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Barnegat Schools: Memorial Not Tarnished By Alleged 9/11 Scam

The same truck that transported a WTC piece to the Barnegat School District last year is now at the center of an alleged scam.

 

The Barnegat High School's 9/11 memorial was "not tarnished" by the involvement of alleged scam-artists who helped contribute World Trade Center steel to the monument, school officials say.

Karen Wood, superintendent of schools, said the piece that was recovered from the wreckage of Ground Zero is certified by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The same truck that transported the tower piece - which serves as a memorial for those who died - is now at the center of an alleged scam.

"This does not tarnish the ceremony we had," Wood said. "This serves as an educational piece that helps us not forget what happened at the time of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks."

Thomas J. Scalgione, 40, of Manahawkin and Mark Anthony Niemczyk, 66, of Tinton Falls were accused this week of promoting a bogus 9/11 victims' charity by driving around in the same pickup truck, which was painted with the names of first responders who perished.

Through the efforts of resident and Patch blogger Charles Giles and others, the 9-foot steel beam was gifted to the Barnegat Township School district in time for the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

The Attorney General's Office has sued Scalgione — who has had a long history of theft and sex offense convictions — and Niemczyk for allegedly operating an unregistered charity. Their first court appearance is scheduled for the Ocean County Courthouse at 10 a.m. Friday.

Both Scalgione and Niemczyk drove the red pickup truck, which bore the names of first responders who perished in the attacks, but the state has since impounded it. According to Patch and MSN file photos of the truck, it bore different logos and license plates at different time periods.

Last year, first responders, school children, politicians and the American legion, among others, took part in an emotionally charged unveiling of the 9/11 Memorial at Barnegat High school, which includes the steel.

Over a dozen school children from the four grammar schools and the Russell O. Brackman Middle School kicked off the ceremony, leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Giles, a resident who spearheaded the effort to bring the steel to town, took a minute to reflect on the memorial prior to the ceremony. "It took at lot to get his baby here," he concluded at the time.

Giles, who has denied any involvement in the alleged scam, was one of the district's main points of contact when the steel was delivered for the memorial, Wood said.

Bill Cox, transportation coordinator for the Barnegat Township School District, said the district didn't know Scalgione and Niemczyk could be part of an alleged scam.

The attorney general's office has requested that the court order the immediate impounding of Niemczyk's pickup truck to stop soliciting donations from the public, Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa said in a release.

“The alleged actions of the defendants is an affront to everyone who remembers the fallen and to the family members who continue to endure pain from the lives that were lost among the first responders at the World Trade Center,” Attorney General Chiesa said. “It is beyond comprehension that anyone would try to profit themselves under the guise of collecting donations to help the surviving family members of the fallen emergency responders.”

Niemczyk allegedly lied to the people he solicited by telling them he was a former Navy SEAL and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and at one time had a license plate on the pickup truck reading “N-Seal”. Niemczyk pleaded guilty in 1989 to committing welfare fraud.

Scalgione allegedly claims to handle public relations for truck appearances and has several criminal convictions, including theft, forgery, fraudulent use of credit cards and possession of an emergency communications receiver during the commission of a crime, according to the release.

Niemczyk and Scalgione also allegedly have been selling T-shirts with New York City Police and Fire Department and Port Authority Police Department logos at 9/11 memorial events since mid-2011 to raise funds for their charity.

The release states that both were not authorized to use the logos and that they allegedly also had a collection jug for cash donations when they attended events with the truck.

Related Topics: Manahawkin news

God Bless America

5:28 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

The comments by the supporter of Patch blogger Giles do indeed tarnish this town. He attacked Mr Cox in the past and is still doing it now. Something is not right here.

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Matt Cox

6:47 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Concerned, You've seen people commenting on this to you well now you get to hear my story of what I have seen. As a young adult I keep my eyes in the news and the patch is something I like to read alot. I also remember your account name, and the funny thing is everytime you decide to come out and comment on an article, you decide to comment and fire your gun at my father. You also say my mother cursed out Mr. Giles wife...hmmmmm? The night you're referring to is the night where my mother simply asked Giles for an apology from his accusations that was basically calling my father a pedophile. Giles continued to scream and swing his cane around in the air and call my mom a liar! You seem to continue your argument against my parents like they're going to get something out of this when all they're trying to do is make sure the memories of their friends and all the souls that perished that day aren't tarnished. Whatever your mission is against my parents just makes you look like an idiot to the people around you. We've been in this community for almost 10 years and have loved it since we moved here and we will protect it at whatever costs.

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Matt Cox

7:10 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

And if Charlie wants to defend himself he can do it himself.

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F.Lee

7:18 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Matt Cox; There is no one who will deny the positive effect your family has had on this community. The outpouring of support in this " paper " for what your Mom and Dad did is tremendous. This story has gone viral throughout this country. God Bless you all. Please look up the definition of Psychological Projection.. it may explain alot.

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Matt Cox

7:40 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Thank You very much F.Lee, and I will lol!

Matt Cox

7:36 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Listen here "Concerned", I'm not your son and don't talk to me like I am a child. You want facts, I was there? You heard a point of view from a guy who doesn't even have the guts to apologize for what he did to my father. You my friend are a disgusting excuse for an adult belittling me like a child. I didn't try to defend my parents, I did defend my parents! You can talk however you want, but just so you know when you go to sleep tonight remember that anybody body that has seen the comment you just made to me has no respect or liking for you. If you are the example of what an adult is then being a child is a compliment.

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Phil Checchia

8:51 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Hey Concerned, use your real name .
What are you ashamed of ? Exposure of the truth of who you are a downright coward and liar..
You are beneath the dirt on the soles of your own shoes.
Coward, you know we know who are.......

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Mike Howard

10:18 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

What a great picture of the memorial on the school grounds. If you look you'll see it's not to high on a hill, as some Concerned people say. I see no reason for Barnegat Taxpayers to spend any more money on ANOTHER memorial. We have one already, let's keep it that way.

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:51 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

concerned you need to get your facts together and tell the truth. Like the 2 that claim they did all this by themselves when in fact they used alot of my information to get where this is today. You see you can hide behind all the names you want but we all know who you are. Your the next to follow your buddies as your a person of interest not a witness like you state.I have more information on you then you think and your buddies have confessed who the mastermind was. How does one lie and continue to do so and let everyone think your not guilty. when in fact you are. Remember the flag shop where you would go and introduce yourself as a 9/11 survivor to the customers? And how youwould borrow their flags for your fund raisers?

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:55 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

how about when you told them you can show them how to make a huge profit off the 9/11 stuff they sold? Or when the owner told you, you looked good and you told him it was the new drugs the doctor gave you? May I refresh your memory and remind you of selling shirts at the american legion with the promise of donating money to the disabled veterans fund? You see my friend I am still watching you. And you see the 2 that claim they did it all did not. as for I hold the information of your house sale that you claim you lost in 9/11 but sold for a $40,000 profit.as for the information of the letter to the feel good foundation resigning as a committee person so you could collect money off of them because once again you claim hard times. Now lets look at you you tube interviews where everyone you did was not making sense or even was the same story. It was me who discovered that and gave it to Joe Torrillo who had no clue of them. Nor did the other 2. Yes they had information but not all yes they took it to the AG's but not just their's because they had not enough. Oh my friend I called help me howard, the post, the patch and the app to look at what you had on you tube.

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:57 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

it was me who was investigating you way before I knew these 3 and the patch knows it because they threw me off thinking my attacks were untrue and unfounded. remember when I posted the criminal record of your friends? Remember calling me and threatening me with your attorney? remember the pictures I posted of you walking in shop rite with no cane and oh what about Genaurdi's where you stood at the counter telling the teller when you get the money you will tell her what account to put it in.. I still have those pics. Along with the one with you lips buried in your step daughters neck like a pervert. Need I go on. As for the other two they may claim they did by themselves but I remember all the nights on the phone with them exchanging information and sending it by e-mail... My god does anyone tell the truth anymore? well with this said I had to clear the air... I won't take away their lime light but I will and have told the press my side of the story.... Good night all and my God Bless you all... Oh yea by the way since your friend from NY thinks I will take away your press time tomorrow I will stay away so the world can think your a hero like those you attacked.. So that name concern matches you because you must be concerned of what I know and will post again....

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

11:01 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Well concern who are you surprise us all if your defending the dirt of Barnegat... And if your not him then tell your friend I am back and I left him a masseage... Thank you

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

11:19 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

charlie and concern what I am saying here is don't attack just those you feel hate you... Attack me the one that really hates you and knows what you really are... And to attack a young adult for defending his parents is about the mentality you really have and your showing it.. You see I admit to what i did so why finger point at just the persons you think did it.. And you know I will do it again and again till you are with your friends so sleep easy my friend and remember I am watching you... :)

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Phil Checchia

6:09 am on Friday, August 3, 2012

My advice based on the curret facts is for Con-cerned is to start a legal fund for Concerned.Don't hold your breath for donations.Any attorney who would rep this scoundral in-kind would loose his or hers entire practice credibility.

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Rick

3:34 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

Not so Phil. Any defendant is entitled to the best defense available.
Think of F Lee Bailey. He defended Sam Sheppard, Albert DeSalvo, Ernest Medina, O J Simpson and it didn't ruin his credibility.

Matthew Lightbody Sr.

9:58 am on Friday, August 3, 2012

Mr. Skinner were you not in the truck with Mr. Giles at anytime doing 9/11 business? It is funny Mr. Giles say's he does not know these men that he is a witness and then told Joe Torrillo he was frauded by these men and they tried to and I qoute rip him off that's why he is a witness.. But in fact sir he is a person of interest. Also when these fund raisers were being done and the picking up of the metal beam it is charlie in the picture with the red pick up and he was a passenger in it while doing so. Mr. Skinner your name came up alot as part in this and people came to me with your name and being involved with giles and company. So I have a challenge for you. If your not involved go to the AG's office and spill your guts out... Or you can meet me like my other sources and tell me what you know... I am a fair man who has been on charlie like white on rice as you can see above. But I do have to say my sources told me you were in the truck with charlie and you both my a bet that on can fraud the 9/11 system better then the other.. If you want contact me I am interested in what your defence is and why you won't come forward?... I have been on this since charlie claimed to be a 9/11 survivor and that he has injuries that should be visible but not... I am not after him because he called me names or belongs to my church telling lies about me.. This is not personal but it is justice for those who can not defend themselves...

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

9:58 am on Friday, August 3, 2012

This is not the work of just one person but a few.. I am not claim fame for this but claiming victory for the brothers and sisters of all uniforms that can not protect themselves because they are no longer here... If you sir have any shame or dignity you would do whats right for them also.. So message me at anytime and let's talk.. I will post when you come to me so people know you do have a heart... thank you

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:36 am on Friday, August 3, 2012

you know I think the patch should delete the people who have bogus names.. It is funny you deleted me for making a comment with my real name but other hide and yet you let them... If you have something to say say it with your real name not hiding like the troll you are.. I am asking that the patch do away with fake names and make people comment in there real one's... As far as being revenged on for your comment if you can't say it with your name then don't say it at all and maybe we can get rid of the problems on here... Tom I am asking you to concider this.. Thank you

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

5:14 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

Mr. Skinner you replied to my comment and will take you up on the meeting you.. send me a message via facebook because i am that kind of person to face you not hide.. It will be me and you... And please to not associate me with the ex committeemen or exmayor of toms river. I am not his son or do I want anything to do with him.. I am the one that speaks the truth and never promised people things for a vote that I could not deliver... I am me and he is well I won't go there... Thanks for the reply and please be a man of your word message me and we will meet...

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

9:53 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

very touching story but he changes every interview.... In several interviews it was a steel beam on the legs and a door way that saved his life. it was the only door way standing where he an several people hid... Got to love the fabrication and superman hero stories... If he took the person to jacoby hospital which is several miles away from ground zero and the traffic and kaos in the city that day.. How did one make it back to ground zero to save several lives???? Oh I know the phone booth and the superman cap....

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Phil Checchia

10:43 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

Sad and pathetic and sick.I can't believe the story.

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:15 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Mr. Howard could you send me a link to that site please... Also would love to tslk to you... Thank you Matt my e-mail address is therevenger1140@aim.com I will give you my phone number from there..

Phil Checchia

10:26 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

Rick, this is a civil procedure and current law does not provide court appointed attorneys for this type matter.They can hire some slip and fall liar , I mean lawyer with fraudelent collected money when it the criminal proceeding take place.
Con-cerned , the entire township now knows who you are and yes all would not be surprised who you really are.You are a floating Baby Ruth bar who will be flushed into the sewer .
I say surprise me and meet for coffee ,say 9am Saturday @ WAWA. the cup is on me on me, Let's take your picture so the towns people can put your ugly rotten face on signs around town so you won't have to con us with false names and stories ,you coward.

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Rick

8:57 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012

I never mentioned court appointed attorneys. Lawyers also take pro bono civil cases. In fact the ABA 'recommends' a minimum number of pro bono hours for all attorneys.
And as I mentioned earlier, F Lee Bailey took the Albert DeSalvo case pro bono, not as a court appointed attorney.

Bill Cox

7:02 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Oh My! Looks like Concerned has left the building, at least this time he didn't claim it fell on him(or is it her,hmmmm, never sure). What is that old saying "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen"? So true. In time all the questions will be answered. Too bad it isn't that easy to erase in real life.

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Barnegat tax Payer

10:08 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

I do not know Mr.Cox but i would like to thank you for exposing these CON-artists .Words can not describe the disgust i feel in the pit of my stomach for what these low lifes have done.Claiming to be a Hero,scamming the system what pieces of crap! I hope i have the pleasure of shaking your hand one day.This country needs more people like you.GOD BLESS THE REAL 9/11 FAMILIES !!!!!!!!!!

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Mac

3:11 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012

WTG Bill Cox. I would have never guessed :-)

Phil Checchia

7:48 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Plwase when answering Con-cerned please use it the way I have as to show that this person is con artist con-cerned only with a big payday, which will never happen.
Also, please access the article Mike has made us aware of .You will be shocked at what was said .
It's pathectic pack of lies.It is the words of a habitual liar who happens to Con- con artist.

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Phil Checchia

7:59 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Who was it that bought a house in Barnegat in 2004 for $198,000 and when it when it went sour would ahve lost it to a financial institution but sold way before it would have ben taken in 2008 for $238,000 to a nice family.This shows the facts via the Ocean County Clerks office.Funny no foreclosure took place.records. That' $50,000 more than the original purchase price. Of course any judgements or back monies were paid out of it and whatever proceeds were left after settlement went into someones pocket.
This is not unusual . The bank did not take it according to ,again the OC clerks office and records department..It was clearly sold on the open market.

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:08 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Phil I went through the ocean county court Papers way back He and other people had a lose suite against the morgage company and then sold it for $258,000 and walked away with a $40,000 profit he also recieved money from workers comp in the amount similar to that and recieved $800.00 a month... I have been checking these documents and others I am working on to date. It Is funy all the fund raisers people have done for him and was stabbed in the back.. I found another shocking document that I will release after further review.. I like to have my ducks in a row before releasing or saying anything. But I think all will find this document to be interesting....

linda zadroga

9:38 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Whoever is still defending Giles and the other two red truck men, you are also theives or iditos. Everyone let me tell you I went to the 1st fundraser for Giles and I could tell he was a fake right away. He always does the same acting cry, he told me back in 2007 that he was losing his house now I just found out he just sold it. If you want to beieve these frauds it;s your right, but they are really the slime of the earth.

Ann Baczewski

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Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:09 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Phil I went through the ocean county court Papers way back He and other people had a lose suite against the morgage company and then sold it for $258,000 and walked away with a $40,000 profit he also recieved money from workers comp in the amount similar to that and recieved $800.00 a month... I have been checking these documents and others I am working on to date. It Is funy all the fund raisers people have done for him and was stabbed in the back.. I found another shocking document that I will release after further review.. I like to have my ducks in a row before releasing or saying anything. But I think all will find this document to be interesting....

Matthew Lightbody Sr.

10:12 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012

Well mr. Skinner you hav e said you would meet with me and you had nothing to do with this. It has been a few days now and you have not reached out to me for our meeting.... I wonder why? I hope you are not playing a game because I love games and will play till the end...

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Bill Cox

11:38 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUbGxBLPrsI Might want to view this Matt. Mind you this was shown on AlJazeera.

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T.j. Gilmartin

7:10 am on Sunday, August 5, 2012

But where on 9/11 or weeks after did you respond ? You went to DC , funerals , helped responders , went to visit someone in the hospital and you started a PTSD page , thanks for your service , Don't Call Yourself A 9/11 First Responder or try to gain from anything from the Fairy Tales your buddy Mrs. Concerned tells .

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