County Prosecutor

April 16 James Driesse, II, age 21, of Hamburg, entered a guilty plea to an accusation charging him with one count of a fourth degree charge for a Megan’s Law violation for failure to notify law enforcement that he had moved to a new address. Under the provisions of Megan’s Law, Driesse was required to notify the local police that he was moving to a new address ten days prior to his actual move. Driesse admitted to the court that between Oct. 1, 2006 and Jan. 23, he had failed to notify the State Police that he was moving from Green Township and that he failed to register his new address with the Hamburg Police Department. The case was investigated by Sgt. Thomas Accetta of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and Sgt. Thomas Spinner of Hamburg Police Department. Driesse is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15. Diane Curto, age 40, of Sussex, pled guilty to Theft, a third degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15. Curto, while an employee of a cleaning service, electronically wired monies from the cleaning service business account into her own personal account without authorization. Anna Marie Hughes, age 22, of Franklin, pled guilty to the third degree crime of attempting to defraud the administration of a drug lest and to the third degree crime of possession of heroin. She is scheduled for sentencing on June 15. She admitted that on Oct. 4, 2006, she was found to be in possession of a small amount of heroin in Franklin by members of the Sussex County Narcotics Task Force. She also admitted that on Jan. 9 she attempted to defraud a drug test administered by the Probation Department by bringing a container of clean urine to her probation department appointment. Robert Colquhoun, age 36, of Stroudsburg, Pa., pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of Ecstasy and to driving while intoxicated. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 15. He admitted to possessing nine Ecstasy tablets and driving under the influence of Ecstasy when he was stopped by Trooper C Williams in Byram Township on Feb. 9. Ryan Streiff, age 22, of Seymour, Conn., pled guilty to the second degree crime of eluding a police officer, the third degree crime of possession of a handgun without a permit, the third degree crime of possession of stolen property and the third degree crime of possession of heroin. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 15. He admitted that on April 8, 2006, he avoided arrest by Hardyston Police Officer Nicholas Calandra by fleeing in a motor vehicle at a high rate of speed going southbound in the northbound divided lanes of Route 23, and that he also possessed a handgun without a permit at the same time. He also admitted that on April 21, 2006, he possessed a stolen handgun and heroin following a motor vehicle stop by Sparta Police Officer Mark Mastandrea. Lesley Fischer, age 42, of Vernon, was sentenced to three years drug court probation, nine days credit for time served in jail, $3,680 in fines and a six month loss of driver’s license. She pled guilty on March 5 to three counts of obtaining a controlled dangerous substance by fraud, She admitted to stealing a prescription pad and writing and filling several prescriptions for Percocet. Ryan M. Kylish, age 18, of Sparta, pled guilty to third degree burglary and third degree theft. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15. He pled guilty to stealing a shotgun, which was inside the garage of a Hampton Township residence. April 19 Matthew Dennison, age 20, of Chester, N.Y., was sentenced to two years probation and jail credit of 55 days, as well as fines and court costs. He pled guilty on Feb. 26 to stealing approximately $300 in cash from a safe box, a fourth degree crime, at Tall Timbers while employed there as a security guard. Matthew Dennison, age 20, of Chester, N.Y., was sentenced to two years probation and jail credit of 55 days, as well as fines and court costs. He pled guilty on Feb. 26 to stealing approximately $300 in cash from a safe box, a fourth degree crime, at Tall Timbers while employed there as a security guard. Daniel Biermann, age 19, of Andover pled guilty to theft a third degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15. On Aug. 1, 2006 in Andover Township, while visiting a relative, he took jewelry and guns belonging to that relative, admitting to police that he took the items and sold them in Newark to buy heroin. April 20 Mario Schiavone, age 25, of the Bronx, was sentenced to three years probation. He was ordered to serve 364 days in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and was given credit for 128 days served. He must pay restitution in the amount of $865. He must pay total fines and penalties of $655 and submit a DNA sample at his expense. He pled guilty on Feb. 26 to receiving stolen property and four counts of theft, all third degree crimes. On Dec. 12, 2006 Schiavone and a co-defendant took several items from the Shop-Rite in Franklin without paying for them. Sciavone also took items from Mac & Lindy’s Fines Wines, Beer & Sprits and Eckerd Pharmacy in Vernon Township without paying for them. Their vehicle was subsequently stopped in Vernon Township where the merchandise was found in the vehicle and no receipts could be provided by either individual. Dwayne Finklea, age 49, of Newton, was sentenced to time served (fourteen days). The State’s sentencing recommendation was nine months. He must pay total fines and penalties of $155 and submit a DNA sample at his expense. He pled guilty on March 5 to a charge of certain persons not to have weapons, a fourth degree crime. On Feb. 18, 2006, in Newton, the defendant was seen carrying a rifle from one residence to another, claiming he was giving it to a friend. He was on parole at the time of the incident and weapons possession is a violation of parole. April 23 A juvenile pled guilty on March 8 to second degree Distribution of CDS within 500 feet of a county park. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. On Dec. 5, 2006, the juvenile, age 17, of Newton, sold several Ecstacy pills to an undercover detective within 500 feet of a county park in Newton. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the juvenile was exposed to the statutory maximum term of commitment to the Juvenile Justice Commission - three years. He was sentenced to continued probation until age 19, complete a Fields Program, six month loss of driver’s license, submit a DNA sample, random urine monitoring and pay fines totaling $2,070 Barid W. Thornton, age 56, of Newton, pled guilty to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22. He was found to be in possession of an Apple I-POD, knowing it was stolen. Donald Abbott, age 44, of Milford, Pa., pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of heroin and a motor vehicle ticket for a cracked windshield. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 22. He admitted to possessing 18 bags of heroin following a motor vehicle stop by Sparta Police Officer Joseph Antonello for a cracked windshield. Leonidas Kontogouris, age 24, of Gale’s Ferry, Conn., pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of cocaine and a motor vehicle ticket for an inoperable headlight. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 29. He admitted that he was in possession of two small bags of cocaine following a motor vehicle stop on Jan. 29 by Byram Police Officer Daniel DeWald for an inoperable headlight. George Spencer, age 58, of Vernon, entered a guilty plea to an accusation charging him with the fourth degree charge of possession of child pornography. Spencer admitted to the court that on or about Sept. 5, 2005, he had knowingly possessed numerous images of children engaged in prohibited sexual acts or in simulation of such acts and that he did so by storing those images on his computer. This case was investigated by officers from Immigration, Customs & Enforcement-Child Exploitation Unit and was in furtherance of Operations Predator and Falcon. Spencer is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22. James Conklin, age 26, formerly of Andover Township, entered a guilty plea to an accusation charging him with the fourth degree charge of violating the terms of his Community Supervision For Life and the fourth degree charge of violating Megan’s Law by failing to notify the police of an address change. Conklin, a previously convicted sex offender, was ordered by the court to comply with the terms of Community Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law. Conklin admitted to the court that between Feb. 23 and March 15, he had violated the terms of his Community Supervision for Life by failing to live at his address approved by Parole, by failing to obtain permission from his parole officer to move to a new residence, and by failing to obtain permission from his parole officer to leave the State of New Jersey. Conklin also admitted that during the same time period he had moved from Andover Township to Wilson, N.C. without first notifying the Andover Township Police Department of his intention to move to a new address. The case was investigated by Parole Officer Mike Marino .and Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jason Garrigan. Conklin is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, May 25. Scott Hayes, age 29, of Hopatcong, entered a guilty plea to an accusation charging him with the third degree charge of terroristic threats. Hayes admitted to the court that on or about March 11, 2005, he had threatened to assault an adult female during a domestic violence dispute. Ptl. Meghan McCluskey of the Hopatcong Police Department investigated this matter. Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22. David Angus, age 18, of Bangor, Pa., pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of Ecstasy, fourth degree failure to register under Megan’s Law and a motor vehicle ticket for failure to maintain lane. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 22. He admitted that as a previously convicted sex offender, between Feb. 10 and Feb. 20, he moved from the Town of Newton to Andover and then to the State of Pennsylvania without notifying the Newton Police Department. He also admitted to possessing six Ecstasy pills after he was stopped for a motor vehicle violation by Sussex County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Gray on Jan. 13 in Green Township. Michael Brinster, age 19, of Wantage, pled guilty to the fourth degree crime of trespass, third degree possession of Xanax and the disorderly persons offense of possession of marijuana. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 22. He admitted that on Jan. 30, 2006 he entered Sparta High School after he had dropped out of school and been told not to return. He also admitted that on Feb. 11, he possessed Xanax and a small amount of marijuana. April 24 An indictment charges Timothy V. McNamara, age 50, of Branchville, with fourth degree assault by auto. The case was investigated by Patrolman Stephen Murrell of the Andover Township Police Department. The Grand Jury alleges that on Sept. 14, 2006, the defendant, who was driving while intoxicated, made a left turn into the path of another vehicle occupied by two people, causing a head on collision. This occurred on Route 206 North and County Route 618 in Andover Township. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. A Grand Jury indictment is a charge only. The defendant is presumed Innocent until guilt may be proved at a jury trial. April 25 Patrick C. Nix, age 28, of Newton, pled guilty to eluding and receiving stolen property, both third degree crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21. On Oct. 17, 2006 in Sparta Township, Nix, operating a vehicle that had been stolen earlier in Newton, was being chased by two Sparta Police officers attempting to pull him over, which they were unable to do due to the road conditions at the time and the high rate of speed the car was being driven at. The officers lost sight of the vehicle for a brief period of time and later found it parked in a residential area, but the operator had fled on foot. Officers from Newton Police Department attempted to contact Nix at his home but were unsuccessful. He later went to the Newton Police Department to ask why officers were at his home earlier that day but would not answer any questions regarding the incident. April 24 An indictment charges Jose I. Lewis, age 35, of Elizabeth, with two counts of Aggravated Assault, second and third degree crimes respectively, Terroristic Threats, a crime of the third degree, Criminal Restraint, a third degree crime, Robbery, a first degree crime and Kidnapping a crime of the first degree. The case was investigated by the Sparta Police Department. The case was presented to the Grand Jury by Assistant Prosecutor Michael W. Brlegel. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. A Grand Jury indictment is a charge only. The defendant is presumed innocent until guilt may be proved at a jury trial. April 25 Charles Bartell, age 27, of Columbia, pled guilty to criminal restraint, a third degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for July 6. On Oct. 11, 2006, in Newton, Bartell and his ex-fiance were involved in a verbal argument. He took her car keys from her, forced her into the car, drove her to his home in Columbia against her will and let her leave the residence shortly thereafter of her own accord. April 26 A juvenile pled guilty to third degree unlawful possession of a handgun. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. The juvenile, of Newton, had been remanded to the Juvenile Detention Center since Jan. 9, and was sentenced to time served already in the detention center. He must also submit a DNA sample and pay court fines. In Dec. of 2006, the juvenile, age 17 at the time, and another juvenile possessed a Marksman BB gun in the town of Newton. April 27 Frank O. France, age 40 of Hamburg, was sentenced to 3 years probation, must undergo TASC evaluation and follow recommendations, attend parenting classes, no alcohol during term of probation, 180 days in county jail, 10 year loss of driving privileges and registration, 48 hours at Intoxicated Resource Center. Fines and costs are in the amount of $2,297. Defendant must supply DNA sample. He pled guilty on March 5 to one count of fourth degree Child Abuse, DWI, Driving While Suspended, and Driving With Open Alcoholic Beverage. On Dec. 3, 2006, defendant operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage with two minor children in the vehicle. Christina M. Baumann, age 30, of Newton, was sentenced to two years probation. She must pay restitution in the amount of $1,745.29, pay total fines and penalties of $395 and submit a DNA sample at her expense. She pled guilty on Feb. 26 to fraudulent use of a credit, theft of a credit card and theft, all third degree crimes. Between March 24, 2006, and March 26, 2006, she used a fraudulently obtained American Express card to obtain goods from Newton Wal-Mart. Between May 18, 2006, and May 28, 2006, she took credit cards belonging to others without their knowledge or consent. On or about Jan. 12, she took lottery tickets from a Discount Mart in Frankford Township. Brian Curry, age 19, of Highland Lakes, pled guilty to aggravated assault, a third degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for July 6. On Feb. 25 in Vernon Township, Curry was involved in a physical altercation with several other people and later admitted to hitting the victim in the eye with a beer bottle. April 30 Michele Hughes, age 31, of Hopatcong, pled guilty to the second decree crime of endangering the welfare of a child. She is scheduled for sentencing on July 6. She admitted to exposing two small children to the illegal use of drugs, Nicholas Zingone, age 19, of Newton, pled guilty to third degree possession of cocaine, third degree possession of a weapon and a motor vehicle ticket for unsafe driving. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 6. He admitted to being in possession of a small amount of cocaine after he was stopped by Andover Police Officer S. Murrell, and that he had been damaging properly with a paintball gun. May 1 Gregory Bracco, age 20, of Hopatcong, was sentenced to three years probation, 121 days in the county jail with credit for 119 days, inpatient substance abuse treatment at Turning Point, $1,205 in fines and a six month loss of driver’s license. He pled guilty on March 16 to the third degree crime of accomplice liability to possess heroin. He also admitted to violating a previous probationary sentence for fourth degree resisting arrest. He admitted to helping another individual travel to Newark on June 28, 2006 in order to obtain heroin.