Teacher, coach pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday

Leo Donaldson (Photo: Essex County jail) 

BLOOMFIELD -- The Bloomfield High School teacher and cross country coach accused of sexually assaulting two teenage boys was suspended from his teaching job and removed from his position at a local church, officials confirmed Friday.

Leo Donaldson, 30, formerly known as Leo Inglima, was suspended with pay in light of the allegations, said Nicholas Dotoli, director of administration and general counsel for the Bloomfield Board of Education. Policy dictates that Donaldson, a tenured teacher, would face suspension without pay if he is indicted on the charges.

Donaldson's lawyer Peter Gilbreth entered not guilty pleas to all charges against his client at a Friday hearing in Essex County Central Judicial Processing court. Gilbreth said he could not immediately comment on the allegations while he awaited documents from prosecutors.

The educator was also removed from positions as a parish cantor and youth minister at St. Francis of Assisi American National Catholic Church in Glen Ridge, according to a church statement. ANCC maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward "actual or alleged sexual misconduct on the part of either laity and clergy," the statement said.

"All lay and ordained persons in the ANCC who minister to children are required, as Mr. Donaldson was, to have background checks," church spokesman Father Kerry Walters added. "They're also required to abide by Church policy which stipulates that at least two adults must be present in parish activities involving children."

Meanwhile on Friday, Bloomfield school officials detailed the district's response to the allegations against the well-known teacher and coach. Dotoli, the school board attorney, said officials were alerted Oct. 20 that an arrest warrant was issued for Donaldson.

N.J. teacher, coach charged with sex assault of teens

Authorities did not reveal details about the warrant, including the exact charges, Dotoli said in an interview. Donaldson was absent from work at the time and under medical care, and he would have been arrested if he showed up on school property.

Citing the active investigation, Dotoli said the district was not informed about the specific charges when they first learned of the warrant. School officials, however, knew to make sure Donaldson was not allowed to be at school or participate in extracurricular events, he added.

Dotoli stressed the district did everything it could while working with limited information and not interfering with the criminal investigation. Donaldson was not back at school after the warrant was issued, he said. 

Investigators did not immediately arrest the teacher because he was hospitalized and authorities knew where he was, said prosecutor's spokeswoman Katherine Carter. 

Donaldson, who worked at the district for eight years, underwent a fingerprint criminal background check through the state Department of Education when he was hired, according to officials.

"It certainly can't predict any real or alleged criminal proclivities in the future," Dotoli said of the pre-employment background check, adding the district was not aware of any history of similar allegations involving Donaldson. 

In addition to teaching architecture, Donaldson served as a peer leadership coordinator and coached track and cross-country. His entire career in Bloomfield has been at the high school, Dotoli added.

"Mr. Donaldson was an ambassador of sorts over at the high school," he said. "It's a very unfortunate situation."

Earlier this year, Donaldson was credited with saving the life of a student who collapsed during track practice, the Bloomfield Life reported in June.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray on Thursday announced Donaldson was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault by contact, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and child endangerment. The assaults allegedly involved two boys ranging from 15 to 17 years old at Donaldson's Bloomfield home and his previous residence in Jersey City, according to prosecutors.

The teacher remained held at the Essex County jail in lieu of $500,000 cash only bail, the prosecutor's spokeswoman added. If Donaldson is released, he must stay away from the township high school, its students and staff, and the alleged victims and witnesses. Donaldson was set for another court hearing Dec. 2. 

The prosecutor's office has asked anyone with information to call Capt. Steve Roberts at 973-753-1130.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Child taken to hospital for observation

(File photo) 

NEWARK -- A 2-year-old boy was found alone on a city street Friday morning, officials said.

A concerned citizen called police around 10:40 a.m. to report that she discovered the child left alone near Elizabeth and Renner avenues, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. The caller stayed with the child until officers arrived.

The boy was taken to University Hospital for observation, Ambrose added.

The boy was in the care of a relative when he went missing, Ambrose said in a statement. Police alerted state child welfare officials and the investigation was turned over to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit.

Teacher accused of sexually assault is suspended, officials say

It was not immediately clear if any charges were filed or how long the child was alone. Further details have not been released.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Everything is cool until one of the sisters is told she was born a minute after her twin Watch video

They may be only 3 years old, but the McClure twins of West Orange are no strangers to YouTube.

Sisters Alexis and Ava are the stars of their family channel/vlog, youtube.com/jkmcclure, which boasts 6,820 subscribers and has claimed 53,382 views, while their Instagram page, @mccluretwins, has more than 66,000 followers. 

But their latest video, titled "Twins realize they look the same!" is racking up more views than usual, with 18,534 and counting. It all starts out innocent enough, as the girls' mother asks them about their similarities as identical twins. But the description says it all: "Then Alexis has a meltdown upon realizing Ava is 1-minute older," it says. "But THEN Ava has a meltdown because Alexis is taller!" 

The McClure sisters are drawing attention from media for their other clips, too -- like this video of their incredulous response to their mother telling them that their father has eaten all their Goldfish snacks and muffins. ("He's supposed to eat salad!" Ava exclaims.)

Watch their young faces transform from gleeful bliss to pouty disappointment in the space of four minutes in the video above. 

The Newark teacher will be paid money he missed out on while suspended for the alleged incident, an appellate court ruled Friday.

NEWARK -- A teacher who was accused of multiple acts of misconduct, including "interactive praying" in a school hallway and throwing papers at an administrator, deserves the salary he missed when the district suspended him for the alleged behavior, an appellate court ruled Friday.

File photo of a 2010 protest outside the Newark schools headquarters. (Aristide Economopoulos | The Star-Ledger)
 

According to the written decision, which upheld a trial court decision made in the case last year, Charles Coleman's 12-year career at the Newark public school district has been "punctuated by a series of ongoing disputes" with his employer.

The issues came to a head in 2012, when district officials accused the teacher of multiple incidents of misbehavior, including one in which he allegedly went into a hallway and prayed in an "overt, interactive manner," disrupting students and other teachers. Coleman was also accused of being late to, and leaving early from, faculty meetings, and returning to work late from lunch, the appellate decision says. When Coleman received memos about his conduct, he allegedly ripped them up and threw the pieces of paper at the school principal, the document states.

In 2014, the district filed unbecoming conduct tenure charges related to the alleged 2012 incidents, and suspended Coleman without pay for 120 days, the ruling says.

Coleman denied all of the charges, saying that he had been kept waiting by the principal, and took the time as an "opportunity to engage in a brief prayer" that was silent, private, and unobtrusive. He also admitted to ripping up the papers, but said that he threw them on the ground, not at the principal.

7 months later, how Newark is combatting lead

He also argued the allegations were based on "bias and discrimination including antipathy to my religious beliefs and practices and retaliation for prior events, including my successful challenge to previous accusations of misconduct," the decision states.

When the two sides were referred to an arbitrator later that year to settle the dispute, it was found that portions of Coleman's personnel file, including security camera footage of the alleged paper-throwing incident, were missing.

The arbitrator ruled the documents were necessary to Coleman's defense, and that it had been the district's job to maintain the records, the document says. The arbitrator sided with Coleman, who asked to have the charges against him dismissed, citing "spoliation of evidence," - recklessly or intentionally misplacing evidence - and ordered that Coleman be reimbursed the pay that was withheld, the decision states.

Last year, a trial court judge upheld the arbitrator's decision, noting Coleman's entire employment history -- which included his making a sexual harassment charge against a vice principal and his successful challenge of a previous school effort to not renew his contract -- was needed to consider his argument.

Appellate judges Friday upheld the trial court's ruling.

"We conclude that the trial court's findings are supported by 'substantial credible evidence,' and we find no basis to disturb them," the decision reads. "Moreover, we discern no mistake of law by the arbitrator, who correctly determined that the district spoliated material evidence, and correctly fashioned an appropriate legal remedy."

It is unclear exactly how much back pay the state-controlled district had to dole out to Coleman, whose annual salary, according to public pension data, is $75,500.

According to Stuart Ball, who represented Coleman in the proceedings, the teacher is still employed by the district. Since these issues have been resolved, however, Coleman's employment remains a "very volatile situation," Ball said. The district is considering new charges against him, and Coleman has applied for disability retirement, he said.

But, despite the fact that Ball contends the district is carrying out an "ongoing crusade against him," Coleman has not wanted to work outside of Newark.

"It's his job. He's a teacher and he's dedicated to the kids," Ball said.

An attorney representing the district did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Hundreds of children and their families stood in a line for free candy and costumes offered by M&M's

NEWARK -- Braving a downpour that plagued Newark for most of Thursday evening, hundreds of children and their families stood in a line that wrapped around the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center for free candy and costumes offered by the M&M's candy company.

For the second year in a row, M&M's transformed one of the city's neighborhoods into a "Halloween wonderland," giving out candy and 4,000 free costumes to kids under 12.

Zakeena Smith, who brought her children to the event, said the turn out was much bigger than she expected, but the wait in rain didn't deter her from getting her kids inside to have fun.

"I think a lot of people are less fortunate, and they aren't able to afford things like the costumes and the candy," said Smith, 30. "I just think they want to give their kids a good time. I think this was really nice of M&M's to fund this for them."

Last year, singer Kelly Rowland gave out costumes and spent time with attendees. M&M's continued the tradition this year by bringing in Randy Foye, of the Brooklyn Nets, and Taylor Hall, of the New Jersey Devils, to help give out the haunted looks and sweet treats.

Halloween clown costumes banned at school

M&M's traces its history back to Newark, where the chocolates were first manufactured in 1941. 

"It's special for kids because, first and foremost, because it's free," said Terry Turner, who attended the event with her grandchildren. "Even though we had to (brace) the rain to come out here, it's a very gathering and engaging place for the community."

Turner, 52, said she was thankful she could take her kids trick-or-treating in an area she knew they'd be safe, including outside the JFK center, where M&M's decked out the surrounding neighborhood with colorful Halloween decorations.

A new addition this year to the event was a row of miniature dressing rooms for kids to put on the costumes they'd picked out.

Saniyya Johnson, 8, who'd just come out of one of the rooms transformed into a wizard, said while the costumes were awesome, she was even more excited for the candy.

The best part of Halloween, she said, is "when you go trick or treating."

Michael Anthony Adams may be reached at madams@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelAdams317. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

29-year-old man gunned down Oct. 23

Raheem Brison, 24 (Photo: ECPO) 

NEWARK -- A 24-year-old man was arrested for the shooting death of another man in the city, Essex County authorities said Friday.

Raheem Brison is charged with murder and weapons-related offenses in the Oct. 23 killing of 29-year-old Lewis Griffith, of Newark, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and city Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said in a statement.

Investigators with the prosecutor's office and FBI Fugitive Task Force arrested Brison in Newark, according to officials. He was ordered held in lieu of $750,000 bail at the county detention center.

N.J. teacher accused of sexually assaulting boys is suspended, officials say

Griffith was shot on Peabody Place around 8:30 p.m. and died at the scene approximately 10 minutes later, the prosecutor's office said. The investigation was continuing and authorities have not disclosed a motive in the slaying.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877- TIPS-4EC or 877-847-7432.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Man arrested Thursday at city police station, according to authorities.

Cecilio Franqui (Photo: Dept. of Public Safety) 

NEWARK -- A man is accused of carjacking a woman after she returned to her car from a store earlier this month in the city, police said Friday.

Cecilio Franqui, 47, was arrested Thursday on a carjacking charge after he showed up at a police precinct for questioning, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

The 43-year-old woman parked her Ford Crown Victoria near Mount Prospect and Verona avenues around 1 p.m. Oct. 4, Ambrose said in a statement. When the woman left a store, she spotted Franqui, of Newark, in her driver's seat.

Teacher accused of sexually assaulting boys is suspended, officials say

She opened the car door and the suspect sped away, knocking her down, according to police. Officers recovered to the stolen car the same day near Branch Brook Place and Montclair Avenue.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Get results and links to everything New Jersey football for Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, Week 8

KEY LINKS
• Statewide schedule | By conference
• Mega-coverage guide for Week 8
• NJSIAA power points thru week 7
• Our picks All | Top 20 | By conference
• Group and conference rankings
• Saturday's LIVE UPDATES and coverage
•  Best PHOTOS from Week 8

FEATURED GAMES
No. 8 Wayne Hills 25, Wayne Valley 24
• Wayne thriller as Hills pulls out win
• Video: Rutgers commit scores game-winning TD
•  Photo gallery
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

TOP VIDEOS: See or record something great this week? Let us know

No. 15 Lenape 17, Cherokee 13
• Lenape forces 6 TOs to edge rival
•  Photo gallery
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

No. 16 Ridgewood 14, Passaic Tech 7
• Revenge win helps R'wood stay unbeaten
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

NJIC PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL
Pompton Lakes 14, Rutherford 6
• Clutch D lifts gutsy Lakes on the road
•  Photo gallery
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

NJIC PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL
Hasbrouck Heights 28, Becton 0
• Game recap
• Box score

Jackson Memorial 27, Old Bridge 13
• Gawlik sparks monster night for Memorial
• Jackson peaking at right time
•  Photo gallery
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

Ridge 26, Elizabeth 14
• Aidan Murphy helps Ridge roll
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

Hunterdon Central 28, Watchung Hills 14
• Red Devils rally with big 2nd half
•  Photo gallery coming soon
• Box score

Phillipsburg 24, North Hunterdon 17
• P'burg reverses 7-point deficit in 4th Q
•  Photo gallery
• Box score

Memorial (WNY) 31, Kearny 14
• Game recap
•  Photo gallery
• Box score

Allentown 27, Trenton 19
• Redbirds fly through Tornadoes
•  Photo gallery
• Look back at live updates
• Box score

Washington Twp 29, Bridgeton 6
• Minutemen march toward .500
•  Photo gallery
• Box score

Hamilton West 27, West Windsor North 12
• 4 TD game by Peters stings Knights
• Box score

Notre Dame 17, Hightstown 6
• Cortez runs Irish past Rams
• Box score

Lawrence 27, Robbinsville 25
• Late D heroics help Cardinals fly
• Box score

Highland 21, Oakcrest 20
• Tartans win on 2-point conversion
•  Photo gallery
• Box score

Woodstown 21, Schalick 7
• Wolverines topple undefeated Cougars
• Box score

GAMES OF WEEK PREVIEWS
Star-Ledger | Times of Trenton | South Jersey Times

NEWS & FEATURES
• Dr. Footballstein's gridiron moster: How we built N.J.'s ultimate football player
• WATCH: How SJV's Clark became N.J.'s top recruit
• Two added to Player of Year Watch
• 19 can't miss games this weekend
• Who is N.J.'s best kicker/punter?
• Queen of Peace forfeits final 2 games, ends season
• What to watch for in Rutherford-Pompton Lakes
• Minkah Fitzpatrick nominated for Jim Thorpe Award
• Dayton forfeits to Roselle, could again vs. Bound Brook
• Former pro inspires RU commit, Salem RB Jonathan Taylor
• Delaware Valley climbs over .500 with D 
• CHE star Glenn Foley to enter Camden County HOF

A LOOK BACK AT WEEK 7
• WATCH and vote for Week 7's top plays
• Top performers: Helmet sticker winners for Week 7
• What we learned from around the state in Week 7
• N.J.'s unbeaten teams through Week 7
• A look back at the live chat with NJ.com's reporters

FRIDAY'S STATEWIDE SCHEDULE/SCOREBOARD

Joe Zedalis may be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.

Hey, they live in Jersey, too.

WEST ORANGE -- From traffic to pizza, taxes to parkland, there are definitely pros and cons to life in the Garden State. Though often misunderstood by our counterparts in the other 49 states, it seems the Animal Kingdom is totally in tune with what it's really like to live in New Jersey.

For a pretty accurate, and very cute, depiction, we turn to the animals of the Turtle Back Zoo, a Jersey landmark that this week announced plans to develop several new exhibits, including the "Ronald J. Mount Lion and Hyena Exhibit," (named after Mount, a longtime Turtle Back supporter and member of the Zoological Society of New Jersey), a new condor exhibit, and upgrades coming to the cattle exhibit.

Check out the 9 times the furry Jerseyans' expressions perfectly encapsulated life in our great state.

1. When you drive outside the state, and realize you have to pump your own gas.

Bobcat baby! #TBZTBT pic.twitter.com/aTNHIe04zc

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) May 21, 2015

2. When, OK, maybe you ate too much. But, you realize just how happy you are that we have the best pizza and bagels you can get.

#WildWednesday snack break! pic.twitter.com/ktQxxdy4uU

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) June 3, 2015

3. When you're at one of our great state's many malls and see a sale you just cannot pass up.

Caption? pic.twitter.com/HXfVMJ7CV5

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) June 18, 2015

4. And then when you have to show off the new digs you got at the mall.

Peacock strut for #WildWednesday! pic.twitter.com/AAS31Ck785

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) July 8, 2015

Caption? (Photo courtesy: Marsha) pic.twitter.com/3Lr7vk8kKS

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) July 21, 2015

6. Your reaction when someone tells you you're from the "armpit of New Jersey," and you are tempted to rattle off the list of reasons we might just be the greatest state in the union.

Monday morning daydreams pic.twitter.com/cpLWRbfTiB

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) June 27, 2016

7. The first time each spring that you shop at a Jersey Farmer's Market, and remember how delicious our locally-grown fruits and veggies are.

Razor the porcupine loves corn on the cob! #WildWednesday pic.twitter.com/q2r9JSvHYU

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) June 15, 2016

8. The most enthusiastic reaction you can muster when someone comments on your "Joisey" accent, or makes that "what exit do you live at?" joke...again.

"I'm ready for my close-up." #GlamourGibbon #ModelStatus pic.twitter.com/LS4JVHdPkX

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) September 8, 2015

9. And, when you realize just how happy you are to call this crazy place home.

Sometimes, a giraffe can't help but smile. pic.twitter.com/aFHorb5p0V

-- Turtle Back Zoo (@TurtleBackZoo) September 9, 2016

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

It's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. See if you know the facts about how to keep your family safe.

NEWARK -- New Jersey has been on high alert about lead since March, when district officials revealed that water at more than 30 Newark schools tested above the federal safe level for lead content. Since then, mandated testing has led to revelations of elevated lead levels in water systems at schools throughout the state.

As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, experts recommend that parents familiarize themselves with the health risks of children being exposed to lead, and with how to mitigate lead threats from paint, water, and in other unexpected places in your home or neighborhood.

To make sure you are up on the threats lead can pose, and how to keep your family safe, take our lead quiz below.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Check out all the scores, stories and more from Saturday.

KEY LINKS

• Friday's results and links
• Statewide schedule | By conference
• Mega-coverage guide for Week 8
• NJSIAA power points thru week 7
• NJSIAA power points: Frequently asked questions
• Our picks All | Top 20 | By conference
• Group and conference rankings

FEATURED GAMES

No. 1 Paramus Catholic at No. 3 St. Joseph (Mont.), 1
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Bos score

No. 4 St. Peter’s Prep vs Lincoln, 2 at Rutgers
• Game recap
• Box score

No. 9 Don Bosco at No. 5 Bergen Catholic, 1
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

VOTE NOW: Best kickers/punters in N.J.

Piscataway vs No. 14 Manalapan, 11 a.m at Rutgers
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

DePaul vs No. 17 Pope John, 5 at Rutgers
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Pleasantville at Gloucester Catholic, 11 a.m.
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Jefferson at Sparta, 1
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Carteret at St. Joe (Met.), 1
• Live updates
• Full coverage
• Box score

Penns Grove at Woodbury, 10:30
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Steinert at Nottingham, 12
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Hun at Peddie, 2
• Full coverage
• Photo gallery
• Box score

Delsea at Woodrow Wilson, 12
• Full coverage
• Box score

Florence at Paulsboro, 12:30
• Full coverage
• Box score

Hopewell Valley at Northern Burlington, 2
• Full coverage
• Box score

Ewing at Princeton, 2
• Full coverage
• Box score

Palmyra at Haddon Township, 10:30 a.m.
• Recap
• Photo gallery
• Box score

NEWS & FEATURES
• Dr. Footballstein's gridiron moster: How we built N.J.'s ultimate football player
• WATCH: How SJV's Clark became N.J.'s top recruit
• Two added to Player of Year Watch
• Queen of Peace forfeits final 2 games, ends season
• Dayton forfeits for second week in a row
• Timber Creek football aims to become legendary
• For SJR star, older brother takes fatherly role
• Which dark horse teams are the most dangerous?

East Orange man charged with various weapons and drug distribution offenses.

Christopher T. Clark (Photo: Dept. of Public Safety) 

NEWARK -- An East Orange man was arrested late Friday after detectives found him carrying crack, heroin and a loaded gun in his fanny pack, police said.

Christopher T. Clark, 44, was charged with numerous drug and weapons offenses, including possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, having drugs within 1,000 feet of a school and 500 feet of a public housing complex.

In response to complaints about drug dealing, police checked a building near North Munn and Tremont avenues, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. Detectives spotted Clark removing vials of crack cocaine from a fanny pack around his waist, police added.

The bag also contained a loaded .25 caliber handgun, 84 vials of crack cocaine, 190 glassine envelopes of heroin and $2,780.00, according to police.

N.J. teacher accused of sexually assaulting boys is suspended, officials say

"I'm proud of the fine work done by the Special Enforcement Bureau in response to complaints by concerned residents," Ambrose said in a statement. "Year-to-date, the Newark Police Division has removed over 450 guns from our streets."

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

State Police and local authorities carried out coordinated raids early Saturday

A photo showing drugs, ammunition, a gun and other items seized in a raid early Oct. 29, 2016 

IRVINGTON -- Police shut down an Irvington-based drug distribution network early Saturday in raids that netted more than $300,000 worth of cocaine, heroin and other narcotics, along with a stolen luxury car, a gun and ammunition, officials said.

The ring was responsible for distributing narcotics in Irvington, Newark and North Plainfield for months, according to Irvington Public Safety Directory Tracy Bowers.

Members of two Irvington police units -- the Threat Assessment Criminal Intelligence Team (TACIT) and Special Enforcement Response Team (SERT) -- along with troopers from the State Police tactical unit were credited with bringing the arrests in coordinated raids following a two-month probe.

This historically violent town has reduced killings - Here's how

In all, Bowers said police seized 1,790 grams of cocaine, 1,820 grams of raw heroin, more than 2,500 small envelopes of heroin in bundles, three grams of marijuana, ecstasy tablets, drug packaging materials, a loaded .9mm handgun, large capacity magazines, rounds of ammunition and $12,000.

Authorities also recovered a stolen 2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach, valued at $166,000, and a 2014 BMW, according to Bowers. Police made five arrests, but details on the charges were not immediately available.

Officials have credited the SERT and TACIT units with helping to bring down violence in the township, where police reported a sharp drop in shootings and homicides this year.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Joseph Flagg was gunned down in 2013 at the store he owned in Newark. His wife, Zakiyyah Flagg, has since picked up her hard hat and continued his work as chief executive officer of Flagg Labor, a labor supply company providing jobs to men and women in New Jersey and the Tri-state area.

Zakiyyah Flagg had to "man up" -- and she had to do it fast.

The telephone calls from her husband's employees started coming a week after he was killed during a robbery in Newark.

The workers understood her grief, but life goes on and they needed to be paid.

Joseph Flagg had been the co-owner of Flagg World, a Newark company that hired mostly men -- many of whom were former inmates -- to do labor work at construction sites.

Recent Barry Carter columns  

Zakiyyah was familiar with the business, one he had started with his brother before branching out on his own. Joseph had showed her the ropes, how to do payroll and so on. But for the most part, she was a stay-at-home mom, caring for their two small children. Joseph also had two children from a previous relationship. 

"I was spoiled,'' she said. "I was a such a kept woman.''

Until Oct. 27, 2013.

On that Sunday afternoon, three Newark teenagers shot and killed Joseph, 41, as they attempted to rob a deli he owned on Chancellor Avenue.

Zakiyyah suddenly needed to be able to support herself and was forced to dive into a male-dominated industry, carving her path under a new name -- Flagg Labor. The company is now based in Union and has continued to hire former inmates and others looking for work.

 "I had to make it happen,'' she said.

Three years later, the employees give her a thumbs-up. General contractors do, too.

Steve Peragallo, senior project manager for Racanelli Construction in Mellville, N.Y., said Zakiyyah is as reliable as her husband when he needs workers on his jobs.

"She's extremely professional,'' Peragallo said. "I was pleased that she took it on, and even more pleased to see that she handles it as well she does.''

Zakiyyah said she was scared when she first took over the operation, particularly because she was unsure of how to find workers for contractors who reached out to her.

Her husband knew where to go. He'd find day laborers on the corner. He also had friends who were getting out of prison and needed work, and he had contacts with halfway houses. She started out on Craig's List, advertised on employment websites and stayed in touch with laborers who worked with her husband.

His childhood friend, Tayshawn Howard, was in her corner from day one. He said Joseph saved him from the streets when he started the labor support company in 2004.

"That was my man,'' said Howard, who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

After Joseph's death, Howard said he stayed with the company because working for Zakiyyah is just like working for her husband. They're both about business and getting the job done.

"She's a carbon copy of Joe," Howard said. "It's like he's not even gone. His spirit is with her.''

Her style, though, is different.

Joseph picked up the men from halfway houses where they lived, drove them to work sites and delivered their checks on payday.

Zakiyyah networks by phone and mails the paychecks, because she's also busy raising their children, who are now 7 and 8 years old.

She has maintained accounts that Joseph had with general contractors and also developed new ones. When jobs are available, she reaches out to the workers by phone, letting them know where the sites are located.

MORE CARTER: Newark police step up block watch brigade

"We (guys) say she is like Charlie from 'Charlie's Angels,' '' said Rashaun Rice, of Hempstead, N.Y. "You just hear her on the phone and then she pops up on a job site.''

Rice has been with the company two years and heard the stories about Joseph Flagg from other workers. He said he's grateful to the man he never met -- and to his wife, for continuing his legacy.

Joseph Flagg's death hit the community hard. He was a family man, the breadwinner; a man who hired Newark residents.

He didn't have to open his deli on the day he died. He did it because there was a football game and he wanted to feed the crowd passing by the store.

"He was a giver,'' Zakiyyah said. "Why would you want to kill someone who gave so much?''

Joseph held toy drives and fed the homeless. During the 10 months that he had the deli, Joseph allowed the Weequahic High School cheerleaders to use the parking lot for car wash fundraisers. His goal, Zakiyyah said, was to eventually hire students to work in the deli after school.

But Joseph was best known for giving ex-offenders a second chance. He could relate -- because he had been one. He started the labor company a year after he was released from prison.

Zakiyyah has a soft spot for these men, too.

"They need a shot,'' she said. "Joe's philosophy around that was, when you get out and if nobody is going to give you a job, then you damn near almost have to do a crime.''

The legacy her husband left is lasting. 

Another year has passed -- Thursday was the third anniversary of Joseph's death.

Zakiyyah has only visited the deli once; it was in the first year after Joseph died. She placed a candle out front, walked around inside but hasn't been back.

She has learned to cope with the loss while waiting for the trials of two of the teenagers who were charged as adults in Joseph's killing. The third teen was sentenced to 10 years as a juvenile.

She hopes they will be over soon. 

"As much as I love him and I miss him, I don't want to be sad and mourn him forever,'' Zakiyyah Flagg said.

She's only looking forward, just as Joseph would want her to.

Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL

The hour-long interactive program teaches kids to empower themselves by standing up to bullies in non-confrontational manner. Watch video

WARREN  -- Wear the Cape and its non-profit kidkind foundation are taking on bullies in New Jersey with a multimedia, interactive program that teaches elementary school kids how to combat bullying in a non-confrontational manner.

Wear the Cape, based in Warren Township, has held 21 assemblies in New Jersey in October, which is National Anti-Bullying Month. Its next assembly is scheduled for Nov. 2 at Belleville School No. 3 in Essex County at 10 a.m. and at Wilson School in Lodi at 1 p.m.

The program may expand beyond the state in the near future, said Lauren DuBois, spokesperson for Wear the Cape.

The goal is to teach kids anti-bullying tactics and demonstrate to them how they can empower themselves by standing up against bullies.

The hour-long interactive program has been put together over the past year with the assistance of teachers and Phillip Brown, a Fellow of the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University, where he founded the Center for Social and Character Development.

"Wear the Cape brings good character to the forefront with a positive angle on how to combat the bullying epidemic," said Leigh Ann Errico, chief executive officer and founder of Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation. "We are thrilled to impress upon kids that it's cool to be kind through a fun, engaging program."

The presentation includes a sequence of videos and an in-person facilitator to assists kids with practice skills. The goal is to teach strategies needed to be defuse bullying and be a positive role model in their communities, according to a press release.

"Wear the Cape's anti-bullying assembly is a modern take on an age-old problem that has been intensifying in recent years, particularly with the rise of social media and constant connectivity -- but Wear the Cape doesn't just identify the problem; it credibly presents real solutions," Brown said.

Pre- and post-assembly support are also part of the program. Wear the Cape offers lesson plans, roundtable workshops, and further reading for families, educators and youth club leaders.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The driver was wanted for questioning in four other carjackings.

NEWARK -- Police arrested four teens who were in a carjacked vehicle that crashed Saturday night in Newark.

Officers from the Essex County Sheriff's Patrol Division spotted the 2001 Nissan Quest minivan at about 10:20 p.m. on South 9^th Street and 12^th Avenue, Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.

The van had been reported carjacked at gunpoint earlier Saturday, Fontoura said. Four teenaged boys, all Newark residents, were inside.

The 15-year-old driver sped away when he saw the officers, Fontoura said. The Nissan crashed into an oncoming Toyota Corolla at South 10^th Street and Central Avenue.

The Nissan bounced off the Toyota, struck two parked cars and flipped, Fontoura said. A 14-year-old sitting in the front passenger's seat got out and ran.

Drugs, gun found in fanny pack, police say

Sheriff's officers arrested the driver and the two other passengers, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old. They were taken to University Hospital to be treated for their injuries, Fontoura said.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota refused medical attention, Fontoura said.

Newark Police officers caught up to the 14-year-old who ran within a few minutes, Fontoura said. He was also taken to University Hospital.

All four boys were charged with receiving stolen property. The 14-year-old was also charged with resisting arrest.

The driver was found to be the subject of an arrest warrant for theft. He was also wanted for questioning in four other carjackings, Fontoura said.

He was charged with eluding police and issued summons for driving without a license, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sent to the Essex County Youth Detention Center.

The three passengers were released to their parents. The charges against all four will be heard in Family Court.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The empty plane sustained minor damage, but no one was injured, officials said. The FAA said weather delayed flights by an hour or more at Newark Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia airports

High winds delayed flights by an hour or more Newark Liberty International Airport on SundayAP File Photo 

NEWARK -- High winds that delayed flights at the region's airports on Sunday damaged a Scandanavian Airways jet at Newark Liberty International, when a mobile stairway used for boarding and deplaning was blown up against it, the airport's operator said.

"It was pushed by the wind," said Lenis Rodrigues, a spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said of the stairway.

No injuries were reported, though the plane sustained minor damage, said Rodrigues.

Rodrigues said airport operations were not effected by the stairway incident, which occurred at 5:09 p.m.

But the Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday's windy, rainy weather was causing delays of an hour or more at Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia aiports. 

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The 51-year-old felon left a Newark transition facility in June and never came back, police said.

NEWARK -- A 51-year-old fugitive was arrested in Newark Friday night, four months after he was allowed to leave a city halfway house and never returned, police said.

Tyrone Howard (Newark police) 

Detectives from the Newark Police Department's special enforcement bureau were on patrol on Irvine Turner Boulevard at 9:20 p.m. when they recognized Tyrone Howard as a fugitive wanted by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said Sunday.

Howard was arrested without incident, Ambrose said. 

Howard was serving out a sentence on a burglary conviction in June, when police said he left Tully House, a transitional facility in Newark, and never went back. 

A police spokesman, Capt. Derek Glenn, could not say what it was Howard had been allowed out of Tully House to do.

Ambrose commended the arresting officers. 

"It is this type of excellent police work that ensures that our city's residents remain safe," he said.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Shelters and rescues throughout New Jersey have thousands of pets in need of adoption.

There are many common misconceptions about pet adoption.

Petfinder, the for-profit internet company that operates the largest online pet adoption website serving all of North America, put this list together of common adoption myths in the hope that more people will adopt dogs and cats from shelters and rescues.

* "I don't know what I'm getting."

There is likely more information available on adoptable animals than pets for purchase in pet stores. Many of the pets from rescue groups are in foster care, living with their fosterer 24/7; information on their personality and habits is typically vast. Even shelters have a very good idea about how the dogs and cats in their care behave with people and other animals.

* "I can't find what I want at a shelter."

Not only are their breed-specific rescue groups, but some rescues and shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds. There are even means on Petfinder.com to be notified when certain breeds are posted for adoption.

* "I can get a pet for free from a friend or acquaintance; why pay an adoption fee?"

The 'free pet' from a source other than a shelter or rescue group isn't necessarily free. Adoption fees usually cover a number of services and treatments including spay/neuter and veterinary checkups. Covering these costs on your own would call for spending the following estimated amounts:

* Spay/neuter: $150-$300

* Distemper vaccination: $20-$30, twice

* Rabies vaccination: $15-$25

* Heartworm test: $15-$35

* Flea/tick treatment: $50-$200

* Microchip: $25-$50

* "Pets are in shelters because they don't make good pets."

Here are the main reasons animals end up in shelters or with rescue groups:

* Owners have to move, pets not allowed

* Allergies

* Owner having personal problems

* Too many, no room for littermates

* Owner can no longer afford a pet

* Owner's health does not allow for pet care

While no one can say that every pet adopted from a shelter or rescue will work out perfectly, it's important to remember that misinformation about these homeless animals often keeps them from finding loving homes.

Here is a gallery of homeless pets in northern and central New Jersey. Make sure captions are enabled for all the information about these dogs and cats.

More pets in need of adoption can be seen here and here.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Another week, another new No. 1 in the NJ.com Football Top 20.