Former Newark Cop Sentenced on Charge of Shaking Down Dealers

A former Newark police officer who authorities said took part in a conspiracy to steal from suspected drug dealers was sentenced Friday to three years’ probation and a fine of $5,000, the state Attorney General’s office announced. Darius Smith,  a 41-year-old city resident, is also barred from public employment in New Jersey.

The state will also refer the matter to the New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System for “appropriate action” regarding Smith’s pension, the AG’s office said.

The state plans to appeal part of Judge Peter Ryan’s May 11 ruling, which found Smith guilty of only a third-degree conspiracy charge. Smith had originally been indicted on a second-degree charge, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
 
Smith, who had been a Newark officer since 1993, was indicted on Oct. 1, 2004 and immediately suspended.  The indictment charged that from April 2003 to March 2004, Smith and other Newark officers were part of a conspiracy to “shake down” criminal suspects.  The jury found that Smith, while on duty in Newark’s West District, stole money, drugs and weapons from purported drug dealers and others.  However, the jury also found that he received less than $200, making the official misconduct charge a third-degree offense and the theft charge a disorderly persons offense.
 
The Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free Corruption Tipline for the public to report corruption and other illegal activities:1-866-TIPS-4CJ. Additionally, the public can log on to the Division Web site to report suspected wrongdoing. All information received through the tipline or webpage will remain confidential.