Secaucus Anti-Crime Unit Makes Arrests and Seizes Three Handguns

On March 14, 2024, Malahki E. Issac, 18, of Newark was arrested by the Secaucus Police Department Anti-Crime Unit and charged with burglarizing and stealing from a motor vehicle in Secaucus.  Subsequent to his arrest, detectives from the Anti-Crime Unit discovered evidence that Malahki E. Issac was involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms and conducted an investigation into these crimes. 

Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller and Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announce that on April 4, 2024 at 12:10 P.M. Detectives from the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit arrested Malahki E. Issac on Springfield Avenue in Newark pursuant to an warrant issued for him, charging him with possessing stolen handguns and the possession of handguns by a minor. 

Shortly thereafter, Newark Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit secured Malahki E. Issac’s residence, located on the  200 block of Muhammad Ali Avenue.  Members of the Secaucus Police Department Anti-Crime Unit, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) conducted a court authorized search of the residence.

During the search over 400 rounds of rifle ammunition was seized, along with a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun and a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun, which was reported stolen from Winston-Salem, NC.  Both handguns were fully loaded with high capacity magazines.  Furthermore, a search of Malahki E. Issac’s grandmother’s safe uncovered a .38 Special revolver that she did not lawfully acquire.  Therefore, Lynda Steagell, 63, of Newark was also placed under arrest. 

“I continually state that criminals who commit a crime in Secaucus that affects our residents’ quality of life are on notice that I will allow Secaucus Police Detectives to travel into any locale they need to and apprehend them and charge them with any crimes they are involved in.” Chief Dennis Miller said. “The arrest is yet another example of the nexus between recidivist car thieves and violent armed offenders. I am extremely proud of the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit and I want to thank the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark Police Department and the ATF for their assistance in this case, which was only successfully because of the law enforcement collaboration.”

“I thank Secaucus Police and this case shows the importance of collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies,” Prosecutor Stevens said.  “The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is always willing to work with our law enforcement counterparts to protect the residents of New Jersey.” 

Malahki E. Issac was charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property (Firearms) [2C:20-7a], four counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Minor [2C:58-6.1(a)] and two counts of Possession of High Capacity Magazines [2C:39-3j].  He was lodged in the Essex County Jail.  Lynda Steagell was charged with Violating the Regulatory Provisions Relating to Firearms [2C:39-10a(1)] and released, pending her appearance in Court.  These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.