Ex-prosecutor skips hearing on misconduct

Former Jersey City Chief Municipal Prosecutor Abad Perez blew off an administrative hearing into his conduct this week, said city officials, who also released more details of his bizarre month-and-a-half reign over the department.

Facing a slew of administrative charges, Perez didn't show up at Wednesday's hearing, even though he was notified by certified mail and was personally served at his Manalapan home, city officials said.

"(Perez) could have defended his actions," said Stefani Schwartz, the Florham Park attorney hired to represent the city in the matter. "He could have brought counsel as well. He chose not to."

According to a document listing 17 charges against Perez - who ran the city prosecutor's office from Aug. 10 to Sept. 28 -
the ex-cop carried a gun to court during his stint as chief municipal prosecutor; ordered a subordinate to dismiss a summons issued to an acquaintance; and told another subordinate to tell his nephew, a Jersey City police officer, to tell his partner to retract an incident report.

Perez also broke into the desk drawer of a receptionist to remove a spare key for the Chief Municipal Prosecutor's Office, according to city officials. To date, the key hasn't been returned, city officials state.

Perez has also been criminally indicted for striking an ex-tenant in the head with his gun and pointing the firearm at the tenant's boyfriend last Sept. 2. The tenant, Abagail Gonzalez, has claimed she and Perez had a sexual relationship and that Perez got jealous when she took up with a new beau.

Neither Perez nor Gonzalez could be reached for comment.

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy both appointed and suspended Perez, whose first and only job as an attorney with the city was running the prosecutor's office.

Eric Bernstein, a hearing officer hired by the city, has asked Schwartz for a written summary of her arguments by May 5. Bernstein plans to make a recommendation as to what to do about Perez to the City Council within 20 days of receiving that summary, Schwartz said. The city is seeking Perez's permanent removal.

A court hearing on Perez's criminal charges is scheduled on April 26.