On May 30, Sergeant Darryl Brown allegedly seized camera gear worth $10,000 from journalist Angelina Katsanis while she documented protests outside Newark’s ICE detention center. The theft, which left Katsanis hospitalized with a severe leg injury, prompted New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport to file a third‑degree theft charge and suspend Brown without pay.

Third‑Degree Theft Charge Stems from $10,000 Camera Raid

The complaint filed by the Attorney General’s Office details that Brown grabbed Katsanis’s bag, causing the journalist to fall and sustain a serious leg injury that required hospitalization. according to the filing, the stolen equipment was recovered during a search warrant executed at Brown’s residence, though some items still bore Katsanis’s name and phone number.

Newark Mayor Cuts Police Presence at Delaney Hall

Mayor Ras Baraka announced a reduction in the Newark Police Department’s presence at the ICE detention center,citing fiscal constraints and the need to protect officers from unnecessary risk.. The city will shift focus to traffic management and general public safety while maintaining a minimal footprint at the facility.

Attorney General Emphasizes Accountability for Law‑Enforcement Misconduct

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the incident as a “betrayal of public trust” and reiterated her office’s commitment to investigating misconduct by law‑enforcement officers. She warned that no officer is above the law and that the case is a direct result of her pledge to review allegations of improper conduct.

Unanswered Questions About the Incident’s Motive and Scope

While the theft charge is clear, the motive behind Brown’s actions remains unverified. The report does not disclose whether Brown acted alone or if other officers were involved. Additionally, the broader impact of the incident on protest dynamics and police-community relations in Newark is still unfolding.