Hoboken Housing Authority Commissioner Hector Claveria was arrested for bribery yesterday, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio.
Claveria, 36, was appointed to the board in November under recommendation by Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer and her supporters after they said they wanted “new blood” on the board and pushed for Claveria to replace longtime commissioner Angel Alicea. Several HHA tenants who liked Alicea protested the move. Along with Zimmer, Councilman Michael Russo, who also sits on the housing board, backed Claveria over Alicea.
Claveria was also charged with official misconduct and receiving an unlawful benefit, DeFazio said.
Claveria was arrested after the Prosecutor’s Office was tipped off to possible wrongdoing a week ago by Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia and the Authority’s legal counsel, DeFazio said.
The Special Investigations Unit used surveillance and other methods to determine that Claveria was allegedly involved in moving a tenant up the waiting list at the Housing Authority, and DeFazio said it is believed that Claveria received a “substantial amount of money” – more than $200 to make it a second degree crime – in exchange for his helping the tenant.
DeFazio said Claveria will video-conference before a judge today and is believed to be at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
After his appointment, Claveria became an ally to Mayor Peter Cammarano; he and his wife were integral parts of the campaign and Claveria was also part of transition team. Timothy J. Carroll
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