Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Original Allah, also known as Raymond Champan and Raymond Chapman, 46, of Newark plead guilty yesterday to second degree aggravate arson before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin.
Allah admitted to starting a fire in the 500 block of North 6th Street in Newark on Feb. 24, 2010 after getting into a verbal altercation with a person with whom he had a romantic relationship. He admitted using a cigarette lighter to set the bedding on fire in an attempt to destroy the house. At the time of the incident, there was a restraining order barring Allah from having contact with the person who resided at the house because there had been a history of domestic violence.
When the blaze was set the two-family house was unoccupied. None of the residents were injured
Allah is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 12, by Judge Ravin. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend that Allah be sentenced to 10 years in prison with a five-year period of parole ineligibility.
In addition to the aggravated arson charge, Allah originally was charged with one count of second degree criminal mischief, two counts of third degree terroristic threats and one count of fourth degree contempt. Those charges were dismissed in exchange for Allah’s guilty plea.
“We are pleased we have reached a quick disposition of this matter,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey R. Cartwright, director of the Arson Unit. “All incidents like this will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.’’
Prosecutor Laurino commended Cartwright and Detective Nelson Perez of the Newark Police epartment’s Arson Squad.
