TRENTON, N.J. — A Paterson zoning inspector and two accomplices admitted participating in a scheme that provided fraudulent zoning permits and forged city documents to applicants in exchange for cash payments, New Jersey officials announced Friday.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability said Jose Fermin, 54, of Prospect Park, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit official misconduct after investigators uncovered a years-long operation involving fake zoning approvals bearing forged signatures from Paterson’s Planning and Zoning Director.
Authorities said applicants seeking city permits received illegitimate zoning certificates for residential construction and other projects, in some cases without submitting building plans at all.
The corruption case centers on conduct that prosecutors say unfolded between December 2020 and February 2022.
Investigators Say Forged Documents Bypassed City Oversight
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Fermin worked with Jose Juan Guerrero-Cruz, 46, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, and Alfonlly Monegro-Camilo, 28, of Paterson, to distribute fraudulent zoning permits and related paperwork in exchange for money.
Guerrero-Cruz pleaded guilty Friday to official misconduct, while Monegro-Camilo previously pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery charges and acknowledged the involvement of the other defendants, prosecutors said.
Investigators said the forged documents included the falsified signature of Paterson’s Planning and Zoning Director, allowing applicants to obtain approvals outside normal city review procedures.
The state alleged that some individuals were told they could secure permits without providing construction plans, bypassing safeguards designed to regulate development and ensure compliance with municipal codes.
Key Points
• A Paterson zoning inspector pleaded guilty in a forged permit scheme tied to illegal payments
• Prosecutors said fake zoning approvals carried forged city signatures
• The alleged conspiracy operated between 2020 and 2022, according to investigators
Attorney General Calls Public Corruption “Unacceptable”
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the case reflects a breach of public trust involving officials responsible for enforcing local regulations.
“Each and every day members of the public follow the rules expecting that the officials they interact with will do the same,” Davenport said in a statement. “The defendants in this case exploited their positions of public trust for their own personal gain.”
“Corruption at every level of government is unacceptable,” she added.
The investigation led to a seven-count state grand jury indictment in February 2024 against Fermin and Guerrero-Cruz. Prosecutors later filed a superseding indictment in October 2025 adding Monegro-Camilo to the case.
Prison Recommended for Former Zoning Inspector
Under his plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend that Fermin serve three years in state prison.
As part of the guilty plea, Fermin immediately forfeited all public employment and will be permanently barred from holding future government positions in New Jersey.
Guerrero-Cruz is expected to receive probation with a condition requiring 364 days in county jail, while prosecutors said Monegro-Camilo faces noncustodial probation under his agreement.
Sentencing dates have already been scheduled. Monegro-Camilo is set for sentencing June 29, Guerrero-Cruz on June 25 and Fermin on July 31.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s Corruption Bureau led the investigation and prosecution.