Newark, N.J.-Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has pleaded guilty to narcotics and gun possession charges stemming from a 2025 Narcotics Task Force investigation.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Edward Thompson, 47, of Newark pleaded guilty to first-degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm due to a prior conviction. The State is recommending a sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison to run concurrently with a 10-year sentence, with five years parole ineligibility.

On February 6, 2025, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at 801 North 6^th Street in Newark. Inside the apartment detectives recovered more than half an ounce of cocaine, oxycodone pills (approximately half of which tested positive for fentanyl) and envelopes containing fentanyl that were packaged to resemble heroin envelopes, and drug paraphernalia.

As law enforcement entered the apartment, the defendant threw a black safe out of the window. Detectives later recovered a silver Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver inside the safe.

Investigators also recovered and reviewed videos Thompson recorded of himself cutting and packaging the cocaine for distribution.

Following the plea, Assistant Prosecutor Orlando Hurtado said, “This plea is the culmination of a thorough investigation by the detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and the compelling evidence they collected. The dangers posed by cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone cannot be overstated.”

Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston added, “This recommended 20-year sentence sends a strong message that those who traffic narcotics and possess firearms illegally will be held fully accountable.”

Thompson is scheduled for sentencing October 17, 2026.

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.

EDWARD THOMPSON

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man has been convicted in the fatal shooting of a man in 2023.

On July 8, 2026, after approximately one hour of deliberations, a jury convicted Emmanuel Edmundson, 46, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards and Assistant Prosecutor William Chalmers tried the case before the Honorable Naazneen Khan.

The prosecution proved that on the night of September 29, 2023, Edmunson approached his friend, Enrique Riveros, 46, outside of 201 Columbia Avenue in Irvington. Following a brief argument over money, Edmundson pulled out a handgun and shot Riveros several times at close range before fleeing the scene. Riveros died of gunshot wounds to the head and the abdomen.

An eyewitness called 911 and assisted police officers in apprehending Edmundson a short distance from the scene. At trial, the defense offered the testimony of a psychologist who claimed the defendant was too intoxicated at the time of the shooting and suffered from a mental illness that rendered him unaware of his actions. The prosecution rebutted that testimony with a psychiatrist who testified that Edmundson acted knowingly and purposely during the homicide.

Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Chalmers said, “With this verdict, the citizens of Essex County have condemned senseless violence and brought justice to the family of Mr. Riveros.”

Assistant Prosecutor Edwards added, “We want to recognize the outstanding work of the detectives assigned to Essex County Homicide Task Force and the responding officers with the Irvington Police Department, whose professionalism and dedication that made this result possible.”

Edmundson is scheduled for sentencing on September 14, 2026. He faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life 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.

EMMANUEL EDMUNDSON

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Darneil Thomas, 26, of West Orange, was sentenced to 100 years in state prison for two murders committed in 2022.

On June 2, 2026, 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 Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

The prosecution proved that on March 15, 2022, the defendant and three other individuals opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar on Hilton Street in East Orange. During the attack, Thomas shot his associate, Joshua Dessin in the back of the head, killing him.

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 Carlo Fioranelli, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Justin Bennion said, “While no sentence can bring back Mr. Dessin and Mr. Douglas, we hope this sentence provides their families with a measure of comfort.”

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

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.

DARNEIL THOMAS

Newark, N.J.– Prosector Theodore N. Stephens announced today that Jarell Riles, 35, of Newark, has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for first-degree felony murder, first-degree murder, as well as robbery and weapons offenses.

The Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

Riles was convicted on February 18, 2026, in the fatal shooting of Jose Gaona, 67, of Newark, on December 31, 2023.

Prosecutors proved that Riles first robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street in Newark during the early hours of December 31, 2023, forcing the victim to the ground and pistol-whipping him during the robbery. Riles then drove to Malvern Street, where he observed Gaona getting into his vehicle. He exited his car, confronted Gaona at gunpoint, and robbed him of his personal belongings. When Gaona attempted to re-enter his vehicle, Riles shot him seven times in the back, ultimately killing him.

Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri, who tried the case with Assistant Prosector Nidhi Goel said, “The State is relieved that justice has been served, and the defendant no longer poses a danger to society. Our sympathies are with Mr. Fierro and with the family of Mr. Gaona.”

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Riles 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.

JARELL RILES

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that a suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the lives of two female pedestrians in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

David J. Zapata-Vera, 26, of Newark, surrendered to police on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Zapata-Vera is charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and two counts of third-degree endangering an injured victim.

He is accused of striking the women while they were in the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7^th Street before fleeing the scene.

The victims, Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark were taken to University Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

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.

DAVID J. ZAPATA-VERA

Newark, N.J. –Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old victim.

Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller and Assistant Prosecutor Steven Paskowitz tried the case before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin J.S.C., who also presided over the sentencing.

On October 10, 2025, a jury convicted Osbourne Gooden, 64, of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree criminal restraint.

The prosecution proved that on June 22, 2020, the victim was sitting on her front porch with her mother and sister, the defendant, and his friend. When the victim went briefly inside the home, the defendant followed her in and assaulted her.

After the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Teller said, “While no sentence can erase the trauma endured by the victim, it reflects the gravity and seriousness of these crimes. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault and protecting our community. We commend the victim’s courage and hope this outcome provides a measure of justice and closure.”

Gooden is ineligible for parole. He was also sentenced to a condition of parole supervision for life and will be required to register as a sex offender.

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.

OSBOURNE GOODEN

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the lives of two female pedestrians in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

At approximately 11:00 p.m., Newark Police received a report that two female pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle while in the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7^th Street. The vehicle continued northbound on North 7^th Street and fled the scene.

The victims, Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark were taken to University Hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.

This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Anyone with information on this incident 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.

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Bloomfield teacher has been charged in connection with the sexual assault of a former student.

Daniel Burbank, 37, of Monroe Township, a teacher and band director at Bloomfield Middle School and assistant band director at Bloomfield High School was arrested on Friday, June 12, 2026. He is charged with attempted aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, sexual contact, criminal restraint, endangering the welfare of a child and luring. 

It is alleged that Burbank began engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct when the victim was 13 years old and a student at Bloomfield Middle School. The alleged conduct continued while the victim attended Bloomfield High School. 

These allegations are merely accusations. Al 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 related to this investigation 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.

DANIEL BURBANK

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