Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is pleased to announce that a new session of the free domestic violence response initiative, “Sanctuary”, will begin in February.

“Sanctuary” is a comprehensive 100-hour training program designed to empower community members to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. The program offers both a basic and an advanced course. Sessions will begin on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and classes will be held weekly from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

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 is a community issue. It is our hope that through education and collaboration, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors in our county”, said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

Registration starts on February 1st and ends on February 21st.
Applications are available to view and download here:

The Sanctuary Program flyer is available to view and download here:

For more information, please visit our website or call 973-621-4689 during regular business hours.

Congratulations to all those who completed our Crisis Intervention Team training program the week of January 13 at the Newark Police Department Training Facility.
CIT provides law enforcement, 911 dispatchers, EMS, paramedics and mental health professionals with vital training and crisis resolution skills to improve responses to those experiencing a mental health crisis. 45 dedicated individuals took part in this important program.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) is offering a four-week summer internship for high school students that will complete their junior year in June 2025.  The session will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Interns will receive a copy of the schedule on the first day of the program., which will run from Monday, July 7, 2025, and conclude on Friday, August 8, 2025. Interns must attend all sessions. During this interactive four-week internship program, interns will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that includes learning about the role and functions of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office; participating in workshops that focus on making positive choices, Internet safety, gang awareness, and substance abuse prevention.  Interns will be introduced to various careers in law, law enforcement, and government.  Interns will also attend educational and cultural trips.

For more information please visit – https://njecpo.org/community-programs/

Nearly 400 middle school students from across Essex County gathered at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark on December 18th for the annual Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Youth Conference. The event aimed to empower young adults with valuable information about community safety, internet safety and positive decision-making. A big thank you to the students and partners who made this event a huge success!

$15,000 Crime Stoppers Reward for Information in 2018 Fatal Weequahic Park Shooting

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Essex County Sherriff Armando B. Fontoura today announced a $15,000 Crime Stoppers Program reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for a fatal shooting in Weequahic Park in Newark in 2018.

On the evening of August 6, 2018, 25-year-old Godfrey Jones Jr. was with a female companion in Weequahic Park when he was shot and killed. The female companion stated that two suspects approached them and asked the victim his name. The suspect shot Jones Jr. before he could answer.

Witnesses described the suspects as two Black males. One thin wearing a baseball cap with white lettering. The other heavier set with a full head of hair under a stocking cap. The suspect’s vehicle is reported to be a 2015-2018 four-door Nissan Altima.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will be kept confidential.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Essex County Sherriff Armando B. Fontoura announced today a $5,000 Crime Stoppers Program reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Newark in 2021.

On September 12, 2021, 42-year-old Rajon Collins was hit by a red Jeep Grand Cherokee near the intersection of Avon Avenue and South 18^th Street. The stolen vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck Collins. He was later pronounced dead at Rutgers University Hospital.

Surveillance camera footage from the area shows two individuals fleeing from the vehicle after the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will be kept confidential.

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Participates in “2024 Practice Area Fair” at Rutgers School of Law

On Tuesday, November 19, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office had the honor of participating in the “2024 Practice Area Fair” at Rutgers School of Law in Newark. Our team showcased the essential role of community service and prosecution in advancing justice and enhancing public safety. They highlighted how a career in prosecution extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on the importance of community collaboration to prevent crime, support victims, and foster trust. Through real-world examples, they inspired students to view prosecution as a rewarding career path that merges legal expertise with a deep commitment to creating a positive impact on both the community and society at large.

“Sanctuary” Program Graduates New Trainees in Domestic Violence Outreach

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II celebrated the graduates of “Sanctuary,” a key initiative of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy. “Sanctuary” is a 100-hour, free program designed to train community residents to provide essential crisis intervention and outreach services to survivors of domestic violence. Upon completing the program, volunteers will be equipped to offer immediate support to victims and their families through participating programs.

Thank you to all who took part in this important initiative.

By Robert Florida

Newark – An Essex County jury convicted former East Orange Police Officer Devin L. Higgs of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child for physically abusing his then nine-year-old son.

On February 15, 2018, Higgs, 53, of West Orange, brought his son to the hospital for injuries that stemmed from a fall, said Higgs, who was employed at the time as an East Orange Police Officer.

Doctors found that the child had 22 fractures on his ribs and a fractured scapula bone, among other injuries, according to Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Saraiva. The child also had bruises, scars, and marks on his body, indicative of child abuse. Neither Higgs nor his son had explanations for his injuries, other than vague responses that he had fallen. The child remained hospitalized for six weeks as he battled a severe infection and recovered from his broken bones. During that time, the boy eventually disclosed to medical staff that his injuries were caused by his father, who would hit him at home. He didn’t tell anyone sooner, the boy said, because his dad told him not to discuss “family business.”

On March 1, 2024, following a four-day trial before Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre, the jury found Higgs guilty of two counts of second degree aggravated assault for causing serious bodily, one disorderly persons offense of simple assault for causing a head injury, four counts of second degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of second degree hindering apprehension, and one count of second degree official misconduct.

When he is sentenced on April 12, 2024, Higgs faces up to 80 years in New Jersey State Prison.

“We would like to thank the victim for his tremendous bravery in coming forward and testifying in this case,” said Mona. “We are also grateful to the medical providers at Cooperman Barnabas Hospital who discovered the abuse, as well as the team at Robert Wood Johnson Children’s Hospital who provided the boy with life-saving care and treatment.”

Saraiva said the jury returned a just verdict that will provide closure for the victim, “and which we hope sends a message that encourages victims of abuse to come forward and alerts perpetrators to that fact that they will be held responsible for their criminal conduct.”