Scotch Plains-Fanwood's Spy Ring

London. Berlin. Paris. New York. Washington. And now the New Jersey suburbs. Russian espionage is no longer limited to the world's major cities. It's in our own backyards.

Just this week, New Jersey residents Cynthia and Richard Murphy were arrested as part of an 11-member deep cover spy ring. The two lived a seemingly normal life in the town of Montclair while secretly trying to obtain state secrets for the Russian government. Of course, the couple could have just as easily settled in Scotch Plains or Fanwood, which begs the question: If there were Russian spies living among us, who would they try to befriend? Patch asked around to find out:

Colleen Mahr, Mayor of Fanwood
"I would say that I've never had to wonder if there were spies living amongst us in little Fanwood," Mahr said. Montclair's Mayor Jerry Fried probably never did either, but he's probably rethinking that strategy now.

In short: Mahr's poltical power, combined with her friendly disposition, make her a natural target for any Russian spy.

Lisa Mohn, President, Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association
While she may not be able to procure any AK-47's or rocket launchers, Mohn is known for making elegant flower arrangements on a tight deadline. And as the president of the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association, Mohn is also deeply connected. Steve Goldberg, vice president of the association, described Mohn as a woman in whom people confide and a hub of Scotch Plains. A hub, it seems, that any spy would love to infiltrate. 

Vinnie Losavio, Owner, John's Meat Market
Town meetings? Check. Business management meeting? Affirmative. Holiday decoration committee? Absolutely. John's Meat Market butcher and businessman Vinnie Losavio is a Scotch Plains man through and through.

"I never want to move out of here," Losavio said.

He's also a man who, in his own words, "know[s] people." Even too many people, he joked. But for Russian spies, there's no such thing as knowing too many people, which makes Losavio just the type of man they'd like to get to know.

Honorable Mentions: Scotch Plains Police Detective Lt. Brian Donnelly, Scotch Plains Township Manager Christopher Marion.