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Man Named in Ritacco Conspiracy to Spend More Than Three Years in Prison

Former Toms River schools supervisor sentenced Monday in Trenton

 

Toms River's former supervisor of athletics and special projects was sentenced Monday to over 3 years in prison in connection with a scheme to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to the former schools superintendent.

Frank D’Alonzo, 55, of Lavallette received the 37 month prison sentence in federal court in Trenton, before U.S. District Court Judge Joel A. Pisano, for his association with the kickback schemes involving former Superintendent Michael Ritacco.

Pisano also was sentenced D'Alonzo to three years of supervised release once his prison term is completed, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. A restitution and forfeiture hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 before Pisano.

D'Alonzo pleaded guilt to one count of bribery and one count of tax evasion, "admitting that he participated in a scheme in which he received corrupt payments from Francis X. Gartland, 71," a Baltimore insurance broker who covered the Toms River school district, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

D'Alonzo took "hundreds of thousands of dollars in corrupt payments from Gartland and others" and passed on a portion to Ritacco, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

For the 2005 tax year, D'Alonzo admitted that he concealed the "illegal proceeds" he received in the bribery scheme and evaded the assessment of hundreds of thousands of dollars of federal income tax, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

D'Alonzo pleaded guilty in 2010 to one count each of bribery and three counts each of tax evasion. His guilty plea also came days before Ritacco was indicted in fall 2010.

Ritacco pleaded guilty April 5 to two of the 27 charges he was facing, and admitted his role in years of corruption at the school district, where as much as $2.5 million in bribes were allegedly passed between Ritacco, insurance brokers and intermediaries.

He also pleaded guilty to mail fraud and conspiracy to impede the IRS, according to sentencing guidelines. He was sentenced in September to more than 11 years in prison.

Related Topics: Frank D'Alonzo, michael ritacco, and ritacco legacy

they can do that

2:09 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

Enjoy your stay in prison scumbag!

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The rat gets the good cheese

2:09 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

What kind of deal did this scum make? He is the root of evil. This guy should rot in jail

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knarfie

2:09 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

Not enough. He should be holding hands with Ritacco for 11 years.

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Tax payer

2:09 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

This guy def cut a huge deal. He was the ring leader. He also too major bribes from other companies in regard to the district.

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Captain Jack

3:34 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

He was also the guy who gave everybody up. That's why his time was lowered.

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Concerned

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

His sister still works for the district. She should be next out!

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Woof woof

3:34 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

Hey judge did u ask him about his other kick backs?

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Exit82

3:34 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

It is your duty to report criminal activity to the Feds. But, when you are a P.O.S. thug, get caught, and then you rat your co-conspirators, you become the lowest life form on earth. Enjoy the next 36 months scumbag.

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notasellout

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

From what I understand D'Alonzo has a relative that's an FBI agent. That's why it's only a three year sentence for him. Everyone commenting is right, he is a ring leader in Ocean County's largest criminal enterprise...aka TR Schools. He does deserve a more extended stay in prison courtesy of the taxpayers. But, as in life, it's all about who you know.

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bayway mike

11:15 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

Frankie this is Bubba,
Bubba this is Frankie..
Enjoy your little 6x12 cell together..

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woofwoof

11:15 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

THIS GUY DID STEAL FROM US! Why the slap on the wrist judge? Who did he drop a dime on? He is a known crook in other states, bounced around in many places filling his wallet along the way. He should rot & miss his kids young adult years, they would be better off without the scum.

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Mike L

10:18 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

If you say "that he is a known crook in other state" how in the hell did he get hired and approved by the BOE for the title of Director of Athletics and special projects....I think it's about time that we had an updated background check for all employed and that they are qualified for the position they hold..

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butch cassidy

6:59 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

he dropped the dime on ritacco and gartland who headed up the insurance scheme

mjmjr

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

HE JUST A POS SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN 22YEARS.

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Tim O C

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

wonder if Mike and Frank are getting a discount on astro glide lol

why if the Fed looked into the TR BOE law firm?
nah hes Gov Chriscos boy

Didja know fat boys cousin was once the head of mob look it up

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butch cassidy

7:01 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

tim i wish you would stop beating up the gov, he is doing a great job right now..and you should be proud of his handling of sandy so maybe lay off the fat boy for awhile...lol

rational thinker

11:15 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

I agree with exit 82 About snitches being the lowest life form . SNITCH ALERT Nick Picone tells on his co conspirators .

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Walter Cunningham

10:18 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

He turned state's evidence? On who?

1stcav

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Bring KY Frank if you want to super size those fries ! LOL from TR, tell Mike & Robert Hello !

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Sandra

11:15 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

I guess he was on Santa's naughty list this year too. awe!

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Mr. Engineer

11:15 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

This is why New Jersey public schools are so abysmal!!

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chtulu2000

6:59 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Yeah #3 in the country...pretty abysmal Mike, lol.

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Peter

7:23 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

chtulu2000, #3 in the country? Where is that proof? Who is at No.1 and #2 in comparison? Who is No. 4 and No. 5 and how much do they pay per student. I really am not buying your claims when I see with my eyes and hearing the lies by kids at the high school level in more schools than just in the "Boro" Its beyond. Between inflated grades and others that don't even take the finals that is given a great grade. It's cheating and fake reports. A lot of fraud going on in the NJ school system, so I agree that public schools are so abysmal. Those who are willing to lie and pretend are those who are in it going along with all the games.

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chtulu2000

9:24 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Peter..it's only something called test rankings which come out every year or so...try another little something called Google to search. NJ is ranked #3 in educational performance in the country. Massachusetts is #1. Not to say things don't need fixing, but try and actually look at facts before you want to dismantle the entire system Peter because you had a bad experience.

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junior

11:02 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

chtulu2000...Who cares what these reports say? Who is making up the reports? They way everyone cheats today!

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junior

11:12 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sorry, I don't believe in reports....WE, eventually find out there was cheating going on.

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chtulu2000

6:31 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Who makes up the reports? TEST SCORES!!! This is really pretty simple to understand. And if you don't believe in actual facts, then you must not believe in many things.

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Robert Bressman

7:52 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

@chtulu2000, Are you talking about Toms River Schools or are you talking about NJ schools, the last time I looked in the NJ magazine, Toms River schools couldn't make the top half of the 300 schools in NJ, we were closer to the abbott district schools. Check that out

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chtulu2000

10:06 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

I was responding to the initial post, about NJ school as a whole being abysmal, not specifically TR schools.

KC

10:18 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I worked my way through college and completed three degrees in education, but could never get a job in the Toms River school system despite glowing observations and evaluations. I and untold others like me, can thankpeople like this gnat for the pervasive corruption that was all a game for friends and family. The harm perpetrated goes beyond what was actually tried in this court case. This corruption has a ripple effect on hundreds if not thousands in the community affecting the students and the caliber of education they recieve. Telling him to rot in jail does no good. What can we now do in the way of system checks and balances to create a level playing field is the unanswered question. I drafted a letter to our state governor which was forwarded to the Commissioner of Education but still have not recieved even a perfunctory answer. I maintain that the TR Board of Education and many districts throughout the Monmouth Ocean area participate in unfair hiring and retention practices. Time to break up this All in The Family Act they have going here.

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butch cassidy

2:08 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

BRAVO KC now i hope this gets done before children of supers spouses become principals

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Peter

6:04 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Agreed with your insight of what is going on, Unfortunately it is not limited to just Toms River, it is in majority of the schools today. No integrity on what they all are doing and going on in the schools. It is affecting many students and beyond. It's very damaging and unfair to the students and residents in the community. Something has to be done to stop the unbalances and unfairness that is happening in reference to nepotism and all the students that wind up with a very poor education that they receive.

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Peter

7:47 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Governor needs to read your letter and listen to thousands of Nj residents that feel the schools in NJ needs lots of help. It is not just the Abbott schools that is having all the problems. The impressive schools are just full of fraud. The Governor needs to start a hot line so students and parents can call with true problems just like he does when he takes call on the radio station with NJ problems. Get rid of the station gig and put a phone with set times each week that both students and parents can call in with a lot of problems that are not getting reported. It's hidden behind the walls of corruption with in the school, in the town even spread to the local politicians. They are all in the game because it is for themselves and their own.

Tim O C

11:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Hey who keeps deleting my comments

Perhaps Mike and Frankie can get a discount on astro glide
Speaking of which why are the Feds not using astro glide on the law firm?
We know Happy is a friend to Gov Chrisco and that Happy and Mike were transition team members
Gov Chrisco didnt know Mike was under investigation? lol
Maybe Van Pelt can get a deal on the astro glide too lol

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butch cassidy

10:18 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

sad it has become such a greedy society...probably did start out for the kids but changed when the ritacco group liked the cash in their pockets and their big homes on vincenzo

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Peter

6:14 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

It's been a long time since education has been for the kids...its beyond a greed society, its down right disgusting on what is going on.

Thomas A. Mathis

10:41 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The FEDS never would have made a case against Ritacco without D’Alonzo rolling over and assisting them. Sure D’Alonzo is a skoad but Ritacco was influential in TR and had been stealing from the school system for years. Ritacco was the biggest crook and convicting him was the goal. I bet there are still some nervous people in Toms River.

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Tim O C

4:26 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Wonder if Happy Gilmore still has a crabcake in his pants or did he get Gov Chrisco to call off the feds?

butch cassidy

2:15 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

and well there should be..wouldnt it be nice if they checked the hiring of everyone from the 1st day ritacco was in charge..they will find so many if not all related or married to each other...or if you did him a favor he did you one....then check how his friends now have retired or all became supers, their wives principals etc the list is endless...also how about checking on hirees who had NO teaching degree or certificate and were hired any how

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chtulu2000

7:02 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Blame the state for the degree requirements...they allow the systems to hire people THEN allow them to go for the degree, which consists of an alternate route class once a week and passing 1 test.

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foggyworld

8:41 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

My understanding of Alternate Route teachers is that they do have Bachelors Degrees but not in Education but in specific college level content majors such as Science or Biology or Chemistry or English or History. They usually are better educated than ed majors and just take teaching classes for 2 years to make up for their big "deficiency" of not taking ed courses as undergraduates. And many of the very best colleges and universities do not even award a degree in Education.

There is a bigger problem in that people who are unable to pass the national teacher's exams which I hear are not all that hard, are hired and given tenure but limited somewhat sadly only to teaching the underachievers. Most of that sort of hiring implies somebody knows somebody because no one should be hired in this job market especially that cannot pass that teachers' test.

rich

4:08 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Have a nice Stay Frank,Oh and Merry Christmas

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fed up

9:07 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

It seems Tim O C knows an awful lot about astro glide hmmm

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butch cassidy

9:13 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

ok thats funny fed up because i have no idea what it is..but used my imagination lol

Bowie Thelonius

8:44 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How about looking into ALL the schools in Ocean County, including higher education. Maybe start with OCC?

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CheerMom1

12:22 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

There we go! These school administrations have become so corrupt it's ridiculous, and OCC is top of the heap around here. It's all about the money & to heck with the students. The students and their parents are only seen as wallets to get money from.

good ole boy

9:48 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Jenny

looks to me fed up knew exactly what astro glide is used for
my gues would be he uses it ewwwwwwwwwwwwww

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junior

5:41 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

chtulu2000, So many know and are fully aware including the kids that the public schools are not only abysmal, they are corrupted, full of scams,political favoritism and nepotism in all the public schools throughout NJ.

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chtulu2000

6:26 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

So Junior...every test created by every test company given to students in this state and every ranking in the nation is lying about NJ schools as a whole? I bet you think 9-11 was an inside job too!

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chtulu2000

6:27 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

See junior...I deal in something called facts...and the facts report that, according to tests (both state and national) NJ ranks #3.

Tom

8:06 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Sorry I feel the facts leave out all the cheating going on. The high drop out of NJ college bound students is also very high. So I don't measure by testing.

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chtulu2000

8:05 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

Great! Then you must be against teacher merit pay and evaluations based on test scores? Since you don't measure by testing.

Fedup

8:21 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

If the Feds went after Ritacco for between 1 and 2 million but now says he needs to pay back 4 million, how much cash did he really steal?

http://www.app.com/article/20121212/NJNEWS/312120135/Feds-Ritacco-owes-school-district-4M-restitution

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Robert Bressman

8:27 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

chtulu2000, The ranking you're talking about are from 4th grade to 8th grade after that it's all down hill. Toms River High Schools are ranked from North at 222 of the 300 High Schools ranked to East at 239 and South at 269 in the state. Nobody can be proud of those numbers. In the 60's Toms River Schools were one of the best in the State, Ritacco and the BOE bought out every good teacher that we had for new lower paid, untested teachers, relatives, friends of the administration, subs, with no credentials became baby-sitters, What we now have are schools that are ranked right in there with Abbott District schools. Our concern is what our schools are doing for our kids to prepare them for the real world not how we match up against the rest of the country and really as bad as we are what does that say for the rest of the country?

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JD

8:54 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

You are spot on RB....
Some 10-15 years ago.... TR North used to be ranked between 125-150 in the state out of 300 or so HS.
The hiring practices of Ritacco continue under Roselli and crew.
But it's not just a hiring and teacher issue.... it is an admin issue also... its a BOE issue. Roselli should never had been named Super. He was assistant super of the HS for some 7+ years.... during that period the HS's declined in rank from the 50-60 percentile to the 20-35 percentile. He should have been fired with those results... not promoted!!!
Now, more pressure is on students at TR schools to score high on the SAT to counter the low ranked HS they come from... regardless of your class rank, etc.

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chtulu2000

1:31 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012

AGAIN!! If you read all of the posts...I am not talking specifically about TR schools rankings...I am speaking about NJ rankings as a whole!!! The response was to a poster who stated Nj schools are abysmal! Read the entire thread please.

Tom

6:54 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012

chtulu2000, They are because they all have their own corruption going on behind their walls. They don't want their dirty secrets to be known even though everyone does including the students. If they constantly inflating grades and giving grades when they are not even taking finals is cheating, There was a few local "NJ" school who were busted cheating on testing too...So why should or would I believe anything about testing or ranking if schools are cheating. This is why some think NJ schools are abysmal. More than you think.

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chtulu2000

1:31 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2012

So again...since testing is sooooo corrupt, you must be writing Cerf and Christie to abolish teacher evaluations based on said corrupt testing, right?

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Mary Jane Rottencrotch

1:13 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012

This guy D'Alonzo was bad news all his life. His father, Frank Sr., was an administrator in the West Orange school system. As a student/athlete in West Orange, Frank Jr. was always given special treatment. He was a big mouth and a bully for whom the rules did not apply. So his lack of a moral compass and his air of entitlement started at a very early age.
His professional career is clouded as well. Look him up and see his history as an assistant coach at Pitt and Rutgers.
So after he fails at the college level he winds up back here in New Jersey at Toms River and what does he do? He steals from the taxpayers. He's no criminal mastermind, but just a lacky bag man for Ritocco. Then he rats them all out to cut a deal. Jail is not enough punishment for this scumbag. They have to take his money, house(s) and most of all his pension.
Congratulations Frank, you finally achieved the fame you always craved.

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DennyD

7:55 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013

A total J O. Stool pigeon too! I should have smacked you when you gave me some $hit at the Regions years ago. Have fun scumbag.

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