NEWARK, N.J. – In a bold move, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has put a lid on a violent Newark man who’s been terrorizing the streets. 31-year-old Antoine Hawkins, of Newark, has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for his involvement in two shootings, as well as possessing a handgun with an extended magazine and possessing heroin with the intent to distribute.
According to documents filed in the case, Hawkins pleaded guilty to charges including possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden handed down the sentence in federal court in Newark.
Hawkins’ downward spiral into violence began on Aug. 18, 2020, when a video surveillance camera caught him firing a gun on a Newark street, striking a victim who miraculously survived the shooting. A month earlier, on Aug. 13, 2020, Hawkins was also identified as the perpetrator of another shooting in Newark. Ballistic tests matched cartridge casings from both shooting locations, leaving no doubt that Hawkins was behind the crimes.
Law enforcement caught up with Hawkins on Sept. 16, 2020, after observing a firearm in his jacket during a traffic stop. A subsequent search revealed a 9-millimeter pistol loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition. A search warrant executed at his residence uncovered 626 glassine envelopes containing heroin and three 9-millimeter magazines.
“Today’s sentencing marks a major victory in our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Newark,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “We are committed to holding accountable those who put the safety of our community at risk.” The investigation was led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Newark Department of Public Safety, the DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has been working closely with the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in the area as part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). This partnership has resulted in the prosecution of numerous violent offenders, including Hawkins, who pose a threat to the safety of the community.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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