Newark –Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that, following an investigation by the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, two individuals have been charged with vandalizing police vehicles during an otherwise peaceful demonstration in the city of Newark.
“Peaceful protesters have a constitutionally protected right to demonstrate. We unequivocally support that, but we cannot condone unlawful conduct.
That is why the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, working with our partners in the Newark Police, investigated these incidents and brought charges,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Stephens.
Police say May 30, protestors held a demonstration, in Newark, in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A police officer has been charged with Floyd’s murder.
According to police, on June 4, Mr. Eric Stone, 29, of New York and Mr. Julio Rodriguez, 27, of New Brunswick were charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct for allegedly vandalizing marked police cars at the First Police Precinct, located on 17th Avenue Newark.
Police say Stone has been charged with one count of criminal mischief and a disorderly persons offense.
Rodriguez has been charged with four counts of criminal mischief for vandalizing four marked police cars and a disorderly persons offense.
“While we fully support the public’s right to conduct peaceful protests, we cannot turn a blind eye to individuals who blatantly commit criminal acts,” Director Ambrose said. “We are grateful that, by and large, the protests in Newark following George Floyd’s murder were peaceful and without any major incidents of violence.’’
The defendants were given summons and are expected to appear in Newark Municipal Court.