The Essex Observer The Essex C o m m u n i t y J u s t i ce U n i t n E w s lette r ’s Office

volume ONE • summer 2007 50 W. Market St., Newark, NJ 07102 • (973) 621-4700 • www.njecpo.org

New Crime Scene Unit Unveiled Last fall, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office unveiled a 15,000 square foot crime scene investigation facility. The $2.5 million unit, funded by forfeiture money seized from defendants, was designed to improve the collection, LEFT: Fluorescent powder illuminated with ultra violet light assists processing and packaging of forensic evidence in Essex detectives in finding fingerprints. County. “Essex County is now at the forefront of fusing RIGHT: Detective Robert Parsons uses the cyanoacrylate fuming chamber science and technology with fighting crime. This building is the optimum showcase of future crime scene investigations,” said In addition to investigating homicides, shootings and sex crimes, Paula Dow, Essex County Prosecutor. the crime scene unit is able to assist departments in burglaries and other routine matters. Recently it assisted the The facility features a forensic processing room, digital photo West Caldwell Police Department in solving a case involving a processing room, and a drying chamber designed to process string of burglaries. The unit collected forensic evidence at the and package blood soaked evidence. Its high tech computer crime scene, which was later used to find the perpetrator. system allows detectives to visually reconstruct crime scenes. The facility is also home to the vehicular homicide unit, a team “It’s a pleasure to work in a unit like this. We have every tool that investigates fatal collisions, serious bodily injuries and that we need to get the job done,” said Captain Robert Carella. fatalities. There is a processing room equipped with a hy- Captain Carella oversaw the production of the crime scene draulic lift and air tools, which allow investigators to exam- facility which began as an abandoned warehouse. Arrange- ine motor vehicles from all angles. “It’s an improvement ments were made for Essex County prisoners to gut out and in surroundings and the equipment puts us on par and well clean the building. Contractors were later hired to design the above other police agencies across the state and country,” add- state of the art facility. ed Howard Johnson, Essex County Detective of 13 years. “No other prosecutor has placed this much effort in the crime scene unit. We are greatly appreciative of Prosecutor Dow’s efforts. Given our new equipment, we can obtain the forensic evidence to help better prosecute our cases,” said Captain Carella.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

REMEMBERING Anthony DeMARCO pg 2 Staff members at the crime scene unit. New Faces at ECPO pg 3 Six crime scene vehicles, equipped with digital cameras, Honoring Those portable lighting systems, scene guard kits and measuring Who Serve VICTIMS pg 4 devices fill the parking lot. Employees at the crime scene unit have doubled to twenty. Staff members include assistant Career Day at UMDNJ pg 5 , supervisors, detectives, and clerical. The facility RESPONDING TO has space to accommodate additional employees and store SCHOOL VIOLENCE pg 8 large amounts of files. In Remembrance of Anthony DeMarco PROSECUTOR’S MESSAGE “Anthony gave a voice to victims left in each case he handled. He showed behind and he will surely be missed,” consideration for all people and always It is my pleasure to introduce you to the said Carolyn E. Wright, Deputy Chief brought honor and decency to any court Essex County Prosecutor’s Office latest Assistant Prosecutor, with the Essex he worked,” said Gary Bogdanski, Assis- newsletter, The Essex Observer. This is County Prosecutor’s Office. Anthony tant Prosecutor with ECPO since 1981. an exciting time for us! The newsletter DeMarco, an assistant prosecutor with He was a friend that you could always has a new name and a new look. It is the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office rely upon. As the attorneys in the office reflective of our efforts to bring in depth for the past 18 years, passed away on became younger, he quickly and unself- information to you about this office. March 15. ishly, assumed the role of mentor. His Recently, we opened a state of the “Anthony DeMarco, known as A.D. to wit and good nature belied his size. The art crime scene unit. As a result of its everyone he knew, was the embodi- only thing bigger than A.D. was the size expanded resources, we can now pro- ment of what a prosecutor should be: of his heart. vide crime scene investigation assis- loyal, compassionate and fearless. A.D. “I have so many fond memories of tance to all law enforcement agencies in relished the good fight and served as A.D., but one of my fondest memories is Essex County! the champion for the little guy. He his love for dogs. He truly cared about considered himself a soldier. It wasn’t Staff members who compassionately homeless animals and would go out of about the glory of winning or having his provide support to victims and witnesses his way to pick up stray dogs. He would name in the paper, though he loved all of were honored during National Crime keep many of the strays that he picked those things as well. He was a soldier in Victims Week. Doris Stoeckel received up. One day I told him that I saw a bunch the battle we wage for justice. A.D. the Essex County Teamwork Award. We of stray dogs in Branch Brook Park and was respected by the bench, bar, pros- are pleased to introduce you to our new he proceeded to drive around the park to ecutors and defense attorneys alike,” employees in the office. look for them. He was frustrated because continued Wright. The Community Justice Unit recently he didn’t find any of them, but he told held career days for fourth, fifth and sixth “Anthony was well respected in the legal me the next time I saw them to call him grade students through our partnerships community,” added Gwendolyn Williams, immediately. He was a loyal friend to with Project Vision and Project I.C.A.N. Director, Community Justice Unit and many,” said Cheryl Cucinello. Assistant Prosecutor with the ECPO. Even though these times are exciting, “As a teammate, you could never have a we say goodbye and best wishes to our “Professionally speaking, A.D. was a better one than A.D. He cherished your colleagues who have retired: Grace ferocious, but fair assistant prosecutor. friendship. You could always count on him Esposito, Director Assistant Prosecu- He was highly respected by his adver- to help you with a problem or listen to you. tor, Carole Fitzgibbon, Director Assis- saries who could see that he possessed He was a true stand up guy,” continued tant Prosecutor, Assistant Prosecutor a strong sense of fairness and justice Bogdanski. Joan Love, Detective Cheryl Contreras, Congratulations to the winner of the Name Our Newsletter contest! Detective Herbert Pendleton, Detective Mira Ohm will receive a gift certificate for naming our newsletter, Daniel Pope, Lieutenant Charles Wil- The Essex Observer! liams and Captain Patrick DeFrancisci. Also, we take time to reflect on the loss of one of our colleagues, the late Anthony Community Justice Unit: Nicole Graves-Watson, DeMarco, Assistant Prosecutor. Community Justice Coordinator Paula T. Dow, This newsletter also highlights a few of Essex County Prosecutor Sandra Luna, Administrative Assistant our trial and appellate successes. Each Keith Harvest, issue we will highlight one of our local Chief Assistant Prosecutor Lloyd Holmes, Photographer police departments for the great job Andrea McCoy Johnson, they’re doing. Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor *If you have an idea or suggestion of what you would like to see in the Paula T. Dow Gwendolyn Williams, newsletter, please send an e-mail to Essex County Prosecutor Director Assistant Prosecutor [email protected] Community Justice Unit

2 • the essex observer business. Detective Bowers enjoys weight In this role, he worked alongside the Drug New Faces lifting, horseback riding, fishing, garden- Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of ing, traveling and dancing. Investigations and various municipalities. at ECPO Quincy Davis “I am very excited to be a part of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. I Nineteen men and women have been Eight years ago, Quincy feel that the office has many career appointed to the esteemed Essex County Davis, began his career opportunities to offer,” said the married Prosecutor’s Office in the last six months. in law enforcement with father of one. When not spending time with They come from various walks of life the East Orange Police his 16 month old daughter, Di Rocco enjoys with the common goal of civil service Department. He rose biking. He and his wife are expecting their and commitment to justice. through the ranks to become a detective second child in the fall. in the criminal investigation bureau. As a detective, he conducted investigations on homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, Jose Gonzalez aggravated assaults and domestic vio- Jose Gonzalez brings lence incidents. A self-described leader, 17 years of law en- Detective Davis feels that his dedication, forcement experi- quality performance and excellent ver- ence to the Essex bal skills are strengths that he brings to County Prosecutor’s his new position as detective within the Office. Most recently, Detective Gon- adult trial section of the Essex County zalez, served in the criminal gangs and Prosecutor’s Office. “I’m very honored intelligence unit of the Newark Police Prosecutor Dow with new employees. to be a part of the Essex County Pros- Department. Detective Gonzalez was ecutor’s Office. Staff members have responsible for gathering, evaluating, shown professionalism, which is some- analyzing and disseminating informa- Michelle Alvarez times lost in other levels of law enforce- tion regarding street gangs, traditional Michelle Alvarez, a re- ment,” said Detective Davis. Detective organized crime and narcotic distribution. cent graduate of Wil- Davis enjoys spending time with his two He created a database that identified liam Paterson University, daughters ages 11 and 8. gang members. Detective Gonzalez joined the Essex County taught courses at various police acad- Prosecutor’s Office as Judith DeRosa emies throughout the state on gang rec- a clerk in the Office of Victim-Witness Ad- ognition. He gave presentations to com- Judith DeRosa, an at- vocacy. Alvarez was previously employed munity organizations and schools about torney for the past 19 as a bank teller. A self described diligent the dangers of gangs and Internet safety. years, recently joined worker, Alvarez feels honored to be a Prior to leaving the department, Gonza- the Essex County member of the prosecutor’s office. She lez served as an acting sergeant with su- Prosecutor’s Office as looks forward to a rewarding career with the pervision duties. an assistant prosecutor in the trial divi- office. Alvarez enjoys spending her spare sion. “I look forward to working with my Gonzalez feels privileged to be a member of time with family members and friends. peers to ensure that justice is served the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. “It’s to the residents of Essex County,” a great atmosphere where I feel appreciat- Troy Bowers said DeRosa. Most recently she was a ed for my work ethics and dedication,” said Troy Bowers, a twenty partner in the law firm of Kugleman & Detective Gonzalez. During his spare time, -one year police veteran, DeRosa. She specialized in personal Gonzalez enjoys playing sports, watching recently joined the Es- injury matters and medical malpractice. comedies and listening to music. sex County Prosecutor’s DeRosa previously served as an Office in the adult trial assistant municipal court prosecutor in Marylen Habib section. Most recently, Detective Bowers Union County. For the past five years, “I am proud to be a was a sergeant with the East Orange Po- she’s served on the Office of Attorney member of the larg- lice Department, where he supervised po- Ethics committee in Union County. est law firm in New lice officers and administrative profession- DeRosa enjoys gardening, cooking and Jersey and work with als. Detective Bowers worked in a unit that watching her son play in Little League. some of the best addressed quality of life concerns including attorneys in the state,” stated street level drug trafficking, the illegal use of Christopher Di Rocco Marylen Habib, Assistant Prosecutor firearms, gang activity and prostitution. Dur- Christopher Di Rocco in the juvenile division. Habib was ing his tenure with the East Orange Police served as a sheriff of- previously employed as an associ- Department, Detective Bowers and his unit ficer within the Essex ate with a private law firm, where created the department’s first database of County Sheriff’s Office she prepared memoranda and criminal gang members. for 12 years prior to join- briefs for arbitration hearings and Detective Bowers aspires to excel ing the Essex County proceedings involving the state’s insur- within the ranks of the ECPO, to further his Prosecutor’s Office. Detective Di Rocco education and eventually open his own was a canine trainer in the narcotics unit. (continued on page 6)

the essex observer • 3 Honoring Those Who Serve Victims

To commemorate National Crime Victims Rights’ Week, on McCauley presented an award to Linda Nevadomski, an April 23, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) honored assistant prosecutor for the past nine years. “Linda is a members of its team who make a difference in the lives of crime constant professional. She often works long into the evening victims and witnesses every day. Individuals were honored for to ensure that her cases are well prepared. Linda always has championing on the behalf of victims and witnesses. encouraging words for clients and co-workers.”

“Crime victims deserve justice. They are crying out for help Assistant Prosecutor Ronald Rowbotham also received the and it’s our duty to address their needs. Witnesses are often Award of Excellence. Rowbotham said he was honored to threatened for assisting with investigations. Our team works receive the award. McCauley presented the Award of Excellence effortlessly with victims and witnesses on a daily basis. They to Lieutenant John Brewington. “We want to recognize Lieutenant show compassion, strength and produce positive results. For Brewington for his compassion, patience and support for crime these reasons, we honor them. We thank you for the great victims. His integrity and insight proved very instrumental in helping work that you do on the behalf of victims and witnesses in prosecutors work on cases,” said McCauley. Essex County,” said Paula T. Dow, Essex County Prosecutor. “Detective Michelle Bolan is diligent in her job responsibilities. Reverend Irving Childress from New Beginnings Faith It’s truly a pleasure working with her,” said McCauley of the Fellowship Ministries in Orange led the audience in prayer prior Award of Excellence recipient. Prosecutor Dow presented to the dissemination of the awards. Pamela McCauley, Direc- an award to Detective Louis Garrett. “Detective Garrett is tor of the ECPO Victim’s Witness Unit, presented the Essex professional and consistent. He makes victims feel like they’re County Prosecutor’s Office Eagle Award to the House of Mercy members of his family. His patience puts them at ease.” Mission for providing food and shelter to victims. “The House of Mercy Mission has always provided kindness and spiritual sup- The final Award of Excellence was presented to Detec- port to victims that we referred. They’ve never turned anyone tive Thomas Demetriou, a detective in the Juvenile Trial down,” said McCauley. Unit of ECPO, for being an asset to the Prosecutor’s Office. The Newark special victims unit received the Chief David Martinez Award for the exceptional service to the county’s most vulnerable citizens. The South Orange Police Department was also recognized for their outstanding work with crime victims. Chief of Police James Chelel of the South Orange police department accepted the Chief David Martinez Award on the behalf of the men and women on the police department.

Partners for Women in Justice and The Rachel Coalition received the Richard Pompelio Leadership Award. “These organizations are instrumental in helping victims of domes- tic violence. They have truly stepped to the forefront in help- ing domestic violence victims,” said Prosecutor Dow. Partners for Women in Justice provide counseling and legal services to victims. The Rachel Coali- tion also provides outreach Left to right: Assistant Prosecutor Robert Robowtham, Assistant services to women and their Prosecutor Walter Dirkin, Prosecutor Dow, Detective Louis Garrett and Detective Michelle Bolan children. Imam Abdela Su- dan closed the ceremony with a benediction. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Award of Excellence was presented to employees for their compassion and support of Pamela McCauley, coordinator National Crime Victims’ Essex County crime victims and crime witnesses. Prosecutor of the victim witness unit and Rights week is observed Dow presented the first award to Leslie Branch, an assistant Prosecutor Dow present South annually from April 22 to prosecutor. “This award is presented to Leslie Branch who is Orange Police Chief James Chelel with award. April 28 to honor crime vic- diligent in her job responsibilities. She is always prepared to tims and those who serve advocate for justice” stated Prosecutor Dow. Branch said she them. The week long commemoration also highlights the was honored to receive the award and thanked her colleagues accomplishments made for victims and pays tribute to those for their support. whose lives have been interrupted by crime.

Assistant Prosecutor Walter Dirkin was awarded for his dedica- The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of Victim-Witness Unit tion and support to victims and witnesses. Assistant Prosecutor has served the county for over 25 years. This unit guides Peter Guarino was awarded for giving a voice to victims who victims through the criminal justice system, provides referrals cannot speak for themselves. Guarino boasted, “It feels good for social services and medical compensation as mandated by to hear someone say nice things about you for doing your job.” the State of ’s Office of Victim Witness Affairs. 4 • the essex observer Career Days at UMDNJ & ECPO “I love career day!” Shouted nine year-old Naquil Owens of Students in Project I.C.A.N. participate in various events Dayton Street School in Newark. Eighteen fourth and fifth coordinated by the prosecutor’s office throughout the school year. graders from Dayton Street School attended a career day at Director Williams looks forward to including additional schools UMDNJ coordinated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. in the upcoming year. The extended school day experience was held on April 5. Students were introduced to career opportunities in health- care and law enforcement at the largest teaching hospital in New Jersey.

Nancy Dunlap, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO of Uni- versity Hospital welcomed students and their teachers. Dr. Janet Hector-Reid, Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Services presented a workshop on the importance of nutrition. Dr. Reid, who also serves as an assistant professor, LEFT: EMT workers show students the outside of an ambulance. discussed the harm- RIGHT: Assignment Judge Patricia Costello speaks to students for career day. ful effects of a nutri- tionally deficient diet. She provided students with peanut butter, carrots and Stories of Convictions oranges as an alternative to Man Gets 50 Years for Cop Shooting Dr. Cynthia Paige speaks with students potato chips and cookies. about healthcare. Dr. Cynthia Paige, a fam- Omar Bridges, a resident of East Orange, was recently ily practitioner, discussed sentenced to 50 years in prison for shooting Newark acupuncture with the students. Dr. Rufus Caine delivered Police Officer Eduardo Patinho in the face three years ago. a presentation about the significance of oral care and hy- During a routine patrol on October 9, 2004, Officer Patinho and his giene. Students were advised to brush their teeth daily and partner observed a gunman shooting from the passenger side limit sugary snacks that deteriorate teeth. Clinton Dozier, of a Jaguar at another vehicle. Officer Patinho and Officer Director of Pre-college Education and Associate Profes- Kimberly Gasavage chased the luxury car, which reached an sor, discussed the various career opportunities in healthcare. excessive speed of 90 miles per hour and hit a subway track. He read an original poem, entitled, “The Choice is Mine” Officer Patinho jumped out of his police cruiser and ordered the which resonated with everyone in the room. Students were occupants of the Jaguar to get out of the car. Instead of introduced to a surgeon, emergency room doctor, nurse, complying, a gunfight broke out and Officer Patinho was sergeant and hospital attorney. shot in the face.

This was the second part in the career symposium for the Following the shooting, Officer Patinho required 13 surger- students. The first career day was held on February 8, 2007, ies to rebuild his shattered jaw. Bridges was convicted by a when students spent the day at the Essex County Prosecutor’s jury of attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons Office. They met Prosecutor Paula Dow, Essex County offenses. He was also convicted for the separate indictment Executive Joe Divencenzo, Jr., Essex County Sheriff Armando of being an ex-offender with weapons. Officer Patinho was Fontoura, and Assignment Judge Patricia Costello. Students later promoted to detective and was cited for bravery at a received an overview of the judicial system. They toured The ceremony by former Newark Mayor, Sharpe James. Veterans Courthouse, The Historic Courthouse and The Family Court in the Wilentz Building. Students also met Judge James Troiano, Judge Torkwase Sehou and Andrea Johnson, Deputy Man Gets 20 Years for Murder Chief Assistant Prosecutor (DCAP). DCAP Johnson is in charge of the Juvenile Unit at ECPO. Seven years ago, Douglas Manning, broke into a woman’s home in Maplewood where he sexually assaulted her and Project I.C.A.N. (I Can Achieve Now) is an initiative ECPO later stabbed her to death. Forensic evidence linked him to has with the Newark Public Schools to introduce grammar the crime. In April 2007, the defendant was recently sen- school students to career choices. This program is designed to tenced to 20 years in prison for committing these horrific discourage children ages 9 through 11 from using drugs and acts. “This sentencing marks another case solved through becoming involved with gangs. “There are many crime the wonders of forensic evidence,” said Prosecutor Paula preventative programs for pre-teens and adolescents. Let’s T. Dow. In 2002, Manning was convicted of burglary, ag- not wait for a child to become a statistic. The purpose of the gravated assault, sexual assault and weapons offenses Project I.C.A.N. is to offer students a positive and hands on for a separate crime involving a young woman. His DNA exposure to government,” said Gwendolyn Williams, Assistant from that case provided a match which resulted in the Prosecutor Director of the Community Justice Unit. guilty plea in the Maplewood assault.

the essex observer • 5 ance laws. Habib enjoys participating Office, Lugo served as a social worker are always helpful,” said Peterson. She in outdoor activities in her spare time. with the Essex County Division of enjoys spending time with her husband Welfare. Lugo approved clients for and cooking. Kimberly Jones government benefits and translated for “As a new employee Spanish-speaking clients. Brian Pollack on board with the Essex A graduate of Berkeley College, Lugo, Brian Pollack, a Bronx, County Prosecutor’s said she is glad to be a member of the New York native re- Office, I bring a - will Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. “It’s cently joined the Es- ingness to learn, en- a great honor to be a part of the team. I sex County Prose- thusiasm and a good work ethic that’s make a difference in the lives of individuals cutor’s office as an essential to fulfill the tasks that are who’ve been victimized,” added Lugo. assistant prosecutor. Previously, Pollack required of me,” said Kimberly Jones, Lugo has aspirations to attend law school was employed as an assistant district clerk within the PTI/Expungement and looks forward to one day working as attorney in the Bronx ’s unit. Jones worked as a clerk with the an assistant prosecutor in the office. office. During the beginning of his five YMCA of Eastern Union County for year career with the Bronx District nearly four years prior to joining the Brandon Melvin Attorney office, Pollack handled up to prosecutor’s office. 150 criminal cases at a time. He was Brandon Melvin recent- in charge of the cases from inception She is currently completing her final ly graduated from The to disposition. He conducted over 50 semester at Rutgers University and would College of New Jersey. suppression hearings that required both like to attend law school and eventually He now works in the direct and cross examinations. become an attorney within the Essex clerical department of County Prosecutor’s Office. “It’s been the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Pollack was later promoted to the grand a pleasure working in the prosecutor’s Melvin believes that his fresh perspective jury bureau, where he investigated and office. The staff is very friendly and the and willingness to learn are attributes that presented cases in an effort to obtain office provides me with a lot of learning he brings to the position. “I’m excited by indictments. Among the cases he experiences,” continued Jones. Jones’ the opportunities that the prosecutor’s presented were stolen cars, gunpoint responsibilities include data entry, pre- office presents and the unique experience robberies, attempted murders and gun paring epungement orders and process- it offers to those who wish to learn about possession. ing pre-trial intervention applications. She the day-to-day functioning of the criminal Pollack, who also worked in the ap- enjoys reading, traveling and shopping. justice system,” said Melvin. His long term peals unit, believes that his varied goals include attending law school and courtroom experience, oral advo- Grace Lee pursuing a career in criminal law. Melvin cacy and writing skills are strengths enjoys playing basketball and chess in Grace Lee was re- that he brings to the prosecutor’s of- his spare time. cently appointed assis- fice. Pollack looks forward to hav- tant prosecutor in the Mira Ohm ing a long career within ECPO. “I am Official Corruption and elated to be here. The Essex County Economic Crimes unit. Mira Ohm follows Su- Prosecutor’s office presents challenges “I’m incredibly thrilled about investigating preme Court debates that you can’t find in other places,” he and prosecuting white collar crimes,” said and decisions in her continued. Pollack is a football enthusiast Lee. Lee worked in the New York District spare time. What else and occasional chef. He and his wife Attorney’s Office for nearly seven years. would you expect are expecting their first child in July. She was assigned to the trial division, from a newly hired assistant prosecu- where she handled felonies from intake tor? Ohm is a graduate of Rutgers Law Robert Prachar up to trial. School and served as a law clerk in the Robert Prachar re- Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Of- “I’m excited to be working in the county cently became a detec- fice. She’s excited about her position where I live,” said Lee. A Chicago native, tive within the Essex with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Of- Lee moved to the east coast to attend County Prosecutor’s Of- fice and looks forward to a long career as Brown University in Rhode Island. She fice He began his law a prosecutor. later graduated from Boston University enforcement career 14 years ago with the Law School and the rest is history! Lee Rebecca Peterson Newark Police Department. Throughout enjoys spending time with her husband the course of his career, Detective and two daughters; ages six and three. Rebecca Peterson was Prachar worked patrol in all of the districts. recently hired as an As a member of the neighborhood Natacha Lugo assistant prosecutor stabilization unit, he patrolled high crime within the juvenile unit “Advocating on the be- areas within public housing complexes. of the Essex County half of crime victims Detective Prachar was also a member Prosecutor’s Office. Peterson recently and witnesses is very of the Safe City Task Force officers, a relocated from Chapel Hill, North important to me,” said unit designed to target high crime areas Carolina to New Jersey two years ago. Natacha Lugo, Advo- fueled with drugs, gangs and violence. She enjoys working in the Essex County cate for Victims and Witnesses in the Prior to leaving the Newark Police Prosecutor’s Office. “I love the fast paced Office of Victims-Witness Advocacy. Prior Department, Detective Prachar served learning environment and the people to joining the Essex County Prosecutor’s as a detective within the fugitive appre- (continued on page 7) 6 • the essex observer hension unit. The unit was responsible for School graduate enjoys running in her Doris Stoeckel locating and arresting individuals who spare time. were wanted for indictable offenses. Receives Essex County A self described team player, Detective Nicole Teamwork Award Prachar, believes that his great Graves-Watson communication skills and determination Nicole Graves-Watson Doris Stoeckel, are strengths that he brings to the was recently appoint- an employee with prosecutor’s office. Detective Prachar’s ed community justice the Essex County goal is to excel in rank within the coordinator for the Prosecutor’s Office prosecutor’s office and pursue a degree Essex County Prose- for the past 24 in Criminal Justice. He enjoys traveling, cutor’s Office. In this position, Nicole is years recently re- camping, fishing, boating and biking. responsible for writing and editing The ceived the Essex Essex Observer newsletter. Nicole also County Teamwork Cissy M. Rebich works with various law enforcement or- Award. Stoeckel Cissy M. Rebich was ganizations, governmental agencies, is the Vehicle Fire Case Specialist in an actor on Broadway businesses, schools, community-based the Arson Unit. She is responsible for and a classical singer and faith-based institutions to facilitate coordinating with a grant funded program for many years. She change in the perception of law enforce- to combat insurance fraud involving recently joined the ment. “I’m excited about my position and vehicle arson. Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as an look forward to a rewarding career within ECPO,” said Nicole. “I am very happy to be nominated for assistant prosecutor. While performing this award. I work with a great team in Les Miserables, she attended Seton Nicole served as a case supervisor with in the Arson Unit and thank them for Hall School of Law and joined the Morris Court Appointed Special Advocates the nomination,” said Stoeckel. She County Prosecutor’s Office as an since 2004. Prior to that, Nicole was enjoys spending time with her seven assistant prosecutor after graduation. employed as a caseworker with the grandchildren, reading and gardening. Rebich also practiced civil law as an Division of Youth & Family Services. associate at the law firm of Podvey, Nicole also has strong roots in journalism. Previous winners of the Essex County Meanor in Newark. She’s written for The Star-Ledger, Teamwork Award are Cindy Hamilton, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Daily Lisa Fonseca, Lorraine DeGardnuer, Randolph Root Challenge Newspaper, Fashion Market Halimah Harris, Rosemary Facchino Randolph Root recently Magazine, The Source Magazine and and Detective Arnold Anderson. joined the Essex Coun- Bridge News Wire Service. ty Prosecutor’s Office Nicole is a graduate of William Paterson Calling All Interns… as a detective in the University. Among her many accom- juvenile trial division. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Of- plishments, in 1998, she was awarded “I’m very elated to be a part of the fice is gearing up for our annual five Third Place Winner for Best Feature chief law enforcement agency in week summer internship program. Article presented by the New York Essex County,” he declared. Detec- Each year, thirty high school juniors Association of Black Journalists. Nicole tive Root previously worked as a from Essex County participate in the enjoys spending time with her three year- sheriff officer with the Essex County program, which provides positive old daughter and husband. Sheriff’s Department. Detective Root par- hands on exposure to law enforce- ticipates in various volunteer activities ment and the judicial system. Interns including the Belleville Elks, which learn about the role and function of works on the behalf of disabled the Essex County Prosecutor’s office, children and the Veteran’s of Foreign Farewell to Our Retirees participate in a one week residential War Post 493 in Nutley. training program with the New Jersey Congratulations to the winner of the Name Our Newsletter contest! Cheryl Contreras, Detective State Troopers, attend cultural events Silvina Traba Mira Ohm will receive a gift certificate for naming our newsletter, and participate in a mock trial. Newly-wed Silvina Patrick De Francisci, Captain The Essex Observer! The summer internship runs from June Traba was previously 27 through August 3. Applications for employed as a law Grace Esposito, Director Assistant Prosecutor next year’s internship program will be clerk to Judge Scott available beginning January 2008. For Moynihan in Union Joan Love, Assistant Prosecutor further details, contact: County. She is now an assistant pros- ecutor within the juvenile division Gwendolyn Williams, Herbert Pendleton, Detective of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Director Assistant Prosecutor at Office. Traba enjoys her job and (973) 621-4029 or Daniel Pope, Detective would like to have a long career in Community Justice Coordinator, the prosecutor’s office. Traba feels Nicole Graves-Watson at Charles Williams, Lieutenant that her strong work ethic and (973) 621-4663. good communication skills are as- sets to the office. The Seton Hall Law Carol Fitzgibbon, Director Assistant Prosecutor

the essex observer • 7 Focusing on Local Police Belleville Police ment received tactical training from the the necessary equipment. “None of the New York Police Department, studied police departments in Essex County Responds to information from the National Tactical Of- have the necessary first response School Violence ficers Association and modified it to suit equipment. This is a Essex County needs. Lieutenant Victor issue and hopefully we’ll see funding very School shootings are no longer con- Mesci was instrumental in developing first soon,” continued Lieutenant Mesci. strained to a scenario in a fiction- response training to respond to an active alized Hollywood action film. Un- school shooting. Last February, the Belleville Police De- fortunately, school shootings have partment provided the first response become common in today’s society. The Traditionally, first response police would training to its neighboring police depart- Columbine High School massacre in 1999, surround the outside of the school ments. “We want all of the police depart- where two students randomly shot and until the SWAT team arrived. “After careful ments in Essex County to undergo the killed students and faculty in Columbine, research, it became evident that the old training,” said Lieutenant Mesci. Colorado sparked a rash of school way of responding to this type of crisis is shootings in this country. More recently, a not efficient,” said Lieutenant Mesci. The mentally unstable student shot and killed new training offers ways to enter a school 32 students and faculty at Virginia Tech in and encounter the active gunman in a Clarksburg, West Virginia. hallway, classroom and stairway. First responders are required to have The Belleville Police Department took breaching tools, which would be used recent incidents of school violence as to open locked doors. Ceramic plates a warning to prepare themselves for would cover officer’s vests to protect a school shooting. “We felt if it (school them from injury. Ballistic shields and shootings) could happen there, it helmets are also needed for safety. Belleville police officers Michael Greisi, Charles could happen here,” said Chief of Essex County Chiefs of Police are Mollineaux, Joseph Sente and John McAloon Police Joseph Rotonda. The depart- urging lawmakers to provide funding for simulate a school shooting.