2004 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

May 4, 2004

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi announced that a three-judge panel of the Appellate Division of New Jersey Superior Court issued a ruling today affirming a lower court's denial of a name change application by R. Edward Forchion.

The Appellate panel upheld a March ruling by Superior Court Judge John A. Fratto, Presiding Civil Division Judge in Camden, denying Forchion's bid to change his legal name to "NJWeedman.com" because it would "promote what is presently an illegal activity."

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office has opposed Forchion's application. Arguing the State's position in March before Judge Fratto, Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Higgins pointed out that Forchion has a conviction for marijuana distribution and contended the name change would promote an illegal activity - the distribution and use of marijuana.

The Appellate Court's opinion notes that "the decision of whether to permit a legal change of name … entails an 'exercise of judicial discretion'" and that Judge Fratto's denial "was properly grounded on Forchion's criminal activity and the connection of his proposed name with such activity."