Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Tyrese Harris, 19, and Abdullah Stewart, 20, both of Newark, of conspiracy, first degree robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon following a trial before the Honorable Siobhan Teare, Judge of the Superior Court.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Sean Dickson, who tried the case, with Assistant Prosecutor Brian Olsen, on May 4, 2017, three people were robbed at gunpoint in the area of Chestnut, Adams, and Oliver Streets in Newark. The two suspects then fled the scene in a black Ford Expedition driven by a third suspect.
At approximately 9:40 p.m. an alert was sent out to be on the lookout for two suspects in the black Expedition. About 40 minutes later Newark Police spotted a car that fit the description traveling north on McCarter Highway. Officers tried to make a motor vehicle stop but the driver of the vehicle refused to stop, accelerated and began making improper lane changes.
The vehicle was eventually forced to stop on Edison Place and Mulberry Street because the street was closed off for an event at the Prudential Center.
The three occupants, Stewart and Harris – both passengers in the car -- and Nathan Fluitt, the driver, were arrested. A search of the vehicle revealed two wallets which contained the identification of two of the victims, a black fanny pack, and loose currency. A search of the rear seats of the vehicle produced a light-colored hoodie, two face masks, a glove, an iPad, Samsung phone, a pill bottle containing eight 9mm bullets. Underneath the seat was a black Ruger 9mm handgun loaded with seven bullets.
The victims identified their wallets, cell phone and iPad taken from the vehicle.
On Oct. 19, an Essex County jury found defendants Harris and Stewart guilty. The third defendant and driver, Nathan Fluitt, also of Newark, was found not guilty of all charges.
Sentencing for Stewart and Harris is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 7 before Judge Teare.
“These Defendants preyed on hardworking people on their way home, just minding their own business. I hope that this verdict brings peace to the victims after this horrible experience,” said Assistant Prosecutor Sean Dickson.
Both face a minimum of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison with 85% parole ineligibility.