Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted in connection with a 2022 fatal shooting in West Orange.

On June 4, 2026, after six days of deliberations, a jury convicted Kocou Anani, 26, of second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. He was acquitted of first-degree murder.

Assistant Prosecutor Brianna Sandroni and Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum tried the case before the Honorable Kevin Barry, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that on September 27, 2022, Anani and four co-conspirators were waiting outside a deli on Watson Avenue when Corington Valentin, 20, of West Orange exited the store. The defendant initiated a physical altercation with Valentin. The co-conspirators joined the fight, and one of the men shot Valentin twice in the back. The victim was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. During the altercation, Valentin also fired a weapon, striking and wounding the defendant.

Assistant Prosecutor Brianna Sandroni said, “This outcome reflects our office’s continued commitment to seeking justice for victims and their loved ones.  We hope this verdict brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family.”

The prosecutors thanked Essex County Prosecutor’s Office investigators for their dedication and tireless efforts throughout the investigation of the case.

Anani is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in 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.

KOCOU ANANI

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Darneil Thomas, 26, of West Orange, for his role in two separate murders that occurred in East Orange and Orange in 2022.

Thomas was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of attempted murder, and related weapons offenses.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Carlo Fioranelli and Justin Bennion before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that on March 15, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Hilton Street in East Orange, the defendant and three other individuals opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar. During the attack, Thomas shot his associate, Joshua Dessin in the back of the head causing his death.

The following day, Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange and fatally shot Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic’s shop. Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head. 

Assistant Prosecutor Justin Bennion stated, “This verdict is the result of tireless investigative work and precise collaboration between law enforcement agencies. We hope this verdict provides some measure of comfort and closure to the victims’ family and friends.” Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli added, “Joshua Dessin’s family and Anton Douglas’s family have endured an unimaginable loss because of the defendant’s actions. We hope this verdict brings them a sense of justice and peace.”

The assistant prosecutors also commend investigators from the ECPO, the Homicide Task Force, the East Orange Police Department, Orange Police Department, the Newark Police Department, and federal law enforcement partners for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

Thomas is scheduled for sentencing on June 29. He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on 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.

DARNEIL THOMAS

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, The ECSO Office of Emergency Management, and the West Orange Police Department joined forces for a mock Child Abduction Response Training certification exercise at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The exercise was designed to test and strengthen coordinated law enforcement responses during missing child investigations. The simulation was monitored by the National Criminal Justice Center of Fox Valley Technical College.

Actors portrayed the victim, the suspect, the mother, and witnesses. Participating law enforcement personnel included ECSO search and rescue teams, ECPO Special Victims Unit investigators, drone units, K-9 units, and a real command post operating in real time throughout the exercise.

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 21 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2021 death of a woman in Irvington.

On December 18, 2025, a jury found Lando Marc, 34, guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and related offenses for the death of Jenny Philistin, 27, of Elizabeth.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutor Adam Wells and Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston before the Honorable Verna G. Leath, J.S.C, who also presided over the sentencing.

At trial, prosecutors proved that on December 9, 2021, Irvington police officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident involving two parties during a social gathering at a residence on Stuyvesant Avenue.  As officers approached, Marc attempted to flee by getting into his vehicle. Philistin followed him and jumped on the hood of Marc’s parked car to prevent 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.

“Jenny Philistin’s family will carry the consequences of the defendant’s actions for the rest of their lives. We hope this sentence brings them some measure of comfort as they continue to heal from this devasting loss,” said Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston.

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

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 60 years in state prison for sexually assaulting three women.

Assistant Prosecutors Meredith Mona and Brianna Sandroni tried the case before Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr., J.S.C., who also presided over the sentencing.

On June 12, 2025, Salaam Leeks, 39, of Newark was convicted on three counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault.

Prosecutors proved that Leeks sexually assaulted three victims in 2015 and 2016 in Newark. The defendant falsely claimed that the victims and their families were in danger from a street gang. He told each victim that engaging in sex with him would protect them from harm. As a result, the victims engaged in sexual acts with the defendant under coercion without their freely given consent.

“Today’s sentence brings meaningful relief and a sense of justice to the three victims who courageously came forward and testified years after being manipulated, threatened, and sexually assaulted by this defendant”, said Assistant Prosecutor Mona. “We hope this outcome sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence against women will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Leeks is not eligible for parole because he was on Parole Supervision for Life when he committed these offenses.

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.

SALAAM LEEKS

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is reminding county residents and visitors that all FIFA World Cup 2026 match venues and fan-related events will be designated as strict “No Drone Zones”.

Unauthorized drone use near stadiums is illegal and poses serious safety risks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enforce Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during all matches and fan festivals.

Violators face significant penalties, including fines up to $100,000, criminal charges, possible imprisonment, and confiscation of their drone.

“Public safety is our top priority”, said Prosecutor Stephens. “We urge everyone to follow the law and leave the drones at home. If you cannot attend the matches in person, please enjoy the events safely at home”.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement, call 911 in the event of an emergency, or call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is pleased to announce that a new session of ECPO’s free domestic violence response initiative, “Sanctuary”, will start on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

“Sanctuary”, is a comprehensive 100-hour program that trains community members to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. The program offers both a basic and an advanced course. Classes will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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 touches every corner of our community. Through training, awareness, and collaboration, we can better serve survivors in Essex County”, said Prosecutor Stephens.

Registration runs through May 22. Applications can be found on the Victim Witness Services link under the “Our Services” tab on our home page. For more information, please go to that page or call 973-621-4689 during regular business hours.

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today an arrest in connection with a fatal two-car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman in Newark on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Aides Benites Rivera, 45, of Newark, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. 

Preliminary findings indicate Rivera was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck on Monday afternoon when it struck a parked vehicle outside the Ivy Hill Laundromat causing both cars to crash through the front of the business.

The victim, Ruth Benjamim, 81, of Newark, was seated at a table near the front of the laundromat when she was struck. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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.

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.

AIDES BENITES RIVERA

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with the death of an elderly pedestrian who was struck while crossing a Newark street in 2023.

Andre Snowden-Stegall, 23, was convicted of third-degree of endangering an injured victim, and fourth-degree assault by auto.

Assistant Prosecutor Christopher R. Byrnes tried the case before the Honorable Joshua Sanders, J.S.C.   

The jury returned its verdict on April 2, 2026, following a two-day trial.

The prosecution proved that on November 20, 2023, Snowden-Stegall was driving south on Bergen Street when he made a left turn onto Avon Avenue and struck 73-year-old Roger Williams, who was in the crosswalk.

Williams, who was using a walker, was thrown onto the hood of the car and then on the sidewalk. Williams died from his injuries four months later.

Assistant Prosecutor Byrnes said, “The jury’s verdict reflects the conscience of the community and underscores that individuals who strike a pedestrian and then flee, will be held accountable for their actions.”  

Snowden-Stegall is scheduled for sentencing on June 15, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged 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.

ANDRE SNOWDEN-STEGALL

Newark, N.J- The current digital environment has created increasing challenges in safeguarding personal and financial information. As scams grow more sophisticated and widespread, Essex County residents are urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and take proactive steps to protect their personal data.

In response to this growing threat, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Essex County Sheriff are issuing a warning about an ongoing phone scam targeting residents.

Recipients are sent text messages telling them they must appear in court for a supposed traffic violation.

The scammers direct the recipients to click on a link for more information on the alleged case. This link is fraudulent and may be used to steal personal and financial information.

“This is not how the courts or law enforcement communicate with the public,” said Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. “If you receive this message, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Simply delete it.”

Sheriff Amir Jones added, “Anyone can receive a message like this, and that’s what makes these scams so effective, stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t respond.”

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.