-grade school in Nutley. One of the juveniles was a current student the other was a former student at the school.

Rafanello and Schmitt remain in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. Rafanello is scheduled to have a detention hearing tomorrow. Schmitt’s detention hearing is scheduled for March 1. Both hearings are scheduled before the Honorable Peter Ryan, Judge of the Superior Court.

Newark—Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today high school juniors, interested in law enforcement, are urged to apply for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office annual summer internship program.

This five-week program is designed to expose high school students to careers in law, law enforcement and government. The summer internship program will run from July 5, 2018 through August 3, 2018 for students completing their junior year in June 2018. Interns must be Essex County residents.

During this unique internship program, interns will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that includes: learning about the role and function of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office; participating in New Jersey State Trooper Youth Week, participating in a mock trial; touring various law enforcement agencies and learning about local government. Throughout the summer internship program, interns will also participate in cultural events and attend workshops that focus on career readiness and making positive choices.

Applications for the summer internship program can be found on the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office website at www.njecpo.org under Community Programs. The application deadline is March 9, 2018. For further information, you may contact Nicole Graves-Watson, Community Justice Coordinator, at (973) 621-4317 or via email at nicole.graves@njecpo.org.

Parents should avoid sleeping with very young children and make sure they have cribs or bassinets.

“In a 40-hour period there were three baby deaths in Essex County. We are awaiting final autopsy results in each case to determine the cause and manner of death but given what we know right now we are urging parents to take simple steps to protect their children,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following basic steps can make a big difference:

Make sure the baby is sleeping on his or her back and sleeping alone.

Keep blankets, stuffed animals and other items away from the sleeping area.

Make sure the baby is on a firm surface.

Bring the baby into your bedroom, but not into your bed.

“Babies who sleep in the bed with the parents are at increased risk for SIDs and SUDs, suffocation or strangulations. Parents or siblings may accidentally roll over on the baby,’’ Acting Prosecutor Laurino said, noting three incidents that do not appear to be criminal but are very troubling.

On Monday Sept. 26, a 26-day old baby died in Belleville. At this time, the death appears to be a medical incident.

On Sat. Sept. 23, an 11-day old baby died in East Orange. In the East Orange case the parents reported that the baby was in the bed with them. Both parents fell asleep and when they woke up the baby was unresponsive. The baby boy was rushed to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. There are two other children in the family.

The third case also occurred on Sat. Sept. 23. In that case, Newark Police responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive female infant. The mother was actively performing CPR when they arrived. The girl baby was pronounced at Newark Beth Israel.

The preliminary investigation indicates the mother put the baby on a futon after feeding the child. When she woke up the baby was on the futon with an older sibling, a two-year old daughter. It’s unclear at this time when the two-year-old climbed onto the futon.

Final autopsy results, particularly toxicology results, have not be completed. The preliminary autopsies indicate these children were not the victims of trauma.

“While the investigations in all three cases remain open, we felt it was important to remind parents of the dangers of sleeping with infants or keeping infants on sofas surfaces.

We further wanted to remind parents that there are resources in the community to obtain cribs and bassinets which are designed for young infants,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.

The goal of the summit was to foster communication between first responders and school administrators.

“In the wake of the mass murder at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut and similar tragedies across the country, New Jersey has been working to make sure that every school has plans in place to deal with a similar crisis,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Murray.

Among other things, conference speakers discussed the importance of drills, particularly during inconvenient times such as recess or closing time; making sure local police departments have building plans for all schools in the district; proper training of all staff, including custodians and cafeteria personnel; and effective communication with parents and other partners who might be needed in the event of crisis.

“We can only do our best to be prepared, so that we can act swiftly and effectively in the face of an emergent threat, and avoid the panic and confusion that can make a very bad situation worse,” said Acting Attorney General Hoffman. “For the sake of New Jersey’s children, we must always treat school security as a continuum. Complacency is not an option.”
The summit focused on public schools, charter schools and other school facilities.

In 2006, New Jersey established the Governor’s K-12 School Security Task Force to address issues relating to how agencies could work more collaboratively to ensure school safety. New Jersey is ahead of many other states when it comes to these issues. In fact, New Jersey was the first state in the nation to require districts to have regular lock down drills.

After Sandy Hook, 11 other states began requiring lock down drills. New Jersey and Arizona are the only two states that provide specific requirements regarding what should be included in those drills.

“The Essex county school safety and security mini-conference is one of the pillars of the state’s Safer Schools for a Better Tomorrow initiative. This platform provides strategic information to ensure that educational leaders and local law enforcement are partnering at all levels of the prevention, planning, response and recovery process. Consequently, having our education and emergency responders communities aligned is critical to creating and maintaining safe school environments,’’ said Anthony Bland, state coordinator of the Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning.

Others speakers included: Edward Dickson, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Jacquelyn Leon of the New Jersey Department of Education; Christopher Lynam of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security Preparedness and Interim Essex County Executive Superintendent Joseph Zarra.

Entitled: “Learning to Succeed to Reach Your Goals!” the purpose of the summit is to engage middle school students in a one day program on the consequences of negative behavior and help them to make positive choices. This invitation only youth conference will be held at the Student Center and Werner Hall of Caldwell College, located at 120 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.

The students will experience a variety of speakers and breakout discussions groups.

The breakout sessions will include:

1) Critical Thinking for Today’s Youth: This interactive workshop will engage students in a series of critical thinking exercises to teach them how to make sound decisions. This workshop will also feature a panel of high school students to provide younger students with tips on how to succeed in high school and beyond.

2) Etiquette Skills for the 21st Century: This workshop will provide students with the tools necessary to make a great and lasting impression.

3) Being Safe in Cyberspace: This workshop will make students aware of the dangers of online predators and ways to keep safe on the Internet.

4) Drug & Alcohol Free is Where It Needs to Be: This workshop will educate students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

5) Don’t Shoot: I Want to Grow Up: This is a workshop that will offer students the realities and dangers of gangs and gun violence.

6) How to Think & Act Like An Entrepreneur: This interactive workshop will challenge students to think and behave like an entrepreneur. Students will learn how to create their own company and imagine that anything is possible.

7) A Healthy You: This workshop will provide students with the tools to build a healthy and positive relationship with their bodies, gain confidence and raise self esteem.

Major funding for this activity is provided by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. For additional information you may contact Nicole Graves-Watson, Community Justice Coordinator at (973) 621-4317 or (973) 699-4622.