Newark Speakeasy's Violent Past Includes Murder, Suicide: Cops

NEWARK, NJ — Police recently arrested the alleged owner of an illegal speakeasy in Essex County that has seen several violent episodes near its premises, including murder, suicide and robberies, authorities say.

Newark authorities allege that the illegal after-hours bar located in the basement of 60 Norwood Street has been a “drain on the police division’s resources for years.” Since 2012, police have been called to the address about 45 times in response to “various problems,” including a suicide that occurred at the bar, three shootings, two robberies, an auto theft and a theft from auto, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose stated.

According to authorities, the latest violent episode to take place near the speakeasy may include murder.

On Thursday, Newark police arrested the alleged owner of the infamous bar, 62-year-old Carol G. Mattis, and charged him with “maintaining a nuisance” after local entertainer Isaac D. Brown, 40, of Newark, - also known as “The Karaoke King” – was shot dead outside the property that morning.

Following Thursday’s shooting, Newark police and members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office executed a search warrant at the home, arresting Mattis and seizing more than 100 bottles of alcohol as evidence.

Ambrose said the illegal bar has “caused havoc” to the Norwood Street community, and stated that he “will personally work with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office to seize [Mattis’] property.”

Authorities have charged Mattis with Maintaining an Unlicensed Liquor Establishment, Illegal Sale of Alcohol, Unlawful Possession of Alcohol and Maintaining a Nuisance. He was also issued summonses for not having a Certificate of Occupancy, Not Having a Certificate of Occupancy Posted and Not Having a Dance Hall License.

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