An Irvington police captain accused of following Newark South Ward Councilman John Sharpe through the Newark streets before striking his vehicle was unanimously acquitted by an Essex County jury Tuesday.
After approximately an hour and a half, the jury deliberated on whether or not 46-year-old Monique Smith was guilty of two indictable offenses: unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
During the court case, Essex County Assistant Prosecutor's argued that James had the right to end his relationship but believes Smith had no right to rear-end James' Nissan Xterra twice and side-swiped it once with her Honda Accord just to confront him over the breakup.
In the end the jury acquitted Smith of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose but Smith will still have to go before a judge for a disorderly person offense and two motor vehicle offenses.
Smith was suspended from the police department following her arrest. It remains unclear at this time what will happen to her position.
Photo: Essex County