Accused Bully Now Faces Weapon, Drug Charges
Michael Conway, 19, was charged with possession of a BB gun and drug paraphernalia on Saturday; trial postponed to determine whether he should be denied pre-trial intervention.
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The Pre-Trial Intervention program requested by attorneys for Michael Conway, who is accused of trying to cover up his involvement in a bullying incident of a Morristown High School freshman who later killed himself, is in jeopardy due to an arrest over the weekend in Morristown.
Conway, 19, appeared before Morris County Superior Court Judge Salem Ahto Monday but his attorney, Edmund DeNoia, told the court his client had been arrested Saturday for an unrelated incident involving a BB gun and drug paraphernalia found in his car.
Conway was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
"I just found out orally this morning," said DeNoia, who noted others were in Conway's car and that the BB gun was found in the backseat. He did not say whether or not the drug paraphernalia was found on Conway or not.
Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri said, based on the weekend charge, the county was prepared to deny PTI, but agreed to adjourn the trial to Aug. 27 in order to review the case. Those allowed to enter PTI do not admit guilt and the charges are dismissed if they complete the program without running into legal trouble or violating any of the conditions of their probation.
"Obviously, this has changed the scenario," Ahto said.
Conway is accused of making false statements to police regarding an incident in the Century 21 parking garage where 15-year-old Lennon Baldwin was robbed by two other MHS students and told it was payback for one of them getting suspended after they had assaulted him at the high school. Baldwin killed himself in his Morris Township home on March 28.
In a statement made Monday, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said if the charges over the week prove to be true, it will show Conway has not listened to authorities, should not be eligible for PTI and "will be aggressively prosecuted.
"For now, we will wait to determine what the investigation reveals and take the appropriate action against all parties," he said.
Conway has only been charged with the fourth-degree charge of making false statements to police and not with the assault on Baldwin. The two juveniles, who have not been publicly named because of their ages, took plea deals on July 24.
In This article
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Morristown High School
50 Early St, Morristown, NJ -
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Century 21
1 N Park Pl, Morristown, NJ -
Cara DePalma
10:25 am on Monday, August 6, 2012
How dumb does a person have to be to be released ROR, in the process of applying for PTI, yet is out committing more crimes? Enjoy jail, Mr. Conway.
C K Corcoran
11:54 am on Monday, August 6, 2012
2 words for those trying to get PTI & can't figure out how to stay out of trouble - STAY HOME
Moira
12:04 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
Can we hear from his Dad again?
Anne
3:31 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
Seriously! (**Moira!!) "He's a good kid. Never in trouble. He was there trying to mediate peace... He doesn't get involved in this kind of behavior. "
This was a matter of time and same for the other two. They are what they are, who they are. They know violence, they live by violence. If any one of them were truly repentant, felt shame or learned anything, from ANY of this. Even had an ounce of humanity they would have been at home.(**CKC)
The other 2 celebrated their "victory" earlier this month at the movies the night they finished their court hearing. AND I believe kicked out for loitering.
Judge Wright is just waiting for them to return to his court. AND HE is not a man to be trifled with... ever. They got their warning, they were provided a second chance...
Also,
Can I remind everyone the purpose of a weapon. I don't care what kind of weapon. Always for menacing purposes. (He sure wasn't hunting.)
Enough. No more...
Stacey
7:33 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Lock him up and keep our streets safer!
rhtx
10:59 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
We'd be safer to lock closed minded idiots like you up!
Moira
8:40 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
"Hi Moira! My prayer for this day is that all who sit in judgement are able to allow the whole truth to be told. This way they will then be proven as truly humane and able to discern when God is working his plan. American justice should work for ALL or it will work for NONE!!! He's Innocent until proven guilty, right? Oh wait...he's a BLACK MAN...I'm sorry, therefore his HUMANITY is in question, huh?"
This is the comment a "Milton Conway" posted that came to my e-mail but didn't show up in the comments here.
I don't question this kid's character because he's black. I question it because of his conduct. Nor do I think he's a "man." I think he's a kid.
But in all sincerity -- if you think anything about this scenario is "God working his plan," you need to stop looking upwards and pay attention to what's happening here on the ground.
rhtx
11:05 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
And please do not ignore media bias to sell advertisement. Notice this article is entitled, "Accused bully". He is not on trial for bullying. The media is the only one accusing him of being a bully, not short of this article unfortunately. I'm disappointed, Morristown Patch.com.
Milton Conway
11:38 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I'm glad that someone gets my point. Thank you.
rhtx
11:14 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
It was a bb gun. I had one of those when I was 12. Idiots. And yes, I was raised a white girl in the hood. I also smoked weed every now and then. GASP! Lock her up! Now I am a 32 year old self sufficient woman with a great career in biomedical research. Only difference was when I got into trouble they all thought it was a phase. You guys see this as his only path? Time to turn that judgmental pendulum back the other way. Tools.
Cara DePalma
9:54 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
You are missing the point. The Lennon Baldwin incident may have been Conway's first run-in with the law. However, when you are in the midst of applying for a program that would let you off with NO RECORD and, at age 19, make the decision to participate in criminal activity again, you will be perceived as a criminal. I couldn't care less if Conway was white, black, brown or purple. He made the decision to be involved in both incidents, he is a 19 year old adult and must take the consequences. And unless you've noticed, the world has changed a bit in 20 years.
Milton Conway
10:38 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
@ rhtx...I guess Cara's point is that everyone that is charged with a crime is guilty until proven innocent. Michael had absolutely NOTHING to do with "bullying" young Mr. Baldwin. SMH. As his parent, I'm totally supportive of my son when I know that he is doing what's right, however, I would not support him if I even think he's wrong. As a former NJ State Corrections Officer, I know too well, the criminal code of this state and I'm certain of the fact that he will be cleared of ALL charges. If any want to "bury their heads in the sand" on the part that ETHNIC BACKGROUND plays in situations like this, then go right on. Just know that if it were your child, I would respect your urge to show your support for him/her. I offer my condolences, once again, to the Baldwin's and I pray that God will allow their grief to pass in time. There are many different views out there regarding my son..."I don't question this kid's character because he's black. I question it because of his conduct. Nor do I think he's a "man." I think he's a kid," wrote Moira and Cara wrote, "he is a 19 year old adult and must take the consequences." Well, no matter how old he gets, he will always be my child. My gift from God. My first born son, and his mother's only child. He is becoming increasingly more depressed as the days pass by due to this unwarranted exposure by the media. Of course, you know that I share in your disappointment with those who choose to tell such a one-sided story.
Joan
10:54 am on Saturday, August 11, 2012
I think Cara's point is that if you are in the process of being cleared - ESPECIALLY if you ARE innocent and had "nothing to do with bullying young Mr. Baldwin", why wouldn't Michael do his best to just lay low? What was the basis of his arrest? I know someone who was killed by a BB gun so a weapon is a weapon. If it wasn't his, shame on him for allowing someone to bring it in the car. And who's drug paraphenalia was it? Regardless of whether some people think certain drug use is no big deal, it's still illegal. I don't think he is guilty until proven innocent but it does seem like he's making some bad choices. I wish you well Milton and completely understand that you are supporting and standing by your son.
carolyn segura
10:31 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
I have had the pleasure of knowing Michael since he was about 11. He is someone my oldest son considers his best friend although they have fallen out of contact the last 2 years. Michael spent much time with my family and has always proven to be quiet, polite and mindful. The charges being brought on him are ones that I cannot equate with such a child. I am not here to contest what he is being accused of however can attest to the fact that he is not a bully and from what I have read on the case he is not being charged as one. I offer these comments in support of him as the person I know and Love and his family, his mother whom I consider a dear friend. I will be praying for Him and his family Mr. Conway Please let him know that Shamir's Family loves him