Mystery, Millions & Murder in North Jersey

On a spring morning in Morristown in 1992, authorities discovered a car idling in a driveway with

the door open and the driver missing. After they learned the driver was Sidney Reso, the president of Exxon International, the FBI joined the investigation. Over the next two months, law enforcement received cryptic communications that led to a cat-and –mouse chase for those responsible. Retired cop Arthur Seale and his wife, Irene, demanded one of the largest ransoms in U.S. history, and authorities struggled to solve the case. Author John E. O’Rourke recounts the crime that rocked a sleepy community and brought the nation’s eyes to North Jersey.

John E. O’Rourke is a Wayne resident. He was born in Pequannock, NJ, and raised in the

Passaic County town of Wanaque. He is a retired NJ State trooper with twenty-six years of

experience with this elite organization. During his distinguished career, he conducted hundreds

of criminal investigations ranging from criminal trespass to murder. In addition to his writing,

Mr. O’Rourke is a security consultant. He has authored the books Jersey Troopers: Sacrifice at

the Altar of Public Service; New Jersey State Troopers, 1961-2011: Remembering the Fallen;

and The Jersey Shore Thrill Killer: Richard Biegenwald.

Free and open to the public, the program will be held in the Wayne Public Library’s Meeting Room.

Doors open at 12:00 and the audience is invited to bring their own lunches, while coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. The one-hour program begins at 12:30 pm. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Wayne Public Library.