Newark’s former Senior Aide Al-Tarik Onque has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, according to Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba.
The 49-year-old East Orange resident, who once worked as a Senior Aide to the Mayor of Newark, admitted using his position to solicit cash bribes in exchange for expedited Certificate of Code Compliance (CCC) or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) documents. These documents are crucial for property owners seeking to make changes to their properties.
Onque’s actions violated City of Newark regulations that require CCCs and COs, often referred to as Certificates of Continued Occupancy, to be obtained from the Newark Department of Engineering before certain occupancy changes. His scheme targeted multiple properties in or around Newark.
The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Onque is scheduled for sentencing on January 15, 2026.
Special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, were credited with leading the investigation that resulted in Onque’s guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francesca Liquori and Matthew Specht are representing the government in this case.
Defense counsel for Al-Tarik Onque is Ernesto Cerimele, Esq., of Newark, New Jersey.
RELATED: Onque Pleads Guilty to Newark Fraud Scheme
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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