photo Mayor John Labrosse and Campaign Team
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, as the May 13 municipal election approaches, Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse, his campaign manager Zonie LeSane, and his running mates face a defamation lawsuit filed by Hackensack Police Lt. Anthony DiPersia.
Defamation Lawsuit Stems from Political Endorsement
The lawsuit alleges that Labrosse and his campaign team spread false statements about DiPersia, aiming to damage his character, reputation, and standing in the community.
The controversy erupted after Hackensack Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 9A, the supervisory officers’ union, endorsed Hackensack Unites, the opposing slate in the May 13 City Council election.
As the union’s president, DiPersia signed the endorsement letter, urging voters to back Hackensack Unites for a “fresh start” for the city and its police department.
Labrosse Campaign Accuses DiPersia of Misconduct
The Labrosse team responded with a March 8 campaign statement, claiming the endorsement letter was an attempt to undermine their efforts to eliminate corruption within the Hackensack Police Department.
The statement named DiPersia as one of the few rogue superior officers who allegedly manipulated the system to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars through extra-duty jobs instead of fulfilling his actual role.
According to the statement, DiPersia was among the “worst offenders” and earned over $225,000 in 2021. It credited the Labrosse administration with ending his alleged scheme, saying the reforms effectively halted DiPersia’s lucrative activities and that he was seeking revenge by involving the police union in politics.
The campaign further warned that a victory for “DiPersia’s team” would bring back a corrupt system that misused taxpayer dollars and harmed the police department.
DiPersia Previously Cleared of Allegations
The lawsuit disputes the claims made in Labrosse’s statement, arguing that officers working extra-duty assignments are paid by private contractors, not taxpayer funds.
Additionally, DiPersia’s attorney, Robert Tandy, emphasized that an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office cleared DiPersia of any wrongdoing regarding overtime and extra-duty work.
“The BCPO fully exonerated Lt. DiPersia after finding that he did not violate any laws, regulations, or policies issued by the Attorney General or County Prosecutor,” said Tandy.
Labrosse Campaign Dismisses Lawsuit as “Political Speech”
Nick Bond, a spokesman for Labrosse’s campaign, dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that the campaign statement is protected political speech under New Jersey’s anti-SLAPP law, which shields individuals from lawsuits meant to silence free speech.
“This law was designed for cases like this when someone like DiPersia tries to misuse the legal system to silence political opponents,” Bond stated.
Labrosse, LeSane, and the other defendants plan to file for immediate dismissal of the lawsuit.
“DiPersia is a public figure who involved himself in this election,” Bond added. “If he can’t handle his hypocrisy and history of exploiting Hackensack taxpayers being exposed, he should find a new line of work.”
Election Impact
With the May 13 election fast approaching, this lawsuit could influence voters as tensions rise in Hackensack’s political landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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