Essex County Jury Convicts Newark Man of Vehicular Homicide

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Najeeh Green, 30, of vehicular homicide and other charges in connection with the death of Priscilla Godoy, a 29-year-old Newark mother.

On May 5, 2018, Green was involved a crime spree that resulted in a man being shot in Newark, a woman being carjacked at gunpoint in East Orange as she unloaded packages from her car and ultimately the death of Godoy.

Godoy’s skull was crushed when she was pinned between two park cars on South 14th Street around 11:44 pm as she tried to avoid the fleeing stolen Jeep Cherokee. She was rushed to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Following a nine-day trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, an Essex County jury returned a verdict yesterday morning finding Green guilty of all 11 counts. In addition to felony murder, vehicular homicide, and manslaughter while fleeing police, the jury also found him guilty of aggravated assault on the shooting victim, carjacking of the woman in Newark, conspiracy to commit carjacking and aggravated assault and multiple weapons offenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, June 13, before Judge Ravin.

The defendant, who has three prior felony convictions, faces life in prison.

“The defendant victimized three families. Because of the courage of those who survived, we were able to bring justice to the Godoy family as well as those who were carjacked and shot,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Jason Goldberg who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Brian Olsen.

Prosecutor Stephens lauded all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. In addition to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit and the Crash and Fire Unit, he also commended the Newark Police Department and the East Orange Police Department.

Essex County Jury Convicts Union City Man of Kidnapping, Assault, Strangulation and Weapons Charges

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted James Pilotti, 43, of Union City, of kidnapping, aggravated assault, weapons charges and strangulation.

Following a trial before the Honorable Harold Fullilove, Jr,. Judge of the Superior Court, the jury convicted Pilotti of kidnapping, aggravated assault, three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, three counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and aggravated assault by strangulation on a domestic violence victim. The jury remained deadlocked on the charge of attempted murder.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Renee Shafran and Julianne Bollettieri. According to the assistant prosecutors who handled the case, on August 15, 2019 through the next morning of August 16, 2019 Pilotti kidnapped the victim, whom he had a prior sexual relationship with, at the victim’s home in Roseland. Pilotti had been released from jail four days prior, after serving a sentence for breaking into that same victim’s home in 2018.

Throughout the night and early morning of August 15th and 16th Pilotti bound the victim with cords and duct tape and proceeded to beat him with his fists, a lamp and a brick. Pilotti strangled the victim until he passed out. The torture and beating continued for approximately six hours until Pilotti forced the victim to take sleeping pills with alcohol. The victim was ultimately able to break free and flee to the home of a nearby neighbor.

“We are pleased the jury returned a just verdict in this case. Hopefully, the resolution of this case will provide the victim with a sense of safety and justice,” said Assistant Prosecutor Shafran.

Pilotti was still on probation for the burglary that occurred at the victim’s home at the time he committed this offense.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 27. Pilotti faces a life sentence in New Jersey State Prison.

On Sept. 1, 2019, a woman approached the victim asking for money in the vicinity of Halsey Street and Central Avenue. When he ignored her, a man jumped out of a Jeep with a box cutter and attacked the victim, slashing the victim in the arm, head and back.

Collazo entered a guilty plea on May 11, 2020 but absconded. On Dec. 19, 2020 Newark Police located him and took him into custody.

Today, the Honorable Christopher Romanyshyn, Judge of the Superior Court, imposed a seven year sentence.

“Newark Police did an excellent job of closing out this case and in the process got a dangerous criminal off the streets,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Krayn, who handled the case.

Assistant Prosecutor Krayn sought the extended term because Collazo has four prior felony convictions.

Newark — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Gregory Bentley, 24, was sentenced to 26 years in New Jersey State Prison yesterday by the Honorable Marysol Rosero, Judge of the Superior Court. He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

On April 20, an Essex County jury convicted Bentley of attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, conspiracy and weapons charges. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards.

The crime occurred on Jan. 18, 2016. Bentley, who has lived in Newark and Irvington, and three unindicted co-conspirators forced their way into the Top Dog variety store on Clinton Avenue in Newark. They tried to rob the store clerk and his friend at gunpoint and fired multiple shots at both victims. The defendant eventually forced his way into the back office where he shot the store clerk 15 times, several of those being inflicted as he stood over the victim who lay wounded and bleeding on the floor.
The store clerk was hospitalized for three months, underwent numerous surgeries and survived, according to Assistant Prosecutor Edwards.
Bentley was identified because he got trapped inside the store. There was no rear exit. Surveillance video captured the shooting. After the victim regained consciousness, he identified Bentley as a store customer and the primary actor in the robbery and shooting.
“Yesterday’s sentence reflects how heinous this robbery and attempted murder truly were. While nothing can make up for what happened to these victims, I hope this brings some closure as they continue to heal physically and emotionally from this horrific event,” said Assistant Prosecutor Edwards.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Terrell Haywood, 28, of Irvington was found guilty of murdering 23-year-old Kharey Reynolds following a two-week trial before the Honorable Alfonso J. Cifelli, Judge of the Superior Court.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Jacqueline Bilinkas, who tried the case, on March 18, 2014 around 12:30 in the afternoon, Reynolds, a Newark resident, was fatally shot while standing on Isabella Avenue in Newark talking to friends. A masked man, later identified as Haywood, accompanied by a second man, who was never identified, approached the group and started shooting at Reynolds. Together they discharged approximately 40 rounds. Reynolds, who was shot nine times, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at University Hospital about 30 minutes later. A 41-year-old man was also shot three times but survived.

On Tuesday, an Essex County jury convicted Haywood of first degree conspiracy to commit murder, first degree murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2018 before Judge Cifelli. Haywood, who has three prior felony convictions for drug offenses in 2008 and 2011, faces life in prison.

“Justice was served in this case. The work of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Newark Police Department and the FBI, provided the jury with all the evidence needed to find Terrell Haywood guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Bilinkas. “By holding Terrell Haywood responsible for this brutal murder of Kharey Reynolds, the family received the justice they deserved.”

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Kyon Coleman, 20, of Newark pled guilty to one count of witness tampering and two counts of second degree aggravated assault before the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to seven years for witness tampering and five years for aggravated assault when he is sentenced on Jan. 5, 2018, according to Assistant Prosecutor Sean Dickson, who handled the plea.

The charges and guilty plea arise from an incident that occurred on the night of Oct. 25, 2016. Coleman shot a 15-year-old girl on Eagles Parkway in Newark. The girl was in the company of another girl. The 15-year-old was injured. The other girl did not sustain any injuries. Coleman also shot a male and shot at another male on Lincoln Street in the city of Newark. The two that were injured were taken to University Hospital. They survived their injuries but Coleman was charged with four counts of aggravated assault. Coleman pled guilty to two counts.

After the shooting incident Coleman attempted to tamper with witnesses who had given statements identifying him as the shooter.

“Witness tampering is a serious crime that undermines the administration of justice. We hope the final disposition of this case will make clear that such cases will be taken seriously by our office and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Dickson.

Under the No Early Release Act, Coleman must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. When he is released from custody, he will also be on parole supervision for another three years.

Five Defendants Enter Guilty Plea in Video Attack

 Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that five men have entered guilty pleas before the Honorable Richard T. Sules, Judge of the Superior Court, for assaulting a 28-year old Newark man on Sunday, Jan. 10, at Broad and Market Streets in Newark’s downtown area.

“We believe these guilty pleas and the sentences recommended by the state are an appropriate resolution of the case given the brazen attack that occurred in broad daylight in downtown Newark,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Vander Woude, who handled the case.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Vander Woude, the victim was assaulted as he handed out flyers along with free cigarettes and compact discs, promoting his business. He told police he was approached by individuals who told him to leave, accusing him of taking business from them by handing out free cigarettes. When the victim ignored their warnings, approximately 8 to 10 males brutally assaulted him and stole his briefcase containing his flyers, cigarettes and CDs.

The victim was hospitalized with injuries to his head, face and body.

The assault was captured on video by a citizen.

Today, the two most culpable defendants — Corey Sabb, 22, of East Orange and Trevone Craig, 21, of Newark — agreed to three year sentences. Under the No Early Release Act, they must serve 85 percent of their respective sentences before they are eligible for parole. Both Trevone Craig and Sabb pled guilty to one count of aggravated assault.

The other three defendants, who are believed to have played a lesser role, pled guilty to lesser degrees of aggravated assault. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Julio Pendola, 28, of Newark must serve a flat four years in state prison. Both Jahid Nelson, 18, and Joshua Craig, 19, both of Newark, are expected to be sentenced to flat three year sentences. Sentencing before Judge Sules is scheduled for Jan. 30, Assistant Prosecutor Vander Woude said.

Irvington Mother Sentenced to 45 Years for Starving Daughter to Death

 Two other children were starved

 Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Krisla Rezierkyson Kris, also known as Venette Ovilde, to 45 years in New Jersey state prison yesterday for starving her three children, causing the death of one, in May of 2011.

Rezierkyson Kris, 34, of Irvington was found guilty on March 22, of aggravated manslaughter for killing her 8- year old daughter, Christiana Glenn.

Yesterday, Judge Ravin sentenced her to 25 years for aggravated manslaughter. Under the No Early Release Act, Rezierkyson Kris must serve 21 years, three months and a day in state prison for the aggravated manslaughter before she is eligible for parole. She was also sentenced to two 10-year sentences for two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The child died from starvation and the mother’s failure to seek medical treatment for a broken femur bone, the largest bone in the leg. Instead, the mother poured salt and gasoline in the wound and covered it with cornmeal.

In addition to aggravated manslaughter, the mother was also convicted of numerous other charges, including multiple counts of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy. In addition to the child who died, Rezierkyson Kris was found guilty of starving and abusing the two surviving children, a 6-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, who were discovered by homicide detectives behind a boarded wall so malnourished they could no longer walk or hold their heads up. They too suffered multiple broken bones from beatings.

At trial, the surviving girl testified the children were locked in a room from morning until night with just a bowl of water mixed with a white paste and ordered not to drink from it until 12 noon. They were tied to a radiator and at times forced to kneel on metal oven grates with objects on their heads.

Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Simonetti, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Lyons-Boswick, said, “We believe this was a just outcome given the abuse and neglect these children endured over three years at the hands of their mother.’’

Charges are still pending against Myriam Janvier, 29, who also lived in the Irvington apartment. She is expected to be tried separately. Simonetti said no date has been set yet for her trial.

Belleville Man Found Guilty of Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Freddies Cresporios, 21, of Belleville of eight counts, including robbery, aggravated assault and weapons charges all linked to two separate attacks in Newark.

Assistant Prosecutor David Feldman, who tried the case, said on May 13, 2014 Cresporios, armed with a firearm, robbed a man in the 600 block of 6^th Avenue in Newark of cash, a cell phone, backpack and keys. Approximately 17 hours later Cresporios attacked a woman and her son in the 100 block of Berkeley Avenue, chasing her and her son down the street with a rifle.

Following a trial before the Honorable Richard T. Sules, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury deliberated for two hours before finding Cresporios guilty of all eight counts in the indictment – one count of first degree robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of aggravated assault and four weapons offenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 7. Cresporios faces up to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison.

“During the week of May 13, 2014 this defendant unleashed a wave of criminality within a two block radius that put families and ordinary residents in fear,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Feldman. “People, who were going about their daily lives where literally threatened by Cresporios with a rifle. Thankfully, the jury reached a verdict that will remove him from society for many years.’’

Newark Man Sentenced to 20 years for Aggravated Assault and Eluding

Defendant fled from police on Irvine Turner Boulevard

 Newark — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Ali Bass, 33, of Newark was sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Alfonse J. Cifelli, Judge of the Superior Court.

On Nov. 5, an EssexCounty jury convicted Bass of aggravated assault by eluding, eluding, unlawful possession of a weapon – a motor vehicle – and resisting arrest.

Today, Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who tried the case, argued for an extended prison term because of Bass’s extensive criminal record.

As an adult, Bass has been arrested 16 times, has violated probation twice and has five prior felony convictions which include possession of a handgun, escape from custody, and drug offenses. Today’s conviction represents the defendant’s sixth felony conviction.

Edwab argued that Bass had the benefit of probation, jail time and two stints in state prison but continued to commit new and even more serious crimes.

The crime he was sentenced for today occurred on Dec. 11, 2009. Bass, while driving a Ford Taurus, knowingly fled from Newark Police after being given a signal to stop. While eluding the police and driving on the wrong side of Irvine Turner Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Newark, Bass crashed the Taurus he was driving head-on into a Toyota Tundra, causing the Tundra to go airborn and landed on its side.

This crash resulted in injuries to the driver of the Tundra. In addition, both Bass and his passenger were injured. Bass suffered multiple fractures to his femur and his passenger sustained injuries to his neck, back and hand.

“Defendant Bass’s selfish actions to avoid apprehension created a risk of serious injury or death to not only himself and his passenger but the driver of the Tundra, the police, and the good citizens of Newark on Irvine Turner Blvd,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Edwab, noting this occurred during the middle of the day.

Under the No Early Release Act, Bass must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

In addition, Bass is charged with committing three homicides. He is awaiting trial on those charges.