NJ Man Caused ‘Drug-Induced Death’ Of Newark Fire Captain: Prosecutor

NEWARK, NJ — A Kearny resident has been accused of distributing the drugs that caused the death of a fire captain in Newark, authorities recently announced.

Carlos A. Rivera, 49, of Sayreville, was found deceased inside the firehouse at 269-271 Park Avenue in Newark on Jan. 15. Authorities previously said Rivera was found "unresponsive" along with a second person – a retired firefighter – who was also discovered unconscious.

Both were transported to University Hospital; Rivera was pronounced dead at the hospital. A preliminary investigation “showed no signs of violence,” prosecutors said. Read More: Newark Captain Found Dead In Firehouse; Authorities Release ID

On Friday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced that police made an arrest in connection with Rivera’s death.

Eliasel Baez, 42, of Kearny, has been charged with strict liability drug-induced death for distributing a controlled dangerous substance that caused the death of Rivera. He was also charged with counts of distribution of CDS cocaine and distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force continues to investigate Rivera’s death. Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

“Essex County leads the state in drug overdoses,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said.

“Given those numbers, it is important we fully investigate these cases and charge the perpetrators with strict liability homicide when appropriate,” Stephens said. “The facts and circumstances in this case warranted those charges.”

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