Freehold Township, NJ firefighter charged with stealing services

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — A township firefighter was arrested Friday and charged with theft of services.

Township police said John Catenacci, 49, a member of the Freehold Township Independent Fire Co., used his position with the fire department "for consideration in professional services that were never paid for."

Catenacci was arrested on Friday and released on a summons.

Police did not disclose the services Catenacci received although officials said they were retail-related.

In a statement to New Jersey 101.5, Catenacci said the charges stem from a misunderstanding involving dry cleaning services, which billed him for more than $3,000 for work even though he had only asked for an estimate. Catenacci said he and the merchant eventually settled on a $1,500 payment but after being a few days late with paying the balance the merchant demanded the rest be paid in cash.

Catenacci said he was served with the summons on the theft charge before he could provide the merchant with cash after he returned from a trip.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated to include comment from Catenacci.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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Voting for the 2022 class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame

These are the nominees for the 2022 class of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. They come from all walks of live, spanning generations back to the colonial era. The nominees cover the categories of Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performing Arts & Entertainment, Public Service and Sports.

To vote, visit the Hall of Fame website here.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: