Category: Uncategorized

BLOOMFIELD – Governor Phil Murphy, joined by state and local officials, today announced the State’s intention to purchase nearly nine miles of property stretching from Jersey City to Montclair, for the creation of New Jersey’s first new state park since 2006. The announcement follows years of advocacy for the acquisition and transformation of the now abandoned former Boonton rail alignment as a multi-modal transit and recreational trail corridor that crosses above both the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers.

Connecting the communities of Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and Jersey City, the park will also provide a new pedestrian route and protect our environment by providing residents with a new and convenient method to reach their destinations without the use of a car. Projects such as the new park, which encourage car-free transportation, will help the Murphy Administration reach its goals of reducing overall emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.

“This project has been years in the making, and I am proud to be the Governor to advance this dream to being a reality,” said Governor Murphy. “This new park will be a crown jewel of our state park system, providing much-needed recreational space to New Jerseyans and out-of-state visitors, while revitalizing and protecting environmentally-sensitive areas. Residents of our state’s two largest cities, and the suburbs beyond and in-between will benefit from access to a multi-use trail, and the natural beauty of the Meadowlands. I am grateful for our partners across government including in the Legislature, Essex and Hudson counties, and our federal delegation for their efforts in support of this project.”

“For far too long our families have had to deal with the negative impact of an abandoned rail line. From illegal dumping to being an inviting space for negative activities, the rail line has tainted homeownership, backyards, new developments, new elementary schools and the first countywide park system in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Teresa Ruiz. “Today’s announcement shows that New Jersey will fight for environmental justice. I am grateful Governor Murphy sees the value in this project and I look forward to being a partner in this endeavor, which will be a game changer for open space.”

“After years of effort, This vitally important project has reached a historical moment,” said Assemblymembers Nicholas Chiaravalloti and Eliana Pintor-Marin. “This project is environmentally friendly, aims to improve water infrastructure and creates recreational opportunities for area residents. It is our sincere hope that JBOC approves the funding for this critical initiative.”

“My colleagues and I at the Department of Environmental Protection are proud to support the funding, acquisition and development of this new Greenway for the Garden State,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “This is a historic investment that will enrich communities in Essex and Hudson counties, the state and the region—serving as a hub for ecotourism and unlocking the potential for even greater transit and environmental infrastructure improvements. It is exactly the kind of transformative project that New Jersey residents deserve.”

“NJ TRANSIT and the Open Space Institute have been working together for more than a year to ensure the Boonton Line will become a wonderful outdoor experience for walkers, runners and bicyclists, while also preserving the potential for environmentally-friendly public transit in the future,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Greenways and smart, clean public transit are vital to the quality of life in New Jersey, and I’m proud that our continued partnership will assure that these critical needs, for green space and green transportation, will have the opportunity to be fulfilled together.”

“Without question, this deal underscores all the merits of public-private partnerships and strategic land protection in one package.  The Greenway project will make it easier for millions of people to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, completely transform the way communities connect with nature and connect with each other, linking people to parks, waterways, and their neighbors – all while creating alternative transportation options, improving water quality, and spurring economic activity,” said Open Space Institute President and CEO Kim Elliman. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, this once-in-a-generation opportunity will soon become reality and OSI could not be prouder of the role we played to negotiate the deal, bring stakeholders together, and generate public and private support for the initiative.”

”I am happy to see this project moving forward and thank Governor Murphy for his commitment to creating new green space for New Jersey families,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “The Essex-Hudson Greenway will not only create vital recreational opportunities for many of our communities, but also provide transportation alternatives that go beyond the car and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Utilizing both state and federal funds, this project brings all levels of government together to improve the quality of life for area residents. This recreational space will connect suburban and urban communities and bring families of all backgrounds together, while reducing harmful emissions in the region.” 

“The Essex Hudson Greenway project is another example of investing in our state’s infrastructure to revitalize old, unused sites for the benefit of our state’s residents and to advance environmental causes,” said Senater Cory Booker. “The renovated corridor will help pave the way for future public transportation options between Essex and Hudson counties, lead to the construction of walkways and bike lanes, and crucially, assist with stormwater management. I am glad to see various state funding sources being leveraged to back this project and look forward to seeing the benefits it provides to New Jerseyans.”

 “I’m thrilled that this abandoned rail line will become a new state park for the people of New Jersey to enjoy,” said Congressman Albio Sires. “I have long been an advocate for revitalizing old infrastructure and giving it new purpose as parks, trails, and eco-friendly travel routes. I applaud Governor Murphy’s commitment to making progress on this project and look forward to visiting our new state park with my fellow New Jerseyans.”

“The pandemic has proven the value of open space,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell. “Thanks to money passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden, the Greenway can be a stunning park for our North Jersey communities in one of the most densely populated areas in America. I am excited ARP funds are being used to improve, expand and contribute to public spaces. Governor Murphy’s commitment to open spaces will be life-changing for our state. I look forward to continued investments in our communities.”

“I am so proud of the Essex-Hudson Greenway project and the broad coalition that’s come together to support it,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “In this densely populated area of our state, building a bike and hiking trail along out of use rail lines will link together communities, improve quality of life, expand our state park system and revitalize our towns. During COVID, we realized the value of our outdoor spaces. This greenway will allow communities to come together and provide business opportunities along the trail. I can’t wait until this is completed. I know my family and many others in the region will treasure it.”

“This is great news and I applaud Governor Murphy’s leadership in building this park,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “This new park will create walking trails and biking trails to allow my constituents to enjoy nature throughout the 10th Congressional District.  As a strong supporter of the environment, I am proud that this park will protect miles of wetlands in northern New Jersey.  It is a great project and I look forward to seeing it built.”

“Preserving open space and creating recreation opportunities for our residents has been an ongoing initiative of my administration,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “We thank Governor Murphy for supporting the Greenway project and making this longtime vision become a reality. Essex County is one of the most densely populated and developed areas on the East Coast and opening this nine-mile stretch will be a tremendous benefit for our residents.”

“The Greenway represents another critical element of our three-decade-long effort to increase open space, bike and pedestrian pathways, and public waterfront access in the region,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “I am grateful to Governor Murphy for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to moving the Greenway forward.” 

“Governor Murphy’s announcement on the provision of funding for the Essex-Hudson Greenway was a monumental step for the future of Northeastern New Jersey,” said Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, a longtime advocate of the Essex-Hudson Greenway for the last 10 years. “Upon its completion, the EHG will serve as a blue print for future environmentally friendly infrastructure projects nationwide, while helping our local communities rebound from the financial challenges we experienced due to the pandemic.”

The new park will pass through a diverse landscape of existing parks and wetlands,  as well as urban, suburban, and industrial areas. The park will include walking paths, bike lanes, and other recreational uses, allowing visitors to take full advantage of a trail that exhibits the varied landscapes of our state including the scenery of the Meadowlands. Funding for the park will be provided through a collaborative effort by the Murphy Administration, including the support of the Department of Environmental Protection and NJ TRANSIT, the Legislature, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation, utilizing American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. Over the past few years, NJ TRANSIT and the Open Space Institute have been engaged in negotiations with the Norfolk Southern Corporation for the purchase of this land, which will now be possible with the State’s support. The State’s acquisition of the land also allows its potential future use for mass transit purposes, alongside recreational uses.

“On behalf of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and all our members we want to express how thrilled we are at the announcement today and express our gratitude to the Governor and his staff, for this major step that will lead to the creation of the Greenway,” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. “This is the culmination of over a decade of advocacy and we thank our dedicated coalition partners, the community groups, local leaders, and thousands of grassroots supporters who persevered to get us to this great day. We want to thank you Governor Murphy, for your commitment to what will truly be a transformational project that will enhance the quality-of-life for all our residents throughout the region.”

“We are happy that the State of New Jersey has stepped forward to do their part to make sure that we can bring this valuable Greenway and recreational space to the people,” said Thomas Baxter, President of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. “In addition to its impact at the local level, this project has major national significance as a major New Jersey component of the recently designated 9/11 Memorial Trail. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Governor, representatives of the various state departments, and our own community and elected leaders who help us reach this pivotal point. We continue to appreciate the ongoing support of the community, as well, and the countless members of the public who have been advocates for the project over the years.”

“The League of Women Voters of New Jersey applauds Governor Murphy’s commitment to protecting, preserving, and investing in open space through funding the Greenway,” said Jesse Burns, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. “This once-in-a-lifetime, transformational project enhances the social, economic, mental and physical welfare of New Jersey residents.”

“Preserving this important 9-mile corridor, and creating a green swath through these densely developed communities is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Jay Watson, Senior Director for Statewide Land Protection & Community Relations at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “Keeping this corridor intact will provide enormous opportunities for public recreation and alternatives to automobile-dependent transportation.  Once completed, this public asset will have immeasurable public health benefits for future generations and enhance real estate values along its route.  We congratulate Governor Murphy and all of the partners and advocates for seizing on this remarkable opportunity.”

“We applaud Governor Murphy for today’s announcement creating a visionary park for the great people of New Jersey.  For too long, access to nature has been a mark of privilege instead of a human right to be enjoyed by all,” said Eric Stiles, President and CEO of New Jersey Audubon. “The Keep It Green Coalition, led by NJ Audubon, champions parks as an essential part of a vibrant urban community.  This rails to trails project, a nine-mile transformational linear park from Montclair to Jersey City, represents a huge victory for northern NJ residents who enjoy walking , hiking, birding, cycling and just getting outdoors.  Many studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits, economic gains and crime reduction in neighborhoods with parks.  We thank the Governor and many partners who have made this vision a reality.”

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy, Brigadier General Dr. Lisa Hou, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), and Acting Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Sarah Adelman today announced the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. The initiative will bring together state and federal agencies to combat suicide among members of the military and their families. This work will build on existing suicide prevention efforts across the state and assist with further implementation of best policies and practices using a comprehensive public health approach. 

“New Jersey’s veterans and service members are a source of immense pride for our state,” said Governor Murphy. “This initiative recognizes the struggles that many of our bravest men and women face and will engage all aspects of government in meeting the challenge of preventing and reducing suicides.”

 “Together with 34 other states, New Jersey is engaging at the local, county, and state level to implement best, and evidence-based practices to prevent and reduce suicide among Garden State heroes and their families,” said Adjutant General and DMAVA Commissioner Brigadier General Hou. “Purposefully, our effort will advance the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide by enhancing and aligning local and statewide suicide prevention efforts.”

“Suicide is a significant public health concern among veterans and service members. Through these partnerships, and by enacting suicide prevention policies and best practices, we can help save the lives of men and women who have given so much to protect ours,” said Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I urge anyone needing help to call our 24/7 suicide prevention help line at 1-855–654-6735. No matter what you’re going through or feeling, you are not alone. We are here to listen.”

This initiative establishes a partnership between the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Human Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration with the goal of preventing suicide among New Jersey’s veterans. These efforts will advance the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide by enhancing and aligning local and statewide suicide prevention efforts. The New Jersey Departments of Health and Children and Families are additional partners in the initiative, providing expertise and guidance for this critical effort.

The objectives of the Challenge include: 

• Convening a state interagency military and civilian team of leaders to develop an implementation plan to prevent suicide among veterans.
• Implementing promising, best, and evidence-based practices to prevent and reduce suicide.
• Engaging with city, county, and state stakeholders to enhance and align local and state-wide suicide prevention efforts.
• Increasing knowledge about the challenges and lessons learned in implementing best policies and practices by using state-to-state and community-to-community sharing.
• Defining and measuring success, including defining assignments, deadlines, and measurable outcomes to be reported.  

More than 40 years after a 15-year-old boy was reportedly sexually abused by the Rev. John Capparelli, the alleged victim filed a lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court against the Archdiocese of Newark and the church where the disgraced, defrocked priest — who was murdered in 2019 — once served.

The plaintiff in the case, not identified by name, spoke of being raised in a devout Catholic family and participating in youth and church activities at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, before ultimately becoming a victim to what was described only as “unpermitted sexual contact.”

It is just one of hundreds of civil lawsuits that have been filed in New Jersey since the state opened a two-year window that greatly extended the amount of time victims of sexual abuse had to sue.

And now, that window is closing. At the end of the month, a two-year extension allowing such lawsuits on decades-old allegations comes to an end.

Advocates, however, say the COVID pandemic has made it difficult for victims to meet with attorneys and build their cases and have called for more time to allow others to seek justice.

“The pandemic closed our courts for some time and it delayed in many ways the statewide investigation of the five Catholic Dioceses in New Jersey,” said Mark Crawford, a clergy abuse survivor and state leader of SNAP — Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

The New Jersey law, passed in 2019 and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, waived the statute of limitations to sue under a 24-month time period ending on Nov. 30, 2021. The law also allowed adults who were assaulted as children to file civil suits until they turn 55, or seven years after they discover that they were abused. It targeted not only individuals who allegedly committed sexual assault, but the churches, athletic organizations, schools and community organizations for whom they had worked.

Since it took effect, 880 cases involving individuals with claims that would have been time barred but for the new law have been filed through Sept. 30, according to the state Administrative Office of the Courts. Most of those cases, 62.2%, named a cleric and/or religious institution as a defendant. Schools accounted for 15.5% of the lawsuits and the Boy Scouts of America was named in 11.3% of the cases.

State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, who championed the legislation despite years of pushback, said those numbers should be much higher, and said the window for filing civil lawsuits should stay open.

“It should be extended, but I don’t know if it can be done without legislation,” he observed of the current filing deadline. “It’s not an issue that’s been at the forefront.”

The Murphy administration expressed its support of such a move.

“Gov. Murphy believes that victims of sexual assault should be able to seek justice. He is open to working with the Legislature to extend the filing period contained in the New Jersey Child Victims Act,” said spokeswoman Alyana Alfaro.

CHILD USA, a nonprofit organization that tracks such legislation, said 24 states, along with Washington D.C., and Guam, have windows similar to New Jersey’s that gave the opportunity to file child sex abuse claims that otherwise would have been blocked as a result of statute of limitations laws. Some, including California Delaware, Hawaii, and New York, later extended those windows, or reopened them.

New York, for example, originally had a 1-year window that opened in 2019, a few months before New Jersey’s window opened. Lawmakers extended that window last year because of the pandemic and the resulting court closures.

According to CHILD USA, 10,857 abuse cases have been filed in New York under the law.

Attorney Gregory Gianforcaro of Phillipsburg, who has represented hundreds of people alleging abuse by members of the clergy, is well aware of the approaching deadline. He said he has been filing new civil cases on almost a daily basis before the law expires and expects other law firms will also be heading into court in anticipation of the rapidly approaching cutoff date.

“In the past 2 weeks, my office has filed well over 80 cases — all clergy abuse cases,” Gianforcaro said. Many more, he believes, may never come to light because of the approaching deadline and because there are still some who remain reluctant to come forward.

Among the high profile cases that have filed under the extension include allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who has been repeatedly accused of abuse in connection with incidents dating back to when he was the Newark archbishop, and even before when he served as bishop of the Metuchen Diocese.

In one of those lawsuits, attorneys for an unnamed victim charged that the individual they named only as “Doe 14″ had been groomed for a role in what they called a “sex ring” involving McCarrick. They charged other priests served as “procurers” to bring victims to McCarrick at a beach house, where he assigned sleeping arrangements, choosing his victims from the boys, seminarians and clerics, and that they were paired with adult clerics.

McCarrick, who was defrocked by the Catholic Church in 2019, is facing more serious criminal charges in Massachusetts, where earlier this year he was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy during a wedding reception in the 1970s — the first time the ex-Catholic Church official has ever faced criminal charges.

The lawsuits being filed in New Jersey as the deadline draws nearer, meanwhile, are not isolated to allegations of abuse by the clergy.

A Middlesex County man filed a lawsuit just late last month against two private schools, a day camp and the estate of a teacher he claims sexually abused him four decades ago. The man, whose name is not disclosed in court papers, alleges a teacher molested him repeatedly during the 1981-1982 school year, beginning when the student was 8 years old.

The lawsuit filed last month on behalf of the unidentified victim involving Capparelli, the former priest from Westfield, was among the cases filed recently by Gianforcaro. The lawyer wrote in his filing against the Newark Archdiocese that “the culture of the Catholic Church created pressure…not to report the abuse.”

The Archdiocese said it would be inappropriate to comment on matters in litigation.

“But it is important to note that the Archdiocese of Newark remains fully committed to transparency and to our long-standing programs to protect the faithful and will continue to work with victims, their legal representatives and law enforcement authorities in an ongoing effort to resolve allegations and bring closure to victims,” said spokeswoman Maria Margiotta.

That court filing provided sparse details, but Capparelli, who was suspended in 1992 and eventually defrocked by the Catholic Church, allegedly spent decades organizing wrestling matches for young boys and teenagers in church basements and youth clubs. He was forced the leave ministry after some of the boys alleged he violently groped them during the “submission matches” and sexually assaulted them when they were alone with him in churches, at camps and on vacations.

Nearly two decades later, a 2011 investigation by The Star-Ledger revealed he was working as a public school math teacher in Newark, in a report detailing the past allegations of abuse. The ex-priest, who denied the charges and was never prosecuted, voluntarily surrendered his New Jersey teaching licenses, eventually left New Jersey and moved to Henderson, Nevada, where he was found shot in the head in March 2019.

Police say his killer had responded through an online Craigslist ad that Capparelli placed seeking men to wrestle in his house in “submission matches.”

The case has yet to go to trial.

__

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL.

After hosting a recent Town Hall on Employer Vaccine Mandates, one of the biggest takeaways was that workplace rules are still mired in uncertainty and amid multiple legal challenges, there are still no clear answers.

If you are among those who refuse to be vaccinated, you do have options. However, there was consensus among our panel of experts: DO NOT quit your job. Make your employer fire you. That will be your best chance to collect unemployment, although it is not a certainty and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

In many cases, if you refuse to be vaccinated, you could try to claim either a medical or religious exemption.

Attorney Peter Frattarelli with Archer & Greiner P.C. cautioned, however, that employers do have the ability to challenge both exemptions, and their acceptance by your employer is not guaranteed. Generally, medical exemptions are being accepted with greater frequency, provide you have the documentation from a physician to back it up.

To claim a religious exemption, workers’ rights attorney Dana Wefer says a personal approach is best. She advises you not to use form letters you can find on the internet or to copy someone else’s letter.

Wefer says begin by writing a personal letter to your boss. “Write is sincerely,” Wefer advises, “Include historical information about yourself, like sacraments you’ve made or things that are important to you in your religion. It will add to the sincerity of the letter.”

In the letter, ask to meet with your boss to discuss your beliefs and request to begin a dialogue. Wefer says it is also best to request what you believe to be a “reasonable accommodation.” That could be things like wearing a mask, submitting to regular COVID testing or working from home. None of these accommodations are guaranteed, but they show you are willing to discuss options.

There are also things you should not include in your letter.

“Don’t talk about science, don’t talk about politics don’t talk about your personal medical information,” Wefer cautions, “Stick to your sincerely held religious belief.”

At this time, religious exemptions do not appear to apply to testing mandates, although Wefer thinks that will eventually be challenged in court.

While following these guidelines may increase the likelihood that you boss will accept your religious exemption, Frattarelli says some companies are challenging them based on your past behavior. Many will look to see if you have ever requested a religious exemption for other vaccines that contain the same components of the COVID vaccine. They may also ask you to certify that you have not, and will not, use medications that also contain the same ingredients or were subject to the same development process of the COVID vaccine.

Another red flag, says Frattarelli, is if you show up one day objecting to vaccines on a political basis, then try to claim a religious exemption.

NJ towns and their nicknames

After hosting a recent Town Hall on Employer Vaccine Mandates, one of the biggest takeaways was that workplace rules are still mired in uncertainty and amid multiple legal challenges, there are still no clear answers.

If you are among those who refuse to be vaccinated, you do have options. However, there was consensus among our panel of experts: DO NOT quit your job. Make your employer fire you. That will be your best chance to collect unemployment, although it is not a certainty and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

In many cases, if you refuse to be vaccinated, you could try to claim either a medical or religious exemption.

Attorney Peter Frattarelli with Archer & Greiner P.C. cautioned, however, that employers do have the ability to challenge both exemptions, and their acceptance by your employer is not guaranteed. Generally, medical exemptions are being accepted with greater frequency, provide you have the documentation from a physician to back it up.

To claim a religious exemption, workers’ rights attorney Dana Wefer says a personal approach is best. She advises you not to use form letters you can find on the internet or to copy someone else’s letter.

Wefer says begin by writing a personal letter to your boss. “Write is sincerely,” Wefer advises, “Include historical information about yourself, like sacraments you’ve made or things that are important to you in your religion. It will add to the sincerity of the letter.”

In the letter, ask to meet with your boss to discuss your beliefs and request to begin a dialogue. Wefer says it is also best to request what you believe to be a “reasonable accommodation.” That could be things like wearing a mask, submitting to regular COVID testing or working from home. None of these accommodations are guaranteed, but they show you are willing to discuss options.

There are also things you should not include in your letter.

“Don’t talk about science, don’t talk about politics don’t talk about your personal medical information,” Wefer cautions, “Stick to your sincerely held religious belief.”

At this time, religious exemptions do not appear to apply to testing mandates, although Wefer thinks that will eventually be challenged in court.

While following these guidelines may increase the likelihood that you boss will accept your religious exemption, Frattarelli says some companies are challenging them based on your past behavior. Many will look to see if you have ever requested a religious exemption for other vaccines that contain the same components of the COVID vaccine. They may also ask you to certify that you have not, and will not, use medications that also contain the same ingredients or were subject to the same development process of the COVID vaccine.

Another red flag, says Frattarelli, is if you show up one day objecting to vaccines on a political basis, then try to claim a religious exemption.

NJ towns and their nicknames

EAST ORANGE — She didn’t go “missing.” She just didn’t want to be found by her mother, officials say.

The mother of a 14-year-old girl who made headlines after going missing for a month has now been charged with child endangerment a day after her daughter was found in New York City, where she had been staying at a shelter.

After a media blitz about her disappearance, Jashyah Moore walked into an NYPD precinct in Harlem but was not immediately reunited with her family. Turns out, there was a reason.

Although Jamie Moore, who cried in front of cameras last week, insisted her daughter was not a runaway, Acting Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said Friday morning that the teen was “an extremely resilient and resourceful young lady and she decided she wanted to be someplace other than where she had been and she made it happen.”

Stephens said there was no open case involving the teen and her family with New Jersey’s Department of Child Protection and Permanency. But hours later, his office announced the mother’s arrest on charges that include allegations of physical abuse and neglect.

Jashyah and her 3-year-old brother were removed from the home, Stephens said.

Moore will be held at the Essex County Correctional Facility pending an appearance in the Essex County Central Judicial Processing Court.

Vocal critic of police

Jamie Moore was not happy with the law enforcement search for her daughter and disputed that she reported her daughter as a runaway.

“That is not true! I said she went to the deli and never came home,” she told PIX 11.

Friday morning before Stephens’ press conference, Moore kept up the criticism on a GoFundMe page she created to fund the purchase of flyers, posters, and T-shirts to continue the search.

“No mother should go through what I have these last few weeks,” she wrote on the fundraising page. “My family and I want to ensure certain legal channels are altered to better aid families in preventing possible tragedies. This includes certain law enforcement protocols like the Amber Alert. Please help us make a difference.”

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

11 things that make a New Jersey diner a real diner

9 Dumb Things About New Jersey

The 10 Most Stolen Vehicles In New Jersey

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police are searching for a man they said sexually assaulted a 13-year-old walking home from school in the Bronx.

The suspect was caught on surveillance video at a deli just blocks away from Crotona Park, where police said the attack happened, CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported Thursday.

READ MORE: Essex County Prosecutor: 14-Year-Old Jashyah Moore Of East Orange Found Safe In New York City

According to police, the suspect, wearing a gray hoodie and black hat, grabbed the child leaving school Monday around 2:30 p.m. Police said the child’s leggings were forcibly removed during the sexual assault.

“It’s terrible…. Those people are sick. They are out of their mind,” said George Owusu.

(credit: NYPD)

According to police, the suspect stole the child’s cellphone and took off. The child was treated at the hospital and has been released.

Customers at the deli on Franklin Avenue and East 170th Street said they see the suspect all the time. They called police after CBS2 showed them his picture.

READ MORE: NYPD Makes Arrest In Alleged Sexual Assault Near FDR Drive, Searches For Person Of Interest In Attack On Woman In Central Park

“He lives in my building, he lives right here,” one person told Duddridge. “I would say, not all there in the head. So he needs his parents or he needs some type of guidance. But that needs to be brought to justice.”

Parents in the area said they’ve warned their kids to be extremely careful.

“Go straight to school, back to school, home. Don’t talk to strangers,” said Marleay Guerrero. “When you’re walking, don’t use your cellphone.”

“You have to stay in school and wait for your parents to come and get you. That’s the safest way,” another parent said.

“We have a lot of shelters along this way, rehabs and things like that. It could become a rough neighborhood,” said Tihisha Eure, who works in the area.

The victim did not know the attacker, police said . Residents hope he’s arrested soon.

MORE NEWS: Suspect Dead Following Police-Involved Shooting On Belt Parkway

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782. Tips can also be sent to the NYPDTips Twitter account or submitted online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.