Mercer Times

The former mayor of Paterson, Jose “Joey” Torres, has been sentenced to three years of probation for launching a mayoral campaign in 2022 despite being banned from holding public office. This sentence follows a plea agreement reached with the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). In addition to probation, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark imposed a $10,000 fine on Torres.

Torres pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court during a hearing on December 19, 2024. "Mr. Torres tried to avoid the consequences of his first public corruption conviction when he ran for mayor again," said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. He added that the conviction demonstrates that violations of law will not be tolerated.

Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, stated: "The lesson from this case is simple: the consequences of a public corruption conviction are real." He emphasized that his office would ensure equal application of the law.

Torres was previously barred from public office after pleading guilty in September 2017 to conspiracy to commit official misconduct and serving five years in state prison. The misconduct involved directing city employees to work at a private warehouse leased by his relatives while they were paid by taxpayers.

In March 2022, new charges were filed against Torres when he announced another mayoral bid despite the existing court order. A State grand jury indicted him for criminal contempt on September 26, 2023.

The complaint highlighted that Torres publicly declared his candidacy in February 2022 and attempted to submit nominating petitions at the Paterson City Clerk’s Office. The clerk rejected these petitions, leading Torres to file a civil lawsuit demanding their acceptance.

Deputy Attorney General Adam Gerken prosecuted the case under supervision from OPIA's Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Frank L. Valdinoto and Bureau Co-Director Jeffrey J. Manis.