Monday, March 11, 2013
Still unclear when and just how much money school district will receive
Thought it remains unclear when it will arrive and just how much will be paid, Toms River schools are expecting a few million dollars in restitution stemming from the Michael Ritacco bribery case. A U.S. District Judge concluded last December that the district was "unquestionably" the victim of the bribery and kickback scheme involving Ritacco and others and should be paid $4.3 million in restitution. If the guilty cannot pay all of that, insurance is expected to pay $2 million. Whatever the sum, administrators will need to figure out how to appropriate the funds. "If and when that money comes, that's going to be a discussion," said school board member Joseph Torrone during a recent meeting to discuss the 2013-14 budget. "There's going to…
Monday, December 10, 2012
Former Toms River schools supervisor sentenced Monday in Trenton
Toms River's former supervisor of athletics and special projects was sentenced Monday to over 3 years in prison in connection with a scheme to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to the former schools superintendent. Frank D’Alonzo, 55, of Lavallette received the 37 month prison sentence in federal court in Trenton, before U.S. District Court Judge Joel A. Pisano, for his association with the kickback schemes involving former Superintendent Michael Ritacco. Pisano also was sentenced D'Alonzo to three years of supervised release once his prison term is completed, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. A restitution and forfeiture hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 before Pisano. D'Alonzo pleaded guilt to one count of …
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Frank D’Alonzo was among several who pleaded guilty
Toms River's former supervisor of athletics and special projects will be sentenced Monday morning in connection with a scheme to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to the former schools superintendent. Frank D’Alonzo, 55, of Lavallette will be sentenced in federal court in Trenton, before U.S. District Court Judge Joel A. Pisano, for his association with the kickback schemes involving former Superintendent Michael Ritacco. D'Alonzo pleaded guilty in 2010 to one count each of bribery and three counts each of tax evasion. His guilty plea also came days before Ritacco was indicted in fall 2010. Ritacco pleaded guity April 5 to two of the 27 charges he was facing, and admitted his role in years of corruption at the school district…
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Former Toms River superintendent pleads guilty to federal charges
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Thursday, April 5, 2012
The prosecution of former Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco appears to nearing its conclusion, as he pleaded guilty this morning to mail fraud and conspiracy to impede the IRS, officials said. Days before jury selection was to begin, Ritacco allegedly admitted his role in years of corruption where millions in bribes were said to be passed between the superintendent, insurance brokers and other intermediaries. Now that he faces sentencing, we want to know: What do you think? Are you pleased Ritacco has admitted wrongdoing? Do you think he should have pushed for his day in court? Does the guilty plea close a sad chapter in the history of the Toms River School District? Vote in our poll and leave your comments …
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
But Cafe@1144 predicted to turn a $5,000 profit in 2011-2012, the business administrator says
Café@1144, the café at the headquarters of the Toms River Regional Schools that became more known for its connection to former Schools Superintendent Michael Ritacco, lost roughly $250,000 during the 2010-2011 school year, the school board was told Tuesday night. Business Administrator William Doering gave the school board a preview of the audit report on the café, which is part of the school district audit expected to be completed by December. Doering said the loss was due to a combination of factors, including lower sales and catering revenues due to the state of the economy, as well as the loss of tenants from the building. But the loss is being addressed by several changes that will be in place by Nov. 1, Doering said. “We cannot and …
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Federal trial is set for July 25. Former superintendent charged with bribery, tax evasion, wire fraud
The trial date for former Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco, who is facing a 27-count federal indictment for tax evasion and bribery, is scheduled for July 25. But scheduled today is a case management conference, where both federal prosecutors and the defense will meet in U.S. District Court to discuss pre-trial motions. Ritacco plead not guilty in December along with Francis X. Gartland, the school district’s former insurance broker. Federal authorities allege Ritacco took between $1 million and $2 million in bribes from Gartland, in exchange for using his influence to make sure Gartland received multi-million dollar contracts from the district. Gartland and Ritacco plead not guilty in December. On Jan. 5, U.S…
clamdigger
10:10 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
don't hold your breath waiting for it, once they have their hands on it getting it back is like trying to take food from a 'gator. more ›