Federal prosecutors dropped a minor misdemeanor trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, instead focusing on potential charges against U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver for allegedly assaulting and interfering with federal law enforcement officers.
In a statement issued on 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 promoting public transparency. The charge stemmed from an incident in 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 stated that the probe is incomplete. She stated that Representative McIver is under investigation for allegedly breaching 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 US Attorney, McIver “assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement,” which she says cannot be disregarded because it directly challenges federal authority. There was no information revealed about 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 for offenses involving physical contact or 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.