False Report to Law Enforcement - Falsely Incriminating Another
M Richards
On July 14, 2009 at 2:09 AM, Jhessyca Owens, age 20 of 33 Mill Street Newton, reported that she was the victim of a home invasion type of robbery whereas an unknown person knocked on her apartment door and then pushed their way into the apartment, assaulted her boyfriend and demanded money from her. Owens’ boyfriend was identified as Tyler Mills, age 20, also a resident of 33 Mill Street Newton, NJ. Newton Police Officers and Detectives responded and conducted an investigation which led to the identification of the suspects and charges being filed against David VanSkiver, a Newton resident and Damon Alston, of Milford Pennsylvania.
Vanskiver was arrested on August 21, 2009 and additionally charged with Drug Distribution for an unrelated case. Alston turned himself in to the Newton Police Department on October 13, 2009. Follow-up investigation occurring after their arrests led Detectives to determine that Owens had falsely incriminated Alston in the July 14th report to the police. Additionally, Tyler Mills falsely reported information to the police about the robbery. The facts of the case were determined to be that Owens was intending to sell marijuana to Alston and a dispute/altercation occurred over the cost. During the dispute, Alston assaulted Mills by striking him in the face.
As a result, the Second Degree charges of Robbery and Burglary against VanSkiver and Alston were dismissed. A summons complaint charging Alston with Simple Assault NJS 2C:12-1a. was served upon him. With the dismissal of the criminal complaints, associated bail was also vacated.
Owens was charged with the Fourth Degree Crime of Falsely Incriminating Another, NJS 2C:28-4a. She was served with a summons complaint and is pending disposition in Superior Court. Mills was charged with Fictitious Report to Law Enforcement, NJS 2C:28-4b., a disorderly persons offense.