Misty's Murder Suspect Arrested in Texas

Nolvin Garcia, 24, or Orange, was arrested Aug. 18 night in Laredo, Texas, by US Border Patrol Agents, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Garcia is wanted in connection with the murder of Jacques Nelson, 32, of Orange.

Two Gang Members Arrested in Home Robbery

Two men arrested in the home invasion turned robbery on Nestro Roadon on Aug. 20 are reported gang members, according to the West Orange Police Department. 

Two Armed Robberies in One Night

The first armed robbery on Aug. 21 happened at the Exxon gas station, at 486 Prospect Ave. Two men approached the gas station and robbed an attendant of about $300 at 10:23 p.m. One of the men reportedly had a semi-automatic handgun. 

The second armed robbery happened near the Rosedale Cemetery at about 10:55 p.m. A woman and a juvenile were approached by two men with silver handguns on the street in front of home on Watchung Avenue. After taking two cell phones, a wallet and cash, the two men fled on foot.  

Interim Superintendent Appointed to Lead District Through 2013

James O’Neill was appointed interim superintendent by the Board of Education on Aug. 7. 

O'Neill, a former superintendent in both Roxbury and Chatham schools, will replace Superintendent Anthony Cavanna and serve until June 2013. Cavanna is still on paid-administrative leave and is reportedly still receiving his full salary. 

West Orange CFO Charged with DWI

The West Orange and South Orange chief financial officer John Gross was arrested and allegedly charged with driving while intoxicated in Maplewood on Aug. 2, according to the Maplewood Police Department.   

Two Arrested After Getting Pot In the Mail

David Seitzman, 47, of West Orange, and Steven Marchesano, 33, of Lake Hiawatha, were arrested on Aug. 22 after a package containing more than 7 pounds of marijuana was mailed to them at a West Orange address.

The two were charged with marijuana possession, distribution and conspiracy to distribute marijuana, according to police.

Edison Redevelopment Stalls at Planning Board

The Edison redevelopment continues to remain in limbo as the Planning Board does not vote on the changes to the site plan for a second consecutive meeting at the start of the month.

Neighbors Talk Recent Crime in West Orange

Concerned neighbors in the Heights section of town took action on Aug. 24 by holding a neighborhood watch meeting after a recent armed robbery on Watchung Avenue. The meeting was attended by a handful of residents, Council President Victor Cirilo, Councilman Jerry Guarino and West Orange Police Sgt. William Varanelli. 

String of Burglaries in Town Possibly Related

Three separate residential burglaries at the start of the month were said to be related by the West Orange Police Department. 

Protest on Pleasant Valley Way

A large sign stating, “Shame on Kessler Institute,” has been held in front of the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, at 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, during the second week in August. 

Carpenters Local 253, who is part of the Northeast Regional Council for Carpenters, placed the sign there and believes a company hired by the Kessler Foundation, a nonprofit charity dedicated to medical rehabilitation research, is not paying its carpenters a wage that meets “area standards.”