Task Force Arrests Dozen in Two-Day Drug Take Down

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today the arrests of a dozen individuals, including two members of the Crips gang, on drug and weapons charges. The two-day operation conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office VIPER Narcotics Gang Task Force, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the Newark Police Department started yesterday and…

Update on Belleville Homicide

The death of Daniel Mejia, 23, of Newark has been determined to be a homicide. Mejia was found non-responsive in a parking lot on Honiss Street in Belleville on Tuesday, Jan. 4. at approximately 5:06 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Following an autopsy today, the cause of death has been determined to…

Second Homicide in Newark in 2011

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Carlos Rodriguez, 30, of Newark has been charged with aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of Jennifer Riley, 26, of Newark. On New Year’s Day, Newark Police responded to a 6:30 a.m. 911 call at a home on Delavan Street in Newark. When they…