UNION CITY – Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio announced today that Eduardo Gonzalez, 51, of Union City, was indicted today for selling liquor without a license and possessing liquor for intent to sell it without a license.
Gonzalez, owner of the after hours establishment Studio 45 Nite Club in Union City, came under investigation after a murder took place at the club earlier this year.
DeFazio said Gonzalez was also charged with disorderly persons offense due to “conduct that went on at his business.”
Studio 45 was shut down by Union City officials the day after the deadly stabbing amid allegations that the club had been serving alcohol years after its permit was revoked.
The charges Gonzalez faces are fourth degree crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in state prison, according to DeFazio.
No specific court date has been set but DeFazio said Gonzalez should be arraigned later next month.
Two West New York cousins and undocumented Mexican immigrants, Juan Ventura Balbuena, 19, and Daniel Balbuena, 18, were charged in the stabbing that investigators said was the result of a fight outside the Bergenline Avenue establishment that occurred on May 30.
The incident left Union City resident Ivan Restrepo, 23, dead, and his brother, Alejandro Restrepo, 19, also of Union City, in critical condition.
Juan Ventura Balbuena was caught at the scene but his cousin Daniel allegedly fled and eventually turned himself in to authorities.
Both are now in Hudson County Correctional Center facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses.
DeFazio said that they are pending presentation to the grand jury for indictment, which should occur soon.