Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man was sentenced on November 21, 2025, to 34½ years in prison for first-degree kidnapping, first-degree aggravated sexual assault while armed with a knife, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree aggravated assault.

Kervin Joseph-Michel, 43, was convicted on February 8, 2024, of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman in Irvington on November 4, 2015. He was also convicted of assaulting the victim’s boyfriend who arrived home during the sexual assault. The trial was delayed for nearly a decade because the defendant was deemed incompetent to stand trial multiple times.

The prosecution proved that Joseph-Michel approached the victim as she was walking home while carrying her three-week-old infant son. The defendant repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation. The victim rejected his advances and continued walking home. She was unaware that Joseph-Michel followed her. Once inside her home, Joseph-Michel placed what he said was a gun to her back and forced her into the foyer, where he sexually assaulted her at knifepoint.

Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Celeste Montesino, who tried the case, said “The victim in this case is a hero. She showed extraordinary courage in the face of terrible violence against her and her immediate family. I hope that she finds peace knowing that this defendant will no longer be able to hurt her or anyone else.”

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 remain confidential.

Kervin Joseph-Michel

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones announced today that the Essex County Crime Stoppers Program has increased the reward to up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of three people and injured two others in Newark on November 15, 2025.

The shooting occurred on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15. Jordan Rivera, 10, and Kiyah Mae Scott, 21, were pronounced dead at University Hospital that evening.  Masi Rogers, 19, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, November 20.

Two additional victims, the 11-year-old brother of Jordan Rivera, and Sheppard Miller, 60, were injured in the incident. The 11-year-old, whose name is not being released, remains hospitalized.

Anyone with information is urged 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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II today announced that Terrence Mells, 42, of Newark was convicted by an Essex County jury of three counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual assault, three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of first-degree witness tampering.

Assistant Prosecutors Cynthia Teller and Christopher Byrnes tried the case before the Honorable Naazneen Khan, J.S.C. The jury returned its verdict on Thursday November 13, 2025, following a four-day trial.

The prosecution proved that the defendant abused three underage family members multiple times between March 2015 and October 2023. The abuse began when the victims were 12, 13, and 14. Prosecutors also alleged that Mells threatened one of his victims after learning that he was being investigated for sexual assault.

“The jury’s verdict represents an important step toward justice and closure for the victims in this case. The defendant’s unspeakable acts were a profound violation of trust. We commend the victims for their strength throughout this process and thank the jury for its service”, said Assistant Prosecutor Teller.  Assistant Prosecutor Byrnes added, “The jury’s verdict honors the strength of the victims who took the stand in this trial, where they could not be silenced any longer by the defendant.”

The assistant prosecutors commend the Newark Police Division’s Special Victims Unit and the Essex County Prosecutor Office’s Special Victims Unit for their dedicated work and collaboration in the investigation of this case.

Mells is scheduled for sentencing on February 23, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to 85 years in New Jersey State Prison.

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.

TERRENCE MELLS

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced on November 12, 2025, that 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. 

Assistant Prosecutors Logan Teisch and Zhen Liu tried the case before the Honorable Christopher S. Romanyshyn, J.S.C. The jury returned its verdict on Monday, November 10, 2025, following a three-day trial.

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

“The defendant had an obligation to love and protect the victim. Instead, he violated that trust, and physically and sexually assaulted her. I hope this verdict gives the victim some peace, knowing that he will be held accountable for what he did”, said Assistant Prosecutor Teisch.  Prosecutor Liu added, “It took extraordinary courage for the child victim to come forward and testify about the abuse. We thank the jury for their verdict and for holding this defendant accountable.”

 The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office commends the Newark Police Division for their dedicated work and collaboration in the investigation of this case.

Freire-Ramos is scheduled for sentencing on February 6, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in New Jersey State Prison.

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

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and East Orange Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd announced today the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman in East Orange.

Sabria Carter, 28, of East Orange, is charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.       

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., East Orange police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at 40 Lennox Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Shyel Mosely-Benton, 24, of Newark suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was transported to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:07am.

According to witnesses, the incident arose from a dispute among the suspect, the victim, and several others at a Newark lounge on the evening of Saturday, November 1.

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.

Anyone with information regarding this case 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 remain confidential.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, and East Orange Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd announced today an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man in East Orange.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at about 12:40pm East Orange Police officers were dispatched to the area of 252-256 N. Clinton Street on a report of a male, lying in the street, possibly suffering from a gunshot wound.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a man who had suffered a gunshot to the chest/back area. Officers administered aid while awaiting EMS. The victim was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 1:06pm. The victim is identified as Hamza Abdul-Haqq, 36, of East Orange.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. No additional details are available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case 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 remain confidential.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, and Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz today announced an arrest in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found near the roadway of the Cedar Hill Golf Course in Livingston on October 7, 2025.

Andres Calvachi-Paz, 35, admitted to investigators that he strangled his girlfriend Dayana Chisaguano Maleza, 28, inside their Newark apartment after an argument during which the victim indicated she wanted to end the relationship. Calvachi-Paz then placed the victim’s body in his car and drove around for several hours before disposing of it on Walnut Street in Livingston. Afterward, Calvachi-Paz allegedly engaged in an elaborate scheme to make it appear as though the victim was still alive, including sending messages from her cell phone.

Calvachi-Paz is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree disturbing human remains, and third-degree theft.

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.

Anyone with information regarding this case 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 remain confidential.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Tyrone Cradle, 29, of Newark, has been sentenced to 60 years in New Jersey State Prison for the murder of his stepfather, Rasool Crews.  The Honorable Naazneen B. Khan, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing. 

On August 26, 2025, Cradle was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and various weapons offenses in connection with the shooting death of Mr. Crews.

 Prosecutors proved that on the evening of May 19, 2023, Cradle shot Crews, 48, multiple times as Crews and his daughter were exiting a vehicle outside of their home in Newark. Surveillance video showed Cradle emerging from the side of the house moments before the shooting then fleeing the scene after the crime. Cradle was identified and charged four days after the shooting.

Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Nicholas, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Brianna Sandroni said, “The Court’s imposition of a 60-year prison term is an acknowledgement of the cold and calculated manner in which this murder was committed.”

Assistant Prosecutor Sandroni added, “We believe that with this sentence, justice was served. We are hopeful that Rasool Crews’ family and loved ones can begin moving forward toward healing knowing that the defendant is being held accountable for his actions.”

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Cradle must serve 85 percent of the 60-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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Essex County Jury has convicted Antuane Gregory, 46, of Newark, of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and weapons offenses in connection with a shooting that killed one person and wounded four others.

Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona and Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderon tried the case before the Honorable Harold W. Fullilove, Jr. J.S.C.  The jury returned its verdict on Friday, October 10, 2025, following a six-day trial.

The prosecution proved that on April 15, 2023, Gregory started a verbal argument on the street in the area of 408 Leslie Street in Newark. During the dispute, Gregory pulled out a handgun and opened fire on a group of five people standing on the sidewalk.

Corey Beasley, 43, of Newark, was struck four times–once in the back, once in his right leg, and twice in the left leg.  Three additional victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived their injuries. A fifth victim was fired upon but not struck by gunfire.

“This was a senseless act of violence that cost Corey Beasley his life and could have been completely avoided but for the defendant’s actions that evening on a crowded city street”, said Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona.

Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderon added, “The jury’s verdict makes clear that this was not self-defense but an unjustified act of violence. The defendant chose to shoot multiple times into a crowd, taking a life and injuring others, and now must face the consequences of that choice.”

Gregory is scheduled for sentencing on November 21, 2025. He faces a minimum of 30 years to life in prison. He must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Gregory is currently serving a five-year federal sentence for escape from custody, imposed in July 2024.

The assistant prosecutors commend investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the US Marshalls, and the Newark Police Division for their dedication and tireless efforts in this case.

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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced on October 14, 2025, that an Essex County Jury has convicted Osbourne Gooden, 63, of Irvington, of First- Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, Third-Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Third- Degree Criminal Restraint for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.  Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller and Assistant Prosecutor Steven Paskowitz tried the case before the Honorable Michael L.  Ravin J.S.C.  The jury returned a verdict on Friday, October 10, 2025, following a six-day trial.

The prosecution proved that on June 22, 2020, the victim was sitting on her front porch with her mother and sister, enjoying ice pops along with the defendant and his friend. When the victim went inside the home to get another ice pop, the defendant followed her inside the house. That’s when he grabbed the victim and raped her.

“We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and to the victim for their courage in coming forward. This guilty verdict not only affirms that the truth was heard but it is an important step toward justice and a clear message that crimes against children will not go unpunished,” said Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller.

Assistant Prosecutor Steven Paskowitz added, “We hope the victim and their family can move forward knowing that justice was served. Sexual assaults of children will not be tolerated and will be fully punished”.

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on November 21, 2025. He faces a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender in accordance with Megan’s Law.

ECPO thanks the Irvington Police Department for their dedication and tireless efforts in this case.

Anyone with information regarding any criminal activity 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 remain confidential.

Osbourne Gooden