Palisades Park Mayor Paul Kim Under Investigation Amid Lawsuit Allegations

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Palisades Park  NJ, Palisades Park Mayor Chong “Paul” Kim was reportedly under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2024, according to a legal filing by a police officer seeking $2 million in damages from the borough.

Lawsuit Alleges Retaliation Against Whistleblower

Police Officer Michael DeBartolo recently filed a tort notice claiming he was unfairly targeted with an Internal Affairs (IA) investigation after giving a witness statement in an investigation involving Mayor Kim. According to DeBartolo’s legal team, the IA probe, launched in December 2024, was a “sham” designed to deny him a promotion and discredit his claims as a whistleblower.

DeBartolo’s lawsuit states he suffered physical and mental distress, lost wages, and reputational damage due to the alleged retaliation.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Battles

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) has not confirmed or denied the existence of an investigation into Mayor Kim. However, at least two other borough employees and officials have confirmed they were also interviewed by investigators, though they fear retaliation.

Kim’s attorney, Scott Krumholz, has denied all allegations, stating the claims come from “a disgruntled former employee.”

Pattern of Lawsuits Against the Mayor and Borough

This latest lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal actions involving Mayor Kim and the borough.

• Election Interference & Harassment Allegations: Kim has been named in multiple lawsuits, including a federal case, alleging misconduct, including sexual harassment by former female employees.

• Retaliation Against Police Officers: Several officers, including Robert DeVito, have sued Kim and the borough, alleging discrimination and political interference with promotions.

• Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: Over the past five years, the Palisades Park Police Department has paid over $2 million in legal settlements related to hostile work environment and retaliation claims.

Kim’s Resignation from County Position

During the alleged investigation period, Kim resigned from his county position as director of the Palisades Park Senior Activity Center. His resignation letter, obtained via an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, indicated he left voluntarily on October 8, 2024.

Despite these ongoing legal battles, Kim has continued to deny wrongdoing. His future as mayor remains uncertain as investigations and lawsuits unfold.

What’s Next?

With multiple lawsuits pending and ongoing legal scrutiny, the political and legal landscape in Palisades Park remains volatile. Residents and officials alike are closely watching how these investigations will impact the borough’s leadership.

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