MCPO Conducts Bias and Bullying Presentations in Essex & Morris

Published on March 28, 2023

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre held a series of presentations with students this month on bias issues, cyber harassment, and about exercising good judgement when it comes to how they interact with others online or in school. SAP DeNegri and Sgt. LaGuerre visited Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell and Mount Olive Middle School on March 16, 2023, and Kinnelon Middle School on March 23.

The presenters stressed exercising good judgement when it comes to how you interact with others or what you post on social media. How you conduct yourself online could potentially impact your future.

Social media and technology today document everything. SAP DeNegri explained taking or sharing explicit photos can lead to legal ramifications and may be viewed/shared by people other than those you intended to receive it. She cautioned students often regret taking such pictures as they don’t remain private, adding the MCPO would not hesitate to prosecute those who maliciously share such material.

Presenters explained the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents, cautioning students that their school administrators can take disciplinary action even if an incident doesn’t result in criminal charges. Having your name associated with a bias incident, and the documentation that goes with it, can unfortunately follow you into life beyond school.

SAP DeNegri said Morris County takes a zero-tolerance approach to threats of violence.

The MCPO routinely conducts presentations at public and private schools throughout Morris County to present on these important topics, and to talk directly with students. Over the past year, they’ve conducted over a dozen such assemblies in Morris, Essex, Warren, and Sussex counties.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “In an age of screen oversaturation, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office uses face-to-face assemblies to connect with our middle and high school students. We want to stress how important it is to exercise good judgement online and in school.”

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or by phone at 973-829-8159. 

Sgt. Patrick LaGuerre, Mount St. Dominic Academy Principal Laura Hollenbaugh, SAP Samantha DeNegri, and Head of School Dr. Chris Hampton.

Sgt. Patrick LaGuerre, Mount Olive Middle School Principal Agatha Wilke, and SAP Samantha DeNegri.