JACKSON, N.J. — Former Paterson mayor Jose “Joey” Torres pleaded guilty on Thursday to criminal contempt for violating a 2017 judicial order that permanently barred him from seeking or holding public office in New Jersey. The plea stems from Torres’ 2022 campaign to retake his former position as mayor, which state officials said was a clear violation of the court’s directive.
Torres, 66, entered his guilty plea before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark in Passaic County, following an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). Under the terms of his plea agreement, state prosecutors will recommend non-custodial probation and any applicable mandatory fines, with sentencing to follow at a later date.
“After his first conviction, the defendant had fair warning that any future attempt to return to public office or employment would result in a criminal charge,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. “This conviction sends the message that, when state law and the court say a disqualification is forever, they mean it.”
The 2017 forfeiture order was imposed after Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit official misconduct. That case involved Torres directing Paterson city employees to perform work at a private warehouse leased by his family members while being paid with taxpayer funds. Torres forfeited his office, served a five-year prison sentence, and was permanently disqualified from public office under state law.
Prior to becoming mayor, Torres worked as the business administrator of Jackson Township, New Jersey. After his election, Torres abandoned the position, a political appointment.
Despite the ban, Torres launched a mayoral campaign in February 2022, announcing his candidacy during a public speech and filing nominating petitions with the Paterson City Clerk’s Office. The clerk rejected his petitions, prompting Torres to file a civil lawsuit seeking their acceptance.
