Category: NORTH JERSEY

Two Sisters Says Archdiocese of Newark and Harrisburg Diocese Protected Priest

FORTNEY FAMILY TO ANNOUNCE FILING LAWSUIT AT DECEMBER 2 PRESS CONFERENCE IN NEWARK

At a press conference in Newark, New Jersey on December 2, 2019, Fortney Family sisters Patty Fortney-Julius and Lara Fortney-McKeever, along with their attorney, Benjamin D.

Andreozzi, Esq., will announce the filing of a civil lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Harrisburg (PA) under New Jersey’s newly enacted civil window legislation. Patty and Lara’s lawsuit outlines priest Augustine Giella’s heinous sexual abuse of multiple of the Fortney Family sisters, including Patty and Lara, and the cover-up of his crimes by the Newark Archdiocese and Harrisburg Diocese. As the lawsuit outlines, Giella was incardinated into the Newark Archdiocese, but transferred to the Harrisburg Diocese, where he met the Fortney Family. He then abused the Fortney Family sisters in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

According to their attorney after years of silence, the Fortney Family sisters have become advocates for survivors of sexual abuse across the nation. They now travel the country speaking on the issue of child sexual abuse and lobbying state legislatures to change laws that disadvantage survivors, including in New Jersey. Several of the Fortney Family sisters will be available to answer questions regarding their journey and the filing of their civil case.

The announcement will be made Monday at 10 a.m.  at the Comfort

Suites Newark-Harrison

1348 McCarter Hwy.,

Newark, NJ 07104

The sisters are being represented by

Lindsey Gibson of

Andreozzi & Associates, P.C.

Governor Murphy Urges Residents to Prepare for Two-Part Snow Storm

Wintry Mix of Rain and Snow Will Cause Hazardous Conditions Sunday and Monday

WOODBRIDGE (Dec. 1, 2019)–

– As winter weather moves into New Jersey Sunday and Monday, Governor Phil Murphy today encouraged residents to prepare for the winter storm and hazardous travel conditions. The Administration is continuously monitoring weather conditions as the holiday weekend ends and the work week begins. New Jerseyans are encouraged to prepare for messy road conditions Sunday and Monday and are strongly encouraged to use public

transportation if possible.

“New Jersey is expected to receive significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain that will create hazardous implications for our commuters and roadways,”

said Governor Murphy

. “My Administration is closely monitoring the snow storm and deploying all necessary resources to keep our residents safe. I urge everyone to travel with caution this holiday weekend and to always use their best judgment on the road.”

“New Jersey’s transportation agencies — the Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, NJ TRANSIT and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — are  coordinating our response and prepared for whatever weather comes,”

NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said

. “If you are traveling today, plan extra time, drive carefully, and move over to give our crews and emergency responders the room to do their jobs to keep the state’s highways clear and safe.”

“Troopers are ready to assist residents and motorists across the state both on and off of the highways throughout this busy travel weekend,”

said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police

. “We encourage everyone to prepare for winter weather. Please use caution when traveling and assemble an emergency kit for use at home and for your vehicle.”

“We are in communication with the utilities and they are prepared and ready in the event of outages,”

said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

. “In anticipation of the coming weather and potential power outages, we recommend charging phones in advance and having contact information for your utility available. And, as always, never touch any downed power lines.”

“We ask our Interfaith partners to encourage their communities to make the necessary preparations and to check on neighbors throughout the storm,”

said Jared M. Maples, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

. “Additionally, if you ‘See Something, Say Something.’  Please report any suspicious activity to our Counterterrorism Watch Desk by calling 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (866-472-3365) or emailing

tips@njohsp.gov

.”

Important Tips to Remember When Preparing for Winter Weather:

Be prepared! Visit ready.nj.gov for information on how to prepare for: home, work, and your vehicle. Have an emergency kit/go-bag for all three locations.

Pets are family too! Remember to include them in your emergency plans. Visit animalemergency.nj.gov to find out more.

NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working before a storm.

Know how to report a power outage to your utility company.

Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.

Charge your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out. Texting uses less power than a phone call, so send text messages to save power if possible.

Be sure to keep an adequate amount of gas in your car.

Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs.

Need a warming center? Call NJ 2-1-1 or visit

www.nj211.org

to get connected!

Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water-resistant container.

Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together now. Keep them in a water-resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies.

Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued business operations.

Here are a few tips if you must drive during or after winter weather:

Check 511nj.org for traffic updates before you hit the road.

Be sure to have a full tank of gas before you start your trip.

Follow directions from local officials.

Take it slow!

Don’t crowd the plow! Give them plenty of room to work and never pass a snow plow on the right.

Keep a winter weather kit in your car, containing an ice scraper, blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, bag of kitty litter, shovel and charged cell phone, as well as reflective triangles or flares, cloth or paper towels and jumper cables.

Weather:

A mix of snow, sleet and rain will develop from south to north across the state this morning. Most areas will changeover to all rain later this morning and into this afternoon. But the higher elevations of Northwest will likely remain snow or a wintry mix. Any rain/mix will changeover to all snow Monday morning. Periods of snow will continue through the day Monday and will end Monday evening/night. Confidence on the changeover times and amounts is still low and snowfall amounts could change. Preliminary snowfall totals across the state: 6-8″ Northwest; 2-6″ Northeast; Up to 2”Central and Less than an inch South and none Coastal areas.

Stay Informed:

Follow weather news for local forecasts, warnings, and storm watches.  For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at

http://www.weather.gov/phi/

. For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the US National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at

http://www.weather.gov/okx

/.

Follow New Jersey Office of Emergency Management on social media for important weather updates and safety information:

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ReadyNewJersey

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/ReadyNJ

Buena Vista Township Taxpayers Pay $185,000 to Settle Lawsuit

EDITOR\’S NOTE: Yacovelli served as business administrator for the Ocean City Board of Education until

his October 7, 2014 resignation

. Yacovelli also previously

served as a member of the Audubon Board of Education

.

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (December 1, 2019)—A lawsuit filed against the Buena Regional Board of Education, Atlantic County, was settled in May for $185,000, according to John Paff of

New Jersey Civil Settlements.

The suit was brought by a confidential secretary to the district\’s business administrator who claim the administrator gave a female employee in whom he had a

sexual interest a $10,000 raise to be his secretary.

According to the suit,  the business administrator took the employee to the Tropicana in Atlantic City to have sex with her and also had sex with her in his office during school time.  It was further alleged that both the business administrator and the female employee bragged to the secretary about the intensity of their sexual encounters.

In her lawsuit, Phyllis Boehm, a secretary for Buena Regional, claimed that Business Administrator Pasquale Yacovelli gave a $10,000 raise to a secretary who worked \”on a different side of the building\” so that she would become his secretary and ultimately his lover.  Boehm claimed that the secretary, who is referred to in the lawsuit as \”Jane Doe,\” was her friend and that Yacovelli asked her to talk to Jane Doe about his interest in her.

According to the lawsuit, Jane became Yacovelli\’s secretary in September 2015 and Yacovelli \”used his influence as Business Administrator to get Jane the ten thousand dollar raise she wanted.\”

Boehm said that she \”was very uncomfortable with the whole situation\” and that Yacovelli\’s and Jane Doe\’s sexual activity and comments created \”an environment that was hostile for women to work in [and] was in violation of [the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination].\”

Before working for Buena Regional, Yacovelli served as business administrator for the Ocean City Board of Education until

his October 7, 2014 resignation

. Yacovelli also previously

served as a member of the Audubon Board of Education

.

The case is captioned Boehm v. Buena Regional School District, et al, Superior Court Docket No. ATL-L-496-17 and Boehm\’s attorney was Leo B. Dubler of Mount Laurel.  Case documents are on-line

here

.

Paff

said none of lawsuit\’s allegations have been proven or disproven in court.  Settlement agreements typically state that payment does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by any of the defendants.  All that is known for sure is that Buena Regional or its insurer, for whatever reason, decided that it would rather pay Boehm $185,000 than take the matter to trial, according to

Paff.

The district consists of the Buena Regional High School, the Buena Regional Middle School, (both in Buena) the Dr. JP Cleary Elementary School, Minotola, the Collings Lake Elementary School, Collings Lake, and the John C. Milanesi Elementary School, Buena

The Top 6 Frequently Made Automation Mistakes and How to Solve Them

Gloucestercitynews.net (Dec. 1, 2019)–Testing is a vital procedure in the development of products, software or hardware, separate components in order to find and eradicate errors, ensure that it’ll perform well and have good output.

Test automation can also be described as a method of utilizing an automated testing tool to check, analyze and predict expected results to actual ones. It intends using software to automatically perform the  most difficult testing jobs or carry out ones that may appear many times, usually more than once or twice. The main advantage of

automation testing

over manual is that it’s much faster and more correct and accurate.

While automation is anything but difficult to perform whenever done right, it\’s much simpler to fail to understand the situation.

Using test automation every time

Automation shouldn\’t be viewed each time since certain issues don\’t even require robotization. Some of the tests ought to be done manually. A strategy for figuring out which test way to employ ought to be created to spare automation testers from burning through their time and vitality on automating what must be done in manual way or doing manually what should be automated.

Here’s the solution: Automated testing is reasonable for tests with a great deal of information, tests that give precise results, rehashed tests, and so on, while manual testing is appropriate for API,UX and UI tests.

Utilization wrong automation tools

Using an inappropriate device to take care of the correct issue will prompt awful results. Additionally, in the event that you have very few testings\’ to mechanize, it wouldn\’t be right to utilize only one computerization device. Thus, utilizing only a device to tackle every one of your issues via automated testing will bring terrible outcomes in light of the fact that various issues more often than not may require various methodologies and instruments.

Proposed solution: Analyze each issue you have and decide which tool is the most appropriate in each case.

Neglecting validation test

Validation

is significant in testing automation since it is required to affirm the framework is working as wanted and the normal outcomes are acquired. In this manner, dismissing the approval stage may prompt getting undesired results if there had been bugs in the framework that wasn\’t recognized in light of the fact that approval was skipped during testing.

Consider this solution: Validation testing can be performed successfully utilizing instruments like Appium, HP quality focus or Selenium.

Drive testing through the UI

Embracing this technique means one thing: slow results. The whole process initially runs smoothly, but then becomes slower and slower over time. There are continuous delays in the display of test results and if there was a mistake during the procedure, the results are affected and the whole procedure has to be started all over again.

Solution: use of a test tooling system through an upgraded UI

Separating tests from advancement

Initial stage

of automation testing is writing of codes. The written codes may along the line contain bugs which will be corrected, and then the test runs smoothly. The problem is, there is set back on the feedback from development to testing. The code may not have the necessary qualities to test it.

Solution: create tests at the beginning that can be managed by a tester or software.

Duplicating or pasting test codes

In the case of a rush and the programmer decides to save time by copying and pasting instead of writing the codes. Some procedures will have an intermediary link or phase before proceeding. Copying/pasting will break off the automation of each stage. This makes the testing procedure disorganized. This makes the testing methodology complicated.

Proposed solution: fix duplicated codes or even better, compose new codes. Capacities for intelligent procedures can also be made.

SUNDAY HUNTING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

HARRISBURG, PA

– It’s official: expanded Sunday hunting is coming to Pennsylvania in 2020.

Gov. Tom Wolf today signed into law Senate Bill 147, which permits additional hunting on three Sundays per calendar year – one within the archery deer season, one within the firearms deer season and one selected by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The law will take effect Feb. 25, 2020, and the first new Sunday hunting opportunities will be identified by the Game Commission thereafter.

In Pennsylvania, Sunday hunting generally is limited to the hunting of foxes, coyotes, crows and feral hogs during open seasons.

Introduced by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, Senate Bill 147 passed the state House of Representatives by a 144-54 vote Oct. 29, then passed the state Senate by a 38-11 vote Nov. 18.

Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said today’s signing of Senate Bill 147 by Gov. Wolf is a win for Pennsylvania’s hunters.

“People today tend to lead busy lives, and hunters are no exception,” Burhans said. “No matter how badly a hunter might want to get out and enjoy the outdoors during hunting season, other responsibilities might take priority and make it difficult.

“Providing opportunity to experience hunting on previously closed Sundays has game-changing potential for hunters with tight schedules and, in many cases, will make a difference by enabling those hunters to hunt alongside their children, setting them on a path they’ll follow the rest of their lives,” Burhans said. “To Sen. Dan Laughlin and to all of those who supported the bill and helped to make it a reality, please accept a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Game Commission and hunters statewide.”

Laughlin, Chair of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, said the new law will create opportunities for tens of thousands of working families across Pennsylvania.

“I believe this has been a long time in coming and is truly a tribute to the thousands of hunters and the many organizations who have supported this effort,” he said. “Weekends are essentially the only time that most working men and women can get out into the woods. The same could be said for many young people, the ones who represent the future of the sport. Lifting the ban will give them increased opportunities to pursue the activity that they love.”

Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, who serves on the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee as Minority Chair, sees the new law as an important tool in helping to recruit new hunters and keep them active.

“Sunday hunting will boost interest in the sport and open up new opportunities for hunters who are unable to get into the woods on other days of the week,” Brewster said. “I have been a longtime supporter of adding days when hunters are able to be in the field.

“This law will create access yet provide reasonable protections for farmers and landowners,” he said. “Sunday hunting will allow us to usher in new generations of sportsmen and women to enjoy our woodlands.”

State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, the Democratic Chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, said Sunday hunting provides for hunters who otherwise have little time to hunt.

“It opens up opportunities for hunters who work six days a week, for students in college, and for junior hunters who can spend an extra day being introduced to our sport,” Kortz said. “It’s a big win for hunters, while respecting the concerns of all who enjoy our state’s outdoor traditions.”

Prior to passing the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 147 was amended to require all hunters on private land on the selected Sundays to carry written permission from the landowner. This requirement does not apply on Sundays when only foxes, coyotes, crows and feral hogs may be hunted.

The bill also gives Game Commission officers the authority to investigate private-land trespassing complaints and enforce trespassing violations as a primary offense. Previously, trespassing violations were referred to police unless a Game & Wildlife Code violation also was alleged. Once the new law takes effect, hunting-related private-land trespassing violations will be enforced year-round by the Game Commission.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Travis Lau – 717-705-6541

# # #

Wreaths of Remembrance Dec. 7

(Monroe Township, NJ) On Saturday, Dec. 7, residents are invited to gather at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery to help remember those men and women who defended our country\’s freedom during the annual Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, \”By placing these wreaths annually, we continue to show our thanks to those who gave their lives and show that we remember them and will continue to do so for years to come.\”

The Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. sharp.

Freeholder Dan Christy, liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs, said, \”For some families, this is a way to include their relatives in their holiday festivities and keep them in their hearts, for others, it is a way to honor a veteran for their service and sacrifice.\”

The Ceremony will include a moment of silence for those who served, followed by opening remarks and the announcing of those laying the wreaths. Immediately following the ceremony, volunteers will assist to lay a wreath on each of the individual 2,800 graves.

The Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 240 N. Tuckahoe Road in Monroe Township.

Wreaths of Remembrance Parking is at Williamstown High School.  Bus service will be provided to and from the cemetery.  Vehicles should not park on the roadway.

PRELIMINARY THREE-DAY BEAR HARVEST RESULTS

HARRISBURG, PA

– Through three days of Pennsylvania’s general bear season, hunters have harvested 1,498 bears, with bears taken in 52 counties.

That compares to a three-day 1,833 in the 2018 general season. However, the 2019 general season harvest is complemented by a large bear harvest during new and expanded early bear seasons for muzzleloader, firearms and archery hunters. Factoring in the early season harvest, 3,373 bears have been taken through Tuesday. That already tops the 2018 total bear harvest of 3,153, with plenty more bear hunting still to go.

After the season’s third day, two bears of more than 600 pounds have been added to the list.

A 743-pound bear taken Tuesday morning with a rifle in Greene Township, Pike County, by Matthew J. Erdie Jr., of Nazareth, ranks as the third-heaviest bear taken across all 2019 bear seasons.

Meanwhile, a 661-pounder taken Monday morning with a rifle in Lake Township, Wayne County, by Michael A. Biduck II, of West Abington, now ranks as the fifth-heaviest bear in 2019.

The largest bear through all 2019 seasons continues to be the 813-pound male taken with a rifle on the opening day of the general season in Smithfield Township, Monroe County, by Victor M. Vassalluzzo, of Kintnersville.

The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pounder harvested in 2010 in Middle Smithfield Township, Pike County. Since 1992, seven black bears weighing at least 800 pounds have been lawfully harvested in Pennsylvania hunting seasons.

Other large bears taken in the 2019 general season’s first three days – all taken with a rifle – include: a 747-pound male taken in Wright Township, Luzerne County, by J. Kripp Jr., of Mountaintop; a 696-pound male taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Brian J. Borosh, of Jim Thorpe; a 657-pound male taken in Franklin Township, Columbia County, by Nicholas A. Podgurski, of Elysburg; a 656-pound male taken in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, by Dale J. Kobal, of Hunlock Creek; a 623-pound male taken in Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, by Mikael J. Catanese, of Sewickley; a 620-pound male taken in Miles Township, Centre County, by Reuben Kennel, of Turbotville; and a 604-pound male taken in Gallagher Township, Clinton County, by Steven Z. Rohrbach, of Lock Haven.

The top bear-hunting county in the state over the general season’s first three days was Lycoming County with 113 bears. It was followed by Tioga County with 107 bears.

Three-day preliminary harvests by county and region are:

The preliminary three-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows:

WMU 1A

, 11 (17 in 2018);

WMU 1B

, 44 (100);

WMU 2A

, 3 (5);

WMU 2C

, 69 (115);

WMU 2D

, 92 (114);

WMU 2E

, 38 (56);

WMU 2F

, 170 (198);

WMU 2G

, 309 (344);

WMU 2H

, 49 (59);

WMU 3A

, 85 (99);

WMU 3B

, 138 (117);

WMU 3C

, 56 (45);

WMU 3D

, 161 (141);

WMU 4A

, 76 (123);

WMU 4B

, 32 (53);

WMU 4C

, 50 (83);

WMU 4D

, 92 (112);

WMU 4E

, 21 (48);

WMU 5A

, 1 (4);

WMU 5C

, 1 (0).

Three-day harvests by county and region are:

Northwest (221)

: Warren, 61 (52); Clarion, 35 (37); Venango, 30 (68); Forest, 26 (52); Jefferson, 25 (64); Butler, 20 (17); Crawford, 19 (49); Mercer, 4 (12); and Erie, 1 (15).

Southwest (114)

: Somerset, 34 (57); Armstrong, 30 (25); Indiana, 24 (30); Fayette, 14 (32); Cambria, 7 (13); Westmoreland, 4 (11); and Greene, 1 (0).

Northcentral (626)

: Lycoming, 113 (103); Tioga, 107 (86); Clinton, 87 (119); Potter, 76 (54); McKean, 59 (43); Clearfield, 53 (72); Elk, 51 (46); Centre, 35 (46); Cameron, 30 (61); and Union, 15 (13).

Southcentral (154)

: Huntingdon, 49 (76); Bedford, 34 (51); Fulton, 17 (33); Perry, 16 (14); Blair, 15 (21); Juniata, 8 (15); Mifflin, 6 (10); Franklin, 5 (14); Cumberland, 3 (4); and Adams, 1 (4).

Northeast (349)

: Pike, 66 (46); Monroe, 44 (46); Luzerne, 39 (50); Bradford, 36 (46); Wayne, 35 (29); Sullivan, 30 (30); Susquehanna, 29 (10); Wyoming, 19 (24); Lackawanna, 18 (15); Carbon, 16 (25); Columbia, 12 (17); and Northumberland, 5 (17).

Southeast (34)

: Dauphin, 14 (25); Schuylkill, 13 (17); Berks 6 (1); and Lebanon, 1 (7).

Bergen County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Submitting More than $32,000 in False Claims

Faces Five-Year Prison Sentence for Health Care Claims Fraud

TRENTON

– Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (“OIFP”) announced today that a Bergen County family practitioner is facing five years in prison for submitting more than $32,000 in false claims to an insurance company for health care services he never rendered.

Dr. Robert Delagente, 45, of Oakland, who practiced at North Jersey Family Medicine, pleaded guilty to a one-count accusation charging him with second-degree health care claims fraud. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the State will recommend that Delagente be sentenced to five years in prison. Delagente is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2020.

In pleading guilty before Superior Court Judge James X. Sattely in Bergen County on Nov. 21, 2019, Delagente admitted that between May and December of 2016 he submitted seven fraudulent claims to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey totaling $32,006.

The fraudulent claims billed the insurance company for allergy testing and immunotherapy services that Delagente did not provide to patients.

“When doctors cheat the insurance system, they’re committing a crime that drives up the cost of healthcare for everyone, including the patients they took an oath to serve,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The five-year prison sentence this doctor faces sends a message that New Jersey will not tolerate medical providers who abuse their professional authority for illegal gain.”

“Insurance fraud costs insurance companies billions of dollars every year nationwide and those losses are passed on to all of us through higher insurance premiums and increased costs for goods and services,” said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson. “To protect New Jersey residents from being victimized by insurance cheats we will continue to pursue harsh punishments like the one announced today to send a strong message of deterrence.”

Deputy Attorney General Crystal Callahan represented the State during the plea hearing.

Delagente was charged following a joint investigation of his practice by OIFP and the FBI. The investigation was coordinated by OIFP Detectives Suzanna Lopez and Janet Thai, and special agents with the FBI Health Care Fraud Unit.

Delagente also faces criminal charges in federal court stemming from this investigation.

On May 13, 2019, the

U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of New Jersey charged Delagente

with one count of distribution of controlled dangerous substances for allegedly prescribing opioid pain medications and other controlled substances outside the ordinary course of professional practice, and one count of obstruction of justice for allegedly falsifying medical records to cover it up.

In the wake of the federal charges against him, Delagente entered an

Interim Consent Order

with the State Board of Medical Examiners in which he agreed to the temporary suspension of his license pending the outcome of those charges and pending further action by the Board.

Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at

1-877-55-FRAUD

, or visiting the Web site at

www.njinsurancefraud.org

. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to a conviction for insurance fraud.

North Jersey Oral Surgeon License Revoked

Final Decision

Initial Decision

NEWARK

– Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced that the State Board of Dentistry (“the Board”) revoked the license of a North Jersey oral and maxillofacial surgeon and ordered him to pay more than $500,000 in penalties, costs, and restitution to patients for engaging in “hit and run dentistry” that left a swath of harmful consequences for patients in four counties.

Dr. Andrew Maron, who owned a string of dental practices in Monmouth, Passaic, Hudson, and Union counties, and also practiced as an itinerant oral surgeon in those counties, has been prohibited from practicing in New Jersey since the State filed multiple allegations of negligence, gross negligence and professional misconduct against him in 2015.

In a final decision that brings closure to the State’s case, the Board revoked the license of the 58-year-old Maron, finding that his treatment of patients – many of whom were low-income, elderly, or disabled – amounted to “hit and run dentistry” that reflected a “cavalier indifference to his patients’ well-being” and a “pattern of substantial deviations from the standard of care that existed unabated for years.”

“Most dental practitioners are dedicated to the health and safety of their patients,” said Attorney General Grewal. “But revolving-door dentistry that puts practitioners’ financial gain ahead of patient health and safety erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the entire profession. That’s why it’s important for the Board to take decisive action in cases like this one, and we are pleased that the Board did so.”

According to findings in the case, Maron committed multiple acts of negligence and gross negligence and professional misconduct in his treatment of 17 patients between 2010 and 2015. Such conduct included:

Pulling natural teeth and replacing them with dental implants with little or no regard to the restorability of the natural tooth;

Placing numerous implants that failed, some dangerously so by migrating into the sinus, or by patients swallowing them;

Performing, planning and undertaking treatment without regard to a patient’s ability to pay for the treatment;

Discussing treatment with patients who were already in the chair receiving anesthesia;

Pressuring elderly patients into having implants placed without pre-operative diagnosis, review, or informed consent;

Pressuring Medicaid patients into taking CareCredit loans which exceeded their ability to repay;

Ignoring or failing to take patients’ medical histories;

Submitting inaccurate and inflated billing for treatment; and

Failing to ensure that the dentists in his employ practiced with patients\’ health, safety, and welfare in mind.

“Dr. Maron placed patients at risk through egregious conduct that violated the most basic tenets of professionalism,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “His disregard for the well-being of his patients makes a mockery of the standards adhered to by those who are privileged to hold a license to practice dentistry. The revocation of his license not only protects the public from the threat posed by Dr. Maron, it removes a stain on New Jersey’s esteemed dental profession.”

The Board\’s decision to revoke Maron’s license largely upholds the findings of an Administrative Law Judge who heard the case in a series of hearings that concluded in January 2019.

In an Initial Decision rendered in May 2019, Administrative Law Judge Susan M. Scarola concluded that Maron’s practice was “so overextended it was almost impossible for him to provide quality care.”

“Respondent’s repeated acts of negligence and gross negligence, his professional misconduct, his dishonesty and deception, and his lack of providing appropriate and determined care for his patients warrant the severest possible sanction, namely, revocation of his license,” Judge Scarola concluded.

Judge Scarola also agreed with the State’s argument that Maron should be ordered to pay a substantial penalty for each unlawful act he committed, and that he be ordered to reimburse patients for deficient treatment, and reimburse the State for fees and costs associated with investigating and prosecuting the case.

Following a hearing on July 24, 2019, the Board adopted Judge Scarola’s findings and conclusions with limited modifications. Those modifications lowered the amount of restitution to one patient, and removed restitution to another patient who already received payment through civil litigation.

The Board ordered Maron to pay civil penalties totaling $138,500; restitution totaling $75,041.22 to 15 patients; and aggregate costs and attorneys\’ fees of $303,856.22. The Board filed its written decision on Nov. 1, 2019.

This investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Joan D. Gelber, from the Division of Law represented the State in this matter.

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its

website

or by calling

1-800-242-5846

(toll free within New Jersey) or

973-504- 6200

.

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions on portions of I-78, I-80 and I-287 start at midnight tonight

Winter Weather Alert**

Avoid Unnecessary Travel during the Storm

(Trenton) –

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today issued a

commercial vehicle travel restriction on portions of I-78, I-80, and I-287 starting

at 12 midnight tonight

.

The winter storm is expected to produce difficult travel conditions across the northwest portion of the State due to accumulated snow and ice that will cause limited visibility on the roadways and disrupt snowplow operations, especially during the morning and evening commuting period on Monday, December 2.

NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners and the New Jersey State Police to ensure the safety of all travelers. Ice and winds could bring trees and branches down on roadways. NJDOT crews have tree-clearing equipment available to remove debris from state highways to ensure plows, emergency personnel and utility companies can get through.

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction

The restriction applies to the entire length of all Interstate Highways in New Jersey including:

Interstate 80, both directions from the Pennsylvania state line to exit 43 (I-287)

Interstate 78, both directions from the Pennsylvania state line to exit 29 (I-287)

Interstate 287, both directions from exit 21 (I-78) to the New York border

The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:

All tractor-trailers

Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks

Passenger vehicles pulling trailers

Recreational vehicles

Motorcycles

The restriction DOES NOT apply to:

New Jersey Turnpike

Garden State Parkway

Atlantic City Expressway

The Department is reminding motorists:

AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm

Consider Telecommuting tomorrow, if possible

If you must drive and road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out

Always STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you,

let them pass

DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation

Be patient and use caution

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to

Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the

NJDOT Facebook page

or on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

.