Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 60 years in state prison for sexually assaulting three women.

Assistant Prosecutors Meredith Mona and Brianna Sandroni tried the case before Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr., J.S.C., who also presided over the sentencing.

On June 12, 2025, Salaam Leeks, 39, of Newark was convicted on three counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault.

Prosecutors proved that Leeks sexually assaulted three victims in 2015 and 2016 in Newark. The defendant falsely claimed that the victims and their families were in danger from a street gang. He told each victim that engaging in sex with him would protect them from harm. As a result, the victims engaged in sexual acts with the defendant under coercion without their freely given consent.

“Today’s sentence brings meaningful relief and a sense of justice to the three victims who courageously came forward and testified years after being manipulated, threatened, and sexually assaulted by this defendant”, said Assistant Prosecutor Mona. “We hope this outcome sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence against women will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Leeks is not eligible for parole because he was on Parole Supervision for Life when he committed these offenses.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

SALAAM LEEKS

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is reminding county residents and visitors that all FIFA World Cup 2026 match venues and fan-related events will be designated as strict “No Drone Zones”.

Unauthorized drone use near stadiums is illegal and poses serious safety risks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enforce Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during all matches and fan festivals.

Violators face significant penalties, including fines up to $100,000, criminal charges, possible imprisonment, and confiscation of their drone.

“Public safety is our top priority”, said Prosecutor Stephens. “We urge everyone to follow the law and leave the drones at home. If you cannot attend the matches in person, please enjoy the events safely at home”.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement, call 911 in the event of an emergency, or call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is pleased to announce that a new session of ECPO’s free domestic violence response initiative, “Sanctuary”, will start on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

“Sanctuary”, is a comprehensive 100-hour program that trains community members to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. The program offers both a basic and an advanced course. Classes will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Since its launch in 2012, more than 700 members of the Essex County community have completed the program and are actively supporting survivors of intimate partner violence.

“Domestic violence touches every corner of our community. Through training, awareness, and collaboration, we can better serve survivors in Essex County”, said Prosecutor Stephens.

Registration runs through May 22. Applications can be found on the Victim Witness Services link under the “Our Services” tab on our home page. For more information, please go to that page or call 973-621-4689 during regular business hours.

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today an arrest in connection with a fatal two-car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman in Newark on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Aides Benites Rivera, 45, of Newark, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. 

Preliminary findings indicate Rivera was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck on Monday afternoon when it struck a parked vehicle outside the Ivy Hill Laundromat causing both cars to crash through the front of the business.

The victim, Ruth Benjamim, 81, of Newark, was seated at a table near the front of the laundromat when she was struck. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

AIDES BENITES RIVERA

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with the death of an elderly pedestrian who was struck while crossing a Newark street in 2023.

Andre Snowden-Stegall, 23, was convicted of third-degree of endangering an injured victim, and fourth-degree assault by auto.

Assistant Prosecutor Christopher R. Byrnes tried the case before the Honorable Joshua Sanders, J.S.C.   

The jury returned its verdict on April 2, 2026, following a two-day trial.

The prosecution proved that on November 20, 2023, Snowden-Stegall was driving south on Bergen Street when he made a left turn onto Avon Avenue and struck 73-year-old Roger Williams, who was in the crosswalk.

Williams, who was using a walker, was thrown onto the hood of the car and then on the sidewalk. Williams died from his injuries four months later.

Assistant Prosecutor Byrnes said, “The jury’s verdict reflects the conscience of the community and underscores that individuals who strike a pedestrian and then flee, will be held accountable for their actions.”  

Snowden-Stegall is scheduled for sentencing on June 15, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

ANDRE SNOWDEN-STEGALL

Newark, N.J- The current digital environment has created increasing challenges in safeguarding personal and financial information. As scams grow more sophisticated and widespread, Essex County residents are urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and take proactive steps to protect their personal data.

In response to this growing threat, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Essex County Sheriff are issuing a warning about an ongoing phone scam targeting residents.

Recipients are sent text messages telling them they must appear in court for a supposed traffic violation.

The scammers direct the recipients to click on a link for more information on the alleged case. This link is fraudulent and may be used to steal personal and financial information.

“This is not how the courts or law enforcement communicate with the public,” said Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. “If you receive this message, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Simply delete it.”

Sheriff Amir Jones added, “Anyone can receive a message like this, and that’s what makes these scams so effective, stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t respond.”

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

Newark, N.J – Essex County will join communities across the nation in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 through April 25, 2026, marking the 45^th anniversary of this important annual observance. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Board of County Commissioners join Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II in declaring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Essex County by reinforcing a shared dedication to victims and advancing awareness of victims’ rights.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week recognizes the resilience of crime victims and survivors, raises awareness of victims’ rights and services, and reaffirms a shared commitment to justice for all of those impacted by crime.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy, established more than 40 years ago, plays a critical role in this mission. The unit supports victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process by providing information, guidance, and compassionate assistance. The unit’s many services include crisis intervention, court accompaniment, and social service referrals.

ECPO will host a Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 24, 2026, honoring individuals and organizations in Essex County who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to supporting victims and advancing victims’ rights.

“Supporting victims is at the heart of our mission here at ECPO,” said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. “This week provides an opportunity to elevate the voices of survivors and acknowledge the crucial work of our partners and renew our commitment to victim-centered justice”

This year’s honorees are Newark Deputy Mayor of Public Safety LaKeesha Eure, Cynthia Walker, Founder S.O.F.I.A, Felicia James, Survivor/Founder, “Hear My Cries”, ECPO Assistant Prosecutor Mira Ohm, ECPO Detective Malik Rivers, and ECPO Victim-Witness Advocate Lisa Fonesca.

Newark, N.J.- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor.

Assistant Prosecutor Logan Teisch and Assistant Prosecutor Zhen Liu tried the case before the Honorable Christopher S. Romanyshyn, J.S.C., who presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

On November 10, 2025, Javier Freire-Ramos, 42, of Newark, was convicted by an Essex County jury of two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault by contact, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. 

Prosecutors proved that the defendant abused the child multiple times between May 2021 and February 2022. The victim was 11 years old when the abuse began.

Freire-Ramos must serve 26 years of the 40-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

JAVIER FREIRE-RAMOS

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today the arrest of a juvenile in connection with a fatal carjacking in Newark.

The juvenile suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Due to the individual’s age no identifying information is being released at this time.

The juvenile is charged with first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle.

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, at about 12:45 p.m., the victim, Jhon Aponte Alarcon, 46, left his vehicle unattended while delivering packages on Bergen Street. The suspect approached the car and jumped inside. The victim held on to the vehicle in an attempt to stop the suspect from driving off.

The vehicle traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, causing it to overturn and crush the victim. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Aponte Alarcon was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

Newark, N.J – Essex CountyProsecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that a suspect is sought in connection with a suspected fatal carjacking attempt in Newark on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The Newark Police Division received calls reporting a crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian on the 800 block of Bergen Street at approximately 12:44 p.m.

Preliminary reports indicate the victim left his vehicle unattended while delivering packages. The suspect then jumped inside the vehicle. The victim held on to the car in an attempt to stop the suspect from driving off.

The vehicle then traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, causing it to overturn and crush the victim. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

The victim, Jhon Aponte Alarcon, 46, of Elizabeth, was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this incident by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.