JACKSON – Township officials applauded the Jackson Police Department and a business owner who worked together to identify the identity of a resident who committed a bias incident.
The officials also announced new technology that will empower residents against crime.
Mayor Michael Reina, Council President Barry Calogero and the rest of the Township Council applauded the actions of a local business owner who informed Jackson Police Department of alleged bias crimes that have resulted in fast arrests.
“Jackson has zero tolerance for bias of any kind. We have not and will not tolerate such acts, period. Jackson Township is a diverse and inclusive community that stands firm against illegal and unacceptable actions such as this despicable event of biased graffiti and related crimes. The culprits were just charged and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.” Reina said.
Cologero said, “the Mayor and Township Council’s commitment to the resident’s safety is second to none.”
The incident concerned the arrest by Jackson police of resident Virginia Mailloux, 40, on Feb. 20. She was arrested for a Feb. 13 incident of creating anti-Semitic graffiti.
Township police responded to the B&B Tent and Party Rentals business located on Progress Place for a report of anti-Semitic graffiti discovered on the property.
The officers observed the phrase “white power” spray painted on the side of a trailer which faced a wooded area away from the business and a swastika and other markings painted on the interior of a fence surrounding a dumpster at the property.
A review of security video by the business owner and a recording from the prior weekend revealed a vehicle entering the property during the night while the business was closed and subjects getting out of the car to go into garbage dumpsters on the property, specifically in the area of the dumpster and trailer where the graffiti was located.
Jackson detectives continued their investigation and were able to identify the female driver of the vehicle as Mailloux. She was arrested at her residence on Feb. 20.
During this time, observations were made of spray-painted markings at the residence similar to those that were observed at the business in a similar paint color and paint splatter on the vehicle used that was similar colored paint to that used in the incident.
The vehicle Mailloux used was impounded pending potential forfeiture proceedings. She was processed and charged with criminal mischief, trespassing and bias intimidation and released on summons pending a court appearance.
A second person observed in the video is the subject of investigation. Jackson Police Detectives are seeking to identify that person who was observed in the video but was not clearly shown on the video.
Should anyone have further information concerning the incident police request they contact the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111 or through the department’s new tool Stopit app.
Reina described the new tool which has been deployed saying, “to further our commitment to law and order, an encrypted, anonymous reporting system is now available to everyone. This app is called ‘STOPit’ – please download it today at the App Store or Google Play.”
“Working together, we continue to ensure that Jackson Township remains the best place to live, work and raise a family,” the mayor added.
