WCNYH
Longshoreman Application Denied For Previous Disqualifying Convictions, Fraudulent Filing of Commercial Drivers’ License and Multiple Acts of Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation
March 15, 2023
The Waterfront Commission denied the application of Antonio Williams, 42, of Newark, New Jersey, for registration as a longshoreman. Williams had applied for registration as a longshoreman with sponsorship from Port Newark Container Terminal. Following an administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the ALJ recommended that the Commission deny Williams’ application because of two disqualifying felony or high misdemeanor convictions, his fraudulent filing of a Commercial Drivers’ License, multiple instances of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation on his application and during a sworn Commission interview, and because his presence at the piers or other waterfront terminals poses a danger to the public peace or safety.
Specifically, the ALJ found that in Essex County Superior Court Williams was convicted of:
- Distribution on or Within 1,000 Feet of School Property, in violation of N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-7, a 3rd Degree offense;
- Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S.A. § 2C: 35-10a(1), a 3rd Degree offense; and
- Eluding Police, in violation of N.J.S.A. § 2C:29-2, a 3rd Degree offense.
The ALJ also found that Williams had committed fraud, deceit or misrepresentation on his application by: (1) falsely denying that he had ever been arrested for, charged with, indicted for, or convicted of the commission or the attempt or conspiracy to commit illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon; (2) falsely denying that he had ever been arrested for, charged with, indicted for, or convicted of the commission or the attempt or conspiracy to commit buying, receiving or possessing stolen property; and (3) providing false residential information on his application. The ALJ further found that Williams had committed multiple acts of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation during a sworn Commission interview regarding his prior arrests, and that he had falsely provided an incorrect name to police when arrested on multiple occasions.
In light of the foregoing, the ALJ determined that Williams’ presence on the piers or other waterfront terminals would constitute a danger to the public peace or safety. The ALJ found Williams’ testimony “lacking in candor and in personal insight to an extent that his previous bad conduct cannot be ignored,” and that he “cannot be trusted as a longshoreman to faithfully report illegal or unsafe conduct on the waterfront.”
The Commission adopted the ALJ’s Report and Recommendation and ordered the denial of Williams’ application for registration as a longshoreman.
