County Prosecutor

April 13 Margaret Vannieuwland, age 38 of Sparta, was sentenced to three years probation, three days county jail, 74 days on Sheriffs Labor Assistance Program, 30 days community service and 48 hours at the IDRC. Conditions of Probation include no consumption of alcohol, continue attendance of AA and outpatient counseling, three years loss of driver’s license, must pay restitution and fines and costs are in the amount of $1,144. She pled guilty on Feb. 20 to fourth degree Assault by Auto from an incident on Aug. 4, 2004, and third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor from an incident on Oct. 1, 2006. On two different occasions defendant operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol with her minor children in the car. On Aug. 4, 2004, defendant was also involved in a motor vehicle crash with another car. April 16 Daniel Biermann, age 19, of Andover pled guilty to theft a third degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15. On Aug. 1, 2006 in Andover Township, while visiting a relative, he took jewelry and guns belonging to that relative, admitting to police that he took the items and sold them in Newark to buy heroin. April 20 Dwayne Finklea, age 49, of Newton, was sentenced to time served (14 days). The State’s sentencing recommendation was nine months. He must pay total fines and penalties of $155 and submit a DNA sample at his expense. He pled guilty on March 5 to a charge of certain persons not to have weapons, a fourth degree crime. On Feb. 18, 2006, in Newton, the defendant was seen carrying a rifle from one residence to another, claiming he was giving it to a friend. He was on parole at the time of the incident and weapons possession is a violation of parole. April 23 A juvenile pled guilty on March 8 to second degree Distribution of CDS within 500 feet of a county park. He was adjudicated a juvenile delinquent by the court. On Dec. 5, 2006, the juvenile, age 17, of Newton, sold several Ecstacy pills to an undercover detective within 500 feet of a county park in Newton. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the juvenile was exposed to the statutory maximum term of commitment to the Juvenile Justice Commission - three years. He was sentenced to continued probation until age 19, complete a Fields Program, six month loss of driver’s license, submit a DNA sample, random urine monitoring and pay fines totaling $2,070 Barid W. Thornton, age 56, of Newton, pled guilty to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22. He was found to be in possession of an Apple I-POD, knowing it was stolen. James Conklin, age 26, formerly of Andover Township, entered a guilty plea to an accusation charging him with the fourth degree charge of violating the terms of his Community Supervision For Life and the fourth degree charge of violating Megan’s Law by failing to notify the police of an address change. Conklin, a previously convicted sex offender, was ordered by the court to comply with the terms of Community Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law. Conklin admitted to the court that between Feb. 23 and March 15, he had violated the terms of his Community Supervision for Life by failing to live at his address approved by Parole, by failing to obtain permission from his parole officer to move to a new residence, and by failing to obtain permission from his parole officer to leave the State of New Jersey. Conklin also admitted that during the same time period he had moved from Andover Township to Wilson, N.C. without first notifying the Andover Township Police Department of his intention to move to a new address. The case was investigated by Parole Officer Mike Marino .and Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jason Garrigan. Conklin is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, May 25. Michael Brinster, age 19, of Wantage, pled guilty to the fourth degree crime of trespass, third degree possession of Xanax and the disorderly persons offense of possession of marijuana. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 22. He admitted that on Jan. 30, 2006 he entered Sparta High School after he had dropped out of school and been told not to return. He also admitted that on Feb. 11, he possessed Xanax and a small amount of marijuana. April 24 An indictment charges Timothy V. McNamara, age 50, of Branchville, with fourth degree assault by auto. The case was investigated by Patrolman Stephen Murrell of the Andover Township Police Department. The Grand Jury alleges that on Sept. 14, 2006, the defendant, who was driving while intoxicated, made a left turn into the path of another vehicle occupied by two people, causing a head on collision. This occurred on Route 206 North and County Route 618 in Andover Township. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. A Grand Jury indictment is a charge only. The defendant is presumed Innocent until guilt may be proved at a jury trial. April 25 Patrick C. Nix, age 28, of Newton, pled guilty to eluding and receiving stolen property, both third degree crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21. On Oct. 17, 2006 in Sparta Township, Nix, operating a vehicle that had been stolen earlier in Newton, was being chased by two Sparta Police officers attempting to pull him over, which they were unable to do due to the road conditions at the time and the high rate of speed the car was being driven at. The officers lost sight of the vehicle for a brief period of time and later found it parked in a residential area, but the operator had fled on foot. Officers from Newton Police Department attempted to contact Nix at his home but were unsuccessful. He later went to the Newton Police Department to ask why officers were at his home earlier that day but would not answer any questions regarding the incident.