Bergen County Man Arrested for Interfering with Reproductive Health Services

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for allegedly using force and physical obstruction to intimidate and interfere with providers of reproductive health services in Englewood, New Jersey, on two separate occasions, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced. 

Daniel Courney, 37, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with two counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which protects individuals seeking and providing reproductive health services. Courney appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond. 

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Oct. 16, 2021, Courney approached a patient and her companion arriving by car to seek reproductive health services at a clinic in Englewood. As a volunteer was providing directions, Courney approached the vehicle, told the patient to “save your child,” and shoved the volunteer away from the car to prevent the volunteer from providing directions to the clinic.  

On Oct. 30, 2021, Courney approached the same volunteer as the volunteer escorted a patient inside the clinic.  As the volunteer and patient approached the clinic’s front door, Courney moved his body between the volunteer and the patient and shoved the volunteer toward the street.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the arrest.

The government is represented by Senior Civil Rights Counsel Joseph Gribko of the Criminal Division in Newark and Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky of the Civil Rights Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.