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Paterson Housing Inspector Charged with Accepting Bribe for Fraudulent Building Permits
Jose Fermin, a Paterson Housing and Zoning Inspector, has been charged with second-degree bribery and official misconduct for allegedly accepting money in exchange for issuing fraudulent building permits and other records purportedly issued by the City of Paterson.
Paterson Housing and Zoning Inspector, Jose Fermin, has been charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree bribery and second-degree official misconduct. Fermin, a 50-year-old resident of Prospect Park, N.J., was charged on Wednesday following an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) Corruption Bureau.
According to the investigation, Fermin allegedly accepted money from an unnamed co-conspirator, identified as "Co-Conspirator #1," in exchange for providing fraudulent building permits and other fake records that were purportedly issued by the City of Paterson but were never actually issued. The investigation also revealed that Fermin showed Co-Conspirator #1 how to forge the signature of the Paterson director of planning and zoning on one or more records that were allegedly issued by the City.
Fermin's actions were a clear violation of a duty under the Paterson Personnel Policies and Procedures manual that required him to refrain from accepting any gifts from any individual who had or was likely to have any professional or official transactions with the City.
“The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is working hard to deter this type of dishonest conduct and build a culture of integrity in government and public agencies,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “This defendant allegedly tried to undermine the inspection system and evade rules designed to keep New Jerseyans safe. Anyone who we discover engaging in this type of conduct will be investigated and prosecuted.”
Fermin is facing multiple charges, including second-degree bribery, second-degree official misconduct, and various other offenses such as forgery, tampering with public records and falsifying or tampering with records. Deputy Attorneys General Eric Cohen, Samantha Thoma, and Caroline Oliveira are prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jeffrey Manis, Bureau Chief Peter Lee, and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione.
The charges against Fermin are serious and carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000. However, it should be noted that these charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“The harm here goes well beyond the back room deals and crooked payoffs,” said Attorney General Platkin. “When the public is placed at risk and loses faith in our government institutions, we all lose. This action sends a strong message that we will aggressively prosecute this type of public corruption.”
This case highlights the importance of maintaining ethical conduct in public service and the severe consequences that come with violating that trust. The OPIA Corruption Bureau will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices that undermine the integrity of our government institutions.
