Perpetrator In ‘Unacceptable’ Bias Incident Found: Marlboro Mayor

MARLBORO, NJ - The alleged perpetrator behind a bias incident this month in Marlboro Township has been found and charged, according to mayor Jon Hornik.

Oct. 11 saw Marlboro resident Sid Sharma post to the Marlboro NJ Community Facebook page, voicing his frustration and concern after his grandmother was allegedly verbally harassed in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood.

“[They] told her to go back to her country and used very inappropriate language,” Sharma wrote. “[I] never thought this would happen in the Marlboro community. Grandma is old and is pretty shaken up. They harassed her THREE separate times. Very sad and disappointed. I understand this isn’t an emergency, but should definitely be known within the community. Never thought this would occur in my town.”

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik addressed the community in an email statement on Oct. 21, alluding to the fact that an investigation into the bias incident is underway. Hornik described that, although the incident was ‘reprehensible and unacceptable’, a subsequent outpour from the Marlboro community followed.

Led by Chief Peter J. Pezzullo, detectives Ungrady, Pedone, Peterpaul, Pecararo and SRO Perrini reviewed residents’ doorbell camera video and conducted residential canvassing. The investigation led to the identification of the perpetrator and subsequent charges of harassment against the accused by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sharma declined to comment to Patch due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

“It is with determination and without equivocation that I declare that expressions of bias or intolerance are not welcome in this community. Furthermore, let it be clear that any crimes committed in this regard will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law,” said Hornik.

“The Constitution gives us the right to peacefully express our opinions. This only works when there is mutual respect for the rights of others to do the same. In Marlboro, we pride ourselves as being open and tolerant to those from of all walks of life. In this spirit, let this incident be a reminder that we must speak out against discrimination in all its forms.”

Anyone who has witnessed an expression of discrimination is asked to contact the Marlboro Police Department at (732) 536-0100 or the anonymous Marlboro Tip Line at (888) 536-1010.

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