The legal investigation surrounding Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has come to a close—with prosecutors deciding not to bring charges against him. However, the spotlight has now shifted to Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, formerly known as Rep. McIver, who is facing criminal charges.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has officially dropped the case against Mayor Baraka, stating that there was insufficient evidence to move forward. The investigation initially centered around alleged political misconduct, but officials concluded that the claims did not warrant prosecution.
In contrast, Assemblywoman Speight is now being charged in connection to the matter. Details regarding the exact charges have not been fully disclosed, but authorities have confirmed that her alleged actions warranted legal scrutiny. The charges stem from incidents that surfaced during the broader investigation that initially involved Mayor Baraka.
This development is significant for Newark, where both Baraka and Speight have played prominent roles in the city’s political landscape. While Baraka can now move forward without legal concerns from this case, Speight will have to address the allegations in court.
City officials and legal representatives have not released additional comments at this time. More updates are expected as the case against Assemblywoman Speight progresses.
