NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced Dec. 18 that an Essex County jury has convicted Steven Hightower, 49, of Vauxhall, of fourth degree criminal trespass following a trial before Superior Court Judge Nancy Sivilli.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Donato D’Angelo, who tried the case, beginning Sept. 5, 2016, and ending Sept. 18, 2016, Hightower knowingly entered the North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, Vailsburg Campus, without license or privilege to do so. At the time, Hightower had been working as a security guard at the school’s West Side Park Campus.
Hightower was originally charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree theft for entering the Vailsburg Campus without authorization and taking approximately $8,000 from the cash registers located inside the main office. He was observed on surveillance video entering the school. The jury acquitted Hightower of the burglary and theft charges, but convicted him of criminal trespass.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25. Hightower, a former Rutgers University police officer, faces up to 18 months in state prison, a fine up to $10,000, and is prohibited from owning, carrying or purchasing a firearm.
“Brian Maher of North Star Academy demonstrated incredible courage by coming forward and providing detailed testimony, ensuring that Mr. Hightower would be held accountable for his actions,” D’Angelo said.
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