e-Newspaper for Nov. 10, 2021

Wednesday, 10 November 2021

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXIV, No. 27

BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

Belleville School Trustee Erika Jacho convicted of DWI, lied on the stand While testifying, she falsely asserted this newspaper published her arrest story the same day it happened

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

B

elleville School Board Trustee Erika Jacho was found guilty of drunken-driving among other offenses by a municipal court judge in Verona.

The conviction stems from an October 2020 incident; the trial was moved to Verona since she is an elected official in Belleville and lasted about four hours in late October.

Whilst testifying, Belleville School Board Trustee Erika Jacho claimed The Observer published a front page story the same day she was arrested. That was untrue. The newspaper didn’t publish the story until two weeks later, on Nov. 4, 2020.

Perjurious testimony Jacho, in an unusual move,

took the stand in her own defense — and in doing so, quickly perjured herself by proffering false information about how this newspaper covered her 2020 arrest. Jacho testified under oath, under the punishment of perjury, The Observer, within six hours of her arrest, had her story on its front page.

Not possible.

Jacho was arrested Oct. 21, 2020 — a Wednesday.

That edition of this once-aweek newspaper went to print/ bed Monday, Oct. 19, 2020.

See JACHO, Page 18

COVID ends Nutley football & girls’ soccer teams seasons Both squads were preparing to play match-ups in respective NJSIAA tournaments

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

A

n outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus brought the Nutley High School football and girls’ soccer seasons to a sudden end last Friday, when it was learned that a handful of athletes and coaches from both teams tested posi-

tive for the virus.

The Observer has learned through sources that the rash of COVID-positive tests can possibly be traced back to a Halloween party than many of the athletes attended on Oct. 30. Some of the athletes who tested positive for the virus last week said that they indeed were at the Halloween party.

Regardless of where it started – and

doing district-wide virus tracing – the football team had to forfeit its game against Northern Valley/Old Tappan in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group III playoffs Friday night and the girls’ soccer team had to forfeit its game in the North Jersey Section 2, Group III playoffs against Cranford, also scheduled for Friday in Nutley.

Both programs were immediately

shut down and after the forfeit losses, the seasons of both teams came to a crashing halt.

Nutley athletic director Joe Piro said that the moves to forfeit both games were imperative for the safety of all the schools involved, not just Nutley.

“We met with health officials

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Wednesdawy, November 10, 2021

CHAKA KHAN CONCERT AT NJPAC WAS INCREDIBLE

By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer

On Nov. 6, I found myself out and about socially for the first time in almost two years and what an evening it was.

Courtesy of the NJ Performing Arts Center, I attended a Chaka Khan concert. Unfortunately, I had to forego many events over the past two years, to Covid and also for personal reasons.

Since I am fully vaccinated, I thought I would give the old body a try.

I had never been to NJPAC, and I have to say that I was in awe of the venue. If you have never been, it is an exquisite architectural beauty. The outside structure looks like an average brick building. However, inside you will find the feel of an old-time classic opera house accompanied by the marvels of modern technology.

There are excellent view of the stage no matter where you are seated.

It is massive in its size, yet you have an intimate experience. Located at 1 Center St. in Newark, it is truly a crown jewel of Newark’s renaissance.

The center is very clean and hosts events for all tastes in entertainment.

It is also Covid safe — everyone must wear a mask and vaccination cards are expected at the door.

After I finished taking in the beauty of the venue itself, the show began.

Opening for Khan was R&B Soul singer Leela James. James, most known for her No. 3 Billboard hit “Complicated,” did not disappoint. At times she took us to church. She is also considered the Goddaughter of Soul and I would have to agree. She got the audience amped up with her upbeat dance numbers and slowed it down when she knew the audience needed a slow-down. It was a perfect set with her close-knit band and backup singers.

As we prepped for Khan to hit the stage, I had received a little inside information. Prior to the show, I was greeted in the lobby by Fred Schneider from The B52’s and as we chatted, he shared Khan’s set list with me and said he would introduce her, which he did.

The show opened with a huge screen showing many photos of Khan through her career. I hate to bring up age, but when she made her entrance, I was taken aback that she is 68. Khan looked beautiful and her voice was even more so and fabulous.

I almost wish I had not seen the set list because it wasn’t followed to the T. Some songs were not done from the list.

It really didn’t matter though because every song was on point, on key and her vocal runs were effortless.

Wikipedia There was a lot of stank faces as she sang. The feeling she projected went right through me. From Rufus’s “Tell Me Something Good,” then on to “Whatcha Gonna Do for Me,” “Sweet Thing” and the classic “My Funny Valentine,” Khan never missed a beat.

Of course, when she returned from a brief intermission, she hit us with “I Feel For You” and “I’m Every Woman.”

She closed with “Ain’t Nobody.”

Her voice transcends time and sounds perfect on every song and with smooth perfection. There were varied ages in the audience and since her career spans many decades, there was a hit for every generation to enjoy. The crowd sang along to every song.

Her band and background singers were also top notch. At one point, each of the girls would sing a solo and they were close to Khan’s vocal prowess.

When the band introductions were made, each member did a solo on their instruments. They were fabulous. The bass player had an 8-string bass. I have never seen one and it sounded like an electric guitar playing lead and then he had it sound like a pan steel drum.

I have never heard that effect come out of a bass before. It was great. The keyboard player and the lead guitarist did something amazing as well. The keyboard player sang the notes of the guitars strings and he sounded just like the guitar.

In all, it was a fantastic evening. If you get a chance, go to their website to see upcoming events.

In the meantime, I will be giving tickets away to events on Applause Radio Show and through The Observer.

If you would like to win tickets to the Thanksgiving Comedy Festival on Nov 26, listen at www.applauseradioshow. com. Upcoming events to which we will be giving away tickets include Amy Grant, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stephanie Mills, the Whispers and more.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Curiosity by Intrinsic is a very special eatery

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

O

ccasionally, you’ll visit someplace, anyplace really, that seems a little out of its element. Such is the case when one dines at Curiosity by Intrinsic on Midland Avenue in Kearny because if you didn’t know any better, you might think you stepped into a café and eatery right in the Village in Manhattan.

And if you eat in the rear portion of the place, you might even think you were somewhere in rural America.

The fusion restaurant is the brainchild of Wanny Wang, who opened it several years ago, first only as a café. A year or so ago, she expanded it to include a Japanese-style fusion menu. We visited Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 2.

We entered hungry and left full and absolutely delighted. (“We” was Lisa Feorenzo and yours truly.)

We didn’t identify ourselves as being from The Observer because we didn’t want to add any additional pressure on the staff of knowing two newspaper people were there to sample items for a review. And, sometimes when a restaurant knows ahead of time we’re coming, they’ll put on appearances that might otherwise be abnormal.

It’s not that we expected that would happen at Curiosity, by the way. But our plan paid off. We saw the staff, in their element, as if two inquisitive minds weren’t there — and they were spectacular.

From start to finish.

We were greeted the moment we arrived and we sat at the communal table set in the center of the restaurant. It was covered, in the middle, by a lot of Japanese décor. We sat on comfortable stools that are on all sides of the table. There were also a few small tables on parts of the floor and another wall

counter to the west side of the eatery.

Truth is, there is not a bad seat in the house, whether you’re there for a cappuccino or for a meal.

The kitchen is situated, uniquely, above the seating area and has a cutout window. The chefs can see the customers and the customers can see them hard at work.

Lisa started off with a delightful cappuccino and I stuck with traditional room-temperature water that was served, with a straw, in a nice-sized, unique mason jar. We hear that’s the way a lot of places are are serving beverages these days — and at Curiosity, it only adds to the uniqueness of the place.

Yours truly ordered a chicken in curry with rice (called “Walk on the Field.”)

There was just enough curry to bring it to a perfect flavor.

There were also potatoes and carrots in the curry sauce and they were both tremendous.

The carrots were razor thin, so even for a carrot hater like me, they were tolerable — good — great actually.

Lisa ordered “Unadon,” a grilled eel that comes in a rice bowl. She says it was tremendous.

We also shared a teriyaki tofu. It was the first time I ever had the bland food — but the way it was prepared, with the edges slightly burnt and with a tremendous flavor from the teriyaki — served like a kebab would be — it

was just perfect.

It all added to two hungry people leaving completely full with perfect portion sizes — and two people wanting more because the food was just that good. Truth be told, it felt more like we were being served a home-cooked meal than being served food at a restaurant. And that is simply because from the atmosphere, to the music (we think it was some sort of Japanese rock being played) to the kindness we were

showed by the exemplary staff, it was an unforgettable meal, one we both loved —

and one that made us ready to go back again … much sooner than later.

Curiosity by Intrinsic is located at 169 Midland Ave., Kearny. They’re open every day at 11 a.m. except Monday when they’re closed. They’re open until 9 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (201) 458-2225 or you may visit them online at www.curiositybyintrinsic. com. There, you’ll find a full luncheon and dinner menu as well as all the café-style menu items. Takeout and delivery are also available.

They accept cash and credit cards.

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion....................................................................................Page 6 Sports......................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory...............................................Page 10

Obituaries...............................................................................Page 13 Classifieds ....................................................................... Pages 16-17 Business Directory..........................................................Pages 19

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Kearny Girl Scout first in 25 years to get Gold Award

By Melanie Ryan Special to The Observer

O

nce in a great while, a young lady joins the Girl Scouts and stays with it until she is a young woman who achieves the highest award available. In the Girl Scouts, similar to Eagle Scout for boys, it is called the Gold Award and for the first time in 25 years, Kearny has a such a Scout.

It’s Faith Kennedy, a Kearny resident, a member of Troop 2771 which is part of Kearny Service Unit 14 and senior at County Prep, is the recipient.

The award is earned in three steps — Bronze, Silver and then Gold. advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 As one grows in Girl Scouting, she r: Client: earns badges.

For her Gold Award, Kennedy took on a project of renovating the lower Faith Kennedy, center, with parents Marybeth and Ed. level of the only remaining Girl Scout this, she partnered with a troop from project.

House in all of New Jersey — on Belleville, who hosted a book drive Teddy Jablonski donated new Kearny Avenue, near the Kearny and by placing a book drop at a local bathroom fixtures; Keith McMillan Board of Health.

Stop and Shop for donations. of American Legion Post 99 set up a entailed dvertising:This Here is theinstalling updatednew template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyde: The last piece was to clean and meeting for Faith with a contractor fixtures and flooring and painting paint a secondary meeting room. who taught her how to lay wood the bathroom, establishing a full The Scout must also raise money flooring and how to repair the library with seating and new floors and get volunteers to donate existing tables and chairs; and her and stocking the shelves with materials and to help with the aunt and uncle donated a third table. reading material. To accomplish

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Third Ward Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle helped paint. The girls in the troop created wall décor and organized books. Each troop within Service Unit 14 created a plaque for the wall. Faith says she credits the community for helping her achieve this but gives the majority of her praise to her mother, Marybeth.

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FOOTBALL

Continued from Page 1 Thursday and realized that things were going to be problematic,” Piro said. “To protect the integrity of the tournaments, we thought the best course of action was to withdraw from the tournaments. We couldn’t postpone the games and try to replay them. For the health and safety of the kids involved, we thought this was the best course of action. We had to err on the side of caution.”

Needless to say, having to forfeit NJSIAA state playoff games is never easy – but it gets even harder when your school in the only one in the state that forfeited games due to an outbreak of COVID-19.

If this was 2020 and schools were cancelling games left and right, then it would be easier to understand. But in 2021, with most people – adults and their children – aren’t even wearing face masks anymore. The cancellations came as a shocker to everyone involved in high school athletics.

“Any time you tell kids that they can’t play, it’s emotional,” Piro said. “But you can’t let emotions get in the way.”

“It stinks,” said Nutley head girls’ soccer coach Mike DiPiano said. “We have 11 seniors on the team. We have four players who were four-year starters. We had some that never missed a game in four years. This was the year that we could have made a run at it (the NJSIAA North 2, Group III title).”

DiPiano had to inform his team about the cancellation while they were on the field.

Cranford, the Maroon Raiders’ opponent, was already at the field warming up when the word came down.

“I had to speak to them on the field,” DiPiano said. “I really liked our chances. We had a nice unit this year. But we were never prepared for something like this. I had to break the news to them from a distance. I liked our chances. It’s going to be really hard watching the other teams play on YouTube. I think that’s going to hurt even more.”

Nutley head football coach J.D. Vick saw his first season

Photo by Jim Hague

This photo tells the story — there would be no practice nor games for the Nutley High School football team or the girls’ soccer team after numerous players came down with COVID-19.

as a head coach come to an end, but not on the field as expected.

“The state playoff is invitation only,” Vick said.

“We earned a spot in those playoffs. For us to not be able to finish our season on the field on our terms is very disappointing. Especially for our seniors.”

The Maroon Raiders have 16 seniors on the football roster. The girls’ soccer team has 11 seniors. None of those student/athletes got a chance to end their careers the right way, win or lose.

“I think devastated is a good word to use,” said Vick, who conducted a team Zoom call Friday night to tell his players the horrific news.

“At first, we were in disbelief, that this couldn’t happen,” Vick said. “Even if you go to the state playoffs and lose, there’s still some closure.

It’s still on your terms. We wanted the ball in the hands of our seniors, looking to settle things on the field. Not like this.”

The Maroon Raiders had just gotten over the death of former head coach Steve DiGregorio, who died in mid-October after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

DiGregorio, who coached the Maroon Raiders to an undefeated divisional championship season a year ago, was 60 years old.

“It really just didn’t seem fair especially after all we’ve been through,” Vick said.

“Our kids, our staff worked their butts off to prepare for

the state tournament. We were breaking down film every night getting ready. It’s bad for everyone, for us, for Old Tappan. It’s not fair to Old Tappan either.”

Vick said that he will always hold this class of seniors close to his heart.

“I was the freshman coach

when they all came in,” Vick said. “To see them all grow up before your eyes is special.

This was the worst possible way to end this season.”

DiPiano has still yet to talk to his team after the enforced quarantine began.

“I think it has been a tough fall for all of us,” DiPiano said.

I never had a chance to tell them how much they meant to me. When you lose, you give them a hug and tell them how much they meant to us.

But we never had that chance.

I haven’t heard of any other school in the state doing what we did. Morally and ethically, we did the right thing.”

Piro realized he’s not the most popular guy in the district these days because of this decision.

“Of course, I feel for the kids,” PIro said. “They work hard all season to get to the state playoffs. But we had to act for the best interest of our kids, the best interest of the Cranford kids and the best interests of the Old Tappan kids. We had to make a tough decision.”

DiPiano questioned the finality of the virus and the aftermath.

“When will this all end?”

DiPiano asked. “When will it all stop? We would be huddling and high-fiving each other right now. We just never had the chance and that’s sad.”

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Thoughts & Views

Rose: Call me shocked over Sweeney’s stunning loss

EDITORIAL Belleville School Board Trustee Erika Jacho must resign forthwith

T

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

he audio and video don’t lie. Erika Jacho, the Belleville School Board trustee, who was charged with drunken driving last year, was found guilty by a judge in Verona.

And what we learned from her four-hour trial is that she used deception, threats, arrogance and outright lies to try to get herself out of the charges on the day of the arrest and in the trial. She lied on the stand — blatantly. Based on that alone, she must resign her position immediately.

But first, here are some of the indisputable, most outrageous facts, we learned at trial: n On the night she was arrested, Jacho pretended not to understand English at several points, including when she was being tested for her sobriety. She is fluent in English. n On the night she was arrested, Jacho acted in a most shameful manner, in a way that would not be tolerated of the students in the Belleville school district. Drunk or otherwise, her petty, obnoxious words spoken to police officers and her behavior and words on the stand — in English, mind you — would not be tolerated by many officers (or judges) and as such, the cops who were the unfortunate ones to have to arrest her should be commended for demonstrating such remarkable restraint. n The night she was arrested, she dropped the name “Vinny.

Call Vinny,” she said. It doesn’t take much to know who she referred to, but since “Vinny” has no connection to this case whatsoever, there’s no point in dragging his surname into this any further. n Lastly, her perjury on the stand was sickening. Jacho clearly doesn’t know her community well, either, if she believes this newspaper is from another county, because we’ve been covering Belleville longer than she’s been on this planet. Her lies about how we covered her arrest should have been known in that courtroom, but they weren’t. She couldn’t have been further from the truth in how she said it happened.

And for her to suggest this newspaper and the off-duty Kearny police officer who was there that night were in cahoots with each other is about the most ridiculous thing we’ve ever heard from a local so-called “leader.” We know this Kearny police officer and he is a textbook example of integrity.

These are just some of the things the judge heard at trial and that led him to convict Jacho. Somehow, however, despite all the attempts she made to avoid arrest, Jacho wasn’t charged with resisting — and she should have been. That’s a story for another day.

Meanwhile, in trial, for whatever the unfathomable reason, Jacho, a school board trustee, was able to use a public defender.

And so, on top of her conviction, we now know someone who oversees a multi-million dollar budget and who is a teacher was granted a public defender? What the?

None of this bodes well. At all. And as such, Jacho must resign her position today. That she hasn’t yet and that her colleagues haven’t demanded she do so is mind-boggling.

And speaking of her colleagues on the board — they must all take a stance immediately and insist Jacho resign. If they choose to do otherwise, they will be just as complicit in this hideous travesty as she is.

To the Editor: More shocking to me than the slim margin of votes the incumbent Gov. Philip D. Murphy defeated Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli for governor was the defeat of state Senate President Steve Sweeney.

As a conservative Republican living in the bluest of blue states, I thought Sen. Sweeney was our only hope to stop the political madness in New Jersey, and I was resigned to vote for him were he able to wrest the nomination away from Gov. Murphy.

Sweeney proved he could

T

Letter to the Editor work with Republicans, and, in particular, with Gov. Christopher Christie in their attempts to reign in the public service unions, and on other tax issues. This led the unions to spend $4.5 million in a failed attempt to defeat him in 2017.

In Murphy’s first two years in office, Sweeney challenged him on his many missteps; however, for the past two years he did a complete about face.

For Sweeney to be beaten

by Edward Durr, who had no political experience, name recognition, money, and an almost non-existent campaign staff boggles the mind.

Granted I don’t speak often to those who live in the more affluent towns in Bergen County, but those in this area are fed up, and see their standard of living being destroyed by elected Democrats at every level of government.

Hence, the defeat of the second most powerful Democrat in the state of New Jersey.

Armand Rose North Arlington

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he Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

NAPD: Potential thief flips off security cam

By Det. Lt. Michael Horton No. Arlington Police Department

O

n Oct. 24 at 3:27 p.m., a resident of Chestnut Street walked into police headquarters to report reviewing her home camera footage from the previous night. The footage captured a male walk up her driveway at 4 a.m. He attempted to open the door to her locked vehicle. After the unsuccessful attempt to the vehicle, the male walked north on Chestnut Street, at which time he became aware of the camera system, he pulled down

a ski mask and gave the “finger” to the camera.

On Oct. 25 at 8:16 a.m., North Arlington police responded to the area of Beech Street on a report of a stolen vehicle. The victim believed the theft occurred sometime between Oct. 22-Oct. 25. The vehicle was later recovered crashed and disabled on Route 21 in Belleville.

On Oct. 28, at 2:17 a.m., a North Arlington officer observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area of Belmount Avenue. During a subsequent stop of the vehicle, the odor of alcoholic beverages was

Police Beat detected on the driver, which led to field-sobriety testing. As a result, the driver was placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters and processed.

The driver was identified as Daniel Aviles, 47, of Newark. After processing he was issued summonses and released to a responsible party.

On Oct. 28 at 11:39 p.m., North

Arlington police responded to Second Street on a report of two individuals pulling on vehicle door handles. Police units responded to the area and were unable to locate the individuals.

On Oct. 28 at 9:16 a.m., North Arlington police responded to Park Avenue on a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The vehicle was taken out of the driveway the previous night.

The vehicle was later recovered in Newark.

On Oct. 29th at 4:59 p.m., a resident of Melrose Avenue reported someone entered her vehicle and removed $5 in cash.

Boy on house arrest gets more after he went outside, KPD says

By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department

L

ast week, we (the KPD & Observer) reported on a 15-year-old Kearny boy who allegedly stole a car from a gas station repair shop, crashed it in Belleville and fled, and then burglarized a home in Belleville. He was apprehended by Belleville and Kearny authorities and a court intake officer ordered him released to home detention.

Well, he went out.

On Oct. 29 at 10:43 a.m., Sgt. Jay Ward and Officer John Donovan responded to a Chestnut Street home where a 60-year-old resident reported that while she was in her bathroom, she heard her kitchen window open. She then looked into the kitchen to see a male attempting to pull himself up to and through the open window. When the suspect saw the resident, he

reportedly dropped from the window and fled on foot.

At 11.17 a.m., police got a call of a second burglary in progress at a Forest Street home. Officer Ellesse Ogando responded there and found the 15-yearold suspect still on scene.

The homeowner reported that his home had been burglarized two days prior and his car keys had been stolen.

A thief that day also stole one of the victim’s cars, later crashing and abandoning it in Newark. On this day, the resident walked outside to see the 15-year-old boy peering into his family’s other car’s window and confronted him.

Sgt. Ward came to the scene having just reviewed surveillance camera footage from the Chestnut Street burglary and identified the 15-year-old boy as the male who had attempted to climb through the Chestnut Street kitchen window.

Officers took the boy into

custody and found the Forest Street resident’s car keys in his pocket. He was charged on juvenile delinquency complaints with criminal attempt burglary, burglary, and receiving stolen property.

After a detective confirmed that the boy was still on home detention, a court intake officer ordered him held on home detention (Editor’s note: that home confinement seems to be working really well, Mr. Intake Officer) – with a GPS ankle bracelet.

On Oct. 29 at 5:55 a.m., Officers John Fearon and Ruben Rivera were dispatched to 590 Kearny Ave. where a citizen reported that a woman broke a business’s window with a blunt object and then fled via an awaiting blue Honda Civic being driven by a man.

Officer Rivera found the Honda Civic and pulled it over on Kearny Avenue and recovered a wooden baseball bat from the back seat. This

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was believed to have been the object that broke the window.

After further investigation, Officer Rivera arrested Mecca M. Horton, 24, of Piscataway, and Tyron A. Fields, 20, of Newark.

They were both charged with criminal mischief and conspiracy and later released with summonses.

It is believed that one of the defendants knew the owner of the business.

On Oct. 29 at 9:11 p.m., Officers Anthony Oliveira, Jose Perez-Fonseca and Pedro Pina were dispatched to an apartment complex parking lot for a report of a man and woman arguing inside a car. Both parties reported they had a verbal disagreement and did not need police intervention.

Moments after the police left, they were again dispatched to see the same couple. The man, a 34-yearold Hackensack resident, reported his girlfriend ripped the rearview mirror off his car and damaged the center console. The woman reported she only did that after her boyfriend hit her in the face and smashed her iPhone. The woman had a swollen lip with a small cut.

Officers arrested the man on domestic violence charges of simple assault and criminal mischief.

The woman, however, was reported to have been throwing things and disturbing apartment residents by screaming profanities. After pleas to cease the public disturbance

went unheeded, Officer Bryan San Martin also arrested her.

Search incident to her arrest revealed the woman possessed several debit cards and a driver’s license in the names of various men.

The driver’s license number was later found to not correspond to an actual New Jersey license.

The woman was charged with criminal mischief, possession of a false government document and disorderly conduct. She was released with a summons while the man was charged on a warrant and held at the Hudson County jail.

On Nov. 1 at 4:29 p.m., the Street Crimes Unit addressed a complaint about a man allegedly handling a crack pipe by the corner of Woodland Avenue and John Street.

An off-duty correctional police officer reported having seen two men acting suspiciously in a driveway on John Street.

When he approached to investigate, he found Juan E. Ramirez, 25, of Kearny, allegedly scraping the inside of a crack pipe with a twig. The other man fled before he could be positively identified.

The detectives responded to the off-duty’s call and found that Ramirez was wanted on an East Newark warrant carrying a $500 bail.

He was charged in Kearny with possession of drug paraphernalia and lodged in the county jail in South Kearny.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague

9

Mutsoli: Lyndhurst’s goal-scoring machine

ogsmar@aol.com

One day’s soccer sojourn into night Local teams try desperately to stay alive in NJSIAA state playoffs It’s one thing for a local sports writer to attempt to stay atop the ongoings of our beloved high school soccer teams.

It’s another when the NJSIAA schedules all the locals to play their respective games on the same day. That is downright maddening to try to connect just a little of each team and each game in a clear, concise and timely fashion, making sure that you don’t slight one team or write about one team more than another. In this case, fairness is right there next to godliness.

So last Thursday, as the NJSIAA moved its state soccer tournaments toward the sectional quarterfinal round, we ventured to try to see three local boys’ soccer teams hitting their respective pitches right around the same time. Needless to say, it was borderline insanity.

Especially when one is operating with a bad wheel – and we don’t mean on the car.

The first stop of the afternoon was the 2 p.m. kickoff between Harrison and Caldwell in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II bracket.

The Blue Tide were the No. 2 seed in that section and other than the loss to Kearny in the Hudson County Tournament finals last week at Red Bull Arena, the Tide

hadn’t dropped a contest since Sept. 25, when they fell to Newark East Side. The Blue Tide were like a welloiled machine going in and were facing a Caldwell team that was under .500 at 8-12-1 and lost five of six matches prior to facing Harrison.

“We felt like we approached it well,” said Harrison veteran head coach Mike Rusek. “We approached the game well and scouted them. We knew we were in pretty good shape as a team and after the first 10 minutes, I felt like we were in the driver’s seats.”

However, Caldwell scored a goal in the 12th minute of the match and was fortunate enough to have that goal stand up. The Blue Tide saw their incredible season come to an end at home, losing 1-0 to finish the 2021 campaign with a 17-4-1 record, but it’s a sting that won’t soon go away.

“We had 24 shots at goal and couldn’t make one,” said Rusek, whose team outshot Caldwell by a 24-3 margin.

“Our plan was correct in terms of passing the ball and moving forward with the ball. We just didn’t do a good job finishing. Overall, we played a good game, but we just didn’t score.”

Rusek was asked if the See VIEW, Page 11

Photo by Jim Hague

Lyndhurst senior striker Enrique Mutsoli, the leading goal scorer in the state of New Jersey.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com It was a little more than a year ago that Enrique Mutsoli’s life changed dramatically.

The Lyndhurst High School senior suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, putting an end to his COVID-19 filled nightmare.

“I really couldn’t wrap my head around it,” said Mutsoli, whose first name is pronounced EN-RICK, unlike the way most people of Hispanic descent say the name. “I didn’t think I tore my ACL, because I didn’t feel like I did. I went to three different doctors. I’m a stubborn human being by nature.”

Mutsoli, who was born in Kenya but moved to the United States when he was five years old, immediately called upon his devout Christian background to get him through the tough times.ic

“I initially asked God, ‘Why me?’” Mutsoli said. “I am the humblest and nicest kid that I know. I’m a young man of immense faith. I go to church regularly and I try my best to pray all the time. When this happened, I questioned my faith a little. I had several months of thinking and praying.”

While going through the rigorous therapy that comes with reconstructive knee surgery, Mutsoli had an epiphany.

“I finally understood why it had to be me, why it happened to me,” Mutsoli said. “I was praying one day and it came to me.”

Mutsoli didn’t question his faith any longer. Instead, he went right to work, making sure that his knee recovered and he could return to the soccer pitch.

“We believe that when he’s healthy, he’s one of the most talented players in the state,”

said Lyndhurst’s first-year head coach Emad Abu Hakmeh.

“We knew that when he was healthy, he was a great player.

But with injured players, you have to be cautious.”

Abu Hakmeh said that there was even more concern to start the season, when Mutsoli suffered a slight concussion, putting his top scorer on the sidelines for a few games to start the comeback season.

“He was eager and wanted to play,” Abu Hakmeh said. “But his health was more important.

I told him that he wasn’t playing until I received a letter of medical clearance. God forbid if he got hurt again and would have to miss the entire season.

That couldn’t happen.”

Mutsoli had just gone through 10 months of treatment and physical therapy.

“It was very difficult, but See ATHLETE, Page 10

10

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ATHLETE

Continued from Page 9 with God’s help and my faith, I knew I would be back,” Mutsoli said.

Mutsoli did all the rehabilitation work with the good people at Carlstadt Orthopedics, but was still a little unsure about his future playing soccer.

“I didn’t know if I could come back,” Mutsoli said.

“Once you sit out for so long, you really don’t know.”

In the second game of the season, Mutsoli had his answer.

He scored an incredible six goals in a game against Ridgefield, beginning a scoring barrage that has not stopped since.

“I felt like I was better than ever,” Mutsoli said. “I was very surprised with what I was able to do. I really was worried that I might not ever come back, but I was better than I ever was.”

That’s an understatement,

because Mutsoli scored 22 goals as a sophomore, had three net finders as a junior prior to the knee injury, but has totally exploded this season, leading the Golden Bears to 15 wins

and a berth in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II sectional quarterfinals.

Mutsoli has knocked home an astounding 39 goals this season and added 14 assists.

HEALTH&WELLNESS & &WELLNESS

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

For his incredible efforts and his scoring barrage, Mutsoli has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week.

Incredibly, the scoring output came after Abu Hakmeh convinced Mutsoli to change positions, from midfield to the forward line.

“It took a while to convince him,” Abu Hakmeh said. “He’s a very special, very talented young man. He’s physically fit and can handle the change of position. I told him that it would be better for him to get outside and go wide after balls.

Being in the middle, he was limited where he could go. But if he was on the outside and go wide after the ball, he’d have Photo by Jim Hague better chances. Enrique is a special talent who now has the His 39 goals puts him in a tie room to stretch the field a litwith Daniel Ciepiela of Linden tle. He literally can score from for the lead in the New Jersey 30, 40 yards out and he’s done state scoring race. Mutsoli has it. He’s good from practically scored at least one goal in every anywhere.” game he’s played this season.

Abu Hakmeh says that his Last week, Mutsoli had five brilliant striker has helped goals against West Milford, two everyone on the team with the against Secaucus and two in a position change.

2-1 win over Lodi that helped “He makes everyone betthe Golden Bears advance to ter,” Abu Hakmeh said. “He the sectional semifinals that were scheduled to be held See ATHLETE, Page 12 Monday.

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VIEW

Continued from Page 9 Blue Tide was guilty of perhaps looking past a sub-.500 team.

“We’re not accustomed to that,” Rusek said. “We didn’t want to look past anyone. It’s a disappointing way for the season to end. We thought we had a team that was capable of making a run. But these state playoffs were over before they really started. We were really happy with the way we were playing going into the state tournament.

We just didn’t score.”

And yes, that is an important aspect to any sport. You seriously cannot win if you don’t score. The Blue Tide were kept off the scoreboard. It’s a disappointing, heartbreaking way to lose, especially come state playoff time. The way the Blue Tide played in the first three weeks of October, they looked invincible. It’s hard to say whether the loss to the archrivals down Davis Avenue had anything to do with their lackluster performance

Photos by Jim Hague

Harrison’s Diego Flores moves up the field against Caldwell in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 quarterfinals last week at Harrison High School. The Blue Tide suffered a 1-0 loss, ending their season prematurely. RIGHT: Lyndhurst’s Ali Celik (10) works to get the ball away from two Lodi defenders during the Golden Bears 2-1 win over the Rams last Friday.

in the state tournament. But something happened and the Blue Tide and the coaching staff have about 320 days to ponder that.

Now, the second trip of the day was to Lyndhurst’s Recreation facility to see the Golden Bears playing host to Lodi in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II playoffs, a game that was won by

TALKS

the Golden Bears in the state sectional semifinals against top-seeded Bernards in the sectional semifinals.

This has been an incredible See VIEW, Page 12

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The Kards were set to face Passaic in the sectional semifinals on Monday.

Head coach Bill Galka has to like the Continued from Page 10 way the Kards have been playing all season, but really loves the balance the team story of comebacks, first Mutsoli from possesses. Seven players have 10 goals or injury and then coach Emad Abu Hakmore. It’s unheard of scoring balance. meh, who returned to coaching high Galka said that his team is well aware school soccer after a 12-year respite from of the severity of the state playoffs. his days coaching at nearby North Arling“They know that every single practice ton. If the Golden Bears could somehow could be their last one,” Galka said. “The pull a rabbit out of the hat and defeat seniors are well aware. We have perBernards, then everyone can do a victory formed pretty well. But we have to keep dance along with former coach Denis playing well. If we play to our potential, Jelcic, who is in Croatia these days taking we can keep going. We’re facing a good care of his family’s business. You can be Passaic team with good soccer players. rest assured that Jelcic was following They’re technically sound. We’re going that game somehow someway on the to go out and battle. It’s not a physical Internet. team like we’ve played. We just have to It was a great day for Lyndhurst socget ready for the next opponent withcer in a season of great days. Whatever out overlooking them. We know what’s transpired against Bernards shouldn’t ahead of us.” persuade people’s emotions. The Golden The winner gets the winner of West Bears deserve a parade of some sorts for Orange and Clifton in the sectional what they have achieved this season. championship Thursday afternoon. Both Finally, there was the final step on the of those teams know Kearny well. sojourn to Kearny High School’s field “We know that they’re both qualwhere the Kardinals, fresh off their excit- ity teams,” Galka said. “We are looking ing overtime win in the Hudson County forward to it.”

Tournament finale against Harrison, And looking forward to another afterwere playing host to perennial state play- noon of soccer traveling, which is much off rival Montclair and came away with a better than the alternative at this point 2-0 win for their 13th straight win of the of the season. That means staying home. season to improve to a stellar 18-1-1.

Let’s get on the pitch any day.

VIEW

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

(NCAA) Division I scholarship,” Abu Hakmeh said. “He should Continued from Page 11 not have a problem. His grades are fine (a 3.71 can control the ball grade point average). I on the ground. He think he’ll be fine.” changes the pace of the As long as the Vikings attack and doesn’t give keep winning. They the opponent a chance were slated to face to get good scoring top-seeded Bernards, chances. He also drops the No. 5 ranked team back and helps the de- in the entire state, in the fense. He really could NJSIAA North Jersey play anywhere. Believe Section 2, Group II it or not, he could play semifinals Monday at goalkeeper. He’s that Bernards. A win there talented.” will open more eyes for Abu Hakmeh said the Kenyan-born super that losing the imporscorer. tant junior season to “I’m more worried COVID-19 has hurt now about winning Mutsoli in the recruitthe state championing world. Mutsoli ship,” Mutsoli said. “I has not had a host of can always score goals scholarship offers, but elsewhere, but I want they will come. Being to win (the state title) the leading scorer in now.” soccer-friendly and The hard work in the soccer-talented state gym rehabbing the knee such as New Jersey has made Mutsoli a bigwill lead to scholarship ger and stronger player. packages.

Standing 6-foot-2 and “He’s aiming for a weighing 185-pounds, it

ATHLETE

can only lead to greater things if some college takes a chance. He would like to go to Rutgers and continue his soccer career there, but the offer hasn’t come – yet. Mutsoli would love to major in criminal justice. A scholarship would take a lot of pressure off his parents, Samuel and Evelyn, both of whom are big soccer enthusiasts.

So the season continues for Mutsoli, a season that has opened some eyes. Being the state’s leading scorer will obviously help his cause.

“It’s been a great year, better than I could have ever dreamed of,” Mutsoli said.

He’s a goal away from 40, a magical number than most kids simply dream of. For Enrique Mutsoli, that dream has become a reality, even with a major bump in the road along the way.

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Obituaries CAROLE E. PEZZOLLA

Carole E. Pezzolla of Lyndhurst died Friday, Oct. 29, following a long battle with multiple myeloma, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

She was 78.

Mrs. Pezzolla was a lifelong Lyndhurst resident, where she worked as a sales assistant for Frank’s Truck Center for 25 years. Retiring in 2005, she also worked for the township of Lyndhurst in the Parks Department for 10 years, retiring in 2013.

Carole was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard J. Pezzolla in 2011 and by her dear sister Rosa Latella in 2004. She is survived by her loving children Michele Pezzolla Kesack and. Tin Catalano and her husband Michael; by her grandchildren Danny Kesack and Juliann Catalano; by her sister-in-law Jane Donnellon and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

John McMillan (his wife Kathleen), Robert McMillan and Michele Grover (her husband Keith), also surviving are her grandchildren Meredith, Mariclare, David, Kevin, Breanna, Bridget, Sean, Andrew, GraceAnn and Luke along with 12 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann enjoyed her involvement with the St. Stephen’s Seniors and he Henrietta Benstead Seniors. Mary Ann was a licensed real estate broker, having last worked at Coccia in Kearny. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation. www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ maryannmcmillan.

ROBERT J. RICHMOND

Hall University. He worked for State Farm Insurance for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2004 as the head of the suit unit.

Bob coached Queen of Peace seventh- and eighth-grade CYO basketball for 17 years throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was a past member of the Toms River Country Club, Woodlake Country Club, North Arlington Knights of Columbus and the Ortley Beach Moose.

In 1993, he was inducted into the Queen of Peach High School Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball and baseball.

Bob enjoyed a good argument, a day on the golf course, his years coaching basketball and living on the water at the Jersey Shore (even though he didn’t fish, boat or go to the beach.)

Bob is survived by his sons, Robert S. and his wife Tracy of Valley Cottage, New York, and Kevin of North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Queen of Peace Grammar School, memo: “Timmy/Tommy Memorial Fund,” which benefits grammar school families in need of financial assistance.

The fund was started by Bob’s former players in memory of a former player and Bob proudly supported it annually since its inception.

Robert J. Richmond, 79, of Ocean Beach, died Oct. 31, 2021.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington.

Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Born in Kearny, Bob spent his childhood in Harrison and Kearny and his adult life MARY ANN MCMILLAN in Kearny and North ArlingMary Ann McMillan (nee ton before moving to Ocean O’Neill) passed away Nov. 1, Beach 22 years ago. Bob was 2021. a graduate of Queen of Peace She was 87.

Grammar School, Queen of Born in Jersey City, she lived Peace High School and Seton many years in Kearny before moving to North Arlington.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

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Robert “Bob” Ball Jr. died peacefully, surrounded by his family, Nov. 1.

He served 25 years on the Kearny Fire Department, becoming a captain for the latter half of his career.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet, his

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. son Rob III, his daughter Jessica Stanchak and her husband Scott and their two children Evan and Ava, as well as his four siblings, Elizabeth Izzo, James Ball, Sandra LaPenta and Gary Ball (Rebecca Shaw), inlaws Angela and Michael Bardt, Anthony and Debbie Polichemi and many nieces and nephews.

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T RAC ONT ER C UND

T RAC ONT ER C UND

T RAC ONT ER C UND

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T RAC ONT ER C D N U

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TAL REN

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T RAC ONT ER C D N U

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Observer Classifieds

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The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing.

Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Stable and SAFE work environment and a chance to grow with a solid company •SKILLED CLIMBER & EXPERIENCED GROUND GUY •DRIVER West Milford or North Jersey area Experience & Transportation and a valid driver’s license a must Call 973-728-0842 23W08

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You have an opportunity to enjoy an independent full or part time career in real estate in just a few short weeks. For almost 60 years Mid-Realty Inc, has been a successful real estate company serving New Jersey. Whether looking for a new career or curious as to how our office supports our agents, call today for a confidential interview to find out more about us.

(201)991-5719 Email midrealty@gmail.com 20W09

LABORER Full time laborer needed in the Department of Public Works to do street cleaning, street/sewer repairs, line painting, truck washing, maintenance/cleanup ofparks and playgrounds, garage and shade tree maintenance and other related duties.

Valid NJ commercial driver’s license class B with air brake endorsement required. 40 hours per week, Annual salary $36,649 Application available at www.kearnynj.org Deadline to apply is 11/29/2021

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

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EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Maintenance Man/Mechanic • Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask, good communications skills • Ability to work as a team player in a fast paced environment, with excellent strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills • Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints • Basic knowledge of rotating equipment and knowledge of general maintenance activities and procedures • Knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of basic hand tools (e.g., wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, scrappers, box cutters) • Knowledge in mechanical, electrical(220v & trailer lights), welding, power washers.

• Knowledge of gears, grinders, conveyers and chains EMAIL CITYBARRELINC@AOL.COM or call (973)465-7800 25W03

Warehouse workers needed in Kearny NJ Mfg plant. Mon-Friday 8am to 4pm.

Starting $13.50/hr.

Call 201-998-1500 for interview

Help wanted for Busy Deli Full Time- Part Time Days and Evenings Apply in Person D&F Deli 396 Davis Ave, Kearny

26W03

25W06

LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Responsibilities include servicing existing accounts, calling inactive accounts, generating new business and growing territories & building new leads. Background check.

Send resumes with a cover letter of introduction to jobs@theobserver.com

Bookkeeping position available in small office in Nutley part time, flexible hours, must be experienced in doing Financial reports & financial presentation, (balance sheets, budgets, income reports, etc.).

If interested, contact Tricia at 973-284-0900 25W03

Orthopedic practice located in Kearny is seeking part-time x-ray technician between Monday thru Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Must be professional, organized, detailed oriented and friendly.

Duties include but are not limited to taking and maintaining x-rays, interacting with physicist and x-ray maintenance service co. Salary negotiable.

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The Observer appear in print &

NOW HIRING: Classroom Aides/Paraprofessionals $13.63 per hour

If you are interested in applying, please contact: Mark Fasciana Human Resources Manager 201.955.5139 mfasciana@kearnyschools.com

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

17

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Observer Classifieds

18

The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing.

Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

KEARNY

N.ARLINGTON

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HARRISON 2nd Floor. 3 1/2 BR. LR. EIK. $1,800 + 1.5 months security. Utilities Separate. No Pets/ Smoking. Close to TRANS. Avl. December 1st. Call 201-772-7609 26W03

HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, DR, Modern Kitchen. $1,800/month.

1 month security. 1 off street parking space included Walking distance to PATH. No pets. No smoking. Avl. Now (973) 420-0139 26W03

couple preferred. No Pets/ Smoking. Available November 15th Call between 10am & 7pm (201)9972341 26W03

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KEARNY

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25W03

THE OBSERVER is not responsible for typographical errors.

Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes.

No refunds once ad is taken and C.C charged. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID Deadline for Classifieds Employment/Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theobserver.com

What an ad on Craigslist gets you ...

• A free ad • No-shows • Headaches • People from other regions of NJ • Scammers What an Observer Classified gets you ...

• local readership • local buyers • Access to thousands of people who support our advertisers • Placement in a 134-year-old newspaper (and on www.theobserver. com) and our paper that readers are loyal each and every week.

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TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-991-1600.

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18

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

JACHO

Continued from Page 1 In reality, The Observer published the story of her arrest on the front page of the Nov. 4, 2020, edition, two weeks — 336 hours, not six hours — after she was arrested.

She also lied on the stand by claiming under oath The Observer published a YouTube video of her arrest the same day she was arrested.

And while The Observer did, indeed, publish said video, it was not until Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 — about 168 hours after she was arrested.

Her testimony also revealed she’s not particularly in tune with the newspapers that cover her township.

“I mean, The Observer is not even my county,” Jacho said of The Observer, that has covered Belleville for more than 20 years.

It is not clear whether the prosecutor or judge are aware of Jacho’s perjury. nnn

Meanwhile, when she initially took the stand, Jacho claimed she was barred by police from removing her high heels — and thus was unable to properly perform field-sobriety tests the police ordered, facts disputed by testifying officers.

“I could not do it,” she said.

She told the court she did not refuse to take the tests, despite contrary testimony from several police officer. A few officers from Belleville and one, an off-duty Kearny officer who had been inside the pub, Michael’s Roscommon House, 531 Joralemon St., in front of which the arrest took place, were at the scene.

In attempt to explain her alleged “drunkenness,” Jacho told a story about overusing hand sanitizer. That day, she said, she was going round town to deliver campaign signs.

And, after each interaction, she would rub alcohol-based sanitizer on her hands, since in October 2020, we were in the midst of the height of the pandemic.

Since she was putting her mask on and off, that’s why

there was an odor of alcohol surrounding her — not because she’d been drinking, she claimed.

She also told a story about how she received alarming news from her son that he was dropping out of college in favor or working full-time at United Parcel Service not too long before she pulled the car over. She said the news from her son led her to park her vehicle because she was having a “panic attack” and was having difficulty breathing.

When police got to her car, which was parked in front of a hydrant and sticking out into the street, they were arriving to the results of said panic attack and subsequent pullover — not to a drunken driver, she said.

Throughout the trial, the public defender attempted to assert Jacho’s arrest was politically motivated, something neither the judge nor the prosecutor, bought.

One way she tried to assert the conspiracy against her was to claim because there was an off-duty Kearny cop onscene, and the story appeared

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

in The Observer, it had to be a conspiracy.

Nothing of the sort ever happened. But the great concoction appears to stem from Jacho also not realizing The Observer has covered Belleville for more decades.

Clearly, nonetheless, the judge didn’t buy any of this testimony — and he was, in fact, fairly amazed Jacho didn’t face additional charges for resisting arrest, etc.

“You are under oath ma’am … In order to respond to your objection (to dismiss — denied) there has to be some credible evidence. I mean, there’s no assault charge in this case. We saw the video. We saw the video. I am shocked that there is not a criminal charge in this matter and I am shocked that those Belleville police officers stood outside that vehicle and had that soliloquy with your client. It shocks the conscience of the court they were so patient,” Judge John A. Paparazzo, the sitting Verona Municipal Court judge who heard the case, said in the middle of Jacho’s testimony.

Jacho also claimed she was never asked to take an Alcotest in police headquarters and that she never claimed she didn’t speak English. That was an issue during her arrest where she could be heard, on video, saying she didn’t understand instructions police were giving to her in English.

Jacho speaks fluent English.

She said she ingested no alcoholic beverages or prescription medication the day she was arrested. Instead, she said she learned, on Oct. 22, she tested positive for COVID-19. It’s not clear whether that information was being used in her defense.

As soon as direct examination ended and Prosecutor Brian Mason offered his first inquiry on cross examination, Jacho appeared to forget she was on a witness stand and had to answer his questions. Mason asked her what her highest level of education was — and Jacho took exception to it.

Paparazzo reminded Jacho) Continued on the next page

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Continued from previous page she must answer the question as he did before warning her this could happen by taking the stand — and though she eventually did answer, she tried to weasel her way out of it.

Paparazzo also told Jacho if she didn’t answer, she’d be held in contempt, something he’d much prefer not to have to do.

She eventually answered by noting she had a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.

Apparently, her political detractors have often questioned whether she has such a degree.

Further on in cross, Jacho claimed she was a political target because one police officer told her “he had to do his job just like she had to do her job.”

That line, she said, was enough to prove her arrest was politically motivated.

“If he didn’t know me, how did he know I had a job and was a teacher?” she barked back.

The judge’s verdict Paparazzo, in rendering his verdict, said he found all of prosecution’s witnesses — all of the officers involved in the arrest, including the off-duty Kearny cop — to be credible. The witnesses, he said, “were consistent” and didn’t change their stories.

He also said the video of the arrest told the story and facts of what happened back in 2020 valuably. It proved her defense was invalid, he said. It also proved, he said, the police officers who were sent to the scene acted professionally and properly.

“She was a person who was extremely intoxicated and that was clear from the video,” Paparazzo said.

“I find her credibility to be totally incredible. I find her statements that there is a concerted effort to target her … there is not one iota of evidence in this case to indicate that she

19

The Observer | www.theobserver.com was targeted. “…She was not going to do anything (they said) that day. If they told her to go home, I don’t think she would have left. She was not going to listen to anybody.”

Jacho was “uncooperative from the get-go,” Paparazzo said. “She would not open the door, she would not get out.”

Paparazzo also said that even if there wasn’t a single piece of testimony from the officers on the scene, the video of the arrest, alone, was enough to prove her guilt.

“It is so obvious to a third party, a judge, or anyone who looked at that video, they’d say this person is either highly intoxicated or is mentally ill,” Paparazzo said. “It’s that bad. “This video should be used to train new recruits as to how police officers should just back off if you get into a situation.”

Paparazzo also concluded officers clearly smelled alcohol — and not hand sanitizer — on her breath.

In all, she was found guilty of drunken driving, refusal to submit to an Alcotest and failure to exhibit her documents (driver’s license, registration and insurance.) Failure to exhibit carries a $157 fine and $30 court costs. Drunken driving carries a $407 fine and $33 court costs. A $225 DWI surcharge was also assessed, as was a $50 violent-crimes fee. Her driver’s license was suspended indefinitely until she can prove she installed an ignition-interlocking device on her vehicle which must remain in place for 15 months.

The refusal carries a $507 fine and $33 court costs and an additional $100 surcharge.

Hear the trial’s audio, see the arrest video and other documents online at www.theobserver.com.

Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @kevincanessa.

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