On February 12, 2025, Union County Police Officers Rijos and Pizzarelli arrested Pereire DeJesus for producing fraudulent motor vehicle insurance (2C:21-2.3b) and possessing fraudulent motor vehicle insurance (2C:21-2.3c) after he attempted to retrieve his impounded vehicle from Police Headquarters in Westfield, NJ.
“This arrest demonstrates the diligence of our Union County Police Officers in ensuring the integrity of our roads and preventing fraudulent activities that put our residents at risk,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We commend the officers for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.”
Mr. DeJesus’ vehicle had been towed following a traffic stop on Liberty Avenue in Hillside, NJ, during which officers issued seven traffic summonses for multiple motor vehicle violations involving both the vehicle and its operator.
Captain John da Silva, Officer in Charge of the Union County Police Department, emphasized the department’s efforts to maintain accountability. “Insurance fraud not only undermines public safety but also increases costs for law-abiding residents. Our officers remain vigilant in detecting and addressing these offenses to keep our roads safe,” he said.
Following his arrest and processing, Mr. DeJesus was given a court date and released.
For more information, please contact the Union County Police Department at (908) 654-9800.
After an extensive investigation by the Union County Police Investigations Division, two juveniles from Plainfield have been charged in connection with the October 23, 2024, arson of the Tëmike Park Playground in Plainfield, NJ.
“Acts of vandalism like this not only destroy public spaces but also impact the children and families who rely on them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I want to thank our Union County Police Department for their persistence in bringing those responsible to justice.”
On the night of October 23, 2024, Union County Police received 911 calls reporting a fire engulfing the playground. Fire crews responded quickly to extinguish the blaze, which was later determined to have been intentionally set, causing significant damage to the structure.
Through a thorough investigation, detectives identified and arrested two juvenile male suspects, aged 16 and 17. Both were charged with second-degree arson (2C:17-1B(2)) and criminal mischief (2C:17-3A(1)). The juveniles were released to their guardians pending a court appearance.
“Public parks are essential to our neighborhoods, and crimes like these will not be tolerated,” said Captain John da Silva, Officer in Charge of the Union County Police Department. “Our detectives worked diligently to identify the suspects, ensuring accountability and safeguarding our shared spaces.”
For more information, please contact the Union County Police Department at (908) 654-9800.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a notary public training seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:45am to 11:30am. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.
Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.
“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”
Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.
To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, www.ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled, “Learning to Speak Up” featuring educator, storyteller and activist Annie Tan as keynote speaker. The free and informative event will take place on Thursday, March 20th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Student Commons area, nestled within Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.
“As an educator, I am exceptionally proud to welcome fellow teacher, Annie Tan to Union County as part of our Women’s History Month celebration,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Her story is one of resilience and advocacy, and it serves as a testimony to the transformative power education has in changing lives. By sharing her experiences, she embodies this year’s theme, reminding us of the critical role women play in shaping our communities through education and leadership.”
The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) has announced this year’s theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme highlights the collective strength and impact of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they serve as an inspiration for past, present, and future generations.
Annie Tan is a NYC-based educator, activist, and storyteller from Manhattan’s Chinatown. For over a decade, Annie was an elementary special education teacher in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Little Village, Chicago. Annie always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and to support other children of immigrants like herself, but her perspective widened when she learned of her relation to cousin Vincent Chin, whose 1982 murder in Detroit, Michigan led to an Asian American Movement.
Annie’s work has been featured on Huffington Post, The New Republic, PBS’ Asian Americans, PBS’ Stories from the Stage, Edutopia, and on the NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour. Annie is currently writing a memoir chronicling her journey as someone who isn’t fluent in Cantonese or Toisan to know her immigrant parents who do not speak English.
“This year, we are highlighting the experience of one woman whose journey may resonate with many of our residents. Annie is the child of immigrant parents who navigated numerous challenges to pave a successful path for herself. Now she is dedicated to helping others find their voice and do the same,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “We would love to have you join us in honoring the inspirational and brave women whose contributions and achievements have transformed society. I hope to see you there.”
National Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions women have made throughout history and in their communities. It is celebrated nationwide, every March. The special presentation is free of charge to all Union County residents. To register for this event, visit ucnj.org/whm. This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Union County SHERO Awards. This annual initiative honors exceptional women in Union County who demonstrate strength, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting their communities.
“The SHERO Awards celebrate the extraordinary women who inspire us every day with their resilience, leadership, and dedication to making a difference,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We encourage residents to take this opportunity to recognize the SHERO in their life—whether it’s a mother, sister, friend, mentor, or community leader—who has made a meaningful impact.”
This year, the nomination criteria are open-ended, allowing submissions to be for women from all backgrounds who have made a meaningful impact in their communities, regardless of their role or focus.
To submit a nomination, residents must provide a photograph of the nominee along with a brief paragraph (200 words or less) highlighting their contributions. Additional supporting documentation is welcome but not required.
The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2025, and the winners will be announced in May, in time for Mother’s Day. To submit a nomination, visit www.ucnj.org/shero-award.
For more information, contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Union County Senior Art Exhibit. This annual showcase celebrates the creativity of Union County’s senior artists and will be on display from April 21st to June 4, 2025, at the Scotch Plains campus of Union College of Union County, NJ.
Residents of Union County, age 60 and up, both professional and non-professional artists, are invited to submit original artwork completed between April 2022 and April 2025. The exhibit is coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and will conclude with a special reception for all exhibiting artists on June 4th.
“The Senior Art Exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for our older residents to showcase their artistic talents and share their creativity with the community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We encourage all senior artists, whether they are seasoned professionals or trying something new, to participate in this inspiring event.”
Artists may enter their work in the following categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft. A panel of professional artists will judge the entries, with separate awards for professional and non-professional artists. First-place winners will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show in the fall.
“The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is an important celebration of artistic expression at any stage of life,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Each year, we are amazed by the incredible talent on display, and we are proud to provide a platform for our senior artists to be recognized.”
The deadline to register is April 13, 2025, and online registration is required. Complete rules, instructions, and the registration form are available at https://ucnj.org/senior-art. Seniors without internet access may have a relative or friend register on their behalf, or they can contact the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs for assistance by calling 908-558-2552 (weekdays). Relay users dial 711.
This program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.
For more information or to request assistance with registration, email msturm@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2552.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Union County has been awarded a $1,996,800 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) to support the Summer Youth Work Experience Program, which will provide employment opportunities for 480 youth across Union County.
This vital program will offer young participants meaningful paid work experiences, workforce training, and professional development opportunities to help them build essential job skills and prepare for future careers.
“The Summer Youth Work Experience Program is a transformative initiative that empowers our young people by providing them with invaluable work experience,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This investment will not only benefit the participants but also strengthen our local workforce and economy. We are grateful to the NJDOL for recognizing the importance of this program and to our dedicated partners for making it possible.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key organizations committed to workforce development and youth empowerment, including the United Way of Greater Union County, Community Access Unlimited, Project SEARCH at Overlook Medical Center, Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ), Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, Elizabeth Development Company, Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, and the cities of Elizabeth, Rahway, and Plainfield.
“I have always believed that access to meaningful job opportunities can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and this funding will allow us to do exactly that for 480 youth in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “This is more than just a summer job—it’s an investment in their future, a stepping stone to long-term success, and a chance to break barriers that too many young people face when entering the workforce. With the support of our partners, we are giving these young individuals the tools, experience, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers and contribute to our community. Union County remains committed to expanding workforce development and ensuring that every resident has a pathway to success.”
The program will launch this summer, offering participants the chance to engage in structured work experiences across various industries, helping them gain valuable skills, explore career interests, and build a foundation for long-term success.
For more information about the Union County Workforce Development Board’s programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org/wdb/ or contact Antonio Rivera, Director of Workforce Development at 908- 527-4195.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce the continuation of the Property Fraud Alert program, a free subscription service designed to safeguard Union County homeowners against property fraud. “Property fraud is a growing crime and homeowners need to protect themselves,” Clerk Rajoppi said.
Property fraud is committed when someone illegally uses your property for monetary gain, often by recording a fraudulent document in the Union County land records office to appear as if they own your home or property. It can also occur when someone illegally records a lien against your home or property.
“If someone files a property document with a similar or same name as yours, you will get an alert either by phone or email,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Then you can go to the Clerk’s property website at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/ to check to see if the document refers to your property address. If it does, the homeowner should go to their local Police Department and file a police report. They can then take the report to the Office of the Union County Prosecutor who will investigate. Unfortunately, property fraud is one of the largest growing crimes in America today,” she added. “I’m hopeful this program will give homeowners some peace of mind.”
Since its inception ten years ago, Property Fraud Alert has been widely adopted by Union County homeowners, with thousands of subscribers benefitting from its protection. Homeowners and their family members can sign up for free by visiting https://propertyfraudalert.com/select or by calling the hotline at 800-728-3858. Subscribers can choose how they would like to be notified whenever a document with their name is recorded in the participating County Land Records office – either by email, text message, or voice phone call.
This service is available for residential property owners as well as business owners and properties owned as part of trusts. The alert system is also useful to receive information of the recording of the documents prior to and after a real estate closing. It will also confirm that a lien discharge has been recorded.
Family members of elderly and health-impaired individuals may register for their loved ones. Although Property Fraud Alert cannot prevent fraud, it serves as an early warning system, allowing property owners to take necessary actions if they suspect fraudulent activity. For more information, please visit https://propertyfraudalert.com/select or call 800-728-3858.
Union County, NJ – March 6, 2025 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present the latest LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, a virtual event celebrating Women’s History Month on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM via Zoom. This special edition will be co-hosted by Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams and Micayla Mirabella, focusing on the contributions of LGBTQ+ women in history and ongoing efforts to uplift and support them.
“The Empowerment Hour provides a space to celebrate and amplify LGBTQ+ voices,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As we recognize Women’s History Month, it is essential to highlight the achievements of LGBTQ+ women and reaffirm our commitment to equality, inclusion, and progress for all.”
Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee, emphasized the significance of the event: “Women’s History Month is not just about honoring the past but also uplifting those shaping our present and future. LGBTQ+ women have played a crucial role in advancing rights and visibility, and we are proud to create a space where their voices can be heard and celebrated.”
The Empowerment Hour is part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and provide resources for LGBTQ+ residents. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
This program is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs. For more information about upcoming LGBTQ+ events, contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4742 or visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to announce the 2025 Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair where law enforcement agencies from five states will come together to participate in a joint recruitment event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Kean University’s Harwood Arena, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey.
Over 110 federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies will be participating in this recruitment event. This follows a highly successful 2024 recruitment event, also hosted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Kean University, which resulted in hundreds of hires across the state. We anticipate that this year’s event will be even larger and more impactful.
“The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is excited to announce our upcoming Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair on March 11th,” Union County Prosecutor William Daniel states. “This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in serving their community to connect with a variety of law enforcement agencies. We believe that strong community relationships are essential for effective policing, and we’re looking for dedicated individuals who are committed to building trust and making a positive impact.”
“The badge represents more than just authority; it symbolizes trust, service, and a commitment to our community. As law enforcement evolves, so must our approach to recruitment. On March 11th, we invite those with a passion for justice and a desire to make a difference to join us at the Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair. This is your chance to be part of a new generation of law enforcement professionals, where integrity, empathy, and a dedication to community are paramount”, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Dr. Harvey Barnwell states. “As indicated in the past years, the fair is open to everyone interested in a career in law enforcement, regardless of experience or education level. Come explore your options, ask questions, and start your journey towards a meaningful career that makes a positive impact.”
Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., said he is proud to partner with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on this important event.
“Kean values its longstanding collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on this important recruitment fair,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “The University’s criminal justice program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in law enforcement, and this event helps open doors for them to pursue careers that positively impact our communities.”
“Law enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities, and it is essential that our agencies reflect the diversity, values, and strength of the people they serve,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This recruitment fair is more than a hiring event—it’s an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to step into meaningful careers where they can make a difference. I encourage everyone, whether you’re just starting out or considering a new path, to explore the many opportunities available and become part of the next generation of dedicated public servants.”
“This fair is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in law enforcement,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “These are highly professional departments devoted to keeping our communities secure and residents safe. They will welcome recruits who value public service with good jobs that offer the satisfaction of contributing to our quality of life.”
Senator Joseph Cryan emphasized his support for those interested in a career in law enforcement. “The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Recruitment Fair is a great opportunity for those looking to serve their community through a career in law enforcement,” said Senator Joseph Cryan (D-Union). “Law enforcement is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity, and a commitment to public service. I encourage anyone interested to attend, ask questions, and explore the many pathways available in this field.”
“I highly encourage anyone with an interest in law enforcement to attend the upcoming recruitment fair to learn about available opportunities,” said Senator Jon Bramnick. This is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement to discover available opportunities to serve, protect and make a positive impact in our community.”
Law enforcement partners from federal, state, county, and municipal agencies will be in attendance. Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring their resumes.
In addition, individuals seeking a career as assistant prosecutors, lab technicians, administrators, and clerks will have the opportunity to discuss those careers and be advised of the process necessary to pursue those positions.
The Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair is jointly hosted by Kean University and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, with the support of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senators Joseph Cryan, and Jon Bramnick.
