WEST NEW YORK AND BEYOND – West New York Mayor Felix Roque and his son Joseph pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning in Newark in federal court, according to NJ.com. The two have been charged with three counts of computer hacking. The NJ.com article stated that Bryan Blaney, Roque’s attorney, argued that the case may be politically motivated.
Roque was formally indicted on Aug. 9 after his and his son’s May 24 arrest and arraignment for allegedly hacking into the website of his political opponents
The pair could each face up to 11 years in prison and $600,000 in fines if convicted on several counts related to computer hacking.
Roque has stated in the past that he has no intention of resigning as mayor as a result of the indictment.