Newark Mayor's Brother Arrested Over 19-Year-Old Probation Violation

Well, here’s a development that’s certainly making headlines across Newark and beyond. Alphaeus "Al" Williams, perhaps better known as the brother of city Mayor Ras Baraka, found himself in a rather unexpected predicament this week. After what can only be described as an incredibly long wait—19 years, to be precise—Williams has been arrested for allegedly violating probation from a 2006 conviction. Yes, you read that right: 2006.

The arrest, carried out by the diligent officers of the Essex County Sheriff's Office, isn't about some new transgression, but rather a long-dormant issue from nearly two decades ago. The original charge stems from an incident where Williams was convicted of assaulting a police officer. It’s a detail that, frankly, raises a few eyebrows and prompts the question: why now, after all this time?

Let's rewind a bit to that initial incident in 2006. According to official reports from the time, Williams, then just 25, was involved in a chaotic confrontation. He was accused of punching a police officer, actively resisting arrest, and even required multiple deployments of a Taser to be brought under control. It was, by all accounts, a tumultuous episode that ultimately led to his conviction and, consequently, a probation sentence.

For almost two decades, it seemed that particular chapter had been closed, or at least put on a very, very long hold. Then, suddenly, comes this arrest. The timing is, to say the least, peculiar. Alphaeus Williams is currently a significant figure in city administration, serving as the Director of Community Engagement for Newark. His role often puts him squarely in the public eye, working closely with residents and local initiatives.

This isn't the first time Williams has faced legal scrutiny, though the circumstances have varied widely. In 2017, for instance, he was charged with simple assault against a woman, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. Those charges, however, were ultimately dismissed in 2018. So, while he’s had brushes with the law, this latest situation feels distinctly different, given its historic nature.

Given his close relationship to the mayor, this arrest naturally carries a certain political weight. Mayor Baraka's opponents have, in the past, tried to leverage any controversies involving his brother. One can only imagine the conversations already happening in political circles about this unexpected development, particularly as we move closer to future election cycles. For now, Williams has been released after posting $10,000 bail, and the legal process will now, presumably, unfold.