2 Large Newark Parties Busted Amid COVID: ‘Selfish,’ Top Cop Says – Patch.com

NEWARK, NJ — Newark has been one of the hardest-hit cities in New Jersey when it comes to the coronavirus. But despite strict COVID-19 rules and curfews, people continue to hold large, booze-fueled events throughout the Brick City, authorities say.

On Monday, Newark police reported that a pair of “large parties” were busted up last weekend at the same spot: 223 Verona Avenue.

“It’s incredible how once again people put wealth over health,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

“It’s selfish, people like this who perpetuate the spread,” Ambrose added.

According to Newark police, officers responded to Verona Avenue at 11:45 p.m. on Saturday after getting a report about a COVID-19 violation. Police arrived to find a full soccer game in progress, with teams of uniformed players and a crowd of spectators, many without masks and drinking beer.

Police said officers confiscated nearly 1,000 beers – 720 Bud Light Limes and 272 Coronas – and arrested a woman, Rosa E. Mainato, 23, of Irvington, who was allegedly selling beer from a concession stand without a license.

Authorities charged Mainato with maintaining an unlicensed liquor establishment, illegal sale of liquor and unlawful possession of alcohol.

Photo courtesy of the Newark Department of Public Safety

However, it wasn’t long before police were back again, authorities said.

On Sunday, police got a report about another COVID-19 violation at the same address. When officers arrived at 7:40 p.m., they found an estimated 150 to 200 people – including adults and children – inside the building. Many weren’t social distancing or wearing masks, authorities said.

Another Irvington resident, Fanny Camas, 27, was arrested after officers allegedly found her selling beer from a concession stand. Authorities charged Camas with maintaining an unlicensed liquor establishment, illegal sale of liquor and unlawful possession of alcohol.

Police seized $830 in cash and 22 beers, authorities said.

Police continue to investigate both incidents, and more charges are possible, authorities said Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Newark Department of Public Safety

Newark police have broken up other large parties in the recent past.

On Dec. 28, detectives with the Newark Police Department’s vice crimes task force received reports about a large gathering taking place in the basement of a home on Taylor Street. Police heard loud music coming from the residence and once inside, saw about 50 people drinking at tables, authorities said.

On Dec. 27, Newark police busted up a large party in a warehouse on Libella Court. During that incident, police found more than 200 people drinking, eating and gambling, authorities said. READ MORE: Newark Police Bust Second Illegal ‘Bar’ In 2 Days, Authorities Say

As of Monday, Newark has seen 23,316 cumulative COVID-19 cases – more than 45 percent of all the cases in Essex County, according to updated statistics.

Newark officials recently extended the city’s mandatory, citywide curfew for nonessential businesses and some residential neighborhoods. The restrictions will last until at least Feb. 1.

For nonessential businesses, there is a nightly curfew of 8 p.m., which ends at 5 a.m.

For certain zip codes – 07104, 07105, 07107 and 07114 – there is a mandatory 9 p.m. curfew on weekdays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Exceptions are made for people traveling to or from work, or those experiencing an “emergency.”

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