March 19, 2004
NEWS RELEASE

Police Seek Fugitive Mistakingly released From Jail

Somerville, NJ – Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest announced that his office and area law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following individual: Erich William Kussman, a white male, age 23, formally of North Second Avenue in Manville, New Jersey.

On November 21, 2003, defendant Kussman pled guilty before the Honorable Paul W. Armstrong, J.S.C., of the Superior Court of New Jersey, to multiple charges contained in three separate indictments.

Prosecutor Forrest said that defendant Kussman pled guilty to three counts of first degree Armed Robbery, third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, third degree Aggravated Assault, and third degree Terroristic Threats. Prosecutor Forrest said the guilty plea was the result of a plea agreement wherein the State agreed to recommend a sentence of sixteen (16) years in State Prison with 85% of the sentence to be served without parole eligibility.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that defendant Kussman also pled guilty to a second indictment that charged Resisting Arrest and a third indictment that charged Theft. Prosecutor Forrest said that defendant Kussman was remanded to the Somerset County Jail after pleading guilty to the charges contained in these three indictments.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that on December 23, 2003, Judge Armstrong entered an Order revoking any and all bails previously set for defendant Kussman and defendant was to remain in custody until his sentencing. Defendant Kussman is to be sentenced by Judge Armstrong on Friday, March 26, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. Prosecutor Forrest said defendant Kussman’s release from the Somerset County Jail was an error.

Prosecutor Forrest said that anyone with information on the whereabouts of defendant Kussman should immediately contact their local police department, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-575-3300 or the Crime Stoppers T.I.P.S. Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.

Douglas Kimmelman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers, has announced a reward of $500.00 for any information leading to the arrest of defendant Kussman. This information can be provided anonymously through the Crime Stoppers TIPS Line or its website at www.somersetcountycrimestoppers.org, or the Prosecutor’s website at www.scpo.net.