Newark, NJ — A former senior aide to the Mayor of Newark, Al-Tarik Onque, 49, of East Orange, has admitted in federal court to accepting cash bribes to expedite city permits.
Onque pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, prosecutors announced.
Court documents state that Onque leveraged his City Hall position to solicit cash from individuals seeking certificates of code compliance or certificates of occupancy. In exchange, he promised to fast-track approvals for multiple Newark properties.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba, Onque faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on January 15, 2026.
This case highlights ongoing federal efforts to prosecute corruption within local government, ensuring public officials cannot misuse their positions for personal gain.
