Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Jeremy Rojas, 20, of Newark is wanted for the weekend murders of Geraldo Criado, 28, of Newark and
Francisco Sierra, 20, of Newark. The two men were gunned down early Saturday morning in the Gurabo Social Club in Newark’s North Ward.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino said detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Homicide Unit and the Newark Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit worked tirelessly over the weekend to identify the suspect.
Late this afternoon detectives obtained arrest warrants for Rojas. The warrant was issued by the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C. Bail was set late today at $500,000 by Judge Vazquez.
Rojas was charged with two counts of murder, possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purposes and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Newark Police Department are actively pursuing the suspect. Rojas is considered a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information please contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips hotline at 1-877-847-7432 or the Newark Police Department’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 877-NWK-TIPS or 877-695-8477.
The Acting Prosecutor praised Newark Police Officer Anthony Scala of the 2nd Precinct who was about to issue a summons in the area in an unrelated matter when he heard shots and responded.
He was instrumental in identifying Rojas,’’ Acting Prosecutor Laurino said. The investigation is active and continuing.
These charges are mere accusations. A defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
