Liz,
Maybe you should do more research. Jill Jackson has a bipolar condition that had a role in the alleged crime!

Maybe the patch should really speak to all parties involved before posting this story. First of all she was able to post the bail. Second of all she has 3 children and maybe someone should of thought of that before putting her picture on the Internet! We all know Westfield loves to gossip and talk about people when I am sure the people talking have done things that they would not want the world to know. People in glass houses should not throw stones. You should be ashamed of yourself Patch!!!

This is not gossip. It is a story based off a report from the Scotch Plains Police Department. It's hard news that people ought to read.

Maybe She should have "thought of her children" before she commited a crime. She was caught on tape, this is not up for discussion whether she did it or not.

Ray, maybe people should have done their research before becoming friends with Jill, she allegedly stole from me and several other people I know...If she is so sick, which in my opinion I am not buying for a second, then she should not be able to roam free..By your own admission, she has done this before!!! The community has been looking out for your kids...Maybe you & Jill should've done the same...How dare you make yourselves out to be the victims!!!!!!

So called "concerned citizen" the police report does not tell the whole story. It says she couldn't post bail, but she did. Don't believe everything you read. I just think before putting someone's business out there for all to read you should get your facts straight. Know one know what was on that tape. Innocent until proven guilty!

Janet,
She is under the care of a professional. I don't need you or anyone like you looking after Ray and Madison. Maybe you should get your own house in order before you judge. BTW thanks for posting the photo!

Look a police report is what it is but to put this persons photo up is inappropriate in my opinion. Feels very tmz/gossip like.

Elaine Smith, now I want to know who YOU are as I plan on making sure me and my family will stay FAR away from you, as you are clearly an enabler who supports criminals. SHAME ON YOU.

@ Elaine and Ray, last time I checked stealing and lying is not a side effect of bipolar disorder, that said, I dont think i quite understand Elaines comment about Westfield gossip, glass houses and the Patch being ashamed of themselves for posting local news?? This "story" is a fact as written in the police report and seen on the video tape period. I am a Westfield resident who works hard for everything I have and i would be appalled if a local "mom" stole wallets money etc. from my childrens birthday party and then acted like a victim. On a side note, is this picture of her an old mugshot from her prior arrests for stealing? Oh yes thats a fact too, she has a record that goes way beyond this most recent arrest.......

In cases involving families with children the courts use all within their means to protect the children involved through no fault of their own. Perhaps the patch can follow these simple discretionary measures. If this woman has children, the patch did them a great disservice with the free use of names and photos. Respectful reporting speaks volumes. Privacy is becoming a highly abused privilege !

She is not on Facebook and last time I checked mug shots did not have pools in the back of them you idiot!! Like I said before people need to know what is involved before judging. I am sure all of you have your own skeletons in your closets. Keep the personal crap off the Internet and move on with your lives!

Check the WPD and Union County Court records. It should clear all of this up. Unfortunately, history repeats itself. I don't know what the solution is for her; people are victims of her actions and evidently, prior disciplinary action does not prevent her from repeating her crimes. For the victims, It creates fear, significant stress, and mistrust of others, not to mention financial loss and the extended inconvenience of having access to their money. If you have ever been unfortunate enough to have had a friend steal from you, you would understand. All very sad and unfortunate to hear. BTW, mothers and fathers don't have to share the information with their children... if it is kept between adults, her children will not be affected.

Who would someone take the time and effort to look up court records? Someone needs a job! And if you want to put in all that effort, why don't you find out the whole story so called Jersey Girl?

This is hilarious. Seriously people have a right to know who their neighbors are and what they are up to.

According to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) Bipolar Disorder is a MOOD disorder and has nothing to do with stealing. There are two types of the disorder, and once again both disorder's manic episodes have nothing to do with stealing. This woman is obviously ill, yes- however what she did to these other moms isn't right. Bipolar Disorder should not be used as an excuse, it is a serious illness that people go through life with and battle everyday. Stealing has nothing to do with a mood disorder. This is a shame and should be on the Patch for other moms to be warned of her abilities. If the her or her family feel she is being called out on the issue, then they need to move some place else and start over. Her children will affected from now until the time they graduate the district due to the uncomfortable situation that she has now put other moms in. How are they suppose to invite her kids to a birthday party knowing she'll show up and possibly steal from others? Just an unfortunate situation for all here. As for the photo- if you don't want yourself broadcasted on the internet then don't post on Facebook. If you're planning on committing a crime- it will come back to bite you in the "you know what".

Once again she is not on Facebook!! and you are not her Physician so you don't know what she is dealing with. And FYI, a lot of Moms go to the same doctor she goes to for their Xanax fix among other things and I am sure you would invite their kids over

It's public information that anyone can read Ms. Smith, anyone with a brain and a college degree at least, or possibly one who has studied Psychology such as myself. I wouldn't want you around my kids- have fun siding with a criminal. Great look for you ma'am.

The DSM-IV that is...

I was raised in this town and still love Westfield! To the victims I am sorry. Jill is still the mother of my children and I hope she can finally get the help she needs! Janet, lets get something straight your husband was good to my kids not you.

@Westfield chick, maybe i am around your kids. My point that you wouldn't have known this happened if it wasn't posted.

False. Living in Westfield my entire life...everyone knows everyone somehow someway and news spreads like wildfire. The moms around Westfield deserve to know what's around them. And who's around them. What's fair is fair. I feel badly for her family and esp her kids...but you have horrible points and make no sense with nothing to back up what you're saying. Sides are not being taken...it's just the simple facts here. Stealing is a crime. You learn this at a young age, that's what we teach our children, don't we?

Elaine Smith=Jill Jackson

an alias of many....

As an attorney and alleged victim, I know when something reeks of BS. Hello people "Elaine Smith" is obviously aka Ray or Jill. I am horrified that this family would defend these actions. Don't believe the false apology!! They have no remorse and have lashed out at certain people rather than offer an apology because as a mother I have decided to cut all ties with this family. I guess that makes me a horrible person. I do not need to hide behind a fake name. The police records speak for itself and this family is a disgrace and if you want to play the sick card, then shame on you for not getting her properly treated. Your last response says that you hope she gets the help she needs. How about as your wife you make sure she gets the help. Stop blaming everybody else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow you people are dumb! I used to work with Jill, and if you know her as I do, if she wanted to say something she would say it and not hide behind a false name. Her husband is sticking up for her because that is his wife and the mother of her children. You all should be so lucky.

Woww you are really dumb,Your cover has been blown. yes we are all lucky to keep our noses clean and out of the pokey!

the initial story was news. the patch should not allow this town gossip-fest to continue.

Really Concerned, you shouldn't say things you know nothing about. Anyone in this town who knows me will tell you I tried everything I could to help her. And to make suggestions that I would approve couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, 10 years ago she was diagnosed as someone with a bipolair disorder.

Well said, real talk! This family is obviously delusional to think that this stigma will ever go away. If they have one brain cell between them and have an ounce of caring for their kids, they would move and try to give their kids a fresh start. Clearly they use their kids as a smoke screen to try and gain sympathy. She is a criminal that should be punished and her husband does not sound like a devoted husband, he sounds like a criminal trying to justify his wife's evil ways

evil? what is this a disney movie? if she has a legitimate psychological disorder then she should be sent to treatment and perhaps if things like this happen then she should be put on house arrest for a certain amount of time to teach her a lesson, or whatever the normal punishment is for theft. also, the comment about the picture referring to the fact about it being fine because it is on Facebook or something of the sort is a good point. its not exactly morally sound, but her picture is up for the world to see so she should be ready for that. regardless she should be punished, you can't just go around stealing wallets. long live narnia

Patch, it is time to shut down this discussion. It has degenerated far past newsworthiness. Let the Courts deal with the legal issue, let the individuals deal with their social issues on their own. But shut this public discussion down.

I feel terrible for those children they need to be in the care of someone who isn't battling a disease (kleptomania not bi-polar). She needs help, this has been going on for 10 plus years (in and out of Westfield) and without hitting her own bottom she'll never make the effort to change. Ray you know this is true. Moving didn't work last time. She needs to want to change before any treatment can begin to possibly work. I hope that happens sooner rather than later - she is worth it and so are her kids.
On another note, I understand people's anger as they feel betrayed by someone they befriended but there's no need to get ugly. Ugliness begets ugliness. Pointing fingers helps no one and, it is true, no one lives a blemish free life.

Maybe if they had just added a comment at the end of the story saying, "The subject is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law" I would feel differently about the story. Maybe that was implied and I missed it when I read the story. That being said, the same thing happened to me at a Westfield party in the mid 90's, where two people I went to high school with in Westfield stole my wallet at a party, and some other wallets, by going through all the coats in the bedroom. Several of the guests saw the two lingering in the room and then leave the party, but it was too difficult to prove they did it. I guess we all live and learn. I do agree that this is a terrible crime, and it sounds like the police work was spot on. Kudos to those people. And the kind gestures from the people in the community to buy her family groceries. It's nice to hear those things.

The problem in this town is that the majority of these residents are two-faced and feel that they are "entitled". Here is a bunch of adults posting comments as if this was Facebook. I understand the anger, just disassociated yourself from this family, problem solved, I'm sure this woman is humiliated and you wont see her around anymore. Bipolar doesnt make you steal, that is a cop -out. She was just someone who shouldnt be trusted, point blank. It is too bad the kids will suffer and be shunned by the town going forward. The family should move and start fresh someplace else. I've learned that alot of these woman have nothing better to do then gossip, bad Karma.

I see your point Jersey Girl, but as someone who lives in town and has kids in the same school it is very difficult to move forward when the mother stays after school and sits among the people she has robbed as if nothing happened. I myself am bi-polar and take great offense to this being used as a defense. I don't know anyone afflicted with this illness that would've commited these crimes. Whatever label they choose to use as her so called "mental illness" does not obsolve her of her crimes and in no way should be used as an excuse. If she is so sick that she can not distinguish right from wrong then her kids could be in grave danger. ALL OF OURS! This is a women without a concious, this is a women who not only stole the wallets, but went out the next day and used the bday gift cards that belonged to the little bday girl, let's not forget her. YES, she shopping with the stolen gift cards is also on surveillance. Please don't debate it. It's a fact! So while we may not all be blemish free I can assure you that I am not a criminal bi-polar and all!

@ Sam- the rent there is between 1600 and 1800. It's probably more than your mortgage ( if you have one) so shut up!!!!

They should dub her as the Birthday Party Bandit.

I empathize with the high rent. I'm just glad that the allegations are regarding stealing wallets instead of stealing husbands, otherwise many of us might be living there too.

Wow, Elaine sounds very much involved in the situation....

Trust me, every school in town has a Mom who is nervy enough to show her face at school functions/bday parties as if they were prestine. I've come in contact with Moms who have cried poor, accepted charity/money from the PTO and then bought new Playstations for christmas for their kids. They walk around as if no one knows their business, The issue is they DONT CARE. We have to get over it and ignore these woman and although it is awful for their children, keep your distance and discourage any other contact until they move on.

Elaine aka Ray. looks like you are making threats. You will be dealt with accordingly & I will personally contact the Westfield police dept.

Elaine/Ray...#1 If I have something to say I own it...which is why I went on here with my real name to begin with...when I said I was done with this dialogue and blog I meant it, until it was brought to my attention that you are probably directing a comment my way accusing me of being under another name and using a threatening tone...I am not responsible for public photos of Jill nor am I on here as anyone, but myself!! If I am wrong (you have my apology) I am done with this!!!

The bottom line is that if this Woman wasnt stealing at a kids' birthday party, this discussion woudnt be going on. It is so middle school to say the least.
And you have to assume that there is surveillance any place you go nowdays.

@Elaine Smith wink wink, I will not shut my mouth! Everyone knows what you did and as someone stated the news around here spreads like wildfire. You really are pathetic!

Regardless of what this woman has done, who gave anyone here the right to violate her HIPPA rights by publicizing an alleged medical / mental condition and blogging so publically about it? Ray, you should not have written any response here about what you think may have contributed. The slimeballs in town have responded with venom and I hope she sues you all. You are all a bunch of typical Westfield gossip-mongers, who love to tell dirty little tales on each other. Westfield "Mothers without a cause" who stay home, shop, gossip and tear down others to make their lives look good. You make me sick!

People in this country are hard on each other. Just reading many of these messages makes Westfield look like the reality show, "Real Housewives of Texas".
Sometimes I wish they would come up with a second Westfield Patch just for adults. It would be good if everyone could just acknowledge that someone was arrested for an alleged crime that is offensive to people, and she has to face criminal proceedings because of it (Our justice system).... And also it would be good for people to acknowledge that the reporter who wrote the article went too far, and that offended some people too. Reporters need to remember that 'Just because you can doesn't mean you should'. Trying someone in the press could result in their acquital. And if they are innocent - it could result in ruined lives and careers and lawsuits. People should be able to state their opinions on this site and debate issues without having someone slinging insults at them. The rest of the town doesn't want to read a low class argument. You can explain it away any way you want, but it will still be just a low class argument.

WoW, this is better then the Jersey Shore

Folks, I really can't believe the nasty tone here. We would hope that anyone who participates in the commenting section would appreciate the responsibility that comes with it. If you can't be civil, then refrain and move on to something else.

This is really sad and upsetting. Not for Jill and Ray, but for the children. They should have never been brought into any aspect of this conversation. Shame on you people who are saying the kids should be shunned or move. It is not the kids fault, you can not help who you are born to. These children are actually great and sensitive children. Do not get me wrong, I am not sympathetic towards Ray and Jill, in fact I despise both of them. Knowing this woman, the bi-polar diagnoses shouldn't have been the final one. She has a lot of mental disabilities. I understand sometimes it is difficult to get someone help because anyone over the age of 18 can sign themselves out of treatment if they are not ready to receive it. Bottom line is that no matter what kind of disorder or disease, she is still an adult and made these poor decisions. The children never said hey mom I want to play a game let's go steal from people. Leave them out of it. The chilren can still be invited places but just don't extend the invitation to their mother. I am sure there are a lot of other loving and responsible people that can drop them off...it shouldn't be about these kids.

I would like to point out that this thread was originally started by Ray Hurtt and "Elaine Smith" aka Ray or Jill. People were responding to comments originated by them. It was Ray who outed his wife's mental ilness all over this thread in some lame attempt to justify her disgusting actions. It was Ray who outed the names of his own children on this thread and it was "Elaine Smith" aka we know who, who resorted to name calling and threats which I see were deleted, but I still have in my email. Perhaps if they would have stayed off this thread this conversation would not have taken the ugly turn that it did. As far as their children, nobody is blaming them and it is sad and unfortunate. When people suggest that they move it's only in the best interest of the kids, to give them a fresh start. Staying where they are is not a "normal environment" for the kids, nobody wants anything to do with the parents and rightfully so. In the end it's not up to us. Hopefully the right decision will be made. Unfortunately, right or wrong there is the stigma of what Jill did. If it was me, I would move for my children and start fresh.

When Ringo and Yolanda robbed the liquor store, it was Yolanda's idea to take the customer's wallets. They made more money from the wallets than they did from the cash register. At the coffee shop, they again collected everyone's wallets, but Jules managed to convince Ringo to give him back his wallet. Who can name the movie?

And, it is not normal for the parents to want to stay. Would any sane person want to live in a town where people despise you? They should be feeling shame, humiliation and apologetic, Instead of walking around mad at all of Westfield as if some how they are to blame. I don't know if either one is able to distinguish right from wrong and that is scary!!

Pulp Fiction. Your point?

I'm exceptionally sad at the venom. Especially "South Westfielder". You should understand that there are people, like myself, who don't live in Westfield and have contributed here because they have been affected by Jill over the many years. As "An Observer" mentioned this has been going on for far too long. I understand innocent until proven guilty however, convicted or not in the past, when someone is questioned or involved in the same type of situations over and over again - well that's just too coincidental in my book.
This isn't about Westfield and it's persona so can you please stop dragging that into the conversation. It's about being safe and being able to be comfortable in our day to day tasks and surroundings.

If the merchant submitted the video to America's Dumbest Criminals and it was selected, does the alleged perp have a legal right to a portion of the proceeds if they in fact were the culprit?

The article states that she "allegedly stole two wallets". Usage Note: An alleged burglar is someone who has been accused of being a burglar but against whom no charges have been proved. I don't think we should print the story unless the charges have been proven.

Read todays westfield leader under police reports....

I think we can all agree that anyone who is defending Jill is either, Ray, Jill or a relative. Nice try! She deserves whatever she's got coming. This backlash is not from one mistake. She has been doing this for years and has left behind a trail of bitter people. She doesn't deserve anyone's empathy, she has NO REMORSE!! If you are defending her, then she obviously hasn't stolen from you YET!!!

There should be empathy for her children. There should be equal empathy for her parents that have had to endure years of their daughter's humiliating behavior.
There should be no further empathy for Jill. Jill should spend some time in a cell and take advantage of the time to think things over. She has been given ample opportunity to change her ways, by the police, the courts, by friends, and others. Contrary to the views of many people on this blog, I think people are generally patient, kind, forgiving and hopeful. I think Jill has been given patience, kindness, forgiveness and the hope of others, and she has chosen to continue her destructive behavior. Enough is enough, the empathy well is dry.

For the record, don't mistake my comments for excusing or supporting the alleged behavior. What I find reprehensible, sick and sad is the use of this blog to passively gang up on someone, publically humiliate her and her family further, and the pack mentality of mostly women who are trashing her so publically. I am not a family member and I do not know this person or her family. Why is a public trashing like this necessary?

And one more thing - if you have issues with her (and you are justified if she stole from you), take it up with her personally. Take action in a civil and mature way. Show some class and take it up privately.

@really concerned you are absolutely right, I couldn't have said it better myself. Yes, what stings the most is their vicious attacks on the victims once she was caught. People got caught up in what was believed to be a real friendship. Jill & Rays behavior after her most recent arrest has been dispicable. Walking around with a sense of entitlement standing inches away from the people that she has befriended & robbed without an apology or remorse, it is truly disgusting. F$&k Jill Jackson! What about the people that feel so betrayed & violated by her. And, believe me if this thread was about someone other than herself, she would be on here doing the same thing. Sickening! It's very sad for the kids. Most criminals have some mental disorder, but they're still criminals!! Bi-polar? No excuse

@SW you are an outsider looking in. If you were on the inside looking out, I'm sure you would see things differently! There is a lot of anger & hurt here, all justified!!

I am sure the anger and hurt are justified, but how does this society justify publishing pictures and names of people who have only been accused of a crime but not convicted. If acquitted irreversible damage has been done. No one should be exposed to that.

If you read the newspaper, this type of story happens all the time. Publiciing a story like this is nothing new. Bottom line, you cant put yourself in these positions.

@Jersey Girl, Keeping it Real, and ReallyConcerned. What you lack is emotional intelligence. No way to teach that. Hope something comes out of this that is positive for you, but I am glad I have nothing to do with your sick clique. You behave like children.

@SW you claim to not have anything to do with this, yet you came on this thread name calling people that you don't know, actuallly an entire town. Slimeballs, gossip mongers, Westfield moms without a cause, just to name a few. If I wasn't personally affected by this, I would not be on here. Since you claim to not know them then you are making blind statements which makes you "clueless" get a life!!!

I wasnt trying to insult anyone- Its just that if you get caught driving under the influence in town, you will be in the paper. Shoplifting (stealing) will also get your name in the paper. You have to consider this before you commit a crime. There is no way to justify this behavior. If you did it, own up to it. Its not like its slander, it was published in the paper, there is a police report. How can the behavior be excused or justified? I dont get it......

Looks like Ray and Jill were warned to stay off the blog. I guess that warning came about a day too late. Your stupid comments are already imbedded in our minds and you've already showed the people of Westfield what garbage you really are. If people feel so bad for the kids then call the proper authorities to insure their safety. This blog is for adults and is not responsible for making life any worse for those kids. Their parents are!!

Please stop with all the legalities! The bottom line is, she was caught on surveillance. So when she has her day in court, she can explain to the judge why they see her going into these bags and stealing wallets. A fact is a fact. End of story. Gotcha!!

I think all of you - above have too much time on your hands.

Not really! I have a very successful career. This only takes a few minutes. Your point?

I think the point that Alison may have been trying to make along with several others is is you've all spent an exorbitant amount of time hurling negativities about someone you all claim to know personally and have been hurt by in some way, but doing it in a very public forum. It was a news article. The husband gave an opinion on the side of his wife which is to be expected as would you of any of your spouses even if just out of embarrassment. You all seem to know each other and enjoy spewing the insults and negative comments, rightfully earned out not, but why not get together and do it privately instead of on a very public, supposedly professionally run platform...?

You all need to get a life! I guess that's all people do in the suburbs, hope for some juicy crime to happen so you all could spend your lives indulging in it! . I don't know this woman and her family, and yes what she did was wrong, but come on, she did not kill anyone, so get over it , the world has more problems to deal with. Hope you all had a happy Easter, and used that time to for forgive others .

Men and women of Westfield,
We support everyone's right to express their views on any subject and want everyone to feel confident that Patch is always here for them to voice their opinions on topics large and small. We'd also like to remind you that freedom of speech is a privilege and reserve the right to suspend a comment thread whenever that privilege is being abused. Frankly, it's shocking to read the attacks and counter-attacks on many threads in Westfield and other towns. I hope that everyone can restore a sense of civility to any discussion thread from now on. Please, learn to make your point without venom. This thread is closed.