Roque hit with conspiracy charge; added count will be heard May 14
Indicted West New York Mayor Felix Roque was charged with a superseding count of conspiracy on Friday, according to a story on Politicker NJ. Roque will answer to the new charge, which was also filed against his son Joseph, in federal court on May 14, when he was already scheduled to be tried for computer hacking.
Roque and his son were arrested last May after they allegedly conspired to hack into a political opponent’s website that had been advocating a recall effort against the mayor.
A spokesman for the mayor, Pablo Fonseca, said that Roque is proceeding with his preparation for the trial.
“At this time Mayor Roque will allow the justice system to continue its course,” Fonseca said in a statement. “He believes in our great constitutional democratic system, which states that you are innocent until proven guilty. We need to give the Mayor a chance to clear his name and reputation.”
Fonseca went on to say that Roque will continue to focus on West New York and his private medical practice.
“Mayor Roque will continue to govern and concentrate in serving his community specifically by closing the budget gap without affecting the excellence in services provided to its residents,” said Fonseca. “This will not affect his public office or his medical practice as a physician.”
Union City record producer George Mena dead at 55
Musician, songwriter and record producer George Mena, who for many years owned and operated the MK Records studio in Union City, died last week. He was 55.
Throughout his extensive career, Mena toured with several prominent artists, playing bass for Musique, Billy Paul, Grace Jones, The Tramps, and Donna Summer. As a producer, he worked with Beyonce and Jay-Z, Shakira, Barbara Tucker, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Destiny’s Child, Omarion and Wyclef Jean.
“Working with these artists has been a learning experience and helped prepare me for where I am today,” Mena once said. “I thank God for being given that opportunity.”
Union City Commissioner of Public Affairs Lucio Fernandez, who is also a successful recording artist and actor, remembered Mena fondly.
“[He was] one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. We will miss him dearly,” he said.