Full Notification

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé reports the arrest of Christopher Turner, 39, of Irvington, and Melissa Barrett, 44, of Garfield, in connection with multiple acts of lewdness that occurred between February 2024 and August 2024.

The first incident was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in the 200 block of Ferry Street. Two juveniles reported that they observed a man and a woman having sex in public. A photo of the couple engaged in the act was provided to Police.

The second incident was reported on Thursday, July 25, 2024. At approximately 5:12 p.m., Police responded to the 200 block of Ferry Street on a call that a man with his pants below his waist was having sexual intercourse with a woman who was inside the front passenger seat of a vehicle. Both front and rear passenger doors were open and the buttocks’ of the man and woman were exposed. The description of the suspects and vehicle fit the description of the suspects and vehicle in the February 24, 2024 incident.

The third incident was reported at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024. Police responded to the 200 block of Ferry Street on a call of a male and a female, both known to frequent the area, having sex in public. The male parked a red Nissan Murano inside a public parking lot, opened the front and rear passenger doors, and was then met with a female. The man and woman then proceeded to engage in sexual intercourse while outside the vehicle.

Detectives investigating these incidents obtained a warrant for the arrest of Christopher Turner and Melissa Barrett. Each suspect faces six counts of lewdness in public and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
 
These charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. #newarknj #publicsafety #police #community #partnership #newjersey #cops