Newark Housing Inspector Offered To Drop Fines For Money, Prosecutors Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An Essex County resident has been accused of “extorting” the owner of a multi-family building in Newark while working as a housing inspector in the city, prosecutors say.

Jaquan T. McGiver, 50, of Belleville, allegedly offered to dismiss fines related to documented violations at a multi-family dwelling on Lexington Street in Newark for $1,500, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The owner didn’t pay the money and reported the incident to city officials, prosecutors said – sparking a probe from the Newark Police Division’s special investigations unit.

McGiver has been charged with second-degree theft by extortion, Essex County prosecutors said last week.

“Newark residents have the right to expect that safety inspections are conducted fairly and honestly,” Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing said.

“Attempting to extort money to overlook violations not only undermines public safety but erodes public trust,” Downing said.

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