By: Richard L. Smith
Talisha Arrington, 34, of Newark, has been found guilty of second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and fourth-degree tampering with evidence after a jury trial before the Honorable Angela Foster, J.S.C., in Newark, officials in Essex County announced.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II detailed that the charges stem from an incident on July 15, 2020, at a White Castle restaurant on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark.
Following the incident, Arrington was detained and placed in a holding cell at the Newark Police headquarters on Clinton Avenue.
While in the holding cell, she removed a concealed handgun and attempted to hide it. Newark officials subsequently recovered the weapon, leading to her charges.
The jury reached the guilty verdict after approximately seven hours of deliberation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Andreas A. Diakos and Shelby Day of the Prosecutor’s Adult Trial Section.
Assistant Prosecutor Diakos commented, "The Defendant's conviction reflects our Office's commitment to ensuring that those who unlawfully possess firearms and attempt to obstruct justice are held accountable. The Defendant's calculated efforts to conceal the weapon and tamper with evidence did not go unnoticed by the jury, who saw through her actions and delivered a just verdict. Our community is safer as a result."
Assistant Prosecutor Day added, "This case was a true team effort, and I'm proud of the dedication and hard work from everyone involved. Together, we pursued justice and secured a fair outcome."
Arrington faces up to ten years in state prison when she is sentenced by Judge Foster on September 30, 2024.