Category: Prosecutor

On Monday, September 25, 2023 a Plainfield man was arrested for a shooting death that took place on August 12^th of this year, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca announced today.

Maurice I. Pierce surrendered to the Elizabeth Police Department where he was taken into custody and processed for 1^st degree Murder, 2^nd degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and 2^nd degree Possession of a weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Pierce had been charged on September 8^th in the death of Jameer Outsey.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 12^th, Elizabeth Police Officers responded to the area of North Broad Street and Magnolia Avenue after reports of a male with a gunshot wound.  Upon their arrival, they located 27-year-old Outsey of Bridgewater, who was transported to a local area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Pierce is currently being held in County Jail pending his next Court appearance.

Anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Filipe Afonso at 908-965-3807, Detective Lewis King at 908-337-0807 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective John Londono at 908-764-6392.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

Convictions on crimes of this nature are punishable by terms of up to life in state prison.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, an Elizabeth man was sentenced to nine years in state prison for a stabbing attack that left the victim with serious bodily injury in January of 2022, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced today.

On August 14^th, Juan Abreu-Perez pled guilty to the charge of Aggravated Assault before Union County Superior Judge Daniel Roberts. Friday, Judge Roberts sentenced Abreu-Perez to nine years in State Prison, requiring him to serve at least 85% of the nine-year term before the possibility of parole.

At 7:35 p.m. on January 25, 2022, Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responded to a report of a stabbing on South 5^th Street and found the victim inside of her apartment with stab wounds, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Ritter, who prosecuted the case. After a swift investigation, Abreu-Perez was identified as the suspect and apprehended. “I want to commend Elizabeth Police Chief Sacca and the extraordinary police response that almost immediately led to the arrest of Juan Abreu-Perez in this case,” Prosecutor Daniel said. “I hope that this sentence can provide some assurance to the victim’s loved ones, as well as the community, that we will not tolerate these egregious offenses and will expend all of our efforts to bring the offenders to justice.”

A joint investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Union Police Department and the New Jersey State Police has led to the arrest of a Newark man in connection with a string of armed gas station robberies, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Union Police Director Christopher Donnelly announced today. 

On September 13, 2023, the Union Police Department arrested Joseph Young, 26, in connection with a series of armed gas station robberies that occurred on September 5, 2023.

Young is charged with four counts of first-degree robbery, one count second-degree eluding, three counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of third-degree receiving a motor vehicle, and one count of third-degree terroristic threats, according to Union County Prosecutor Nicole Siano, who is prosecuting the case.

On September 5, 2023, the New Jersey State Police and Union Police Department received reports of three robberies that had occurred within thirty minutes of each other along the Garden State Parkway. In each robbery, multiple suspects arrived at a gas station in a stolen vehicle and approached the victims demanding money and other items at gunpoint. During two of the robberies, the victims were assaulted.

The intensive investigation that followed, led by the Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Driven Prosecution Unit, Union Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Summit Police Department resulted in the identification of Young as one of the suspects in the armed robberies. He was subsequently arrested following a vehicle pursuit in Newark, New Jersey on September 13^th. Young remains in the Essex County Jail pending further Court proceedings.

“I want to assure the public that the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies remain committed to tirelessly pursuing those who threaten the safety and security of the communities we serve,” Prosecutor Daniel stated.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective William Young of the Union Police Department at (908) 851-5037 or Detective Robert Aranda of the New Jersey State Police at (732) 441-4500 x 3432.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an arrest and indictment can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two men were arrested on Friday, September 1st for a shooting death that took place on June 26, 2023 Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca announced today.

Walter Daniels, 33, of Newark, and Devon Gray, 31, of Elizabeth, were each charged with 1st degree Murder, two counts of 1st Degree Attempted Murder, 2^nd degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and 2^nd degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose in connection with the fatal shooting of Guerley Edouard, 28, of Roselle.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 26th, Elizabeth Police Officers responded to the 600 block of Salem Avenue in Elizabeth after reports of multiple people shot in the area.  Upon their arrival, they located three gunshot victims inside a vehicle: Edouard, who was transported to Trinitas Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead and two female victims, a 23-year-old and a 3-year-old, who were treated at University Hospital and listed in stable condition, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jillian Reyes.

A joint investigation conducted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, Elizabeth Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and Union County Police Ballistics Unit led to the apprehension of Daniels and Gray.

“While this arrest does not bring Mr. Edouard back, we hope it comes as some small solace to his loved ones, and I commend the dedicated efforts of the investigators from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and the Union County Police Department, who worked tirelessly on this case,” said Prosecutor Daniel.

Anyone with information should contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Patrick Bradley at 908-418-2817, Sergeant Felipe Afonso at 908-603-7116 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective David Haverty 908-335-6378.

Convictions on crimes of this nature are punishable by terms of up to life in state prison.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit is requesting assistance from the public in the investigation of a sexual assault that occurred at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located in Rahway River Park on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The victim, a juvenile female, reported that, at some point after 3p.m., she was approached by a stranger in the pool and assaulted. The suspect is described as a middle-aged, bald, white male who is approximately 5’5” – 5’6” tall and somewhat heavyset, with either blue or green eyes and wearing only swim trunks at the time.

This is an active investigation and anyone with information about this matter is being urged to contact the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Sergeant Annie Coll at (908) 347-2474 or Detective Jessica Tattoli at (908) 341-5418.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an arrest and indictment can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

At approximately 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, August 26^th, Elizabeth Police Officers responded to the area of Broadway and Front Street after reports of a fatal stabbing.  Upon their arrival, they located the victim, 37-year-old Lakeisha Brooks of Elizabeth, who was transported to a local area hospital where she was subsequently pronounced dead.  

This is an ongoing active investigation, and anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873, Detective Wojciech Dziadosz at 908-347-2212 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective David Haverty at 908-335-6378.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and -conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

Elizabeth, NJ – The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is now hiring detectives to join its team of dedicated professionals. They must be able to think critically, solve problems, and work well under pressure.

The ideal candidate must be 21 years old, a resident of New Jersey, and a citizen of the United States. Associate degree and law enforcement experience is preferred. Candidates must also be able to pass a background check and drug test.

The UCPO offers competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a retirement plan.

“We are looking for talented and dedicated individuals to join our team of detectives,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “Detectives play a critical role in keeping our community safe, and we are committed to hiring the best of the best.”

“This is a challenging and rewarding career,” said UCPO Chief of Detectives Harvey Barnwell. “If you are looking for a career where you can make a difference in the community, then this is the job for you.”

About the Union County Prosecutor’s Office

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is the largest law office and one of the largest police agencies in Union County, New Jersey. The office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, as well as providing victim services. The UCPO is committed to promoting public safety and ensuring that justice is served.

How to Apply

To apply for a position as a detective, please email a cover letter and resume to UCPOjobs@ucpo.org with the subject line “Detective”.

Rahway, NJ – A Woodbridge man was charged with sexually assaulting a Rahway resident in the morning hours of Thursday, August 10^th, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Rahway Police Director Nicholas G. Breiner announced today.

Elijah Finis, 18, is charged with second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree criminal trespass.

On August 10, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Rahway Police Officers responded to the 2000 block of Elizabeth Avenue on a report of a suspicious event. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who reported that she had been sexually assaulted by an unknown male who had entered her residence unlawfully.

On August 12, 2023, Finis turned himself over to authorities from the NYPD’s 120^th Precinct in Staten Island. He is currently awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.

This investigation was led by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Rahway Police Department, with assistance from Linden Police Department and New York City Police Department.

 “We are grateful for the extraordinary collaboration with our local law enforcement partners which led to the quick identification and apprehension of Finis,” Prosecutor Daniel stated. 

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Detective Craig Famoso at 908-578-1036 or Rahway Police Department Detective Anthony Tilton at 732-827-2146.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 12^th, Elizabeth Police Officers responded to the area of North Broad Street and Magnolia Avenue in Elizabeth after reports of a male with a gunshot wound.  Upon their arrival, they located the victim, 27-year-old Jameer Outsey of Bridgewater, who was transported to a local area hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.  

This is an ongoing active investigation, and anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Filipe Afonso at 908-965-3807, Detective Lewis King at 908-337-0807 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective John Londono at 908-764-6392.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

A Fair Lawn man has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor over the course of a six-month period between 2016 and 2017, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced today.

Shalom “Sal” Yehudiel, 40, of Fair Lawn, was charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time.

The investigation, which was transferred to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in April of this year from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office as the result of a conflict of interest, revealed that the assaults occurred between November 2016 and April 2017, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who is prosecuting the case.

Yehudiel was arrested on Tuesday, August 8^th in New York and is currently in custody, awaiting extradition.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information about Yehudial is urged to contact Union County Special Victims Unit Detective Jessica Tattoli at (908) 965-3885.

Convictions on second-degree charges of this nature are commonly punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison. Those on third-degree convictions range from 3 to 5 years.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.