Federal prosecutors dismiss Newark mayor’s trespass charge, shift focus to Congresswoman McIver
NEWARK, NJ — Federal prosecutors have dropped a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, instead shifting focus to potential charges against U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver for allegedly assaulting and interfering with federal law enforcement officers.
In a statement released May 19, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba announced the dismissal of Baraka’s charge, saying it was made “for the sake of moving forward” and to promote public transparency. The charge stemmed from an incident involving Delaney Hall, a federal detention facility in Newark.
“In the spirit of public interest, I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall,” Habba said. “The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.”
While closing the case against Baraka, Habba emphasized that the investigation is not concluded. She stated that Representative McIver is being investigated for allegedly violating federal law under Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1), which prohibits assaulting or impeding federal officers.
Representative McIver under federal scrutiny
According to the U.S. Attorney, McIver “assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement,” conduct she says cannot be ignored due to its direct challenge to federal authority. No details were released on the date or circumstances of the alleged incident.
The federal statute referenced, 18 U.S. Code § 111(a)(1), carries a penalty of up to eight years in prison and fines if the offense involves physical contact or the intent to commit another felony.
“I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined,” Habba stated.
