County Cop Convictions, School Tax Increases, Bullying Stats and Stolen Cars

County K-9 Cop Convicted of $70 Crime Scene Cashgrab

A 12-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office was convicted of official misconduct today by an Essex County jury. According to an announcement by Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray, George Ruiz, 46, of Belleville was convicted of official misconduct for stealing $70 in cash from a crime scene.

Nutley School Board Budget Raises Taxes

The tentative Nutley 2013-2013 school budget would raise taxes $57.19 for a home assessed at the township average of $314,800, according to school officials.

Nutley St. Pat's Grand Marshals and Organizers Honored by County

The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders held its annual “Salute to the Irish” Celebration in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day at its Wednesday, March 6, meeting at the Hall of Records. During the event, the Board honored the grand marshals, deputy grand marshals, organizing committees and other honorees of Essex County’s 3 St. Patrick’s Day parades: Nutley, West Orange and Newark. 

Nutley school officials heard a report on bullying incidents and programs aiming to reduce harassment, intimidation and the number of students victimized by bullying from Joseph Cappello, who oversees the anti-bullying efforts for the Nutley School District.

New Pope Francis Elected: Belleville Pastor Reacts

Sfter the white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church, Belleville's St. Peter's Church Pastor Ivan Sciberras saw significance in Bergoglio's origin and choice of Papal name. 

Belleville Police Recover Stolen Automobiles

Belleville police were able to return several stolen vehicles to their owners this week. In most of the reports, the autos were stolen for short amounts of time. In one instance, thieves seemed to have hastily abandoned the vehicle. At 8:05 a.m. on March 5, Belleville police responded to a report that a black 1997 Honda Civic had been abandoned with the motor running and parked halfway between the sidewalk and the street.