When a “Stigma-Free Zone” Fails: The William Krywos Lawsuit Against Ho-Ho-Kus Police
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, A explosive new civil rights lawsuit has put a spotlight on Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, challenging the borough’s commitment to its highly publicized “Stigma-Free” status.
William Krywos, a lifelong resident described by his legal counsel as a “son of Ho-Ho-Kus,” has officially filed a lawsuit against the borough, its police department, and Detective Anthony Balestrieri. The complaint alleges systemic discrimination, false arrest, and gross negligence rooted entirely in his autism spectrum disorder.
1. Arrested for “Muttering” on His Own Property?
The core of the lawsuit stems from an incident on June 13, 2024. Krywos was arrested by Detective Balestrieri and hit with severe charges, including stalking, contempt, and harassment.
The catalyst? Complaints from local neighbors regarding Krywos’s “bodily movements,” singing, and alleged use of vulgar language. However, the details laid out in the legal complaint paint a radically different picture of local surveillance and misunderstanding:
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Camera Surveillance: According to defense attorney Diane Lucianna, the neighbors have multiple security cameras pointed directly at the Krywos family home.
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Self-Stimulatory Behavior: The cameras captured footage of Krywos muttering to himself and making movements while performing routine chores on his own property.
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No Direct Confrontation: The defense emphasizes that Krywos was not looking at the neighbors’ house, and the neighbors never actually witnessed any of this behavior in person—only via recorded footage.
2. Jailed for Two Weeks Before Total Dismissal
Rather than issuing a standard summons for a neighborly dispute, the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department escalated the situation by filing an arrest warrant. As a result, Krywos spent two weeks in jail and was subsequently indicted in September 2024.
The legal tide turned completely when the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the evidence and dismissed all charges against Krywos.
The lawsuit now accuses local law enforcement of intentionally withholding clear, exculpatory evidence that proved his innocence from the start, arguing that officials should have known there was absolutely no probable cause for an arrest.
3. The Local Paradox: Bergen County’s Stigma-Free Campaign
The lawsuit highlights a glaring contradiction in local policy. Bergen County has actively promoted a countywide campaign aimed at reducing the social stigmas associated with mental illness and neurodivergence, designating Ho-Ho-Kus as a safe, “Stigma-Free Zone.”
“Stigma-free zones have got to mean something. And this is the one guy in town they all know because he doesn’t fit the mold… Being different should not be illegal.” — Diane Lucianna, Attorney for William Krywos
Lucianna publicly stated that her client has been treated as the “town oddball” by an affluent community that would simply prefer to see him leave.
4. A Complex History and the Path Forward
While the defense maintains Krywos has been unfairly targeted, the borough’s history shows a complex relationship. Police records dating back to 1998 indicate prior complaints involving disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and harassment, though the ultimate outcomes of those older cases remain unclear.
At the time of his 2024 arrest, Krywos was on probation. However, his attorney notes that he was subsequently placed on proper medical care, and his behavior has been completely law-abiding ever since.
The lawsuit seeks accountability under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, signaling a major legal battle ahead for the small Bergen County borough. Ho-Ho-Kus officials, including Police Chief Mike LaCroix and the Borough Administrator, have not yet returned requests for public comment.
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Something obviously is going on in the police department in that town. Because there’s been a lot of dirty shit going on, I don’t think it’s bullshit. Way too many police officers are coming forward.