UPDATE SUSPECT CHARGED & LOCATED:
JAMES R. DAWES
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY
AGE: 34
On Thursday, September 11, 2025 members of the United States Marshal’s Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive
Task Force located and arrested Dawes in Newark, New Jersey. Dawes was wanted in connection with the death
of Kevin Clervil that occurred on Monday, June 02, in the town of Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
After further investigation, on August 28, 2025, Dawes was charged on a Complaint Warrant with the offenses
below. He is currently lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center in Belvidere, New Jersey. The Court
is anticipated to hear the State’s Motion for Pretrial Detention next week.
- Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), a crime of the first degree;
- Certain person not to possess a weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1), a crime of
the second degree;
- Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1), a
crime of the second degree;
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a
permit, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree.
Homicide carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of ten
(10) years in New Jersey State Prison.
The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond
a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the Phillipsburg Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor’s
Office. Assisting with the investigation was the United States Marshal’s Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task
Force, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit, NJSP Strategic Investigations Unit, Essex County Prosecutor’s
Office, and the Newark, Millburn, Greenwich, Lopatcong, and Pohatcong Police Departments.
