Chester Business Owner Charged For Opening Pool Store

CHESTER, NJ - A 69-year-old Chester man was charged with operating his business in defiance of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order to stem the spread of COVID-19, according to Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

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“We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,” said Grewal. “We have zero patience for those who spit on cops, gouge prices, or try to exploit this pandemic for their personal gain.”

James Robyn was charged with violating the orders on May 11 after police found his retail pool and hot tub store open for business, with multiple customers shopping inside, authorities said. Robyn was reportedly warned two weeks ago that the store could not be open, authorities said. He was charged with violating the emergency orders by operating a non-essential business.

“Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Those who choose to
ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.”

Since the state of emergency was declared in New Jersey on March 9, at least 29 people have been charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency for spitting, coughing, or otherwise threatening to deliberately expose officers, medical personnel, or others to COVID-19. Second-degree offenses carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violati...

No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

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