US Attorney brings charges against 42 defendants in coordinated action

NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges on Oct. 26 against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners. “Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this office’s […]

AG announces prison sentences for operators of drug-distribution network in Newark

AG announces prison sentences for operators of drug-distribution network in Newark

TRENTON, NJ — On Oct. 24, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced prison sentences for four men convicted in a narcotics trafficking ring that operated in a neighborhood near I-78 in Newark, where they sold drugs to motorists exiting the highway to make “drive-through” purchases of heroin. The illegal ring was dismantled as a result […]

Two East Orange men charged in Newark homicide

NEWARK, NJ — Two East Orange men have been charged with the recent murder of Khalif Ligon, 29, of Newark, according to an Oct. 21 press release from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Jamaal Mahorn, 37, and Buddy Randolph, 40, both of East Orange, are charged with murdering Ligon. On Sept. 7 at 1:49 a.m., […]

Newark man charged with carjacking and firearms offenses

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County man was arraigned for his alleged role in an armed carjacking in Montclair, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Oct. 19. Andy Cook, 23, of Newark, was charged by indictment on Oct. 4 with one count of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime […]

Acting AG Platkin appoints leaders of new firearms enforcement office

Acting AG Platkin appoints leaders of new firearms enforcement office

TRENTON, NJ — Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Sept. 7 the appointment of the two supervisors who will lead a recently founded office designed to hold manufacturers and sellers of guns and firearm accessories accountable when they endanger the health and safety of New Jerseyans. Platkin appointed Ravi Ramanathan, most recently director of […]

East Orange man arrested in connection with shooting at Linden bar

East Orange man arrested in connection with shooting at Linden bar

LINDEN, NJ — Najir Paige, 27, of East Orange, is under arrest following a three-week investigation into a shooting that occurred at a Linden bar in early August, according to an Aug. 29 press release from the Linden Police Department. Just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, Linde police responded to Menga Lounge on […]

Essex County commissioners to create Anti-Gun Violence Committee

Essex County commissioners to create Anti-Gun Violence Committee

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County Commissioner President Wayne L. Richardson announced the upcoming formation of a new Anti-Gun Violence Committee dedicated to addressing gun violence in Essex County. Commissioner Brendan W. Gill will chair this new committee, which plans to meet with local anti-gun violence advocacy groups, legislators and others in an effort to […]

Newark to hold citywide peace walk to end gun violence on Aug. 20

NEWARK, NJ — Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced a call to action, asking Newark business owners to close their businesses by 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, to join in a citywide peace walk. The march will support collective efforts to create a safer city and end gun violence in Newark and other municipalities across […]

AG launches new office to enforce New Jersey’s new firearm safety legislation

AG launches new office to enforce New Jersey’s new firearm safety legislation

TRENTON, NJ — Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced July 25 the creation of a Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office — a first-in-the-nation office with the specific mandate of bringing civil enforcement actions against firearm companies to hold them accountable for violations of the law that harm the health and safety of New Jersey […]