Arrests were made by the Essex County Sheriff's Department, with crimes ranging from drug possession to sexual assault and murder.
has resulted in the arrests of 41 suspects on outstanding warrants for crimes ranging from drug possession to sexual assault and murder, acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced Monday.
“Our mission is to ensure the safety of all Essex County residents,” Stephens, said, “and apprehending fugitives is a part of that mission. " Stephens said pursuing fugitives is dangerous work, and he commended the officers who took part in Operation Essex. Stephens said he believes that bail reform in New Jersey been fairly effective in allowing defendants seen as a small risk to commit another offense to go free while awaiting trial, but these suspects were considered dangerous — with 12 of them connected to street gangs, he said.
Stephens said all of the suspects are locked up and awaiting another round of detention hearings. He said the prosecutor’s office will move to detain defendants who are considered to be dangerous or a flight risk.