A senior aide to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud in connection with a pay-to-play corruption scheme, federal prosecutors announced this week.

The aide admitted to participating in a scheme that exchanged government favors for bribes, a violation carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba released a statement on X confirming the plea and stressing her office’s stance against public corruption.

“Today a former Senior Aide to the Mayor of Newark plead guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud,” Habba stated.

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She added, “This is a clear example of a pay-to-play scheme, where public officials exploit their positions of power to obtain bribes in exchange for doing their jobs. This betrays the trust of the very community members they claim to serve. I will not stand for public corruption anywhere in New Jersey. These charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This is what accountability looks like — and I will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey.”

The case adds to the scrutiny surrounding Newark’s leadership after Mayor Baraka himself was arrested last month for trespassing at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

According to authorities, Baraka entered the facility without authorization in what was described as a political demonstration.

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He was charged with criminal trespass, though the misdemeanor case was later dropped by Habba’s office.

Instead of letting the matter end there, Baraka filed a lawsuit against Acting U.S. Attorney Habba and Homeland Security Special Agent Ricky Patel.

In a 17-page complaint, Baraka alleged false arrest and malicious prosecution. The lawsuit characterized Habba as a “political operative,” language that drew criticism from federal officials.

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Habba responded to the lawsuit directly, urging the mayor to turn his focus to public safety.

“My advice to the mayor – feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey,” Habba said.

The guilty plea by Baraka’s aide underscores a growing wave of corruption cases being pursued in the state.

Federal investigators have made clear that they will continue to target public officials who use their positions for personal gain.

The court has not yet set a sentencing date for the aide, but the individual faces the possibility of significant prison time if the maximum penalties are imposed.

Mayor Baraka has not been charged in the aide’s case and continues to serve as mayor of Newark while pursuing his lawsuit against federal officials.

The outcome of that lawsuit remains pending.

Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have reiterated that their priority is ensuring accountability at all levels of government, emphasizing that public service must not be abused for private benefit.

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The aide’s guilty plea marks the latest development in a series of high-profile cases focused on rooting out corruption among elected officials and their staff in the state.

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