A Passaic County Grand Jury has returned Indictment No. 16-12-1019-I containing the following charges: one count of second degree Aggravated Assault by attempting to cause serious bodily injury to M.M., in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, namely a knife, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; one count of third degree Aggravated Assault by attempting to cause bodily injury to A.R. with a deadly weapon, namely a lamp, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(2); one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, namely a lamp, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; three counts of third degree Terroristic Threats against M.M., A.R. and P.P., in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3; one count of second degree Aggravated Assault by attempting to cause serious bodily injury to Wanaque Police Officer John Galinus, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, namely a knife, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and one count of third degree Terroristic Threats against Officer Galinus, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the indictment of Richard J. Liccardo, Jr., 28, of Ringwood.
Aggravated Assault in the second degree carries a maximum term of ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% to be served before parole and each third degree charge carries a maximum term of five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.
The incident occurred in the Borough of Wanaque around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
The charges allege that Mr. Liccardo assaulted M.M., with whom he had a dating relationship, at a residence where Mr. Liccardo had been staying. During the course of the assault, Mr. Liccardo attempted to cause serious bodily injury to M.M. with a knife. Mr. Liccardo also threatened M.M., and threatened two other household members who came to M.M.’s aid, A.R. and P.P. Mr. Liccardo additionally attempted to cause bodily injury to A.R. with a lamp.
Following the incident, no injuries were reported by the victims.
Police responded to the location and soon thereafter encountered Mr. Liccardo in the area.
Mr. Liccardo then attempted to cause serious bodily injury to Officer John Galinus with a knife and threatened him. During this encounter, Officer Galinus discharged his department-issued handgun striking Mr. Liccardo. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Shooting Response Team was activated at that time due to the discharge of a firearm by a police officer.
Mr. Liccardo was treated for injuries sustained from the shooting.
A separate Grand Jury reviewed the use of force by Officer Galinus and found it to be justified.
Bail was set on July 17, 2016, by the Honorable Raymond A. Reddin, J.S.C., at $750,000 full cash, and continued on July 18, 2016, by the Honorable Marilyn C. Clark, P.J.Cr. Bail has not been posted and Mr. Liccardo remains in the custody of the Passaic County Jail.
Mr. Liccardo is not presently employed and is unmarried.
Arraignment is scheduled for January 3, 2017, before the Hon. Marilyn C. Clark, P.J.Cr.
A criminal indictment is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.