Jose "Joey" Torres, the former mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, has admitted guilt in connection with his attempt to run for mayor again in 2022. This move was in violation of a court order from 2017 that prohibited him from seeking or holding public office. The announcement was made by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
During a hearing on December 19, 2024, Torres, aged 66, pleaded guilty to criminal contempt-of-court (4th degree) before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark in Passaic County. The charge stemmed from an investigation conducted by OPIA’s Corruption Bureau.
The plea agreement stipulates that the state will recommend non-custodial probation for Torres, though the court will determine the duration at sentencing alongside any mandatory fines.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “After his first conviction, the defendant had fair warning that any future attempt to return to public office or employment would result in a criminal charge. But he tried to run for his old seat anyway.” He added that this conviction underscores the seriousness of disqualification orders under state law.
Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA remarked, “After being convicted of a public corruption crime, the defendant tried to claim that the court’s order didn’t mean what it said. No one is above the law, as this conviction demonstrates.”
In 2017, Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit official misconduct after directing city employees to work at a private warehouse leased by his daughter and nephew while on city payroll. This led to a five-year prison sentence and permanent disqualification from holding public office or employment in New Jersey.
The forfeiture order issued on September 25, 2017 barred Torres from public positions indefinitely and warned of criminal charges if violated. In March 2022, following his renewed bid for mayoral candidacy which breached this order, new charges were filed against him.
Torres publicly declared his candidacy in February 2022 and attempted to submit nominating petitions at Paterson City Clerk’s Office which were rejected. He then pursued legal action demanding acceptance of these petitions.
Deputy Attorney General Adam Gerken prosecuted the case under supervision from OPIA Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Frank L. Valdinoto and others within OPIA leadership.
