Hillside Man Charged with First Degree Murder in Newark, New Jersey

Murder Charges Newark NJA Hillside man was recently placed under arrest for the fatal shooting of a man outside an apartment building in Newark, NJ. The suspect is Antwan Malone, a 31-year-old male from Hillside in Union County, New Jersey. According to authorities, Malone was responsible for the killing of John A. Sosa, a 48-year-old man from Roselle, NJ. On July 5, Malone allegedly kidnapped Sosa, took him to the parking lot behind an apartment complex on Brunswick Street in Newark, and shot him. Newark cops arrived at the scene a short time later after getting reports of gunfire. When they showed up at the site of the shooting, they found Sosa on the pavement unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead as a result of his gunshot wounds.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office worked together to investigate the fatal shooting. Just a few days after the homicide, detectives identified Malone as the suspect and placed him under arrest at a residence located in Hillside, NJ.

Severe Penalties for First Degree Murder in Newark, New Jersey

Malone faces several criminal charges, including charges of first degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has not released a lot of details about the killing, but more information could be forthcoming after Malone appears in Essex County Superior Court for a detention hearing. At this time, it is unclear if Malone and the victim knew each other.

If Malone is eventually convicted at trial on the most serious charge of first degree murder, he could be subject to severe penalties. That’s because murder is a special kind of first degree felony in New Jersey and carries a minimum punishment of 30 years in state prison, with a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.Beyond that, the other charges also carry severe penalties – which means that even a conviction on just the weapons offense charges or the kidnapping charges could result in Malone being sentenced to significant time behind bars.

Contact a Newark Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Homicide Charges

Have you been charged with murder, aggravated assault, robbery, or any other violent crime in Newark, New Jersey? Then you need to speak with an experienced Newark criminal defense attorney immediately. Contact Travis Tormey now to schedule a free consultation about your case.

Man Gets 15 Years in NJ State Prison for Killing Newark Woman Over $5

Newark Manslaughter LawyerA Newark man who pleaded guilty to killing and decapitating a woman in Newark, New Jersey was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes. The defendant was 57-year-old Newark resident James Edwards. He was accused of killing 50-year-old Newark resident Pamela Davis in October 2015. Davis’ friends had contacted law enforcement to report her missing in late 2015. Police eventually found her body in a garage located on the 800 block of South 11th Street in Newark, New Jersey. According to prosecutors, Davis’ head and neck were removed and her body was wrapped in a blanket. Police never found her head or neck.

Family members and friends of Davis told police that Davis had a connection to Edwards. It is believed that Edwards may have killed Davis during an argument over a small amount of money: just $5. Newark detectives investigated the homicide and ultimately gathered enough evidence to arrest Edwards. Prosecutors charged Edwards with a number of crimes, including first degree murder.

Plea Agreement Reached in Newark Decapitation Case

Edwards avoided trial in the homicide case by reaching a plea agreement with Essex County prosecutors. Edwards agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges of aggravated manslaughter and desecration of human remains. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to recommend that Edwards get sentenced to just 15 years in NJ state prison. Plea deals like this are common in Essex County criminal matters with defendants charged with first degree crimes. Prosecutors don’t want to risk having a defendant beat the charges at trial and avoid conviction.

Now Edwards is headed to prison after being formally sentenced in the Newark homicide case. He appeared in the Essex County Superior Court in Newark, and the superior court judge approved the plea deal and imposed a sentence of 15 years in prison. Moreover, since manslaughter is a violent crime enumerated in the No Early Release Act (NERA), Edwards will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole. Beyond that, there is a complicating factor in the case: Edwards faces an additional, unresolved charge of failing to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

Free Consultation with Newark Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Manslaughter Charges

If you have been charged with murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, or any other violent crime in Newark, New Jersey, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney representing you. Contact Newark criminal lawyer Travis Tormey today to schedule a free consultation about your charges.

Newark Man Gets Prison Time for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault of Rutgers University Student

Sexual Assault Charges Newark NJA Newark, NJ man who pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated sexual assault has now been sentenced to 22 years behind bars in NJ state prison. The defendant in the sex offense case was Michael Knight, a 40-year-old resident of Newark in Essex County, NJ. He was accused of savagely beating a female student on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University in May 2016 and then attempting to rape her. According to Middlesex County authorities, Knight followed the victim on the Rutgers campus at 3:30 a.m. on May 4, 2016 and then violently attacked her near the intersection of College Avenue and Seminary Place. Knight reportedly struck her in the head, dragged her to the side of a nearby building, and tried to sexually assault her. The sexual assault was interrupted by a group of people who subsequently chased Knight away from the scene. While Knight was fleeing, he reportedly shouted that he had a handgun and would use it.

Afterwards, New Brunswick police detectives investigated the assault and identified Knight as the suspect. Law enforcement then released a mugshot of Knight to the public, prompting him to turn himself in to police.

Severe Penalties for Newark Man Who Admitted to Aggravated Sexual Assault

Knight was originally charged with several crimes, including kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and endangering an injured victim. Knight ultimately avoided trial in the case by reaching a plea agreement with Middlesex County prosecutors in December 2017. Knight pleaded guilty to the charges of kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault; in exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining felony charges.

Now Knight has been sentenced. He recently made an appearance in the Middlesex County Superior Court for his sentencing hearing, with the judge approving the plea deal and sentencing Knight to 22 years in New Jersey state prison. Since aggravated sexual assault is one of the enumerated offenses in the No Early Release Act (NERA), Knight will have to serve a minimum of 85 percent of his prison term before he becomes eligible for parole. Moreover, once Knight completes his prison term and is released, he will have to register as a convicted sex offender under Megan’s Law.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyer in Newark, NJ

If you have been charged with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or any other sex offense in Newark, New Jersey, you should talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Newark criminal attorney Travis Tormey is prepared to help you fight your sex crime charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact him now for a free consultation.

Newark Man Charged with DWI for Allegedly Being Intoxicated During Auto Accident

DWI Attorney Newark NJA Newark, New Jersey man has been charged with crimes after he allegedly crashed into a Newark police patrol vehicle. At the time of the auto accident, the motorist was reportedly intoxicated. The crash occurred just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to authorities, the suspect was behind the wheel of a car and driving on Lincoln Avenue in Newark when he lost control and slammed into the back of a police car parked on the side of the roadway. The collision led to a chain reaction: the police patrol vehicle was jolted forward and hit a second police car also parked along the side of the road.

Two Newark cops were in the vehicles at the time of the DWI accident and sustained minor injuries. Both of the injured Newark police officers were taken to University Hospital in Newark and treated before being released. Meanwhile, law enforcement placed the suspect under arrest on suspicion of intoxicated driving. He now faces charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), as well as two counts of assault by auto.

Severe DWI Penalties in Essex County, New Jersey

NJ law imposes harsh penalties for drunk driving violations. Even a first offense DWI could result in an offender being sentenced to jail time, in addition to suspension of their driver’s license for one year. For a second offense DWI, the penalties can be even more harsh and may include alcohol education classes and installation of ignition interlock devices on the offender’s cars. The bottom line is that a drunk driving conviction in NJ is something that you want to avoid. The best way to avoid a DWI conviction is to have a qualified DUI defense attorney on your side. Ideally, your lawyer should understand the nuances of New Jersey laws, have experience in Essex County municipal courts, and be certified in the operation of the breath-testing device used by New Jersey police in drunk driving cases.

Contact an Experienced DWI Defense Attorney in Newark, NJ

Were you arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Newark, West Orange, Bloomfield, or anywhere else in Essex County, NJ? You need an experienced New Jersey DWI defense lawyer handling your case and contesting the evidence. Travis Tormey can help you fight your drunk driving charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact Attorney Tormey now to schedule a free consultation.

Newark, NJ Man Accused of Trying to Run Over Cop

Assault Lawyers Newark NJLaw enforcement in Newark, New Jersey is searching for a man who allegedly tried to hit a Newark cop with a motor vehicle. The suspect is 32-year-old Newark resident Nathaniel Plummer. According to authorities, Plummer was driving a car in Newark on February 18 when he intentionally attempted to hit a police officer with the vehicle. Although Newark officials have not revealed a lot of specific details about the incident, they did indicate in an official statement that Plummer attempted to run over the police sergeant and then fled the scene in the car.

The police officer was able to avoid any significant physical injuries during the violent incident. The Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office later investigated and eventually identified Plummer as the main suspect. However, police have not yet been able to find Plummer.

Harsh Penalties for Felony Assault of a Police Officer in Newark, New Jersey

An arrest warrant was issued for Plummer. When police locate him, he will likely face criminal charges for aggravated assault and assault by auto. Aggravated assault in NJ is often classified as a third or fourth degree felony, meaning that carries more severe penalties than simple assault (a disorderly persons offense). When an assault is committed against a police officer, those charged can be elevated further to a second degree felony. A conviction for second degree aggravated assault against a police officer can potentially result in a sentence of 5-10 years behind bars in New Jersey State Prison. Additionally, a felony assault conviction may carry a presumption of incarceration, which means that the offender could face mandatory prison time if convicted by a jury in the Essex County Superior Court.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Newark Criminal Attorney About Your Assault Charges

Were you or a loved one recently arrested and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, or any other violent crime in Newark? Then you should talk to an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible. Travis Tormey is a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can represent you in your Newark assault case and help you avoid the most severe penalties. Contact him now to start your defense.

Four Men in Fatal Carjacking at Short Hills Mall Get Prison Time

Millburn Carjacking ChargesThe man who murdered Dustin Friedland during a deadly carjacking at The Mall at Short Hills was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for the killing. The main defendant in the case, Hanif Thompson, was accused of firing a gun during a carjacking attempt and causing the victim’s death. According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Thompson and three other men pistol-whipped Friedland on December 15, 2013 in a parking deck at the shopping mall in Millburn, NJ. At some point during the attack, Thompson shot and killed the victim. The suspects then left the scene in Friedland’s Range Rover. Friedland, a lawyer who lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, was later pronounced dead due to a gunshot wound to the head sustained in the assault.

Plea Deals for Suspects in Millburn Carjacking Murder

Police investigated the killing and later connected four men to the carjacking homicide. All four suspects were soon arrested and charged with multiple crimes: murder, felony murder, carjacking, conspiracy, and weapons offenses. Three of the men later accepted plea deals from Essex County prosecutors. At a recent sentencing hearing in Newark Superior Court, Jamie Schare Friedland, the widow of the victim in the carjacking, spoke and said that Thompson’s act destroyed her life. Friedland looked right at Thompson in court and said, “You tore my dreams away from me.”

Two other co-defendants in the criminal case were also sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Kevin Roberts and Karif Ford, Thompson’s accomplices in the carjacking, also reached plea agreements with Essex County prosecutors. Like Thompson, they were not sentenced to life in prison.

If Thompson, Roberts, or Ford had fought the charges and gone to trial, they would have faced life imprisonment. A fourth defendant in the case, South Orange resident Basim Henry, did not reach a plea deal with Essex County prosecutors. After a trial in Essex County Superior Court in Newark, Henry was convicted on all charges and subsequently sentenced to life in NJ State Prison plus 10 years.

Free Consultation with Experienced Millburn Criminal Attorney About Carjacking Charges

Have you been charged with carjacking, murder, or any other violent criminal offense in Millburn, New Jersey? Then you need to talk to a qualified criminal attorney about your situation and explore your legal options. Essex County criminal lawyer Travis Tormey represents clients in Essex County Superior Court and in municipal courts throughout Essex County, NJ. Contact Attorney Tormey today.

“American Gangster” Prosecutor and Bloomfield Lawyer Admits Tax Fraud

Tax Fraud Charges for American Gangster ProsecutorA former prosecutor in Essex County, New Jersey will not be going to prison after he pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges. The defendant in the federal case, Richard “Richie” Roberts, is an 80-year-old man from Bloomfield, NJ. If Roberts had stood trial in the case, he would have faced many years behind bars in a federal penitentiary for failure to pay taxes; however, a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office allowed Roberts to avoid jail time.

In April 2017, Roberts made an appearance in US District Court and admitted to failing to pay personal income taxes as far back as 2000. Additionally, Roberts admitted that he failed to pay the required payroll taxes as an employer. Since Roberts was in charge of a law firm in Essex County, New Jersey, he had a legal obligation to account for those payroll taxes.

The terms of Roberts’ plea deal with federal prosecutors called for him to receive a sentence of 10 months of home confinement and three years of probation. Now that sentence has been approved by a US District Court judge in Newark, New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito issued a statement for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and indicated that Roberts must steer clear of trouble or risk being ordered to serve time in prison for whatever time remains on his probationary term.

Roberts has also been ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and to pay $224,962 in restitution. That is the amount of money that he defrauded the federal government out of, according to authorities.

Richard Roberts and Frank Lucas: Heroin Trafficking Case Depicted in American Gangster

Roberts’ life story was depicted in the Hollywood film American Gangster. Roberts, who was portrayed by Russell Crowe in the film, previously worked as a detective in NJ and eventually served as an assistant prosecutor with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in Newark. Roberts was a vital member of the prosecutorial team that got a conviction of infamous Harlem drug dealer Frank Lucas on heroin trafficking charges.

Lucas, who went on to be portrayed by Denzel Washington in American Gangster, was initially sentenced to 70 years in prison. However, he later became a government informant and got an early release from prison. Lucas’ role as a government informant eventually led to him and Roberts becoming friends. Years after Roberts secured Lucas’ heroin distribution conviction, he actually represented Lucas in court and helped him fight criminal charges for Social Security fraud.

Schedule a Free Consultation with the Tormey Law Firm Today About Your NJ Theft or Fraud Charges

The Tormey Law Firm is a New Jersey legal team with attorneys who have experience defending clients against theft and fraud charges throughout Essex County, including Newark, Bloomfield, and East Orange. If you’ve been charged with tax fraud, or any other fraud crime, our skilled criminal lawyers can help you beat the charges. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.

Newark Cops Arrest Fourth Suspect in Carjacking & Murder on Thanksgiving

Carjacking Attorneys in Newark NJOne of the men arrested and charged in connection with a carjacking and murder in Newark on Thanksgiving reportedly confessed his involvement in the crimes to investigators. The suspect, 26-year-old Newark resident Murad Lampley, allegedly had a role in the violent killing of 40-year-old Shuri Henry. The deadly incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day when Henry came back to her house on the 300 block of South 20th Street in Newark, NJ. According to officials, Henry was shot and killed by the culprits – who then stole her 2015 Kia Sorrento and drove away.

The next day, Newark police officers saw the stolen car near Springfield Avenue and chased after it. Following a brief pursuit, cops arrested three people inside the vehicle: 18-year-old Supreme Allah, 20-year-old Antonio Torres, and a 14-year-old boy. The fourth person inside the motor vehicle, Lampley, was able to get away. However, Newark police eventually caught him. Lampley later told Newark detectives that he was one of the individuals responsible for the carjacking and murder on Thanksgiving. Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Naazneen Khan said that Lampley “provided members of the prosecutor’s office with a statement implicating himself.”

First Degree Murder Charges for Suspects in Fatal Newark Carjacking Case

Three suspects in the Newark carjacking murder case – Lampley, Allah, and the juvenile defendant – are charged with murder, felony murder, carjacking, robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The fourth suspect, Torres, has only been charged with eluding police because was allegedly seen driving the stolen vehicle just before Newark police made the initial arrests.

Lampley is being detained at the Essex County Jail in Newark while the criminal charges remain pending. He will be held without bail, per a ruling by Essex County Superior Court Judge Peter V. Ryan. In most cases of violent crimes like carjacking and murder in NJ, the defendants are not allowed to post bail and must remain behind bars until the case is resolved. In this case, Lampley will probably have to stay behind bars until he stands trial or until he reaches a plea deal with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, Lampley could face life imprisonment. That’s because murder is a special kind of first degree felony in New Jersey and has a maximum punishment of life in NJ State Prison (with a minimum term of incarceration of 30 years). Moreover, Lampley’s prior criminal record, which includes previous convictions for resisting arrest and receiving stolen property, could be a major factor in any sentence handed down by the Essex County superior court judge if Lampley is convicted.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Newark Criminal Lawyer Travis Tormey

If you were arrested for carjacking or another violent crime in Newark, New Jersey, you must speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Skilled Essex County criminal lawyer Travis J. Tormey has successfully defended countless clients against violent crime charges in Newark and elsewhere in NJ. Contact Attorney Tormey today to begin your defense.

Law Enforcement Operation in Newark, NJ Nets $500K in Drugs

Drug Crime Attorney in Newark NJSince April 2017, a major operation to crack down on drug offenses and criminal weapons offenses on Newark streets has resulted in the arrest of nearly 2,000 people. The operation involved Essex County law enforcement and was spearheaded by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Department. Police got involved after receiving numerous complaints about illegal drug activity in Newark, New Jersey. According to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, the “quality of life complaints” came from Newark residents.

The law enforcement investigation in Newark lasted more than eight months. During that time, Newark police removed 127 guns, including handguns and assault rifles, from city streets. Police also seized drugs valued at more than $500K and $171K in cash believed to be proceeds of illegal drug activity. Authorities also arrested nearly 2,000 people in connection with the drug and weapons seizures.

Severe Penalties for Drug Offenses & Weapons Offenses in Newark, NJ

Anthony Ambrose stated that the police narcotics unit for working day and night to fight crime and improve life for the citizens of Newark, NJ. Ambrose said that the success of the law enforcement operation was “a testament to the commitment of [local] officers in making Newark safer.”

The people arrested by Newark police will face harsh penalties if ultimately convicted of felonies in Essex County Superior Court. Depending on the exact charges, the individuals arrested by authorities could be sentenced to as many as 20 years behind bars in New Jersey State Prison. In many cases, those arrested as part of the Newark law enforcement operations have been charged with marijuana possession, marijuana distribution, cocaine distribution, illegal handgun possession, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Contact an Aggressive Newark Criminal Attorney Now About Your Gun Crime Charges

Anyone who has been charged with a weapons offense or a drug crime in Newark needs to have a skilled criminal defense attorney handling their case and helping them to contest the charges. Travis Tormey is an aggressive criminal lawyer with experience defending clients against felonies in Essex County Superior Court. Contact Attorney Tormey anytime to start building a strong defense.

Newark Man Faces Prison Time After He Admits to Robbing TD Bank

Robbery Attorney in Newark NJA bank robbery suspect will be spending time behind bars after reaching a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and pleading guilty to robbery charges for a bank robbery in Newark, New Jersey. The suspect is Tyrone Anderson, a 46-year-old Newark man. According to prosecutors, Anderson robbed a TD Bank branch in Newark, NJ on May 26, 2017. Anderson reportedly entered the building, approached a bank teller, and handed the teller a note. That note reportedly included instructions for the bank employee to hand over money and to “make it quick.” The note also stated that Anderson would shoot the employee if the employee failed to hand over the cash.

After getting money, Anderson left the bank and fled the scene in a car. Newark police detectives, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office detectives, and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the Newark bank robbery and used fingerprints from the scene of the crime to identify Anderson as the culprit. A few days after the theft crime, police arrested Anderson.

NJ Bank Robbery Charges: Severe Penalties

Anderson faced first degree felony charges for bank robbery. Although Anderson robbed the bank in New Jersey, he was charged by prosecutors at the federal level. This meant that his case was handled in the US District Court in Newark, NJ. Anderson avoided trial in the case by reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors and pleading guilty to robbery charges; in exchange, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the other charges, including charges for possible weapons offenses.

Anderson will still need to appear in court on April 16 so that he can be sentenced in the case. At that time, he will likely be sentenced to serve time in a federal penitentiary. Assuming that the judge approves the plea agreement, Anderson could potentially be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined as much as $250,000.

Contact an Experienced Robbery Lawyer About Your Newark Theft Crime Charges

Travis Tormey is a skilled criminal lawyer who has defended countless clients against theft charges, fraud charges, and gun crime charges in Newark, NJ. If you were arrested and charged with robbery in Newark or anywhere else in Essex County, New Jersey, Travis Tormey and the legal team at the Tormey Law Firm can help you fight the charges. Contact Attorney Tormey now to explore your legal options.