DPW supervisors sentenced to five years in state prison for misconduct
Two former supervisors for the North Bergen Township Department of Public Works (DPW) were sentenced on Nov. 12 to five years in state prison without possibility of parole. The two men were convicted at trial in June of official misconduct for assigning municipal employees to work on election campaigns and complete personal chores or projects for them or their boss, Superintendent James Wiley.
Troy Bunero, 49, of North Bergen, and Francis “Frank” Longo, 50, of Ridgefield Park, were convicted by a Hudson County jury on June 30 of second-degree charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct, as well as third-degree charges of theft by unlawful taking and misapplication of government property. In addition, Bunero was convicted of third-degree tampering with public records and fourth-degree falsifying records for submitting false timesheets. Bunero and Longo forfeited their jobs as a result of the verdict and are permanently barred from public employment.
The defendants did not begin serving their prison sentences yet. Superior Court Judge Paul M. DePascale agreed to release them without bail while they appeal their trial convictions.
“Bunero and Longo shamelessly abused their power and the public resources entrusted to them,” said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman. “We’re putting government employees on notice that if they engage in this type of self-serving and corrupt conduct, they will be going to prison like these defendants and their boss, James Wiley.”
Wiley, 70, the former superintendent of the North Bergen Department of Public Works, pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2012 to conspiracy to commit official misconduct, admitting he directed municipal employees to perform hundreds of hours of work at his home, doing housecleaning, yard work and special projects, all while being paid by the township. He also admitted assigning township employees to work on election campaigns. Wiley is awaiting sentencing. He faces five to 10 years in state prison and must repay the township.
As supervisors for the Department of Public Works (DPW), Bunero and Longo served under Wiley and were responsible for assigning workers for their shifts. Bunero was responsible for timekeeping and supervising street sweepers and trash pickup. Longo was responsible for supervising crews that did road repair and construction work.
“Bunero and Longo insisted they were just little guys obeying Superintendent James Wiley, but they showed their true colors by ordering municipal workers to perform personal chores for them as well,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “They may have answered to Wiley, but they arrogantly exploited their own authority and the fact that many others answered to them.”
Bunero and Longo were convicted of one count of official misconduct related to political campaign work. The state presented testimony and evidence that they worked on election campaigns personally while being paid by the township and also helped assign subordinate employees to work on campaigns. They were convicted in connection with three days when DPW employees engaged in campaign work between January 2006 and February 2012.
They were convicted of a second count of official misconduct for assigning DPW workers to go to Wiley’s home in North Bergen to do household chores or projects while the workers were on duty or being paid overtime by the township. Each man also allegedly made use of on-the-clock DPW workers for their own personal projects, including renovations at Bunero’s home and the repainting of Longo’s pickup truck, which was done in the DPW garage. The two men allegedly performed work themselves on these projects while being paid by the township. In addition, Longo was convicted of a third count of official misconduct for assigning workers to repair the parking lot of a commercial property.
According to the Attorney General, township employees assigned to work election campaigns or at personal residences typically went to the sites using DPW vehicles, and they used tools and equipment belonging to the department. Bunero and Longo were convicted of theft and misapplication of government property for their role in the unlawful use of tools, equipment, vehicles and employee services for the election campaigns and for personal work for Wiley and themselves. In the counts related to tampering with and falsifying records, Bunero was charged with submitting fraudulent timesheets related to his own hours and the hours of subordinate employees to cover up the unlawful work done on campaigns and on personal projects.
Bunero had worked for North Bergen since 1998 and earned an annual salary of approximately $69,000. Longo had worked for North Bergen since 1993 and earned an annual salary of approximately $79,000. Both men were suspended without pay after they were indicted in September 2012.
Church benefit concert on Dec. 8 to raise funds for stained glass restoration
Enjoy an evening of contemporary, classical, and sacred music and song with internationally-acclaimed musicians and vocalists at the Sounds of Fatima Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the 2,500-square-foot stained glass window that adorns the front of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Meet the artists and your neighbors after the concert in O’Gorman Hall with refreshments and fellowship. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the church office (across the street from the church) or on Sundays after each mass. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church is located at 8011 Kennedy Blvd.
Our Lady of Fatima Church can be reached by buses number 88 or 154. Free parking is also available in the church’s lots. For information contact Our Lady of Fatima rectory at (201) 869-7244.
NB resident pleads guilty to armed robbery spree of banks and restaurants
Gary Bohanan, 46, of North Bergen, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court on Nov. 12 to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies and Hobbs Act robberies, two counts of armed bank robbery, and two counts of armed Hobbs Act robbery.
The Hobbs Act refers to extortion by use of force, violence, or fear. The incidents in question all took place in July 2013, according to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
The following are according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
• On July 10, 2013, Bohanan and Ramon Lopez, 25, of Union City, who were both wearing masks, allegedly entered a McDonald’s restaurant in North Bergen. Bohanan brandished a handgun and demanded money from the employees. Bohanan and Lopez then took $1,600 in cash from the cash registers and fled in a car driven by Josephine Chenet, 45, formerly of North Bergen. Chenet has since passed away and the other men have pleaded guilty to charges involving bank robberies.
• On July 18, 2013, Bohanan, Angel Feliu, 22, of North Bergen, Lopez, and Chenet waited for an employee of Le Chateau restaurant in West New York to close the restaurant, then followed her home and robbed her at gunpoint of $6,000 in cash, representing the proceeds from the restaurant.
• On July 22, 2013, Bohanan and Feliu robbed the Sovereign Bank (now Santander Bank) in Secaucus, New Jersey. Both men wore latex gloves and masks. Once inside the bank, Bohanan brandished a black handgun, jumped over the counter and proceeded to empty two drawers of money into a black bag, while pointing the handgun at bank tellers. As Bohanan emptied the drawers, Feliu stood guard. Bohanan and Feliu then fled the bank and shared the proceeds of the robbery with Lopez and Chenet.
• On July 26, 2013, Bohanan and Feliu robbed a TD Bank in Fairview. Bohanan and Feliu entered the bank at 9:48 a.m., both wearing latex gloves and masks. Feliu, however, was captured by the bank’s video surveillance system before he put the mask on his face. During the robbery, Feliu brandished a knife at employees and customers, and Bohanan brandished what appeared to be a black handgun, but was later identified as an air pistol. Bohanan then jumped over the counter and emptied two drawers of money into a black bag, while pointing the air pistol at bank tellers. As Bohanan emptied the drawers, Feliu stood guard and held bystanders back by brandishing the knife. After the robbery, Bohanan and Feliu fled on foot; however, they were followed by concerned citizens and victims of the bank robbery. Bohanan then came upon a van, pointed the air pistol at the driver, and ordered the driver out of the van. Bohanan then attempted to flee the area by driving away in the van, but he crashed it into a nearby structure. Bohanan was found hiding under a truck and arrested in possession of a black bag containing an air pistol and money covered with red dye.
The two counts of armed bank robbery to which Bohanan pleaded guilty each carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The two counts of Hobbs Act robbery each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The count of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2016.
Feliu previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies and Hobbs Act robberies and two counts of armed bank robbery. Lopez previously pleaded guilty in a separate proceeding to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies and Hobbs Act robberies and two counts of Hobbs Act robberies. Bohanan, Feliu, and Lopez are detained pending sentencing. Charges that had been pending against Chenet for her role in the robberies were dismissed following her death on June 22, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel, with the investigation leading to Bohanan’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Fairview, North Bergen, and Secaucus police departments for their contributions to the case.
HCST honors five previous members, welcomes new trustee
The Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education presented plaques to five former members at their reorganization meeting on Nov. 2. Honored for their contributions to the district were Rev. Edward Allen, Neil Carroll, Peter Fischbach, Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, and Sebastian D’Amico, who recently passed away and was represented by his family. Combined the five served on the board for several decades and each of them played an important role in the advancement and success of the district.
“Each one of these distinguished former board members contributed greatly to the success of our district, whether through their strategic recommendations and counseling or simply through their excellent leadership over the years,” said Superintendent of Schools Frank Gargiulo. “They deserve this recognition for their years of service to the students of Hudson County and I am very proud to have worked closely with them all.”
The board also welcomed a new trustee at the meeting, which was held at the district’s North Hudson Center. Hector Zulueta was officially sworn in to the board to replace retiring Board Member Peter Fischbach. An accomplished private business owner and entrepreneur who works in the jewelry industry, Zulueta is a lifelong North Bergen resident and father of three children, one of whom attends HCST’s High Tech High School. This gives him a unique perspective on the district that will help him contribute positively to the board.
“I am very excited to begin this new role as a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education and to be a part of the wonderful things that are happening here in the district,” said Zulueta. “As a parent I am able to see first-hand the tremendous educational experience that is offered to students here and I look forward to helping improve it even more.”
During the reorganization meeting Craig Guy was re-elected as Board President and Hugo Cabrera was elected as Board Vice President, replacing Peter Fischbach. The ceremony was also attended by North Bergen Mayor and State Senator Nicholas Sacco, HCST Board Secretary Joseph Muniz, board members, family, friends, and staff.
Christopher Walinski art exhibit and reception at the library opens Nov. 22
The North Bergen Free Public Library will host a reception for the opening of an art exhibit on Sunday, Nov. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring local artist Christopher Walinski. The exhibition is titled “My Inner World.” The exhibit will run from Nov. 22 through Dec. 22. This is a free event. The main library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit nbpl.org.
Health workshop in Guttenberg is on Nov. 23
Mayor Gerald Drasheff and the Town Council of Guttenberg, in conjunction with Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, will sponsor a State Health Assistance Programs (SHIP) workshop on Monday, Nov. 23 at the Guttenberg Municipal Building, 6808 Park Ave. (second floor), from 10 a.m. to noon.
Among other things, the workshop will deal with health program options, Medicare enrollment, Medicaid information, Part D prescription plans, and the Medicaid expansion program. The health program enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
For more information call Marisol Montanez at (201) 868-2315 ext. 152.
Swaminarayan Temple hosts Diwali celebration
The Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Temple at 200 Penhorn Ave. in Secaucus held its annual Diwali open house event on Saturday, Nov. 14. The Temple serves as the North American headquarters of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, an organization whose core values stand for service before self. The 25,000-square-foot temple celebrated its fifteenth anniversary this past August.
Attendees were guided inside to the Temple Hall where a grand ankut (mountain of food) was situated, and performed aarti (salutation) before proceeding to a series of interactive presentations that informed visitors about Diwali, the Hindu culture, and the specific humanitarian and community service efforts carried out by the temple organization. A series of booths and stands provided guest with the opportunity to learn about food, attire, musical instruments, cricket, and the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipeband, which performed at the event. An organ donation campaign, in conjunction with the New Jersey Sharing Network, was also held to encourage attendees to register as organ donors.
Local officials who have been associated with the Temple since before its construction joined the celebration. “In the past fifteen years, your temple community has been there for the town of Secaucus whenever needed or called upon,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “Watching this organization flourish into what it is today has certainly been a blessing.”
North Bergen Mayor and State Sen. Nicholas Sacco echoed that sentiment. “This temple has been there for Hudson County whenever needed and your community service efforts are to be noted,” he told the congregation. “Your values of family and religion are what everyone should hold as the foundation of their lives.”
Anthony Vainieri from the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders also attended the event, along with Secaucus Councilmen Robert Constantino and Gary Jeffas.
After receiving the blessings, the congregation gathered in Muktajeevan Swamibapa Community Hall and collectively took part in a lavish feast to celebrate the Indian New Year. A moment of silence and a candlelight vigil ceremony took place for peace on earth in the wake of the horrific events that took place in Paris the night before.
See ‘Toyland – A Christmas Story’ at the North Bergen Mini Theater in December
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the North Bergen Players present “Toyland – A Christmas Story,” a play by Mario Rosenthal, at the North Bergen Mini Theater, 8411 Bergenline Ave., from Dec. 11 through 13. Showtime Friday and Saturday is 7:30 p.m., and Sunday is 6:30 p.m. General admission is $15. Refreshments included.
For more information or for tickets contact Maurena Luzzi at (201) 854-7074 or (201) 401-9722.
Santa Claus is coming to town on Dec. 13
Join the 16th Annual Santa Parade on Sunday, Dec. 13, presented by the firefighters and fire officers of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue. The parade starts at noon on Bergenline Avenue from 85th Street to 32nd Street. This event is held in conjunction with the towns of North Bergen, Guttenberg, Union City, West New York, and Weehawken.
Free vaccine dates posted for adults
Upcoming dates for the Adult Free Vaccine Program have been posted on the North Bergen website (northbergen.org). The vaccines are sponsored by the public health department servicing Guttenberg, North Bergen, Secaucus, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York.
The goal is to provide free adult vaccines to residents in the service area who meet the listed requirements. The program will be one day per month per site. Residents who meet the listed requirements may visit other sites on their scheduled day/time.