Sussex County Prosecutor

Dec. 18, 2008 A juvenile, 16, of Vernon, was sentenced to 18 months probation with 14 days in the Juvenile Detention Center and a six month loss of his driver’s license. He must also attend school every day and follow all home and school rules, submit a DNA sample, undergo random drug testing, testify truthfully against co-defendants, pay court fines of $75 and pay a total of $4447.66 to his victims, joint and several. In November he placed a note in the Vernon High School bathroom saying the “school goes boom at noon.” On a different occasion he shot paintballs at a residence and vehicles parked in the driveway. Dec. 19, 2008 Michael Wancura, 22 of Franklin pled guilty to violating his probation and was sentenced to three years in state prison (credit for 380 days). Defendant must also continue with counseling. He pled guilty to violating his probation by failing a drug test. Eric T. Budinger, 31, of Hopatcong was sentenced to two years probation. He must serve 150 hours community service, pay total fines and penalties of $155 and submit a DNA sample at his expense. He is barred from future paid employment with public entities. He pled guilty on Oct. 14, 2008 to theft, a third-degree crime. On May 14, 2005 he was found to be in possession of a handheld radio belonging to Andover Township Police Department. Several radios were discovered missing from the department in 2005, where the defendant worked as a dispatcher, and he gave a statement confessing to taking the one he was found to be in possession of. Eric Manno, 24, of Hamburg was sentenced to three years probation on condition that he serve 60 days in the county jail or complete 60 days in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program. He must also undergo random drug testing, have TASC evaluation and follow all recommendations, submit a DNA sample, pay $155 in court fines and $3,000 in restitution to the victim, joint and several with his co-defendants. He pled guilty on Oct. 27, 2008, to third-degree theft. On May 20, 2008, Manno and three co-defendants (one was a juvenile) broke into townhouses that were under construction, causing damage to the townhouses and taking copper piping that was to be used for plumbing/heating. They sold the copper piping for cash. Michael Walter, 24, of Milford, Pa., was sentenced to three years probation, 30 days county jail, $1,205 in fines and a six month loss of license. He pled guilty on Oct. 6, 2008 to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted that on Feb. 20, 2006 he possessed nine bags of heroin and five bags of cocaine following a motor vehicle stop by Sparta Police. Kaarhera Bourgeois, 47, of Hopatcong was sentenced to three years state prison, $2,030 in fines and a two-year loss of drivers license. He pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2008 to the third-degree crime of possession of cocaine and to driving while intoxicated. He admitted that on May 14, 2008, he possessed a small amount of crack cocaine after being stopped by Hopatcong Police. He also admitted that he was driving under the influence of Phencyclidine. John M. Shaker, 20, of Hopatcong was sentenced to three years probation, inpatient substance abuse treatment at Strait and Narrow, a six-month loss of drivers license and $1,205 in fines. He plead guilty on Oct. 27, 2008 to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted that on Jan. 24, 2008 he possessed three bags of heroin in the bedroom of his home. Dec. 22, 2008 Christopher J. Tetelman, 24, of Stanhope was sentenced to 270 days in jail and four years probation. He must submit his DNA and pay court costs and fines. He must also undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. Tetelman pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2008 to one count of third-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property, one count of third-degree unlawful use of a credit card and one count of fourth-degree of theft of a credit card. In one incident, he admitted to being in possession of property stolen from a Stanhope Borough residence. In another incident he admitted to entering two vehicles in Sparta and taking personal items and using the credit cards to make several purchases at area stores. In a third incident, he admitted to being in possession of stolen vehicle rims and an intake manifold stolen from the back of a pickup truck in Byram Township. Thomas Netzer, 20, of Newton was sentenced to four years probation, 180 days of jail, a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, six month loss of licenses and $1,205 in fines. He pled guilty on Oct. 22, 2008, to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted that on Oct. 5, 2007 in Newton he possessed three bags of heroin. A juvenile pled guilty on Oct. 23, 2008 to third-degree burglary. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. The juvenile, 15, of Newton was sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence in the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission and two years probation. As conditions of probation he must follow all recommendations of a substance abuse evaluation, complete an intensive outpatient rehabilitation program, submit a DNA sample, undergo random drug testing and attend AA/NA meetings. In September, the juvenile and an adult co-defendant broke into the home of the victim taking a digital camera and drinking a bottle of wine in the home. Tara E. Fletcher, 21, of Sparta pled guilty to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is anticipated for Feb. 20. She admitted to possessing approximately 20 bags of heroin with a friend in Sparta on Oct. 6, 2008. Stephanie Szescila, 35, of Franklin pled guilty to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and to a motor vehicle ticket for a cracked windshield. She admitted to possessing 12 bags of heroin during a vehicle stop in Sparta. Daniel R. Brinkworth, 21, of Newfoundland, Pa., pled guilty to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is anticipated for Feb. 27. He admitted to possessing, along with his co-defendant/girlfriend, approximately 200 bags of heroin during the course of a motor vehicle stop on March 3, 2008 by Sparta Police. Dec. 23, 2008 Cindi E. Outer, 52 of Port Jervis, N. Y., was sentenced to 12 months in jail. She must also provide her DNA, pay court costs and pay $200 restitution to her victim. Outer pled guilty on Dec. 2, 2008 to fourth-degree possession of a stolen credit card. She admitted using a credit card stolen from a Sparrowbush, N.Y., resident who was shopping at the Montague ShopRite to purchase cigarettes and other items at the Montague Citgo. Jan. 5 Christian Villarreal, 21, of Hamburg was sentenced to four years drug court probation, 120 days county jail, intensive outpatient treatment, $1,205 in fines and a nine-month loss of driver’s license. He pled guilty on Dec. 8, 2008 to the third-degree crime of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted to distributing a small amount of heroin to an individual cooperating with the Sussex County Narcotics Task Force in Hardyston Township on Oct. 23, 2007. Jan. 6 Robert Levy, 49, of Branchville pled guilty to the third-degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is anticipated for Feb. 20. He admitted to possessing 23 bags of heroin in his home on Aug. 20, 2008. Dec. 19, 2008 Michael Walter, 24, of Milford Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three years probation, 30 days county jail, $1,205 in fines and a six-month loss of license. He pled guilty on Oct. 6, 2008 to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted that on Feb. 20, 2006, he possessed nine bags of heroin and five bags of cocaine following a motor vehicle stop by the Sparta Police. Sussex Kaarhera Bourgeois, age 47, of Hopatcong was sentenced to three years state prison, $2,030 in fines and a two-year loss of drivers license. He pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2008, to the third degree crime of possession of cocaine and to driving while intoxicated. He admitted that on May 14, 2008 he possessed a small amount of crack cocaine after being stopped by Hopatcong Police. He also admitted that he was driving under the influence of Phencyclidine. John M. Shaker, 20, of Hopatcong, was sentenced to three years probation, inpatient substance abuse treatment at Strait and Narrow, a six-month loss of drivers license and $1,205 in fines. He plead guilty on Oct. 27, 2008 to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted that on Jan. 24, 2008 he possessed three bags of heroin in the bedroom of his home. Dec. 22, 2008 Tara E. Fletcher, 21, of Sparta pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is presently anticipated for Feb. 20,. She admitted to possessing approximately 20 bags of heroin with a friend in Sparta on Oct. 6, 2008. Stephanie Szescila, 35, of Franklin pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and to a motor vehicle ticket for a cracked windshield. Sentencing is presently anticipated for Feb. 20. She admitted to possessing 12 bags of heroin during a motor vehicle stop in Sparta. Daniel R. Brinkworth, 21, of New Foundland, PA pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is presently anticipated for Feb. 27. He admitted to possessing, along with his co-defendant/girlfriend, approximately 200 bags of heroin during the course of a motor vehicle stop on March 3, 2008 by Sparta Police. Dec. 23, 2008 Cindi E. Outer, 52 of Port Jervis, N.Y., was sentenced to 12 months in jail. She must also provide her DNA, pay court costs and pay $200 restitution to her victim. Outer pled guilty on Dec. 2, 2008 to fourth degree possession of a stolen credit card. She admitted to using a credit card stolen from a Sparrowbush, NY resident who was shopping at the Montague ShopRite to purchase cigarettes and other items at the Montague Citgo. Jan. 5 Christian Villarreal, 21, of Hamburg, was sentenced to four years drug court probation, 120 days county jail, intensive outpatient treatment, $1,205 in fines and a nine month loss of driver’s license. He pled guilty on Dec. 8, 2008 to the third degree crime of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He admitted to distributing a small amount of heroin to an individual cooperating with the Sussex County Narcotics Task Force in Hardyston Township on Oct. 23, 2007. Jan. 6 Michael P. Bowden, 24, of Hampton was indicted with second degree robbery and two counts of theft, one a crime of the third degree and one a crime of the fourth degree. The grand jury alleges that on Oct. 14, 2008 in Hampton Township, the defendant took a pocketbook from a woman at the Hampton Mini Mall as she was approaching her vehicle to leave. He dragged her onto the ground and then fled around the building to the rear loading area of the store. Glenn D. White, 43, of Newton was indicted with five counts of third degree theft, one count of fourth degree theft, five counts of third degree burglary, three counts of attempted burglary, three counts of fourth degree criminal mischief and one count of fourth degree resisting arrest. The grand jury alleges that between Dec. 10, 2007 and Jan. 23, 2008 the defendant broke into several Newton businesses and stole money and other items valued at several thousand dollars. In addition, the defendant is accused of stealing a car from a Newton resident. Edwin Garcia-Mahlon, 24, of Hamburg was indicted with burglary, a fourth degree crime. Donna M. Keene, 43, of Newton was indicted with four counts of fourth degree credit card theft, five counts of third degree fraudulent use of a credit card, third degree forgery and third degree uttering a forged document. The grand jury alleges that on March 26, the defendant took a wallet belonging to a Branchville resident while she was shopping at the Weis Market and used a credit card to make purchases at the Newton Rite Aid and withdraw money from the PNC Bank. On April 2, the defendant took a wallet belonging to a Stillwater resident while she shopped at the Newton WalMart and used a credit card to make purchases at Newton U-Save. On April 9, the defendant took a wallet belonging to a Wantage resident while she shopped at WalMart. The defendant removed cash from the wallet and used a credit card to make purchases at Cumberland Farms in Andover Township. On April 18, the defendant took a wallet belonging to a Newton resident while she shopped at Weis Market and used a debit card to make purchases at Newton Rite-Aid, Newton U-Save and Hampton Quick Chek. Jan. 7 Timothy V. McNamara, 51, of Branchville, pled guilty to fourth degree aggravated assault and a second offense driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is presently anticipated for March 6,. He admitted to driving while intoxicated on Sept. 24, 2006 in Andover Township and causing an accident involving another vehicle, resulting in the driver sustaining 18 stitches to his leg and the front seat passenger sustaining bruises to the head, arms and legs. Kenney Leake, 37 of Irvington was sentenced to three years probation with 180 days jail (three days credit). After release attend anger management classes and follow recommendations, no contact with the victim, gain full time employment, and submit a DNA sample. Fines and costs are in the amount of $205. Defendant admitted to assaulting a woman on April 26, 2008 causing injuries. Jan. 8 A juvenile pled guilty on to third degree possession of heroin. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. The juvenile, age 18, of Montague, was sentenced to 12 months probation, time already served in detention and a six-month loss of his driver’s license. He must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations, get his GED, submit a DNA sample, undergo random drug testing, testify truthfully against co-defendants, maintain part-time employment and pay $1070 in fines. In November, 2008, the juvenile possessed heroin while in Hardyston Township. Jan. 9 Gregory S. Claps, 39, of Stanhope was sentenced to four years in state prison. He must attend drug counseling, submit his DNA and pay $240 0 restitution to his victim. Claps pled guilty on Nov. 3, 2008 to third degree terroristic threats, fourth degree providing false information to police and third degree hindering his own apprehension. He admitted to displaying a rifle in the window of his home in a threatening manner toward a utility worker performing work outside the home. Upon his arrest, he provided the Byram Police with a falsified birth certificate in an attempt to hide his true identity. Robert Levy, 49, of Branchville pled guilty to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is presently anticipated for Feb. 20. He admitted to possessing 23 bags of heroin in his home on Aug. 20, 2008. Edward A. Zubl, 37, of Sussex was sentenced to one year in state prison and was given credit for 64 days served. He must pay total fines and penalties of $905, submit a DNA sample at his expense and his driver’s license was suspended for 24 months. He pled guilty on Nov. 3, 2008 to unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, a fourth degree crime. The defendant, after spending the night at another person’s home, admitted to taking a van belonging to the homeowner without his consent and driving it to his own residence. A juvenile pled guilty on Nov. 6, 2008 to third degree theft. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. The juvenile, age 15, of Hopatcong, was sentenced to 12 months probation and 15 days in the Juvenile Detention Center with credit for four days and the balance suspended. He must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations, submit a DNA sample, undergo random drug testing, testify truthfully against his co-defendant, write a letter of apology to the victims, pay $45 in fines and restitution of $2557.65 joint and several to the victims. In October, in Hopatcong Boro, the juvenile and a juvenile co-defendant stole several bicycles from the back of a pickup truck Jan. 12 Michael Singer, 41, of Lafayette pled guilty to one count of child abuse, a fourth degree crime and lewdness, a D.P. offense. On or between Sept. 1, 2002 through Nov. 9, 2004 the defendant committed indecent and immoral acts with a minor under the age of 16. Fabian L. Rodriguez, 34, of Lafayette pled guilty to shoplifting, a third degree crime. Sentencing is presently anticipated for March 13. On April 24, 2008, the defendant took a Sharp 32” flat panel HD TV from a display stand at the Newton Shop-Rite, placed it in a shopping cart and attempted to leave the store without paying for the item. Robert Keenan, 30, of Highland Lakes pled guilty to unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, a third degree crime. Sentencing is presently anticipated for Feb. 20. On May 1, 2004 in Vernon, he took a vehicle belonging to another person without the owner’s consent or authorization. He failed to appear for an Early Disposition Conference on July 12, 2004, a bench warrant was issued for that failure to appear and the matter was then presented to the Grand Jury.