Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Livingston woman has been charged with third-degree theft in connection with the alleged theft of $17,360 from an East Orange high school.

Khaliah Johnson, 44, of Livingston, is charged with stealing the funds from a Cicely Tyson High School of Performing Arts fundraising account. Johnson was serving as the school’s treasurer and head secretary at the time of the alleged thefts, which are reported to have occurred between July 5, 2024, and June 16, 2025. She is accused of writing checks from the account and using the funds for personal expenses. Johnson has since resigned from her position.

 “The defendant was entrusted with managing funds intended to support students and school programs.  Our investigation revealed that this trust was repeatedly violated. This charge reflects our office’s commitment to protecting students and school communities”, said Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Portia N. Downing.

Johnson’s first court appearance is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

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.

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to life in prison, plus 60 years, for a 2023 shooting that killed one person and wounded four others on a Newark street.

The Honorable Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr. J.S.C., presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

On October 10, 2025, a jury found Antuane Gregory, 46, of Newark, guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of second-degree aggravated assault,and weapons offenses.

The prosecution proved that on April 15, 2023, Gregory started a verbal argument in the area of the 400 block of Leslie Street. During the dispute, Gregory pulled out a handgun and opened fire on a group of five people.

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.

Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderon, said, “This lengthy sentence delivers justice for the victim’s family and the four additional victims. It also makes it clear that this kind of reckless, callous violence will not be tolerated in our communities.”

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Gregory must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

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.

ANTUANE GREGORY

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones announced today that a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered through the Essex County Crime Stoppers program for information leading to an arrest in connection with the 2020 fatal shooting of a Newark man.

The victim, Laquan Nowlin, 32, of East Orange, was shot and killed on July 3, 2020, in front of his home at South Orange Avenue and Sanford Avenue. 

“Six years later this investigation remains open and active, but there may be someone in the community who has information that can assist us. We hope this reward motivates them to come forward,” said Prosecutor Stephens.

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 Andre Higgs, 53, of Watchung, has been convicted by a jury in a second trial for the 2015 murder of his former girlfriend Latrena May, of East Orange.

Higgs was found guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun. Following those verdicts, Higgs was also convicted of first-degree unlawful possession of a handgun by a person who has previously been convicted of a crime under the No Early Release Act as well as second-degree certain persons not to have weapons.

Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab and Assistant Prosecutor Tehilla Cohen tried the case before The Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on May 1, 2015, Higgs shot the 27-year-old teacher outside her home in East Orange. The shooting occurred after May ran from her home to escape an attack by Higgs and flagged down a police vehicle. As East Orange Detective Kemon Lee exited his vehicle and approached, Higgs fired multiple shots at May.  Detective Lee returned fire, striking Higgs in the legs.  After the shooting, Higgs barricaded himself in the residence where the couple’s then four-year-old daughter was sleeping.

 Higgs was originally sentenced to life in prison in 2017 following his first conviction for murder. In 2023, the New Jersey Supreme Court overturned that conviction and ordered a new trial. The Supreme Court ruled Higgs’ attorneys should have been granted access to Detective Lee’s internal affairs records and permitted to cross-examine Lee about prior on-duty shootings.

Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Edwab said, “This second conviction for murder for Andre Higgs was possible only because of the brave witnesses who once again came forward to testify about the defendant’s callous actions.  As we said in 2017 and repeat today, Detective Kemon Lee was a hero that day for responding to Latrena May and attempting to save her from the grip of her abuser.” Assistant Prosecutor Cohen added, “We thank Ms. May’s family for their unwavering faith in this office and the judicial system throughout this lengthy process.”

Higgs is scheduled for sentencing on February 26, 2026. He faces a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. Prosecutors will again recommend a sentence of life imprisonment, as it is consistent with the original recommendation.

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.

ANDRE HIGGS

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Lando Marc, 34, of Newark, on charges stemming from the 2021 death of Jenny Philistin, of Elizabeth in Irvington.

Marc was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and related offenses.

 The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Adam Wells and Ibn Alston before the Honorable Verna G. Leath, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on December 9, 2021, Irvington police officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident involving the two parties during a social gathering at a residence on Stuyvesant Avenue.  Marc attempted to evade police by getting into his vehicle. Philistin followed him, and as officers approached, she jumped on the hood of Marc’s parked car in an apparent effort to keep him from driving away.

Marc sped away with the victim on the hood of his vehicle. He then ran a stop sign and proceeded the wrong way down a one-way street. He subsequently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car, killing Philistin. Marc fled the scene and remained at large for more than a month before surrendering to authorities on January 14, 2022.

Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells said, “This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy. The defendant’s complete disregard for Ms. Philistin’s life directly led to her death. We are glad that we could get justice for the victim in this case.”  Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston added, “While there is nothing we can do to bring Jenny back, we hope this verdict can bring closure to the Philistin family as they continue to grieve.”

The assistant prosecutors also commended investigators from the ECPO and the Irvington Police Department for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on February 5, 2025. The defendant faces 10-30 years for the aggravated manslaughter conviction and a mandatory consecutive sentence of five to 10 years for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

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.

LANDO MARC

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced today that a suspect has been charged in connection with the death of one of the two men killed during a shooting in a Newark recording studio on December 10, 2025.

Naim Andrews, 20, of Newark, has been charged with first-degree murder and related weapons offenses in the death of Namir Bynum, 20, of Newark.

 Surveillance video shows Andrews and a second individual, Osayuwamen Iyamu, 20, of Newark, attacking Bynum. Bynum was shot by Andrews. In an apparent act of self-defense, Bynum fired a weapon, fatally striking Iyamu and injuring Andrews. A fourth individual was also injured in the shooting. He was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital that same evening.

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.

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.

NAIM ANDREWS

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Torean Nixon, 41, of Newark, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor.

Nixon was found guilty of two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Monica Calderone and Gianna Sanguinetti before the Honorable Lori Grifa, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that Nixon assaulted the victim on two separate occasions–first in 2020 when the victim was nine years old, and again in 2023, when the victim was twelve years old.

“Sexual abuse of a child is one of the most serious crimes we prosecute. We thank this victim for their strength and courage in coming forward, and we thank law enforcement for their dedication throughout this investigation,” said Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderone.

Assistant Prosecutor Giana Sanguinetti added, “It is incredibly difficult for any victim of sexual abuse, let alone a child, to come forward. We are grateful for this child’s bravery and are happy we were able to secure justice for them.”

The assistant prosecutors also commended investigators from the ECPO Special Victims Unit and the Newark Police Division Special Victims Unit for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

Nixon is scheduled for sentencing on February 1, 2026. He was convicted under the Lunsford Act which allows courts to impose stricter conditions of bail or pretrial detention for defendants charged with serious violent offenses, who are deemed a danger to the community. Nixon faces a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in 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.

TOREAN NIXON

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Matthew Colon, 24, and Tashauna Hairston, both of Newark on charges stemming from a fatal shooting that occurred in Newark in 2022.

Colon and Hairston were each found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Colon was also convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun with a permit, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Austin Edwards and Mattison Monteleone before the Honorable Michael Ravin, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that on May 19, 2022, Tashauna Hairston drove Matthew Colon to the 400 block of Mt. Prospect Avenue in Newark. Colon exited the vehicle along with two other masked individuals and shot Angel Vargas,18, and Saeed Jan,18, both of Newark multiple times, killing them both. Colon later fled New Jersey and was apprehended in Tampa, Florida with the assistance of federal authorities.

 Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards said, “Angel and Saeed’s families have endured the unthinkable, and we hope they find some comfort and closure with this result.” Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone added, “This verdict makes it clear that anyone who participates in a homicide will be held accountable under the law, even if they are not the person who pulled the trigger”.

 The assistant prosecutors also commend investigators from the ECPO, the Homicide Task Force, and the Newark Police Division for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

Colon and Hairston are scheduled for sentencing on February 25, 2026. Each faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison for each murder conviction.

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.

MATTHEW COLON

TASHAUNA HAIRSTON

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Community Justice Unit held its annual “What’s It All About? Youth Conference” on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark.

The conference was open to middle school students in grades 7 through 9 from across Essex County. This year, approximately 400 students from schools in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, and Orange participated in the full day event.

The program featured a keynote address by motivational speaker Hashim Garrett, along with interactive breakout sessions led by experts and community leaders. Topics focused on making positive life choices, preventing gun violence, substance abuse awareness, and cyber safety.

“This event is more than a conference–this is a proactive investment in our youth.  By promoting prevention, awareness, positive decision-making, and access to critical resources, we are helping build strong and safe communities”, said Nicole Graves-Watson, ECPO community relations specialist and event organizer. 

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II added, “At a time when far too many young people are not only the perpetrators, but the victims of violence, our goal is to reach them early with meaningful, positive guidance that empowers them to make the right choices. This is how we invest in the long-term safety and strength of our communities.”

The annual youth conference is part of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment through education, prevention, and mentorship initiatives.

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 61 ½ years in state prison for two separate shootings, including one that resulted in the death of a man in 2023. The Honorable Judge Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C., presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

 On April 17, 2025, a jury convicted Dajuan Fiester, 40, of Newark, of 11 counts, including first-degree murder, for shootings that occurred in 2023 and 2022.

The prosecution proved that on May 7, 2023, Fiester shot Julius Ferguson, 38, of Newark, Daniel Campbell, 22, also of Newark, and Michael Newby, 25, of East Orange near the Paraiso Bar on Orange Street, Ferguson was killed. Campbell and Newby were injured.

During the investigation into that shooting, ballistics tests revealed that one of the guns used was a match to a shooting on North 5^th Street in Newark on August 6, 2022. Fiester was convicted of second-degree assault and weapons charges for that shooting as well.

 “While no amount of time can ever replace a life lost, we hope that this sentence brings some form of closure to Mr. Ferguson’s family as well as the additional victims. Gun violence cannot be tolerated, and these senseless acts cannot go unpunished”, said Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri.

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Fiester must serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

 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.

Dajuan Fiester