Forfeiture Statute Put To Work On Newark Councilwoman

Newark Central Ward Councilwoman Dana Rone has been ordered to forfeit her public office after having been convicted for obstructing justice, a disorderly persons offense, during a routine traffic stop involving a relative. In a written opinion, Essex County Assignment Judge Patricia Costello held that the offense "touches and involves" Rone's public position, and therefore, compels forfeiture of her public office. N.J.S.A. 2C:51-2a(2) provides that such forfeiture is an automatic civil penalty which is a collateral consequence of a conviction for a crime or offense as the convicted official "shall forfeit such office [if] convicted of an offense involving or touching such office. . . ."