WEST NEW YORK – After being arrested early Thursday morning and arraigned in Newark, Federal District Judge Mark S. Falk determined that West New York Mayor Dr. Felix Roque and his son Joseph, 22, could each face up to 11 years in prison and $600,000 in fines on computer hacking charges, according to West New York Attorney Gilberto Garcia.
Richard Rivera, a former West New York police officer, attended the arraignment and told the Reporter that Roque’s ex-wife, Joseph’s mother, passed out and fell to the floor in the courthouse row in front of Rivera during the proceedings.
For the first two counts of alleged unauthorized computer access and conspiracy to gain unauthorized computer access, the Roques face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. They face an additional year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the misdemeanor of allegedly causing damage to computers that were protected.
Bail for both was set at $100,000 bond, they had to surrender their passports, and their travel is restricted to New Jersey and New York. Their internet and computer use has also been severely restricted.
The Roques will face a preliminary hearing on June 4. – Gennarose Pope
UPDATE: WNY Mayor and son could face up to 11 years in prison; courthouse drama ensues
