April 28, 2021

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief Joseph P. Mandola, Jr. of the Old Bridge Township Police Department announced a Township man who allegedly sent a harassing email to an Old Bridge Township councilperson has been arrested and charged with bias intimidation.

Yesterday, Adam Valvo, 52, of Old Bridge was charged and  arrested for two counts of fourth-degree bias intimidation and one count of harassment. 

A joint investigation by the Old Bridge Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office was initiated after authorities learned a racist email had been sent to Old Bridge Township Councilperson Edina Brown on March 7, 2021.  The investigation was assisted by the Division of Criminal Justice, Bias Crimes Unit.  The investigation by Detective William Dugan of the Old Bridge Police Department and Detective Jason Mendelson of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined Valvo authored and sent the email, which contained profanities and racial epithets, to Councilperson Brown.  

“Let me be clear: hate has no home in New Jersey, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to harm, harass, or intimidate others through their racist actions,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “We have zero tolerance for acts of bias and hate in the Garden State, and I commend Middlesex Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Old Bridge Police Department for their successful investigation, identifying the alleged actor who targeted Councilperson Brown last month with a vile, racist, and threatening email.”

“I commend all the law enforcement agencies for their professional  and successful investigation. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office has a proud tradition of zero tolerance for any acts of bias and hate” said Prosecutor Ciccone. 

The investigation is active and continuing.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dugan at (732) 721-5600 or Detective Mendelson at (732) 745-8382.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Valvo are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Note to editors: Questions may be directed to Assistant Prosecutor Conner Ouellette, Public Information Officer, at mcpopress@co.middlesex.nj.us

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