Ex-Newark mayor’s aide pleads guilty to conspiracy involving cash-for-permits scheme.

Al-Tarik Onque, a former senior aide to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, has entered a guilty plea for his role in a bribery scheme involving city permits, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The admission of guilt comes after Onque, 49, acknowledged his participation in a conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.

The allegations against Onque indicate that he used his position to solicit cash payments from property owners in exchange for expedited access to essential city permits, specifically the Certificates of Code Compliance (CCCs) and Certificates of Occupancy (COs). These permits are critical for building owners, as a CCC is necessary for making changes to occupancy, while a CO verifies that a property complies with city code requirements. Prosecutors revealed that this illegal activity took place from January 2020 until approximately December 2022, during which Onque was responsible for addressing constituent complaints and fostering community relations as a senior aide to Baraka.

This case exemplifies a troubling pay-to-play dynamic wherein public officials allegedly exploit their authoritative roles to secure financial benefits. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba highlighted the egregious nature of such conduct in a statement announcing Onque’s guilty plea. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding public service from corrupt practices that undermine trust in governmental institutions.

Onque is now facing significant legal consequences, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to 0,000. His sentencing is set for January 15, 2026. This development raises questions about the integrity of public officials and the systems in place to monitor and prevent corruption.

Historically, Onque’s career has been marked by significant personal transformation. Initially hired as an aide by former Newark Mayor Cory Booker in 2007 after founding the anti-violence organization Stop Shootin, Onque’s past includes a prison sentence for violent offenses. Despite claims of turning away from a life of crime, his recent actions have cast a shadow over his previous advocacy and community engagement efforts.

As this case unfolds, it underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability within public office and the urgent need for transparency in governmental operations. The implications of Onque’s actions resonate throughout Newark, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards in public service.

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