NEWARK — A city man today pleaded guilty to accepting money to take the fall for a convicted felon facing a gun possession charge in a plan that involved former Essex County Prosecutor Clifford Minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. The man, Jamal Muhammad, 32, was arrested in September along with Minor, 68 — who ran unsuccessfully for Newark...
NEWARK — A city man today pleaded guilty to accepting money to take the fall for a convicted felon facing a gun possession charge in a plan that involved former Essex County Prosecutor Clifford Minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The man, Jamal Muhammad, 32, was arrested in September along with Minor, 68 — who ran unsuccessfully for Newark mayor this year — and Abdul Williams, 33, for hindering the prosecution of a state case against Williams, stemming from his June 2007 arrest for gun possession.
Muhammad pleaded guilty to two bribery charges in federal court in Newark. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on Feb. 22, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The cases against Minor and Williams are still pending.
Muhammad’s attorney, Michael Gilberti, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Related coverage:
• Indicted ex-Essex County official showed 'disturbing disregard for the law,' authorities say
• Ex-Essex County Prosecutor Clifford Minor is charged with bribery, obstructing justice
• Newark residents head to voting booths as Mayor Cory Booker seeks second term
• Former Essex prosecutor kicks off Newark mayoral challenge to Cory Booker