Grand Jury Indicts Mt. Laurel Woman for Mother’s Murder

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Mt. Laurel woman has been indicted for fatally stabbing her mother earlier this year inside the residence they shared at the Ramblewood

Village Apartments.

Marisa G. Rivera, 24, of the first block of Pine Cove, was indicted on one count of Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree).

An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court. Rivera has been in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since her arrest.

She is accused of killing her mother, 56-year-old Denise DeNapoli, in the early morning hours of September 6 and then fleeing the apartment. She was arrested several hours later at a Route 73 hotel and taken into custody without incident by Mount Laurel Township police officers.

Denise DeNapoli’s body was discovered by police who were sent to the residence by her employer to conduct a wellness check after she could not be reached by co-workers.

Rivera is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit – Violent Crimes Section.

The case was investigated by the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are Mount Laurel Police Detective Thomas Corsanico and BCPO Detective Nicholas Villano.

An indictment is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Delanco Man Pleads Guilty in 2018 Willingboro Double Fatal Collision

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Delanco man pled guilty today in Superior Court to causing the deaths of a married couple during a collision early lastyear in the jug

handle at Route 130 northbound and Bridgeboro Road in Willingboro Township.

Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Amish Patel, 31, of Delanco, pled guilty to two counts of Vehicular Homicide (Second Degree) and Driving While Intoxicated for the deaths of Robert Stephens, 52, and his wife Janet, 50, of Burlington Township, on January 13, 2018.

According to the plea agreement, Patel will be sentenced to 12 ½ years in New Jersey state prison. Under the No Early Release Act, Patel must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The Hon. Philip E. Haines, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2020.

Patel acknowledged before Judge Haines that he had been drinking and at the time of the accident was travelling at more than double the posted speed limit, which is 50 miles per hour along that stretch of Route 130.

The investigation revealed that at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Stephens’ minivan was stopped in the jug handle waiting to cross Route 130 onto Bridgeboro Road when Patel, who was traveling northbound on Route 130, lost control of his BMW 440, entered the jug handle and crashed into the minivan.

The force of the impact propelled the minivan over the guardrail and down an embankment, where it submerged into a body of water that is part of Olympia Lakes. Autopsies revealed that both victims had drowned.

Patel is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Josh Dennis, supervisor of the BCPO Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, and Assistant Prosecutors Douglas J. Bligh and Brandon Almeida. The collision was investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department. Assistance was provided at the scene by the Delran Township Police Department, Edgewater Park Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Michael Reagan and Willingboro Township Police Detective Ed Walker.

Man Charged with Running Meth Lab in Edgewater Park Garage

EDGEWATER PARK —

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Edgewater Park Township Police Chief Robert D. Hess announced that a Beverly City man who was arrested earlier this week on narcotics offenses has been charged with operating a methamphetamine lab in a township home.

Daniel Lilly, 27, was charged with Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility (First Degree). He remains in Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending an appearance in Superior Court. The charges against him will be presented to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The charges stem from an investigation that originated after Lilly and an acquaintance, Tammy Coppoletta, 35, of Lindenwold, were stopped by Florence Township police on November 16 for a motor vehicle violation.

Lilly and Coppoletta, who was driving the car, were both found to be in possession of controlled dangerous substances and were charged. Additional charges were filed after a search of the vehicle by Florence Police Officer Nicholas Czepiel and K-9 Bolo revealed materials that are used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The Burlington County Hazardous Materials Unit was called to the scene and safely contained the chemicals.

On November 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at a Colonial Road residence in Edgewater Park that resulted in the seizure of chemicals and equipment from the garage area that were being used by Lilly for methamphetamine production.

The investigation was conducted by the BCPO Gang, Gun and Narcotics Task Force, the New Jersey State Police, the Florence Township Police Department and the Edgewater Park Township Police Department.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Norcross Statement on New Jersey’s Commitments to Public Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement:

“We all share the common goal of upholding the pension and health care commitments made to our state, county, municipalities and school board employees. The issue is how best to meet these promises,” said Congressman Norcross. “I believe we cannot let New Jersey fall to the ways of

Washington but should instead work together to resolve tough issues. That is why I oppose any effort to place pension and health benefit reform bills on the ballot. Instead, all parties should come together to work on solutions that keep our promises to New Jersey workers. I am happy to participate in a dialogue with legislators, the Governor and union leaders to work together to meet New Jersey’s obligations to its workers.”

Jefferson Health’s Lisa Morina Receives Corporate Excellence Award from Gloucester County NAACP

On November 3,

Lisa Morina

, Vice President of Government & External Relations, received the Corporate Excellence Award from the Gloucester County NAACP. Morina was one of 20 recipients of a “Game Changers” award at the annual Black & White Gala, held at Auletto’s Caterers in Deptford, NJ.

“Game Changer awards recognize those who, through their organization, provide significant financial or in-kind resources to assist organizations like the NAACP in meeting community needs,” said

Loretta Winters

, President, Gloucester County NAACP. “Through Lisa’s community involvement, she has recognized and met those needs with persistence, involvement and commitment to equity.”

At Jefferson Health in New Jersey, Morina ensures its mission is represented across all lines of government, community, business and trade association stakeholders.

Morina is an active member and serves on the boards for numerous community and business organizations. And, prior to joining Jefferson Health in New Jersey in November 2013, she served as Director of Economic Development for Gloucester County, the Director of Business Services for Cumberland County College, and Director of the Business and Industry Training Center for Gloucester County College.

We are proud of Lisa’s achievements and congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award.

For more information, visit

www.gloucestercountynaacp.org

Jefferson Health in New Jersey Receives MAAPE Proficiency Award

CHERRY HILL, NJ (Nov. 22, 2019)–Jefferson Health in New Jersey (JHNJ) recently received a Proficiency Award from the nonprofit Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE). The award is the next tier in JHNJ’s journey to achieve Baldrige Performance Excellence, after receiving MAAPE’s Commitment Award in 2017.

JHNJ began its Baldrige journey in 2017 — under the leadership of Dr. David Condoluci, Senior Vice President and Chief Patient Safety & Quality Officer; Kathleen Victor, Corporate Director for Performance Improvement; and Abbey Driendl, Performance Excellence Specialist — by using the

Baldridge Health Care Excellence Framework

. Many organizations use the framework to reach their goals, improve and sustain results, and become more competitive.

“I am pleased we have been awarded the next tier level in the Baldrige Journey,” said Joseph W. Devine, FACHE, President, New Jersey Division. “This is a monumental achievement for our program, after just two years on the journey. The award acknowledges our commitment to excellence, and our drive to establish and execute processes for continuous improvement.”

The MAAPE is a Baldrige-based awards program serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. MAAPE helps organizations improve their performance and outcomes; it uses the leading-edge Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence as the basis for its process and for giving feedback to applicants. The result of this feedback supports JHNJ’s performance advancement and achieving increasing levels of excellence through MAAPE and, eventually, at the national level through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The Baldrige Framework helps JHNJ accelerate its performance in 17 Health Care Criteria in leadership, strategy, customers, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce, operations, and results. Dr. Condoluci, who last spring completed the nationally recognized

Baldrige Executive Fellowship Program

, says, “We are excited to see this framework shape our organization to be a high-performing healthcare system dedicated to improving lives by putting people first, doing the right thing, and being bold and thinking differently.”

Devine will accept the award at MAAPE’s annual Awards Banquet & Conference, in Malvern, PA, on Nov. 13. Among the six other award recipients will be Abington – Jefferson Health, who will receive MAAPE’s Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition. For more, visit

www.midatlanticape.org

Jefferson Health New Jersey Using MyChart for Patient Medical Records

On September 28, Jefferson Health in New Jersey transitioned to a new patient portal called MyChart. The innovative, user-friendly platform will enhance the safety and security of the organization of medical records, as well as offer unique benefits to

patients.

MyChart allows patients to access real-time results, right at their fingertips, explains Brenda Gorman, oncology assistant at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township.

“It’s one chart – everywhere you go,” said Gorman. “That’s what we are so excited about! All of the patient’s information will be comprehensive, in one spot, to help us provide the best possible care.”

If you’re a Jefferson Health patient using MyChart through a secure, internet connection, you can:

Schedule medical appointments during or after office hours.

Swap your appointment for an earlier one.

Message your provider directly (*note: not meant for urgent matters).

Schedule video visits with Jefferson Health doctors.

View test results electronically – no more waiting for a phone call or letter in the mail.

Request prescription refills at Jefferson pharmacies.

View your health information while you\’re in the hospital, with

MyChart Bedside

, a 24/7 tool that provides you with safe and secure access to your medical record, treatment plan, test results and more.

If you or a loved one requires additional assistance in managing and navigating medical care, you can also

assign a Proxy

through MyChart. If you are a parent, legal guardian or other designated adult, you might be eligible to become a designated proxy.

Gorman and all other clinical employees at Jefferson Health in New Jersey have received extensive training in MyChart and Epic (the new internal electronic medical record system).

“It’s our priority to have complete accuracy in each patient’s chart,” continued Gorman. “In addition, no one can access patient records without a proper, credential login, and we can see everyone who views a chart. We want these records to be as safe as our patients.”

With this transition, you’ll be able to manage your healthcare information like never before. You can sign-up for MyChart at your next Jefferson Health visit.

To learn more about MyChart, including how to login, schedule an appointment, pay your bill online, and more, click

HERE

Check out Jefferson Health in New Jersey\’s journey to implementing Epic and MyChart by watching the video below!

Maple Shade Used Car Dealer Faces Criminal Charges

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher Fletcher announced that a Maple Shade used car dealer has been charged with altering temporary license plates that were provided to

customers in an effort to conceal the fact that he sold vehicles for which he did not have possession of the title of ownership.

Gavry Nelson, 36, of Medford Lane in Willingboro, was charged with two counts of Forgery (Third Degree) and two counts of Tampering (Fourth Degree). He was also issued a summons for placing counterfeit license plates on a motor vehicle.

Arrangements are being made for Nelson to surrender himself to the Maple Shade Police Department to be processed on the charges. The case will then be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The investigation began after a Maple Shade Police Department patrol officer pulled over a vehicle for having a temporary license plate with an altered expiration date.

The investigation revealed that Nelson, the owner of The Automotive Outlet at Route 38 and Stiles Avenue, was selling vehicles he had obtained at auctions even though he was unable to take possession of the title because the vehicles had liens placed on them.

Nelson did not disclose to the buyers that he was selling a vehicle without possession of the title. In attempt to cover his actions, Nelson would repeatedly provide the purchasers with new temporary license plates that had been altered to extend the expiration date. His failure to secure the titles meant that those who purchased the vehicles were unable to register them with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which has opened an investigation into Nelson’s actions.

Consumers who suspect they have been victimized by this business are asked to call the Maple Shade Police Department at 856-234-8300.

The lead investigators on the case are Maple Shade Patrol Officers Justin Jericho and Anthony King.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cinnaminson Drug Dealer Charged with Causing Death of Palmyra Customer

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Palmyra Borough Police Chief Scott Pearlman announced that a Cinnaminson drug dealer was arrested

today for causing the death of a customer who fatally overdosed during the summer on heroin that she sold to him earlier that day.

Colleen Wedge, 29, of the 700 block of Foxcroft Drive in Cinnaminson, was charged with Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death (First Degree), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree), Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree) and Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Third Degree).

Wedge surrendered this morning at the Palmyra Borough Police Department. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The investigation began after officers from the Palmyra Borough Police Department were called to a house on West Fifth Street on August 9 for an unattended death. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a 31-year-old male on the floor of his bedroom. Empty baggies of heroin were found in the bedroom.

The investigation revealed that Wedge had sold heroin to the victim on numerous occasions, including four bags on the day of his fatal overdose for which he paid $50.

An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood concluded the cause of death was heroin and fentanyl toxicity.

Wedge will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy Lackey. The investigation was conducted by the Palmyra Borough Police Department and the BCPO Gang, Gun and Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.