On Saturday evening, the Ottawa Senators clashed with the New Jersey Devils as both teams looked for some much-needed cushion in the playoff race. It was the Senators who ultimately…
Home Blog
Former VCCO investigator indicted after allegedly sending sexual messages to victims
TRENTON — A Point Pleasant man, and former investigator of the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office, has been indicted after using his position to allegedly engage in sexual messages to victims of violent or traumatic crimes.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced on March 20 that a former investigator for the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) has been indicted after allegedly exploiting his official position to send messages solicitous of an intimate relationship, sexually suggestive messages or sexually explicit messages to crime victims who were seeking VCCO support.
Guilherme H. Jamarino, 47, of Point Pleasant, was indicted by a state grand jury in Trenton. In the indictment, it was alleged that between roughly December 2019 and July 2022, Jamarino used his official position to send sexually suggestive and inappropriate communications to at least six victims.
“We allege that although this defendant worked for an office that helps crime victims, he instead subjected them to further injustice,” said Attorney General Platkin. “His alleged behavior exploited his professional relationship with the victims and further eroded the trust of these victims when they needed support and reassurance.”
Drew Skinner, executive director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, said in a press release, “As alleged, the defendant’s job was to help crime victims, but instead, he used his official position for his own benefit.”
The VCCO, an agency within the Department of Law and Public Safety, helps violent crime victims recover by providing financial assistance to victims, their families and victim service providers, to help alleviate the economic and emotional burdens of victimization.
“As an investigator, Jamarino’s responsibilities included helping vulnerable crime victims obtain financial reimbursement for costs arising from their victimization,” the press release states. “The investigation revealed that Jamarino took advantage of the access that his position gave him to the contact information of female victims he was assigned to assist, in order to send sexually suggestive and inappropriate messages to the victims.”
The indictment alleged that Jamarino’s communications with the women included discussions regarding their VCCO claims, interspersed with nude or partially nude photographs of Jamarino and invitations to meet him in person.
Evidence obtained during the OPIA investigation showed that from approximately Dec. 9, 2021 to July 20, 2022, Jamarino used his personal cell phone to communicate via text message and social media apps with at least four victims regarding their VCCO claims.
Jamarino allegedly sent messages to the victims which shifted in tone and context from professional in nature to inappropriate and oftentimes sexual and explicit. Several victims reported they were often upset and confused by the communications, since Jamarino was their point of contact, as the VCCO investigator, and responsible for supporting their claims process.
He allegedly sent one victim a photo of himself shirtless wearing a towel, and a video of himself from the neck up in the shower. He also allegedly sent another victim a photo of himself looking in a mirror wearing only a towel and gripping the towel in front of his groin. Jamarino then sent the same victim a message that said, “send the address, and I’ll come get you” and included two heart-eyed emojis.
Jamarino allegedly sent the same victim additional messages in the days that followed, including one which read: “send pics, pretty lady. Full body pics if you have any,” according to a press release.
The press release continues and states that Jamarino allegedly sent messages to several victims asking them to come over to his apartment, or, in another case, asking a victim what city she lived in so he could drive out to where she lived.
He allegedly offered to give another victim a massage and sent the victim a picture of an undressed woman receiving a massage. Jamarino allegedly sent more than one victim photos of himself at a gun range and sent another victim a shirtless picture of himself with guns in the background, knowing that she was a victim of gun violence. More than one of the victims reported these images made them fear for their safety.
Jamarino’s employment with the VCCO ended on Monday, July 25, 2022.
The indictment charges seven counts: six counts of official misconduct in the second degree and one count of pattern of official misconduct in the second degree.
[more_os_nw}
Check out our other Point Pleasant Boro stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Ocean Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com.
Government Affairs Forum Explores Infrastructure Investment
Commissioner Stephen Shaw and Assemblyman Christian Barranco Addressed Symposium
Morris County’s infrastructure and transportation priorities were the focus of a panel discussion this week featuring county Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Assemblyman Christian Barranco at a Government Affairs Forum hosted by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce at Tilcon’s corporate office in Parsippany.
The event, part of the Morris County Chamber’s monthly Public Policy Series, examined infrastructure investment, long-term transportation planning and public safety improvements, highlighting how the county and state collaborate with municipalities and the federal government to advance these initiatives. Deputy Director Shaw, Morris County’s representative to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), outlined the county’s infrastructure responsibilities and the NJTPA’s role in funding local projects. Asm. Barranco, a member of the state Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, discussed state-level initiatives and shared his perspective on proposals put forth by the governor.
“The county oversees 287 miles of roads spanning 39 municipalities, 1,000 bridges and culverts, and three freight railroads, in addition to other infrastructure assets. Each year, we resurface about ten percent of our roadway network, replace critical bridges and culverts and improve intersections — all while facing rising costs and stagnant state funding. Our paving costs, for example, have nearly doubled since I began serving as a commissioner in 2019,” said Deputy Director Shaw.
The county’s 2025 Capital Spending Plan allocates $11 million for road resurfacing in 11 municipalities, bringing the total to more than 230 miles of roads resurfaced since 2016. An additional $8.58 million is designated for bridge and culvert replacements, including major spans in Montville, Mount Olive and Jefferson Township. Other planned improvements include intersection upgrades in East Hanover and Boonton, along with countywide guide rail enhancements, for which $2.56 million has been budgeted.
The NJTPA, the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization for North Jersey serving 7 million people in 13 northern counties, plays a crucial role in supporting Morris County’s infrastructure projects. With an annual budget exceeding $3 billion, it funds planning, safety and transportation improvements through its Transportation Improvement Program.
The NJTPA has also contributed to expanding the Morris Canal Greenway, enhancing trail networks and funding the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, set to open this spring.
“The NJTPA is a key partner in securing federal funding for Morris County’s infrastructure. Through this partnership, we have advanced projects like the replacement of critical bridges in Rockaway, Morristown, Florham Park and Long Hill Township, as well as freight rail improvements to enhance safety in Dover and Roxbury,” said Deputy Director Shaw.
The discussion also highlighted the Local Safety Action Plan (LSAP), which positions Morris County to compete for more than $5 billion in federal funding for high-risk intersections and roadway safety improvements. Asm. Barranco, who supports the Target Zero Law approved last month to “eliminate” traffic fatalities, acknowledged the challenges in achieving that goal.
“While the Target Zero initiative sets an ambitious goal, the reality is that bad drivers and other factors will always pose risks. That’s why I strongly support programs like the LSAP, which take a practical, data-driven approach to making our roads safer,” Asm. Barranco said.
The LSAP is expected to be completed by June 2025, with a public meeting scheduled for April 2025 to gather community feedback.
Morris County is also collaborating with NJTPA on its Long-Range Transportation Plan, “Connecting Communities,” which anticipates significant regional growth by 2050. The plan prioritizes modernization, AI-driven traffic management and smart infrastructure solutions.
Public input is encouraged through an online survey at njtpa.org/connecting, with virtual outreach events set for March 3 and March 25.
The Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum was moderated by Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton and Rosalie Serapiglia and hosted in partnership with New Jersey Business and Industry Association Employer Legislative Committee Chair Alan Zakin. Meghan Hunscher, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President, welcomed all guests at the top of meeting. Attendees included Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who provided updates on efforts to address sinkholes on Route 80 in Wharton.
Following the discussion, attendees were invited to present questions to the panel participants.
For more information on Morris County’s transportation initiatives, visit morriscountynj.gov and njtpa.org.
###
Photo 1: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton and Rosalie Serapiglia.
Photo 2: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton.
Photo 3: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco. (photo credit: Dominick Sabol, Morristown American Legion Post 59 Vice Commander.)
Eddie Skuller to pay tribute to Tom Waits in Hoboken
(HOBOKEN, NJ) — Looking for the heart of Saturday night? Find it in Hoboken on Saturday, May 10, 2025 when the 503 Social Club presents singer/songwriter Eddie Skuller’s tribute to the “Ballads of Tom Waits.” Skuller explores the dark, poetic world of Tom Waits with diverse selections from his extensive catalog. Although Skuller’s amber-saturated vocals contrast with Wait’s raucous gravel-like voice, there is a connection channeled through the music’s emotional depth and lyrical intensity. Skuller can forge a deep, powerful bond with his audience, which enhances the tragic expression at the core of Waits’ music.
Sherrill Wins Essex Democratic Convention
The Congresswoman from the 11th District has prevailed at today’s Essex County Democratic Convention.
Mikie Sherrill 438
Ras Baraka 236
Sean Spiller 24
Steve Sweeney 7
In LD28, West Ward Democratic Chairman Chigozie Onyema defeated Garnett Hall for the backing of the Democratic Party.
Onyema will have the party line with incumbent Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker.
|
Mikie Sherrill Wins Big in Essex County
CALDWELL — Mikie Sherrill released the following statement today after winning the Essex County Democratic Convention, garnering more than 60 percent of the vote with two other candidates competing from Essex:
“We’ve had a lot of great wins so far, and it’s so special to cap it off with a big win in Essex County — this is home and where we’re raising our family. Essex Dems have had my back since 2018, when we flipped a Trump district and got to work delivering for our communities. We have an opportunity to do that again for the entire state this November. To say enough is enough to Trump and Musk, and stop Jack Ciattarelli or Bill Spadea from bringing that chaos to Trenton. As governor, I’ll deliver for Essex residents — from Newark to North Caldwell and everywhere in between. I will bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton — relentlessly focused on lowering costs for working people, and defending New Jersey during this unprecedented attack on our state.”
Sherrill has won convention victories in Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Sussex, Middlesex, and Morris. She was the top vote-getter in Ocean County, earning twice as many votes as her nearest competitor. Sherrill has also earned endorsements from Passaic, Union, and Hudson Counties.
The post Sherrill Wins Essex Democratic Convention appeared first on Insider NJ.
Sherrill Calls for Investigations Into Elon Musk’s Vast Conflicts of Interest and Self-Dealing at Federal Agencies
Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-11) is calling for inspectors general at eight federal agencies to open investigations into Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) conflicts of interest. Inspectors General are independent watchdogs at federal agencies who investigate waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. This comes as part of Rep. Sherrill’s ongoing efforts to stand up for New Jersey and fight back against Elon Musk and Donald Trump in Washington.
“Elon Musk is not only the world’s richest man but also one of the federal government’s largest contractors — handing the keys of our government over to him reeks of corruption and vast conflicts of interest. He is working to cut Social Security and Medicare, strip funding from our public schools, and fire the government employees who keep our food, roads, and skies safe — all while his own companies get sweetheart deals. I am calling on the independent watchdogs at eight of our federal agencies to investigate Musk and DOGE’s actions to ensure that an unelected billionaire cannot steal New Jersey families’ federal tax dollars to turn an even greater profit. The self-dealing must be put to an end,” said Rep. Sherrill.
Read the full letter here or below:
Mitch Behm Sandra J. Lewis
Acting Inspector General Acting Inspector General
Department of Transportation Department of State
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 1700 North Moore Street, SA-39
Washington, DC 20590 Arlington, VA 22209
Roderick Anderson Steven Stebbins
Acting Inspector General Acting Inspector General
Department of Commerce Department of Defense
1401 Constitution Ave, NW 4800 Mark Center Drive
Washington, DC 20230 Alexandria, VA 22350
Robert Steinau Robert C. Erickson
Office of Inspector General, Senior Official Deputy Inspector General
National Aeronautics and Space Administration General Services Administration
300 E Street, SW Suite 8V39 1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20546 Washington, DC 20405
Deborah Jeffrey Ruth Blevins
Inspector General Inspector General
Securities and Exchange Commission National Labor Relations Board
100 F Street, NE 1015 Half Street, SE
Washington, DC 20549 Washington, DC 20570
Dear Inspectors General:
I write to you today with concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and use of federal resources to benefit private interests within a number of federal agencies. Specifically, I am concerned that Elon Musk – named as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President Trump during his Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025 – continues to hold financial interests in companies directly affected by recent DOGE and federal agency actions. Managing a governmental body that is directly affecting an individual’s own personal finances is an unacceptable conflict of interest and degradation of the public trust. I ask that you review the actions of DOGE and Mr. Musk in your departments and agencies where there are potential conflicts of interest regarding Mr. Musk’s companies to ensure that improper or illegal behavior to benefit those companies has not taken place.
Mr. Musk currently serves as a Special Government Employee (SGE), allowing him to avoid required divestments of financial interests that may conflict with his federal work in the Trump Administration, unlike other federal civilian employees. As the head of DOGE, Mr. Musk is leading the Trump Administration’s efforts to eliminate entire agencies, cut contracts with the private sector and nonprofits, and fire career civilian employees – many of which have been challenged and halted in court for unconstitutionally circumventing the power granted to Congress. To carry out these actions, Mr. Musk and DOGE have been granted vast authority to implement contract and staffing decisions at a large number of federal agencies with limited oversight.
However, Mr. Musk’s companies continue to receive billions of dollars in federal contracts. A review of federal records conducted by the Washington Post found that Mr. Musk’s companies have received at least $38 billion in federal funds, including $6.3 billion in 2024 alone. The 52 current federal contracts with Mr. Musk’s companies would pay $11.8 billion over the next several years, representing a clear conflict of interest as Mr. Musk leads the effort to cut tens of billions of dollars in federal contracts.
Additionally, Mr. Musk’s companies have been the subject of several recent complaints and investigations by your departments and agencies. Both the National Labor Relations Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission have active, ongoing cases against Mr. Musk’s companies for unlawful firings and securities violations, which could lead to millions of dollars in penalties if successful. The involvement of DOGE and Mr. Musk at these agencies, when they are investigating his companies and considering layoffs that could greatly impede their ability to win cases, represents a clear conflict of interest that the public deserves to have investigated.
Given the broad authority that Mr. Musk has been granted by President Trump at agencies that manage contracts and regulatory proceedings involving Mr. Musk’s companies, the potential for conflicts of interest and self-dealing is significant. Specifically, Mr. Musk has the following potential conflicts of interest with your departments and agencies:
Department of Transportation
In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Verizon a $2.4 billion contract to upgrade its communications infrastructure over 15 years. However, in February 2025, Mr. Musk posted on X that he wanted to pivot the FAA’s communications system to Starlink, a system wholly owned by Musk’s SpaceX, and there are ongoing discussions within the FAA about handing the contract to Mr. Musk’s company. At the same time, he approved a shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals to the FAA, with one system already installed at an FAA facility in Atlantic City. This abrupt shift in the FAA’s procurement policy, with a separate company already contracted to provide communications equipment, towards a company owned by Mr. Musk presents serious self-dealing questions about Mr. Musk using federal funds to support his own businesses.
Department of State
In February 2025, the State Department indicated that it intended to purchase approximately $400 million worth of armored Tesla Cybertrucks to transport State Department personnel overseas. After public reporting of the planned purchase, the State Department said it would not proceed with the contract and claimed that it had been initiated during the Biden Administration. Public reporting, however, showed that in November 2024, the State Department had only approved $483,000 to purchase electric vehicles, less than one eighth the amount ultimately announced in February 2025. This dramatic increase in a proposed contract for Tesla is deeply troubling given Mr. Musk’s influence over federal contracts and spending.
Department of Commerce
In March 2025, the Department of Commerce announced that it would be changing requirements for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program – designed to extend broadband coverage to remote parts of the country – that will expand access to the program for Mr. Musk’s Starlink service and open the door to millions of dollars in federal contracts for Mr. Musk’s business. The program rules were created to favor fiber-optic cable lines attached to homes, until abruptly being changed by the Administration last month. Evan Feinman, the director of the BEAD Program, wrote to staff in a departing email that Starlink would offer slower speeds at higher costs to households than fiber-optic cables.
Department of Defense
SpaceX is one of the Department of Defense’s primary contractors for space launch services, with DoD providing at least $7.6 billion in funding for SpaceX since 2003. This includes contracts of $733 million for the National Security Space Launch program awarded in 2024 and $23 million to provide SpaceX’s Starlink internet service to Ukraine. Additionally, public reporting has indicated that SpaceX has also been awarded nearly $2 billion worth of classified contracts by DoD. As DoD has prioritized space systems development and operations in recent years, it has increasingly come to rely on SpaceX’s launch capabilities. Public reporting indicates that DOGE is currently reviewing DoD contracts and budgets, providing the staff the opportunity to potentially improperly funnel additional funding to SpaceX contracts.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Like the Department of Defense, NASA maintains extensive contracts with SpaceX for space launch services and other products. On February 1, 2025, after Mr. Musk began his work at DOGE, NASA announced it had selected SpaceX for an approximately $100 million contract to provide launch services for the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, which will monitor objects that could potentially impact Earth. Mr. Musk has also advocated for the early dismantling of the International Space Station in the next two years, which SpaceX is currently contracted to deorbit in early 2031. In total, SpaceX CEO Gwynne Shotwell has said the company has approximately $15 billion in NASA contracts. This number is likely to increase as NASA continues to rely heavily on SpaceX for key components of its Artemis Moon exploration program. Public reporting indicates that DOGE staff are currently embedded in NASA developing budget and personnel cuts, giving them the opportunity to potentially impact future SpaceX contracts.
General Services Administration
In February 2025, the General Services Administration installed a Starlink terminal at the agency’s Washington headquarters at the request of DOGE staffers and for their use. The installation happened within days of the request, compared to the typical weeks- or months-long process needed for security and procurement review. DOGE and GSA have not provided any explanation for why GSA’s existing internet would be insufficient to support the handful of DOGE staffers working in the GSA headquarters. In addition, Starlink terminals have now been installed across the White House complex. Specific requests by DOGE staff and Mr. Musk to use federal funds for the purchase of equipment manufactured by Mr. Musk’s companies, or to expand the visibility of this equipment by high-profile usage at government facilities, raise significant conflict of interest questions.
Securities and Exchange Commission
In January 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Mr. Musk alleging that he misled investors about his purchase of Twitter in 2022. The SEC previously won a securities fraud settlement against Mr. Musk requiring him and Tesla to each pay $20 million in penalties. SEC employees were among the federal employees offered $50,000 “buyouts” to voluntarily resign, which could impact the ability of the agency to bring and win enforcement actions like those filed against Musk. DOGE is currently active at the SEC and is reportedly working to cut additional SEC staff in the coming months.
National Labor Relations Board
The National Labor Relations Board is currently considering a case against SpaceX brought by eight employees who allege they were illegally fired for criticizing Mr. Musk. In response, SpaceX filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB entirely in 2024. The NLRB has also filed complaints against Tesla accusing the automaker of illegally discouraging workers from forming a union, including tweets by Mr. Musk himself threatening the compensation of employees who unionized. In February 2025, the General Services Administration – acting on behalf of DOGE – attempted to unilaterally cancel the lease for the NLRB’s Buffalo office, which would greatly impede their ability to proceed with labor protection cases. President Trump also illegally fired an NLRB board member – before she was reinstated by a federal judge in March – which would have paralyzed the agency’s ability to hear cases like the ones pending against SpaceX and Tesla.
Across a large number of agencies and regulatory bodies, the Trump Administration and DOGE have abruptly shifted federal policy to favor companies owned by Mr. Musk and limit the effectiveness of bodies actively investigating Mr. Musk. Given the lack of financial divestment by Mr. Musk or recusal from DOGE activities on the basis of conflicts of interest, these actions paint a disturbing picture whereby Mr. Musk is actively profiting from his role within the federal government. It is essential that our constituents know that federal officials are acting in the best interests of the American people, not their own financial interests.
As a result, I ask that you investigate the policy and procurement decisions made by Mr. Musk, DOGE, and the Trump Administration within your agencies to determine whether any have been made to directly benefit Mr. Musk’s companies, and to determine whether any of Mr. Musk’s financial conflicts of interest have impacted his decision-making as the head of DOGE. I look forward to staying in touch as you conduct these reviews and ensure that the federal government is not used to benefit the financial interests of officials within the Trump Administration.
The post Sherrill Calls for Investigations Into Elon Musk’s Vast Conflicts of Interest and Self-Dealing at Federal Agencies appeared first on Insider NJ.
4 Takeaways From the Devils’ 5-3 Loss to the Flames
The game between the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames on March 20 was an intense matchup. The Devils initially took the lead, but Calgary’s resilience showed as they mounted a comeback to win 5-3. The Flames secured both victories in their season series against New Jersey, having won the previous matchup earlier in the year.
Here are a few key takeaways from the game:
Devils’ Early Lead: New Jersey had the advantage at the start, and they were playing with high energy. But despite that, they couldn’t hold off the Flames’ push through the latter parts of the game.
Flames’ Comeback: Calgary started to dominate as the game went on, thanks to contributions from players like Tyler Toffoli, who scored two goals, and Nazem Kadri, who added a key goal in the third period to seal the win.
Goaltending: The Devils’ goaltender, Vitek Vanecek, had an uphill battle against a Flames team that took control of the game’s tempo. On the other hand, Calgary’s Jacob Markström was able to shut down New Jersey’s attempts late in the game, securing the win.
Special Teams Impact: The Flames capitalized on a power play, which played a crucial role in turning the tide. New Jersey, on the other hand, struggled to generate momentum on the power play and couldn’t recover after Calgary’s late surge.
Playoff Implications: This loss is significant for the Devils as they continue to fight for a strong playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference. While they still have a solid chance, this loss puts more pressure on their remaining games.
The Flames, in contrast, are battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, and this win was vital for their playoff hopes.
Heights Environmental Commission to host ‘Beyond Plastics’ event
SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS — The Spring Lake Heights Environmental Commission is hosting a Beyond Plastics presentation on taking action against plastic pollution with former NBC New York Reporter Brian Thompson on Thursday, March 27, at the Cornelius V. Kelly Community Center, located at 902 Ocean Road.
The presentation starts at 7 p.m., and will be interactive for members of the community. The presentation will detail how Jersey Shore towns are taking action against plastic pollution.
RSVP to boroughclerk@springlakehts.com. With questions, contact Christine Nevin Meloro, co-chair of the SLH Environmental Commission, at 732-449-3362 or 914-629-2860.
Morris County Marks Hope One’s 8th Anniversary
Statewide Symposium at CCM Unites Law Enforcement and Community Partners
Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen joined Sheriff James M. Gannon and Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, County College of Morris (CCM) President Dr. Anthony J. Iacono and many others today at CCM to mark the 8th anniversary of Hope One, the sheriff’s mobile outreach program that has become a national model for combating the opioid epidemic.
The event brought together nearly 200 law enforcement officers, first responders and community partners from across New Jersey to share ideas, information and best practices to address drug addiction and substance abuse in the community. The symposium also highlighted key milestones of both Hope One and the Hope Hub, a collaborative initiative that has intervened in more than 650 crisis situations since its launch four years ago.
“I am honored to celebrate eight years of Hope One, a lifesaving initiative that has helped countless individuals access care, support and a path to recovery,” said Director Selen. “Hope One thrives because of partnerships, and we remain committed to building on its success.”
He underscored the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives like Hope One, noting that the Commissioners have approved nearly $4 million in grant-in-aid funding to sustain 76 critical human services programs throughout the county in 2025.
View Photos from the Hope One Symposium
According to Det. Sgt. First Class Brian J. Kruzel of the New Jersey State Police Drug Monitoring Initiative, fatal drug overdoses have decreased by 50% statewide, with an average of fewer than three overdose deaths per day this year compared to nearly six per day at this time last year. Overall, suspected drug-related deaths dropped 30 percent to 1,803 in 2024 versus 2023. If the downward trend continues through 2025, projections estimate approximately 1,080 deaths, marking an additional 40 percent decrease. Nationally, overdose fatalities have only begun to decline slightly.
Although overdose deaths continue to persist, Det. Sgt. Kruzel credited the improvement to increased Naloxone (Narcan) deployment and expanded access to treatment — efforts bolstered by initiatives like Hope One.
“There is no secret that across America and beyond, this opioid epidemic was happening, and we wanted to make a difference. So, what do we need to do? We need to focus on the at-risk population, and the second and final piece is bringing services to them. That’s it; it’s not complicated,” said Sheriff Gannon.
Hope One’s success is driven by its mobile outreach model, which brings trained professionals directly into Morris County communities to provide critical support for individuals and families affected by addiction and substance abuse. The team offers free Naloxone education, training and kits to family members and friends of those struggling with addiction. The Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Mental Health Association of Morris & Essex Counties (MHA) and the Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES), staffs the unit with a plain clothes sheriff’s officer, a certified peer recovery specialist and a mental health professional.
Since its inception, the program has made more than 56,000 community contacts and trained more than 11,000 people in the use of Narcan.
“One thing I’ve learned in my career is that it will never be possible to investigate, arrest, charge, prosecute, and convict everyone involved in this type of activity. These are perennial challenges,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “When it comes to drug addiction and mental health crises, we are seeing improvements nationwide. It’s looking up because of the success of unified programs such as Hope One, Hope Hub, Community Connections, and the new ARRIVE Together program. Law enforcement will deal with the drug-dealing predators who profit from addicting our citizens.”
In 2023, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with the MHA, launched the ARRIVE Together program (Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence & Escalation) in coordination with local police departments. The initiative pairs mental health counselors with police on certain emergency calls to assist law enforcement in de-escalating situations, such as stand-offs or tense encounters, by providing support to individuals in crisis. The program aims to improve the safety of both the community and responding officers and is funded through a statewide grant.
The Community Connections program is a collaboration among the Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts. The program connects incarcerated individuals and those involved in the criminal justice system to essential services that support their recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
During the event, several individuals were honored for their contributions: Bob Davison, CEO of MHA; Madine Despeine-Udoh, MHA Director of Self-Help, Advocacy, and Education; and Al Shurdom, Coordinator of Self-Help, Advocacy, and Education. Sean Abline received the Hope Hub’s Recovery Recognition Award. Presentations were also made by Dr. Nicole Thomas, psychiatrist with Morristown Medical Center, and Samantha Neville and Vito Andrisani of Passaic County Human Services.
The event celebrated the expansion of the Hope One model beyond Morris County. Ten other New Jersey counties — Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex (City of Newark), Hunterdon, Monmouth, Passaic and Warren — have launched their own mobile outreach programs based on Morris County’s pioneering initiative.
To learn more about the Hope One program, visit the Official Website of Morris County, N.J.
Photo 1: Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen speaking at the Hope One symposium.
Photo 2: (l-r) Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
Photo 3: A table of awards presented at Hope One’s 8th Anniversary.
Catch a Rising Star presents Dena Blizzard
(PRINCETON, NJ) — Catch a Rising Star presents Dena Blizzard on Frida, March 28 at 8:00pm and Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm. Dena first garnered attention in 1995 as Miss New Jersey in the Miss America Pageant, where she proudly ranked in the “Top 50”. Since then she has worked as a television host, corporate spokesperson, mother, and comedienne.
