Political peace breaks out
HUDSON COUNTY – Hudson County Democratic Chairman Mark A. Smith announced Monday that all three Hudson County incumbent Democratic state senators will be running on the party line in the June 2013 primary, in their respective districts: Sen. Sandra Cunningham (31st), Sen. Nicholas Sacco (32nd), and Sen. Brian Stack (33rd Dist.)
In making the announcement, Chairman Smith expressed his support for each of the senators. “We are indeed fortunate to be represented in the State Senate by three distinguished, hard-working, passionate representatives of the people. The Democratic Party and the people of New Jersey have been well served by our senators who fight for us and stand up for Democratic family values every day,” said Chairman Smith.
“I’m pleased to, once again, be able to debunk the perennial rumors of discord and disharmony within the HCDO,” said Smith. “Our Democratic Party is united and eager to get to work electing Democrats this fall.”
Sacco said, “We are happy to support Chairman Mark Smith an Democratic Party Unity because our candidates continue to be the only true advocates for middle class taxpayers, families and senior citizens—in Hudson County, New Jersey and America.”
Stack said, “Ultimately, we are all striving for the same objectives, which are enhanced quality of life and advocacy for local residents. I’m happy to work with anyone who is willing to fight for their constituency.”
Chairman Smith thanked the senators, saying they “are each, fierce advocates for the people that they represent. They work hard and they play to win and that’s a good thing for Hudson County.”
Bayonne man charged with production of child pornography
A federal grand jury today indicted Gregory John Schaffer, 35, of Bayonne for allegedly producing and possessing images and videos of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman announced said Schaffer was charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Schaffer was indicted on July 2, 2012, in the Eastern District of New York, with allegedly coercing and enticing a minor to travel for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity, coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Those charges are pending.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the New York field office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James T. Hayes, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Harris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
Fire captain suspended for alleged DWI
Fire Captain John Leahy, 46, has been suspended without pay pending an investigation, said Public Safety Director Jason O’Donnell. Authorities are looking into allegations surrounding three separate alleged DWI incidents within a half hour earlier this month.
Leahy was allegedly involved in crashes near 30th Street on March 5 and was suspended without pay, pending a hearing.
Leahy, who has served on the Bayonne Fire Department for more than 20 years, was commended two years ago in the role he played in rescuing a 61-year-old woman from an Avenue A fire.
The charges against him stem from a series of crashes that occurred around 8:30 a.m. on March 5 in which the perpetrator allegedly left the scene of an accident, allegedly ran a red light, and allegedly had an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. City officials said Leahy will face a hearing shortly.
Police blotter
Thomas P. Johnston, 26, of Bayonne was charged with DWI on March 10 after Bayonne Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the area of 56 W. 67th Street at about 11:10 p.m. Johnston was brought to Bayonne Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries where a blood test was also performed.
Ashas. L. Patthan 18, of Bayonne and Luis DelValle, 23, of Jersey City were charged with possession of marijuana on March 9 after they were questioned by police in their vehicle parked after hours at Bayonne Crossing mall.