Alleged Threats Toward Marlboro School Board Member Prompt Investigation

MARLBORO, NJ — Marlboro Police are investigating after a series of text messages surfaced discussing a current Board of Education member, Marlboro Police Captain Stephen Levy told Patch.

The investigation comes after a Facebook post alleged that Board of Education candidate Scott Semaya was in a group chat titled “This B— Needs To Die,” in reference to a current school board member.

Shortly after the texts surfaced, Board Member Danielle Bellomo identified herself as the person referenced in the group chat name and posted screenshots of Facebook posts claiming that Semaya dropped out of the race, as well as his running mate Melissa Goldberg (though Goldberg was not said to be involved in the group chat).

On Wednesday, Goldberg confirmed to Patch that she has suspended her campaign for the Board of Education, adding that she cannot commit to the role in addition to her other responsibilities.

Patch reached out to Semaya to confirm if he has suspended his campaign and reached out for comment on the text message allegations. As of Monday afternoon, he has not responded.

“Let me be clear – the content of these messages is completely unacceptable and those responsible are clearly not equipped to hold public office,” Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik said in an online statement about the texts.

“Violence and threats of violence against public officials are seemingly becoming normalized,” Hornik continued. “In only a few months’ time, we have witnessed an alarming escalation in this type of behavior to an extreme, culminating in the murder of Minnesota Representative Hortman and activist Charlie Kirk. This must stop.”

After the text messages surfaced, Bellomo said she received a temporary protective order for herself and her family from a member of the group chat and called for further action from Superintendent Michael Ballone on security at school meetings and events.

In online posts and emails sent to Ballone, Bellomo said she requested that District Policy 9202 (which calls for security to be provided for board members if they are threatened or placed in harm’s way) be implemented at school meetings and events to provide security for herself and her family on school grounds.

On Facebook, Bellomo posted a screenshot of an email from Ballone, which states that the text messages are currently under review by board counsel and that Business Administrator & Board Secretary Vincent Caravello is not being directed to act as it relates to Policy 9202.

“As a mom of three, I am disgusted that Superintendent Michael Ballone refuses to implement Policy 9202,” Bellomo said in an online post. “He would not provide security for me and my family after hearing of these threats and will not secure protective measures for me and my children on school grounds. He also has clearly stated that he will not direct Mr. Caravello to implement the policy.”

Bellomo is calling for residents to attend the board’s meeting at Marlboro Memorial Middle School on Tuesday night to call for the policy to be implemented.

“Your support would mean the world to me,” Bellomo said.

In an email statement to Patch, Ballone said that the Marlboro Township Police Department regularly attends Board of Education meetings, and confirmed that police will be in attendance at the board’s upcoming meeting on Tuesday as well.

“I take the safety and security of all members of our school community very seriously,” Ballone said. “While I will not comment on individual board member matters, we have an invaluable relationship with our local police department who regularly attends our Board of Education meetings.”

“I remain committed to ensuring that meetings are conducted in a safe and respectful environment for the Board, staff, and community members who attend,” Ballone continued.

Patch has reached out to Bellomo for comment on the text messages, as well as Board of Education President Brian Cohen and Vice President Chad Hyett. This article will be updated as responses are received.

“Hate has no place in Marlboro, and the actions of Scott Semaya and the other men in that group chat should never be tolerated,” Bellomo said in an online post. “I am happy that we have ended this cycle of hate.”

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