By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Police officer Mr. Wali A. Burks, 33, was arrested and charged with nearly two dozen felony counts today.
The charges stem from an investigation that raised suspicions about his unlawful practices.
Burks faces serious allegations, including unlawful possession of handguns without a permit, aggravated assault, tampering with physical evidence, hindering apprehension by providing false information, and multiple counts of official misconduct.
These charges paint a picture of a significant breach of law and ethics within the Newark Police Department.
Sources close to the investigation have indicated that Burks, along with several other officers, should have never made it into the ranks as one of Newark’s finest but was due to lax recruitment policies.
“There are over a dozen new Newark cops that should have never become officers due to their backgrounds.”
This raised concerns about the integrity of the hiring process within the department.
Residents in Newark said they could say the same about other departments in the city.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to release a detailed statement about Burks’ arrest or the specifics of the investigation.
However, a formal announcement is expected in the coming days. Following his arrest, Burks has been processed and booked into the Essex County jail.
The charges against Burks are currently allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.