Former Newark police officer Janell Robinson, 42, of Newark, is staring down federal prison time after being indicted on multiple counts tied to a $289,000 fraud scheme targeting the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation (NWCDC). The indictment, unsealed today, charges Robinson with one count of conspiracy to defraud the NWCDC using mail and wire transmissions, two counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right affecting interstate commerce.
Between March 2010 and May 2013, while still on the Newark police force, Robinson allegedly operated a shell security-consulting company, Protected and Secured Services LLC (P&S), which billed itself as providing services to the NWCDC — its only client. In reality, prosecutors say the work was either nonexistent or grossly inflated, with Robinson submitting fraudulent invoices that were approved through collusion with insiders. The NWCDC paid out approximately $289,000 to P&S during the scheme’s run.
The indictment alleges Robinson conspired with the NWCDC’s former executive director, whose name was redacted in initial filings, to funnel kickbacks from the fraudulent payments. For each payout P&S received, Robinson allegedly handed over $3,000 in cash — a concealed bribe meant to grease the wheels and keep the scam alive. These payments were not disclosed to the NWCDC and violated both federal anti-kickback statutes and basic fiduciary duty.
Each of the charges against Robinson carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The government is also seeking forfeiture of the full $289,000 in proceeds obtained through the fraud, aiming to strip Robinson of every dollar gained through the criminal enterprise. If convicted, she could face decades behind bars and financial ruin.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation led the probe, with agents from both agencies working under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, respectively. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie F. Schwartz and Jacques S. Pierre of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division, signaling a high-priority federal crackdown on public sector corruption.
Robinson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. She is represented by defense attorney Cynthia H. Hardaway, Esq. The indictment marks the latest blow in a growing pattern of corruption cases tied to municipal operations in northern New Jersey — a reminder that badge and title don’t shield anyone from federal justice when greed takes hold.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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