Crime

Newark councilmen request federal review of fatality involving police detective

NEWARK — After two years of trying to understand the circumstances surrounding her ex-husband’s death, Lucia Pires says she’s exhausted.

On July 12, 2008, an off-duty Newark police detective driving through a Newark intersection struck Joao Marques, killing the father of Pires’ children instantly.

Essex County authorities arrest 28 people wanted for outstanding warrants at Newark hotel

NEWARK — Authorities swept through a Newark hotel where two people were recently killed and arrested 28 people wanted for outstanding warrants today, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Judge vacates N.J. man's child molestation convictions on lack of adequate defense

NEWARK — When Joseph Iadipaoli was convicted of molesting four Newark children, the Essex County prosecutor asked the judge to sentence him to 140 years behind bars, more time than a murderer.

"The entire system is against him. The prisoners are against him," said defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman. "This is the bottom of the barrel for criminal cases."

General

Newark council proposes selling city properties to close budget gap

NEWARK —Newark is hoping to sell off massive property holdings to help fill what city budget consultants estimate to now be an $83 million budget gap for 2010.

How to make a dent in Newark’s budget hole? Bottle (and sell) the city’s water

The Newark City Council recently refused to turn the city’s water system over to a new authority at the mayor’s urging and thus gain a prospective $70 million to plug a gaping budget hole. Before the idea dies completely, though, the Council (and the mayor) might want to take another look to see whether an opportunity is being missed.

Newark Mayor Booker's 6-figure hire draws harsh criticism

John O'Boyle/The Star-Ledger