Former Employee Guilty of $17M Bank Fraud
The elaborate scheme involved falsifying accounts receivable to secure and misuse a substantial line of credit. In a significant legal development, Nitin Vats, a former employee of the defunct New Jersey-based company Lotus Exim International Inc. (LEI), has admitted to participating in a fraudulent scheme that resulted in a $17 million loss to a bank. This confession was made before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation led by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Read full storyMulti-Million Fraud & Fentanyl Ring: Guilty Pleas
The defendants admitted to exploiting pandemic relief programs and participating in illicit drug trafficking. In a significant federal case, two men from the Bronx, New York, have pleaded guilty to charges involving more than $25 million in fraudulently obtained COVID-19 unemployment benefits, with one of the defendants also admitting to involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the admissions, which stem from a complex multi-agency investigation.
Read full storyCOVID Relief Fraud: Trio Charged in $5M Scam
An elaborate plot to defraud federal pandemic relief programs results in multi-count indictments. Three individuals have been indicted on charges related to a complex scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $5 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The suspects are also accused of laundering the proceeds from these loans.
Read full storyWharton Resident Guilty of Child Pornography: Facing Significant Prison Time
Wharton resident faces significant prison time after admitting to possession and distribution of illicit content. In a disturbing revelation of child exploitation, Anselmo Girimonte, 53, from Wharton, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, following Girimonte's court appearance before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark.
Read full storyGang Members Face Life Sentence for Murder and Trafficking
Two members of a notorious Jersey City gang face life imprisonment under a sweeping indictment. In a significant crackdown on gang violence and organized crime, the U.S. Attorney's Office has announced the indictment of two Jersey City gang members, Kenneth Harrigan and Darion Canary, under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Both men are accused of participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, shootings, and extensive narcotics distribution.
Read full storyNJ Cracks Down on Housing Discrimination Against Section 8 Voucher Holders
State officials announce enforcement actions against landlords and real estate agents in ten cases of suspected discrimination. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) have declared the issuance of Findings of Probable Cause in ten cases involving alleged discrimination by landlords and real estate agents under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). These cases, initiated by the Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), a non-profit watchdog, focus on discrimination against individuals intending to use Section 8 vouchers for rent payments.
Read full storyNorth Jersey ER Doctor's License Permanently Revoked After Patient's Death
SUMMIT, NJ - In a significant development concerning medical oversight, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Shar Kennett, an emergency room doctor based in Wayne, New Jersey. This decision comes in response to her alleged involvement in the death of a 20-year-old patient at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, in 2017.
Read full storyNJ's Job Growth Continues: 13.8K New Jobs, 4.8% Unemployment
New Jersey's employment landscape sees an uptick with 13,800 new jobs, maintaining a steady unemployment rate at 4.8 percent. In a promising development for New Jersey's economy, total nonfarm employment increased by 13,800 jobs in March, reaching a seasonally adjusted total of 4,386,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' preliminary estimates. The state's unemployment rate remained stable at 4.8 percent.
Read full storyBoosting Disability Transition: NJ Invests $9.6M
A significant financial boost aims to enhance vocational and independent living skills for young adults with disabilities. Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Kevin Dehmer have unveiled a substantial $9.6 million in grants designated for programs that support 18 to 21-year-old students with disabilities transitioning from school to adult life. This initiative, termed the Maximizing Post-School Outcomes for Students with Disabilities Grant, targets those with significant special needs across seven county special services school districts (CSSSDs).
Read full story$19M Cleanup Plan for Newark's Riverside Superfund Site
NEWARK, NJ — A landmark environmental cleanup plan has been proposed for the Riverside Industrial Park Superfund Site on the Passaic River's banks, with PPG Industries, Inc. set to finance and perform cleanup operations totaling nearly $19 million. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of New Jersey outlined the agreement that includes a $15.8 million cleanup effort and a reimbursement of $2.9 million for past EPA expenditures.
Read full storyClifton Man Arrested for Child Luring and Sexual Assault in Boonton Township
Morris County law enforcement officials report the arrest of a 41-year-old man on multiple charges including luring and attempted aggravated sexual assault of minors. BOONTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Clifton resident, Brian Stewart, 41, has been arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses stemming from his alleged interactions with two children. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Boonton Township Police Chief Thomas L. Cacciabeve announced the charges, which include luring, attempted aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Read full storyEmergency Construction and Lane Closures Across Morris County
MORRISTOWN, NJ — As of this morning, motorists across Morris County are facing multiple lane closures and potential delays due to a series of ongoing construction projects on several major roadways. The closures, which impact US 46, Interstate 80 (I-80), NJ 23, NJ 124, and US 202, are due to both emergency and scheduled construction work, causing significant traffic management changes until late afternoon.
Read full storyPreventing Bear Encounters: NJ Distributes Free Bear-Resistant Trash Bins
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is launching proactive steps to mitigate bear-human encounters this spring as black bears end their hibernation. Residents in areas prone to bear activity are urged to secure food sources and trash, which can attract bears into neighborhoods, increasing the risk of encounters.
Read full storyLocal Man Receives 50-Year Sentence for Violent Robbery and Witness Tampering
MORRISTOWN, NJ - In a notable legal conclusion, Melvin Banks, a 37-year-old Somerset resident, has been sentenced to a total of 50 years in New Jersey State Prison for his involvement in the armed robbery of a high-end luxury car rental service and for tampering with a witness. This sentencing was handed down by the Honorable Claudia Jones, JSC, on April 12, 2024, and mandates that Banks serve at least 25.5 years before he is eligible for parole.
Read full storyTraffic Delays Expected: Construction on Route 4 and Van Nostrand Ave.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced a series of lane closures on Route 4 and Van Nostrand Avenue in Englewood, Bergen County, this week due to ongoing construction projects. The closures are part of the $20.7 million federally funded Jones Road Bridge Replacement Project and traffic signal installation at Van Nostrand Avenue.
Read full storyNJ Proposes Stricter Sexual Misconduct Laws in Medical Settings
MORRISTOWN, NJ — In an ongoing effort to safeguard patients from sexual misconduct in medical environments, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, together with the Division of Consumer Affairs, announced today a set of proposed regulatory amendments aimed at enhancing protections during medical examinations. These rules, now open for public comment, focus on increasing transparency and accountability in the medical profession.
Read full storyArmy Counselor Guilty of Defrauding Gold Star Families
MONMOUTH COUNTY — Caz Craffy, a 41-year-old U.S. Army financial counselor and major in the U.S. Army Reserves from Colts Neck, New Jersey, has admitted to a series of fraud-related charges, including deceiving Gold Star families, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Read full storyGang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Faces Life in Prison
NEWARK, NJ — In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, Elijah Williams, a 24-year-old known gang member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, has pled guilty to charges of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Read full storyTraffic Chaos in Morris County: Roadwork and Tractor Trailer Incident
MORRISTOWN, NJ — Motorists in Morris County are facing a challenging day on the roads due to a series of construction projects and an emergency incident involving a jack-knifed tractor trailer. The incidents, impacting several major roadways, are causing significant traffic delays and require drivers to seek alternative routes.
Read full storyNJ Cardiologist Pleads Guilty to $1.9M Fraud
NEW JERSEY — Dr. Fazal Panezai, a cardiologist based in Matawan, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to charges of health care fraud after admitting his role in a scheme that defrauded health insurance companies of more than $1.9 million. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the guilty plea, which was entered before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court.
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