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Franklin, NJ

North Jersey Man, 65, Admits Sharing Horrific Child Sex Videos, Including One Of Girl Under 5 North Jersey Man, 65, Admits Sharing Horrific Child Sex Videos, Including One Of Girl Under 5
North Jersey Man, 65, Admits Sharing Horrific Child Sex Videos, Including One Of Girl Under 5 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A video of a girl believed to be 3 to 5 years old astride a shirtless, bearded tattooed man was among the evidence that apparently convinced a North Jersey retiree to plead guilty in federal court to trafficking child pornography, records show. The clip was among 65 videos and 250 images that Gaetano Lapegna, 65, had collected of "prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts with adults and other children," an agent with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Newark cited in a complaint. Lapegna, of Sussex County, shared many of them with what turned out to be HSI agents, the complai…
Snow Squalls Possible Sunday, Fierce Winds Knock Power To Hundreds Of NJ Residents Snow Squalls Possible Sunday, Fierce Winds Knock Power To Hundreds Of NJ Residents
Snow Squalls Possible Sunday, Fierce Winds Knock Power To Hundreds Of NJ Residents Quick and intense bursts of snow are possible on Sunday, Jan. 14 across New Jersey, not great news for hundreds of residents still in the dark or dealing with flooding from the latest storms. Parts of Morris and Hunterdon counties are at greatest risk of snow squalls on Sunday, the National Weather Service says. Wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph were possible. ⚠️❄️🌬️ There is potential for snow squalls from Sunday morning into the early afternoon. Remember, there is no safe... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Saturday, January 13, 2024 In Morris Coun…
Support Pours In For Family Of Devoted Sussex County Dad Killed In Crash At 41: ‘True Warrior’ Support Pours In For Family Of Devoted Sussex County Dad Killed In Crash At 41: ‘True Warrior’
Support Pours In For Family Of Devoted Sussex County Dad Killed In Crash At 41: ‘True Warrior’ Support is on the rise for the family of a devoted Sussex County dad killed in a tragic crash at 41. Ryan C. Rhinesmith died in the crash on Friday, Nov. 3, his obituary says. Born in Pequannock, Ryan was raised in Lincoln Park and Brick Town, spending time in Montville before settling in Sussex County about 15 years ago. He worked as a groundsman for Wyatt & Son Tree Service in West Milford and loved to spend time in the great outdoors with activities like four-wheeling and fishing. Ryan was a member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Franklin and was incredibly passionate abou…
Sussex County Man Gets 6-Year Sentence For Burglary, Theft, Evidence Tampering: Prosecutor Sussex County Man Gets 6-Year Sentence For Burglary, Theft, Evidence Tampering: Prosecutor
Sussex County Man Gets 6-Year Sentence For Burglary, Theft, Evidence Tampering: Prosecutor A Sussex County man was sentenced to six years behind bars for burglary, theft, evidence tampering, and other offenses, authorities announced. Richard J. Dobrowolski, 44, of Vernon, was sentenced to six years in state prison for burglary and theft based on an incident that occurred in Vernon on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said. Dobrowolski also received a three-year sentence for possession of drugs and tampering with evidence based on a Wednesday, March 17, 2021 incident, as well as a three-year sentence for theft based on incidents that occurr…
'Never Failed To Bring A Smile To Your Face:' Sussex County Dad Kitch Ziegler Dies, 45 'Never Failed To Bring A Smile To Your Face:' Sussex County Dad Kitch Ziegler Dies, 45
'Never Failed To Bring A Smile To Your Face:' Sussex County Dad Kitch Ziegler Dies, 45 Tributes are hitting social media for Franklin dad and hardworking contractor Kristian “Kitch” Weldon Ziegler, who died on Monday, June 19 aged 45. Kitch graduated from  Wallkill Valley Regional High School Class of 1996 and maintained close friendships with many of his classmates throughout the years, his obituary says. He was described as a “well-known, hardworking, and gifted contractor” who “would share his time and talent with everyone he knew.” Meanwhile, Kitch loved testing his culinary skills and made a particularly special pasta salad. He was also well-known for donning Hawaiian…
Walmart Staff Shot By Imitation Firearm, Gunman Charged In Sussex County: Police Walmart Staff Shot By Imitation Firearm, Gunman Charged In Sussex County: Police
Walmart Staff Shot By Imitation Firearm, Gunman Charged In Sussex County: Police A local man was charged with aggravated assault and other offenses after shooting projectiles from an imitation firearm at staff members and customers at a Sussex County Walmart, authorities said. Nicholas G. Sacerdote, 18, is accused of running through the Franklin store and shooting customers and staff members with “gel-like projectiles” from an imitation firearm, borough police said in a Monday, April 10 release. The incident, which hurt one staff member, occurred just after 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 21, the release said. Sacerdote was charged with aggravated assault with an imitation …
Federal Agents Seize Sussex County Man In Online Child Porn Sting Federal Agents Seize Sussex County Man In Online Child Porn Sting
Federal Agents Seize Sussex County Man In Online Child Porn Sting U.S. Homeland Security agents seized a Sussex County man who they said shared hundreds of child pornography videos and still images with an undercover investigator. Gaetano Lapegna, 64, was arrested after a warranted search of his Franklin home turned up two videos and 100 other images, Homeland Security Investigations' Newark Special-Agent-In-Charge Ricky J. Patel and U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said in a joint announcement. A federal magistrate judge in Newark released Lapegna, formerly of Maine, on $100,000 unsecured bond pending trial on distribution of child pornog…
Sussex County Native Kristen Wargacki Dies, 36 Sussex County Native Kristen Wargacki Dies, 36
Sussex County Native Kristen Wargacki Dies, 36 Sussex County native Kristen Wargackie died on Sunday, Feb. 26. She was 36 years old. A Vernon native, Kristen worked at ShopRite in Franklin for many years and at the Mixing Bowl Restaurant, where she amassed countless friends, according to her obituary. She had been living in Warwick, NY at the time of her death, her obituary says. Services were private. Click here for Kristen Wargacki's complete obituary from the Pinkel Funeral Home.
Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail
Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail A disgraced former police officer who'd served time for threatening to kill his then-wife more than 10 years ago was found hanged in his cell at the Bergen County Jail over the weekend, authorities confirmed. Keith C. Reilly, 42, was pronounced dead from suicide at Hackensack University Medical Center at 5:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Sheriff Anthony Cureton said. Officers assigned to the secure housing unit were conducting routine checks when they found Reilly suspended from the HVAC system by a bedsheet, the sheriff said. He'd strangled himself, Cureton said, adding that an investigation was…
Paterson Firefighter Clinging To Life After Motorcycle Crash Paterson Firefighter Clinging To Life After Motorcycle Crash
Paterson Firefighter Clinging To Life After Motorcycle Crash A Paterson firefighter was critically injured in a motorcycle crash on the way to work, colleagues said. Initial details were sketchy. Responders said the firefighter was airlifted to St. Joseph's University Medical Center, where a huge contingent of colleagues were gathered Wednesday morning, Sept. 21. The chief of the department and a battalion chief were among them. The crash apparently happened on Route 23 in Franklin, NJ (Sussex County), a little over a half-hour's ride northwest of the city. CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck A 43-year-old motorcyclist from Bridgewater was killed in a crash with a pickup truck, authorities confirmed. Luis Ruiz was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson northbound on Canal Road near Elm Street in Franklin when he collided with a 2019 Ford F250 pickup truck heading southbound around 8:25 p.m. on Monday, June 6, township police said. Ruiz was treated at the scene before being taken to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m. Princeton resident Octaviano Chavez, 56, was behind the wheel of the truck, which was towing an enclosed trailer, authorities said. Canal …
DRUG RAID: Heroin, Ecstasy, Illegal Gun Seized, 2-Year-Old Found, Nine Adults Busted In Mahwah DRUG RAID: Heroin, Ecstasy, Illegal Gun Seized, 2-Year-Old Found, Nine Adults Busted In Mahwah
Drug Raid: Heroin, Ecstasy, Illegal Gun Seized, 2-Year-Old Found, Nine Adults Busted In Mahwah Noticeable numbers of people going in and out of a single-family home at all hours in a quiet Mahwah neighborhood were bound to draw attention, particularly since a repeat offender arrested a year ago on gun charges lives there. Police who subsequently raided the 2½ -story home in the township’s Fardale section Tuesday night ended up arresting him and eight other people. Members of the strike force found more than two ounces of heroin – the equivalent of nearly 600 folds of the drug -- along with nearly a pound of pot, some Ecstasy and a 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine, Capt. Guid…
Crews Douse 2-Alarm Blaze In Sussex County (PHOTOS) Crews Douse 2-Alarm Blaze In Sussex County (PHOTOS)
Crews Douse 2-Alarm Blaze In Sussex County (Photos) Fire crews made quick work of a blaze that broke out in the basement of a Sussex County home Thursday evening. The fire was reported at 160 Mountain Rd. in Hardyston around 4:40 p.m., the local volunteer fire department said. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke and determined that an electrical fire was coming from the basement. Fire departments in Franklin, Hamburg, McAfee, Vernon, and Sussex worked together to fully extinguish the blaze with no injuries reported. “A great team effort between our department and our mutual aid departments made this a huge success,” said the Har…
GUILTY: Woman Admits Stealing Funds While Treasurer Of Sussex County Youth Program GUILTY: Woman Admits Stealing Funds While Treasurer Of Sussex County Youth Program
Guilty: Woman Admits Stealing Funds While Treasurer Of Sussex County Youth Program A Sussex County woman admitted in court Monday to stealing youth group funds while serving as its treasurer, authorities said. Justine Lynn, 44, pled guilty to theft at the Sussex County Courtroom in Newton, Prosecutor Francis A. Koch said. Lynn, of Franklin, stole between $500 and $75,000 from Wallkill Valley Junior Football and Cheerleading Inc. while serving as its treasurer in Hardyston Township between Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, and Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, Koch said. Lynn is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, April 22. Lynn was represented by Martin Morrison, Esq., while the st…
Sussex County Man Stole $100s In Electronics From Local Walmart, Police Say Sussex County Man Stole $100s In Electronics From Local Walmart, Police Say
Sussex County Man Stole $100s In Electronics From Local Walmart, Police Say A Sussex County man was caught stealing hundreds of dollars’ worth of electronics from a local Walmart, police said. Daniel Baker, 32, stole “several hundred dollars’ worth of electronics merchandise” from Walmart in Franklin on Tuesday, Feb. 8, Franklin Borough Police said in a Thursday release. Baker, of Franklin, was also found with a controlled dangerous substance at the time of his arrest, authorities said. Baker was charged with shoplifting and possession of CDS. He was released in accordance with the NJ Bail Reform Act and is scheduled to appear in court.
NJ Chiropractor Stabs Wife, Shoots Himself In Murder-Suicide: Prosecutor NJ Chiropractor Stabs Wife, Shoots Himself In Murder-Suicide: Prosecutor
NJ Chiropractor Stabs Wife, Shoots Himself In Murder-Suicide: Prosecutor A prominent New Jersey chiropractor is believed to have stabbed his wife dead before killing himself with a shotgun in South Jersey, authorities said. John Kolonich, 46, was found in his car along Franklinville-Williamstown Road in Franklinville, dead with a gunshot wound to his head around 10:30 a.m. last Thursday, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement. Moments later, police were told that Kolonich’s wife, Melissa, 42, a local realtor, was dead from stab wounds inside their nearby home on Florawood Court in Franklin, authorities said. The physician is believed to …
Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31 Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31
Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31 Beloved Sussex County father of three Anthony Francis Conti died at his home on Oct. 5. He was 31. Born in North Bergen, Conti grew up in Franklin and lived in Vernon at the time of his death, his obituary says. Conti worked in the HVAC industry for 10 years and enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding and riding quads in his free time. Above all, Conti was known for his unending love for his three daughters, Alexa, Morgan and Carly, as well as his wife, Kristin Salzano Conti. In addition to his wife and daughters, Conti is survived by his parents, Frank and Eileen (Gannon) Conti; sister Allys…
Sussex County Native, Electronic Musician Joseph Graziano Dies At Age 25 Sussex County Native, Electronic Musician Joseph Graziano Dies At Age 25
Sussex County Native, Electronic Musician Joseph Graziano Dies At Age 25 Sussex County native and electronic musician Joseph Michael Graziano died August 19 at the age of 25. Born in Newton, Graziano later moved to Maryland and graduated from Old Mill Senior High School in Millersville, his obituary says. Graziano had started a new job as an inventory specialist at Giant Supermarkets just a few weeks before his death, his memorial says. In his free time, Graziano loved creating electronic music and playing video games. Graziano is survived by his parents, John and Bridgette; his siblings, Terrence Herbert, Nicholas Graziano and his wife Denise and Rachel Grazi…
Drunk Sussex County Man, 43, Stabs Victim In Road During Argument, Police Say Drunk Sussex County Man, 43, Stabs Victim In Road During Argument, Police Say
Drunk Sussex County Man, 43, Stabs Victim In Road During Argument, Police Say A Sussex County man was intoxicated when he stabbed another man during a fight in the middle of the road, authorities said. Bryan Schmidt, 43, is accused of pulling a knife and stabbing another man during a fight on Mitchell Avenue in Franklin on July 30, borough police said in a Friday release. The victim was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries and refused additional medical care, authorities said. Schmidt, of Vernon, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, disorderly conduct and local ordinance violations, polic…
Police: Intoxicated Sussex County Man, 42, Throws Metal Furniture Through Liquor Store Window Police: Intoxicated Sussex County Man, 42, Throws Metal Furniture Through Liquor Store Window
Police: Intoxicated Sussex County Man, 42, Throws Metal Furniture Through Liquor Store Window A Sussex County man was intoxicated when he threw furniture through the front window of a local ShopRite and later damaged property at police headquarters, authorities said. Aaren Snook, of Branchville, is accused of throwing metal furniture through the window of ShopRite Liquors in Franklin after store associates prevented him from purchasing more alcohol on July 14, borough police said in a release Wednesday. Snook was arrested and taken to police headquarters, where he allegedly damaged borough property while in custody. Snook was charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and s…
Sussex County Man, 60, Gets 3 Years Behind Bars, Life On Parole For Possessing Child Porn Sussex County Man, 60, Gets 3 Years Behind Bars, Life On Parole For Possessing Child Porn
Sussex County Man, 60, Gets 3 Years Behind Bars, Life On Parole For Possessing Child Porn A 60-year-old Sussex County man who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography faces three years behind bars and lifelong parole supervision, authorities said. Charles Rowan, of Franklin, was sentenced to a three-year suspended prison sentence and parole supervision for life at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on July 15, Prosecutor Francis A. Koch said. Rowan is also prevented from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18, must continue mental health and psycho-sexual treatment and pay $2,300 in court fines and fees, Koch said. Rowan viewed and posses…
PHOTOS: Fire Crews Douse Blaze At Sussex County Computer Recycling Center PHOTOS: Fire Crews Douse Blaze At Sussex County Computer Recycling Center
Photos: Fire Crews Douse Blaze At Sussex County Computer Recycling Center Several Sussex County fire crews were quick to douse a blaze that broke out at a local computer recycling center before dawn Sunday. Hardyston and Franklin fire departments responded to the scene at 1 Park Drive just before 2:45 a.m. and observed smoke billowing from the back of the building, authorities said. The address is listed on Google Maps as the location of Back Thru The Future Computer Recycling, Inc. The two-alarm blaze was quickly brought under control with additional help from the McAfee Fire Department, Hamburg FireAux and the Ogdensburg Fire Department. At approximately…
Most Popular Brunch Spots In Sussex County Most Popular Brunch Spots In Sussex County
Most Popular Brunch Spots In Sussex County Mother's Day is coming up — have you booked brunch yet? Whether it's a Bloody Mary, a sizzling side of bacon or a tall stack of pancakes you're after, there are plenty of breakfast and brunch spots in Sussex County to choose from. The spots you see on this list were top-rated on several user-generated review sites and featured in local publications. Bell’s Mansion (11 Main St., Stanhope) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bell's Mansion (@bellsmansion) Hampton Diner & Family Restaurant (36 Hampton House Rd., Newton) Lake Ho…
Prosecutor: NY Man, 43, Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Possession Charge In Sussex County Prosecutor: NY Man, 43, Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Possession Charge In Sussex County
Prosecutor: NY Man, 43, Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Possession Charge In Sussex County A NY man pleaded guilty to possession of Fentanyl, authorities said. George Handelong, 43, entered the guilty plea to a charge for third-degree possession of CDS during a hearing Thursday at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton, Prosecutor Francis A. Koch said. Handelong, of Port Jervis, admitted to possessing Fentanyl in Franklin on Oct. 15, 2020, Koch said. Handelong will be sentenced on May 20. Franklin Borough police also assisted with the investigation.
Sussex County Man, 60, Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography Sussex County Man, 60, Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography
Sussex County Man, 60, Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography A Sussex County man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, authorities said. Charles Rowan, 60, entered the plea to the third-degree charge during a hearing at the Sussex County Virtual Courtroom in Newton on March 19, Prosecutor Francis A. Koch said. Rowan, of Franklin, admitted viewing and possession the content on his computer, Koch said. Rowan is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Louis S. Sceusi, J.S.C. on April 23. Rowan was represented by Daniel Agatino, Esq., with Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse representing the state.
13-Year-Old Girl Dies In Sussex County House Fire 13-Year-Old Girl Dies In Sussex County House Fire
13-Year-Old Girl Dies In Sussex County House Fire A 13-year-old girl died in a Sussex County house fire Friday night, authorities confirmed. Firefighters responded to the Nestor Street home in Franklin around 10 p.m., where the girl's body was recovered after the fire had been put out, Franklin Borough police said. More than $1,100 had been raised on a GoFundMe for the family as of Saturday morning. The 13-year-old victim was identified by the campaign founder as Heaven Davenport. The family also reportedly lost a dog. "Heaven was such a funny beautiful girl who had a whole life to live and was constantly surrounded by all her siblings a…
Police: Morris County Man Who Attempted To Steal Idling Car Crashes On Route 80, Flees Police: Morris County Man Who Attempted To Steal Idling Car Crashes On Route 80, Flees
Police: Morris County Man Who Attempted To Steal Idling Car Crashes On Route 80, Flees A Morris County man attempting to steal a running car from a local parking lot later crashed on Rt. 80 and fled from police, authorities said. Blaise Wiget, 32, entered and drove away in a vehicle that had been left idling in the parking lot of a business in Franklin on Feb. 6, borough police said. Wiget, of Succasunna, later crashed on Route 80 east in Rockaway Township and ran from the scene, authorities said. A follow-up investigation linked Wiget to the crash and found that he had stolen the car, police said. Wiget was charged Feb. 9 with numerous offenses related to vehicle theft, na…
PD: ‘Intoxicated, Belligerent’ Sussex County Man Threatened Neighbor With Knife During Dispute PD: ‘Intoxicated, Belligerent’ Sussex County Man Threatened Neighbor With Knife During Dispute
PD: ‘Intoxicated, Belligerent’ Sussex County Man Threatened Neighbor With Knife During Dispute A Sussex County man was intoxicated when he belligerently threatened a neighbor with a knife during a dispute, authorities said. Juan Zanatta, 54, used a knife to threaten a neighbor in Franklin during a dispute on Feb. 2, borough police said. Zanatta, who police say was “intoxicated and belligerent” during the altercation, was arrested and charged with terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and disorderly conduct. He was released in accordance with the state’s bail reform laws and is scheduled to appear in Sussex County Superior Court.
SNOW DAY: These Morris And Sussex County Districts Are Closed Thursday SNOW DAY: These Morris And Sussex County Districts Are Closed Thursday
Snow DAY: These Morris And Sussex County Districts Are Closed Thursday Dozens of schools and districts in Northern Jersey have announced closures and early releases in anticipation of the Nor’easter storm expected to pummel the region with heavy snowfall. Several Morris and Sussex County schools made the list, including Rockaway Valley Elementary School in Boonton and the entire Madison Public School district, marking its first snow day of the year. Scroll down to view the updated list of Morris and Sussex County schools and districts that will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 17. Butler  Boonton Denville  East Hanover  Fredon Township Elementary S…
NJSP: Driver Hospitalized, 2 Passengers Airlifted With Serious Injuries In Sussex County Crash NJSP: Driver Hospitalized, 2 Passengers Airlifted With Serious Injuries In Sussex County Crash
Njsp: Driver Hospitalized, 2 Passengers Airlifted With Serious Injuries In Sussex County Crash A Sussex County man was hospitalized and his passengers airlifted after he crashed into a utility pole and road sign on County Road 611 late Sunday night, state police said. Aldrich Aguirre, 21, of Franklin was driving a Volkswagen passenger car east on County Road 611 in Fredon Township when he crashed into a utility pole and road sign near milepost 5.3 around 11:30 p.m., NJSP Trooper Alejandro Goez told Daily Voice. Aguirre and his front passenger — a 19-year-old Franklin man — became entrapped in the vehicle while the rear passenger, a 28-year-old Hamburg man — was ejected, Goez said. A…
Man Admits To Robbing Florham Park Bank In NJ, NY Spree Man Admits To Robbing Florham Park Bank In NJ, NY Spree
Man Admits To Robbing Florham Park Bank In NJ, NY Spree An Essex County man on Friday admitted to a bank robbery spree across New York and New Jersey. Myron Anderson, 40, of Newark, pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery and two counts of Hobbs Act robbery before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a statement. The robberies occurred between October 2018 and January 2019. Anderson admitted to the following bank robberies: Myron Anderson admitted to the above bank robberies.U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito In each robbery, Anderson walked into the banks with a hat pulled down closely over his eyes to…