Stolen weapons found
and confiscated in Newark

Newark Police Department reports the arrest of 20-year-old Jay L. Barbera and 21-year-old Ronald Brantley on charges of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. They are both in jail.

During the week, law enforcement officers removed 'some very dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets of Newark,' according to Interim Chief of Police David Christler.

Christler says it was information gathered by Sgt. Mark Thoms that resulted in the arrests of Barbera and Brantley, who allegedly had burglarized five homes and businesses, stealing numerous guns. The two had begun cutting the guns down and converting them into assault weapons for sale on the streets.

The Chief credits Sgt. Thoms, NPD Inv. Jay Warren and Sheriff's Investigator Roger LaClair with breaking this case. Christler said the arrests 'likely prevented a death or injury which could have resulted from this illegal activity.'

Last week, the Sheriff's Narcotics Team, assisted by Inv. Warren, arrested Matthew Simmons, 24, and Michael J. Simmons, 21, of 307 Colton Avenue, Apartment 2, charging them with unlawful possession of marijuana, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of controlled substance (intent to sell crack cocaine). The Simmons brothers were remanded to Wayne County Jail.

Responding to a call that a man was threatening to 'cut someone,' Police Officer Dan Weegar responded to East Newark area and apprehended Yadiel R. Torres, 19, charging him with two counts of third-degree menacing. Torres had a 12-inch butcher knife hidden in his pants. No one was injured and Torres was sent to Jail.

Wayne NET, working with Inv. Jay Warren (NPD) arrested Allen M. Juitt, 19, on charges of third-degree criminal possession of controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance and possession of marijuana. In August, Juitt's car was torched while parked on Siegrist Street in Newark. The arson investigation is still pending; Juitt was taken to the Wayne County Jail.

The Sheriff's Narcotics Team, assisted by Investigator Jay Warren (NPD) took more crack cocaine off the streets with the arrest of Bret Cushman, 17. Cushman was jailed after being charged with third-degree criminal possession and criminal sale of controlled substance, fourth-degree and fifth-degree conspiracy.

Cushman was charged with multiple counts of cocaine possession and sales, along with marijuana possession and sales. Cushman was charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics. Cushman is alleged to have been making numerous amounts of street level drug deals during this investigation. Police say that input from citizens helped lead to this arrest.

Christler said, 'I believe the coordination of law enforcement resources in Newark will reduce the availability of illegal drugs and consequently reduce the violence and larceny associated with this activity.'

He asks anyone who has information on suspected drug activity or other criminal activity to call the police at 331.3701 or stop by the office, at 100 East Miller Street.

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