By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County jury has found Cedrick Hickman, 42, of East Orange, guilty of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today.
The conviction stems from an incident on May 23, 2019, where Hickman was apprehended by detectives during a proactive patrol in East Orange.
Assistant Prosecutor Andreas Diakos, who led the prosecution, recounted that detectives approached a group of men reported to be trespassing on South Munn Avenue. Hickman, part of the group, dropped a bag and admitted to carrying a handgun, leading to his immediate arrest.
The trial, presided over by Superior Court Judge Arthur Batista, concluded on January 25, 2024, with the jury delivering a guilty verdict after one day of deliberation.
With two prior felony convictions, Hickman now faces a potential 10-year sentence in state prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 18, 2024.
Prosecutor Diakos expressed gratitude towards the diligent work of the East Orange detectives and the jury's commitment to justice, stating, "I want to wholeheartedly thank the East Orange detectives who keep our community safe, and also thank the jury, which returned a just verdict."