Morris County Prosecutor's Office

10/01/2026

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Recognizes First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood Upon Retirement

First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood has retired from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano honored outgoing First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood during a walkout ceremony on September 30, 2026.

During the ceremony, former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood was recognized with honoring plaques by State Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, the executive leadership of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association for her years of service and dedication to the people of Morris County. She was also presented with an honoring proclamation issued by the Morris County Board of Commissioners by Commissioner Stephen Shaw.

Maggie Calderwood has served as the First Assistant Prosecutor of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since January 4, 2021. She has been an Assistant Prosecutor for thirty-one years and specifically with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for the last twenty-eight. She is recognized as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey since 2011.

During former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood’s career, she has supervised the Major Crimes, S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment, Domestic Violence, General Investigations, Pretrial Services, and Professional Standards Units. In addition, she held the title of Executive Assistant Prosecutor for five years and managed the entire legal staff.

Former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has handled numerous high profile, complex jury trials involving Murder, Aggravated Manslaughter/Vehicular Homicide, and Aggravated S*xual Assault cases with adult and child victims. Throughout her prosecutorial career, former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has lectured often on various legal and law enforcement topics.

In May 2019, former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood was honored by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris/Suss*x Vicinage, and the Morris/Suss*x County Bar Association for contributions to the justice system as part of the “Women Pioneers in the Law” exhibit. Since January of 2020 to the present day, she has served as Co-Chair to the Morris County Bar Association’s Criminal Practice Committee. In June of 2022, the Morris County Bar Association awarded her the “Criminal Practice Award” for her professionalism and dedication to the field. In November of 2024, she was presented with the ‘Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career” award by the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey at the annual Prosecutors College in Atlantic City.

Before joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1997, former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood began her legal career with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in 1994, where she represented the State in numerous jury trials.

Former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Moravian College in 1988 and her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. After graduating law school, former First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Stephen F. Smith, Presiding Criminal Judge of the Superior Court in Morris County.

Prosecutor Carroll commented, “I congratulate MCPO First Assistant Maggie Calderwood on an outstanding career as a prosecutor. I believe her career serves as a model for how a legal professional should practice criminal law. FAP Calderwood’s skills, experience, reputation for integrity, common sense, and legal knowledge made her a simply invaluable and most-effective leader in Morris County law enforcement. FAP Calderwood has the respect and admiration of the MCPO staff, the defense bar, the Judiciary, as well as every police department in Morris County, a tremendous achievement by any measure. On a personal level, I wish to thank FAP Calderwood for serving as my First Assistant, and for her sage advice and dedication during my administration over the last six years. FAP Calderwood’s legacy of professionalism will live on in the 200-plus year history of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.”

09/30/2026

Assistant Prosecutor Hired by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll announces that Assistant Prosecutor Karl Hauck has been sworn in as an Assistant Prosecutor. A swearing in ceremony was held on Monday, September 28, 2026, conducted by the Honorable Judge Stephen Taylor.

Assistant Prosecutor Hauck will be assigned to the Domestic Violence and Juvenile Units within the Family Division.

Assistant Prosecutor Hauck most recently served as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Suss*x County Prosecutor’s Office. During his time with the SCPO, he was assigned to handle Grand Jury matters, Juvenile prosecutions, Recovery Court, and Fi****ms Appeals.

Additionally, Assistant Prosecutor Hauck has previous experience working as a legal extern for a private law firm and a judicial intern for the Suss*x County Superior Court.

Assistant Prosecutor Hauck graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering and earned his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law & Graduate School.

Prosecutor Robert Carroll said, “I believe Assistant Prosecutor Hauck will make a great addition to our Office’s legal team, and I welcome him aboard.”

09/29/2026

Morris County Holds Second Expungement Clinic in Morristown

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office joined members of the Morris County legal community to participate in a second Free Expungement Clinic in Morristown on September 24, 2026.

The clinic was made possible by the Morris County Bar Association, Morris County Bar Foundation, Morris County Office of the Public Defender, State of New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Calvary Baptist Church.

Volunteer attorneys were available to aid members of the public interested in pursuing an expungement, which means a qualifying, non-violent conviction will be erased from their criminal history. Their assistance was an entirely free service.

Volunteers assisted approximately 49 attendees with legal advice regarding expungements and lunch was provided by the Morris County Bar Foundation.

In addition to expungement services, the following organizations provided helpful information to the public: the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Community Connections, Hope One, and Morris County Reentry Support Services, Navigating Hope, Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, Center for Family Services-SHE Program, Interfaith Food Pantry, nourish.NJ, Mental Health Association-ARRIVE Together, Board of Elections, and the Morris County Office of the Ombudsman.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “I wish to thank all those who provided their expertise to help those looking to turn their lives around through the expungement process. I once again thank the members of the Morris County Bar Association, Morris County Bar Foundation, Morris County Public Defender’s Office, and our own office’s staff for making this clinic a success, and to the Calvary Baptist Church for once again being such a generous host.”

09/25/2026

Jefferson Township Resident Arrested for Aggravated S*xual Assault, Endangering, and Witness Tampering

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano, and Jefferson Township Police Chief Paul Castimore announce the arrest of Sivaldo A. Gonzalez Vasquez, age 59, of Lake Hopatcong in Jefferson Township, for alleged Aggravated S*xual Assault, S*xual Assault, Endangering, and Witness Tampering.

On September 11, 2026, Jefferson Police notified the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office of a potential s*x crime involving a child. Further investigation determined the defendant committed multiple s*xual acts against a child, on multiple occasions between the dates of May 4 and September 5, 2026 while in Jefferson Township. It was further determined that Vasquez sought to interfere with the investigation by instructing a witness and the victim not to talk with law enforcement.

Vasquez was arrested on September 11, 2026 and charged with three counts of first degree Aggravated S*xual Assault, three counts of second degree S*xual Assault, one count of second degree Endangering, and two counts of third degree Witness Tampering.

Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Robert Hanna on October 19.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their efforts in this investigation.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

09/25/2026

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Promotes Investigative Officers, Swears in New Chief and Deputy Chief

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood announce the promotion of four Investigative Officers, and the swearing in of Mark Castellano as the Chief of Detectives of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and Joseph Costello as Deputy Chief of Detectives of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
A ceremony was held on September 24, 2026, in the Commissioners’ Public Meeting Room.

The following investigative officers were promoted and assigned as indicated:

• Sasha Gould was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to supervise the Professional Standards and Financial Crimes units within the Specialized Crimes Division.
Lieutenant Gould has been a Detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2013. She began her law enforcement career in 2009 with the New Jersey Transit Police Department.
As a Detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Gould worked in the Major Crimes Unit, the Professional Standards Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Intelligence and Homeland Security Units and the Bias Crimes Unit. In May 2019, Lieutenant Gould was promoted to the rank of Detective/Supervisor where she was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit and later the Missing Persons and Juvenile Units. Lieutenant Gould was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in June 2021 and assigned to the Major Crimes Unit and later the Intelligence and Homeland Security Units.
Lieutenant Gould holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University, where she was recognized on the Dean’s List for academic achievement.
Lieutenant Gould has completed several leadership courses, including the FBI-LEEDA Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership Institutes Trilogy.
Lieutenant Gould received several Commendations throughout her career to include a Commendation from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Excellence in Homicide Investigation Award by the New Jersey Homicide Investigators Association for her role in the investigation of the 40-year-old Baby Mary cold case homicide.

• Stephanie Merced was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to supervise the Domestic Violence and Juvenile/Missing Persons units within the Family Division.
Sergeant Merced began her law enforcement career in 2009 and joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2014. Throughout her career, she has served in General Investigations, S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment, Narcotics, and the Family Division, where she has built extensive experience in complex investigations, supervision, training, and leadership.
Sergeant Merced has served as lead detective on numerous significant investigations involving s*xual assault, child endangerment, human trafficking, and Internet Crimes Against Children. Her investigative work has resulted in successful prosecutions and multiple commendations throughout her assignments in S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment, Narcotics, and Missing Persons. Her proficiency in Spanish has also made her a valuable resource to Major Crimes and other law enforcement partners during complex investigations.
Promoted to Detective Supervisor in 2017, Merced has supervised detectives and task force officers, coordinated operations with local, state, and federal agencies, served as a Top Gun squad coordinator, and helped implement Operation Helping Hand in Morris County. Most recently, she assumed leadership responsibilities within the Family Division, overseeing four units while mentoring detectives, managing investigations, and coordinating missing person responses.
Beyond her investigative and supervisory responsibilities, Sergeant Merced serves as a Crisis Negotiator, Resiliency Officer, Field Training Officer, Morris County Public Safety Training Academy instructor, and LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison. She became the first detective within a Prosecutor’s Office to serve as an LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer and organized Morris County’s inaugural National Coming Out Day event.

• Matthew Belcastro was promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor and assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit within the Family Division.
Detective Supervisor Belcastro began his law enforcement career with the Chatham Borough Police Department in 2013, where he served for more than seven years as a Police Officer and Officer in Charge. During his time in Chatham, he served as an acting patrol supervisor, fi****ms instructor, and coordinator of the department’s Project Lifesaver program. His service was recognized through several awards and commendations, including the Morris County 200 Club Valor Award, an Honorable Service Award, and a Meritorious Service Award.
In October 2020, Detective Supervisor Belcastro joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a Detective. Since that time, he has served in the General Investigations Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Professional Standards Unit, and Domestic Violence Unit, as well as on assignment to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Task Force. In addition to his investigative assignments, he serves as a fi****ms instructor and armorer, Humane Law Enforcement Officer, and administrator of the Office’s E-Portal Discovery Program.
Detective Supervisor Belcastro earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he also earned graduate certificates in Emergency Management Administration and Global Security and Terrorism Studies. He is a certified New Jersey Police Training Commission instructor and serves as an instructor at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

• Mark Rodgers was promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor and assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit within the Special Operations Divisions.
Detective Supervisor Rodgers began his law enforcement career in 2006 with the East Orange Police Department. Within his first year, he was promoted from the patrol division to the Street Crimes Unit. In 2013, he was promoted to Detective in the Criminal Investigation Bureau and in 2014, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and returned to supervise the Street Crimes Unit. A year later, he was reassigned to supervise the Criminal Investigations Bureau.
In 2017, Detective Supervisor Rodgers was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a Detective. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, he has been assigned to the General Investigations Unit, the S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Major Crimes Unit, and the Digital Forensics Investigations Unit. While assigned to the Digital Forensics Investigations Unit, Detective Supervisor Rodgers developed extensive expertise in digital evidence recovery and analysis, which led to his qualification as an expert witness in Mobile Device Technologies. In December 2023, he was assigned to conduct a forensic examination, prepare an expert report, and testify on a first degree Armed Robbery prosecution, which ultimately contributed to a guilty verdict and a sentence of 50 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Detective Supervisor Rodgers is currently assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit and serves as the breacher on the Special Operations Division Tactical Team. He has also served as the State Delegate for PBA Local 327 since April 2023.

For more on the professional careers of Chief Castellano and Deputy Chief Costello, please visit this link. https://ow.ly/UjFC50ZRwlY

Prosecutor Carroll said, “The MCPO is fortunate to have the depth of law enforcement experience that is represented by today’s promoted personnel. I am very confident our Office’s supervision and operations will continue at the high level of competency and performance that the MCPO has been known for. Chief Castellano and Deputy Chief Costello have demonstrated those qualities which are needed to lead our talented investigative personnel, as well as maintain beneficial professional relationships among law enforcement agencies at the local, county, state, and federal levels. When teamed with our highly skilled legal and support personnel, these leaders and our established associations all serve to maximize the effective protection of our communities from criminal elements. We congratulate all our promoted personnel on their achievements.”

First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood said, “We are so thankful to have such dedicated and skilled leaders at the MCPO, as demonstrated in those promoted today. Our office is in good hands with Chief Castellano and Deputy Chief Costello leading the way. Congratulations to them and all promoted, as it is a truly well-deserved recognition of their hard work!”

09/24/2026

09/18/2026

Kingwood Township Man Indicted for S*xual Assault and Child Endangerment

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano announce the indictment of Christopher H. Kascik, age 53, of Kingwood Township,

On September 17, 2026, a Hunterdon County grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Kascik with one count of second-degree S*xual Assault, one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child – S*xual Conduct, one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Abuse, and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal S*xual Contact.

Kascik was initially charged on a warrant-complaint on April 23, 2025.

It is alleged that Kascik provided a 13-year-old juvenile female with alcoholic beverages at his Kingwood Township residence on March 29, 2025, which led to the victim becoming intoxicated. It is further alleged that Kascik s*xually assaulted the victim while she was intoxicated.

At the time of the arrest, Kascik was a civilian employee of the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was designated to prosecute this case in the Hunterdon Vicinage of the Superior Court.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the New Jersey State Police for their efforts in this investigation.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

09/18/2026

Morris County Free Expungement Clinic to be held September 24 in Morristown

The second Morris County Free Expungement Clinic will be held on Thursday, September 24 2026, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 10 Martin Luther King Avenue, in Morristown.

No appointment is needed. Those interested in pursuing an expungement will be able to speak with an attorney to see whether certain non-violent convictions can be expunged, which means they will be erased from their criminal history. This is an entirely free service, which would be very costly if done through a private attorney.

If you wish to sign-up, you may do so using this link: https://ow.ly/oJhY50ZPeBz

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanked Pastor Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Ph.D. for his support, assistance, and willingness to host the event.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “For those who have managed to turn their lives around after becoming involved with the criminal justice system, you can learn more about the process of expungement at this free clinic. Obtaining an expungement could be a means of creating a better future for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”

Morris County Deputy Public Defender Brian Kenney, Esq. said, “Expungement can open doors to employment, housing and other opportunities, and helping people access that relief takes collaboration. We’re proud to work alongside the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Bar Association and the other partners and volunteer attorneys who are coming together to provide free legal assistance and help eligible residents clear their records and move forward.”

Morris County Bar Association President, Lawrence S. Cutalo, stated, “The Morris County Bar Association (MCBA) is pleased to serve our community by participating in the Morris County Free Expungement Clinic. This worthwhile event will undoubtedly benefit the public. The MCBA thanks the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Public Defender’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Calvary Baptist Church, for developing this program. Thank you to all of the attorneys and others who volunteered their time to assist those pursing expungements through this event.

Morris County Bar Foundation President Scott G. Leonard stated, “The Morris County Bar Foundation is proud to support the Morris County Free Expungement Clinic and its important mission of expanding access to justice in our community. For individuals who are eligible for expungement, clearing a past record can provide a meaningful opportunity to move forward with employment, housing, education, and other aspects of their lives. This clinic is also a great example of attorneys giving back by volunteering their time and legal experience to directly assist members of our community. We are grateful to all of the organizations and volunteers who have come together to make this important program possible.”

Those who plan to attend and speak with an attorney about a possible expungement should bring any information they have about the case they are hoping to address. However, if that information is not in your possession, it can be retrieved electronically at the clinic.

In addition to the expungement assistance, Morris County Sheriff Office staff will be on hand to provide information about the following social service programs:
• Free Narcan
• Substance Use Services
• Mental Health Services
• Social Services Benefits
• Re-Entry Services
• Voter Registration

The event is being made possible through a partnership between the Morris County Bar Association, Morris County Bar Foundation, Morris County Office of the Public Defender, State of New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Calvary Baptist Church.

09/16/2026

Washington Township Resident Sentenced for S*xual Assault

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Acting Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano, and Washington Township Police Chief Jeffrey Almer announce the sentencing of Gregory Rademacher, age 72, of Washington Township, for S*xual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On November 20, 2025, Rademacher pled guilty to one count of second degree S*xual Assault and one Count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child before Judge Robert Hanna.

On August 28, 2026, Judge Hanna sentenced Rademacher to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA) and a concurrent three (3) years New Jersey State Prison respectively. Rademacher is required to adhere to Megan’s Law, parole supervision for life, and to have no contact with the victim.

The investigation began in July 2025, when a 10-year-old child disclosed that Rademacher committed multiple acts of s*xual contact upon the child while the child was visiting his residence, located in Washington Township. During ex*****on of a search warrant, numerous electronic devices were located and were found to contain images of Child S*xual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Rademacher was arrested on August 4, 2025. He has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending disposition of the case.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Washington Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office S*x Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their efforts in this investigation and successful prosecution.

09/15/2026

Texas Man Sentenced in Connection with Fatal Mount Olive Motor Vehicle Crash

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Acting Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano, and Mount Olive Township Police Chief Michael Cordileone announce that Cody Bonds, age 39, of Crandall, Texas, has been sentenced in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Mount Olive, New Jersey on February 3, 2026.

On June 26, 2026, Bonds pled guilty to one count of Reckless Vehicular Homicide, a crime of the third degree, and a traffic violation for failure to maintain a lane. On September 11, 2026, Judge Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. sentenced Bonds to five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service and a driver’s license suspension of five years. Bonds was also given credit for 17 days served in jail.

At approximately 2:51 p.m. on February 3, 2026, Mount Olive Police and first responders were dispatched to a collision involving a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2024 Toyota Corolla on Route 206 in the Flanders section. Both drivers sustained injuries in the crash and were transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.

The driver of the Corolla was identified as Jamie Lynn Augenbaugh, age 22, of Hopatcong, NJ. Ms. Aughenbaugh succumbed to her injuries five days later.

The investigation revealed that the Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Bonds, had been traveling north on Route 206 when he crossed the double yellow centerline, and into the southbound lane of travel, striking Ms. Aughenbaugh’s Toyota Corolla head-on.

Bonds was charged on February 24, 2026 in connection with this collision.

Prosecutor Carroll recognizes the members of the Mount Olive Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit who took part in this investigation and prosecution.