WESTWOOD—The defendant’s name is Bruce E. Manning, 69, of Westwood, and the Westwood Police Department is being credited with excellent detective work for bringing the suspect to justice.
According to police chief Michael R. Pontillo on Jan. 25, Manning was taken in on multiple charges of harassment under N.J.S. 2C:33-4a. Manning was arrested earlier in the day after the conclusion of an investigation by the Westwood Police Department.
Pontillo’s statement read, “The Westwood Police Department and Washington Township Police Department received multiple reports regarding anonymous letters being received by persons who expressed their opinions in local newspapers over certain causes. These unsolicited, anonymous letters were delivered directly to the recipient victims’ homes, which were of great concern to the victims. The investigation is continuing at this moment in time and it is possible that additional charges may be filed.”
He added, “We ask that anyone who may have been the recipient of one of the ‘Dear Delusional Anonymous Letters’ contact Westwood Police Department Detective Tristan Ganter at 201-664-7000 ext. #164 or at tganter@westwoodnj.gov.”
Manning is scheduled for his first appearance in the Westwood Municipal Court on Feb. 12. He was released after being served with his charges.
Pascack Press letter writers are among the victims. We commend and thank the Westwood and Township of Washington police departments for their work in this case, and thank those letter writers who added to the community conversation in the run-up to the midterm elections no matter their views, signing their names and treating each other with respect and dignity.
Pontillo emphasized that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.