HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — July 30, 2025

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the arrest of six additional individuals in connection with a sweeping, six-month narcotics investigation that has rocked multiple municipalities in North Jersey. These new arrests bring the total number of individuals charged in the case to thirteen, including multiple public employees and law enforcement officers.

According to Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the investigation, led by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and Internal Affairs Unit, has resulted in the seizure of more than four kilograms of suspected cocaine, two handguns, seven vehicles, and over $70,000 in cash. The total street value of the narcotics recovered exceeds $150,000.

Latest Arrests Include Municipal Employees

Between July 28 and July 29, six additional suspects were arrested and charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess cocaine. Several of the arrestees are employees of the Town of West New York, further deepening concerns about public corruption within the municipality.

Jorge Delgado, 44, a security guard with the Town of West New York Johann Messina, 57, a laborer with the Town of West New York Carlos Begueria, 49, an employee of the West New York Parking Authority Dean Mannion, 61, of North Bergen Steven Betancourt, 43, of West New York Priscilla Acevedo, 44, of North Bergen

All are charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine, a third-degree crime.

Initial Raids Revealed Drug Lab, Firearms, and Official Misconduct

On July 17, law enforcement conducted coordinated search warrant raids across West New York, North Bergen, and Union City. These operations uncovered a fully operational narcotics production facility and led to the arrest of seven individuals, including former and current law enforcement and municipal personnel.

Among the most serious charges:

Alfredo Diaz, 50, of Union City, is accused of leading the narcotics operation. He faces over two dozen charges, including first-degree leadership of a narcotics trafficking network, maintaining a CDS production facility, multiple counts of conspiracy, distribution within school zones and public property, weapons offenses, child endangerment, and money laundering. Ileana Hernandez, 56, a dispatcher with the West New York Police Department, is charged with official misconduct, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and participating in a pattern of misconduct—a serious blow to the public trust in local law enforcement. Edwin Martinez, 39, of North Bergen, faces numerous charges including first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, multiple firearms violations, receiving stolen property, and distribution near public spaces and schools. Daniel Diaz, 28, of West New York, faces second- and third-degree drug distribution charges, including offenses near school zones and public property. Thomas Mannion, 60, a retired West New York Police Detective, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Marquis Santiago, 33, a Hudson County Correctional Police Officer, is charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine. Cristian Cortez, 55, of Englewood, is also charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Public Sector Ties Raise Alarms

The arrests of municipal workers, a police dispatcher, a retired detective, and a correctional officer highlight a disturbing pattern of official misconduct tied to the drug trade in Hudson County. Officials involved in the investigation describe the network as sophisticated and deeply embedded in public agencies.

Prosecutor Suarez emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. “The extent to which public servants were allegedly involved in this narcotics operation is deeply troubling,” she said. “We will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads.”

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This story will be updated as new details emerge from the ongoing investigation.

Hudson County, NJ — A political transformation is underway at the top of Hudson County’s law enforcement leadership, and it’s brimming with promise. Republican candidate Elvis Alvarez, a decorated Hispanic law-enforcement veteran, is poised to bring change to the Sheriff’s Office—will he be backed by none other than outgoing five-term Sheriff Frank Schillari, who recently crossed party lines?

Frank Schillari: A Proven Public Servant Embraces Republican Values

After 15 years serving as Hudson County Sheriff—first elected in 2010—Frank Schillari has announced his switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party in July 2025, following a narrow loss in the June 10 Democratic primary to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. At age 78, Schillari emphasized that his decision was rooted in principle, not politics:

“Leadership isn’t about party lines … my oath never mentioned a party, it mentioned the people. That’s who I serve.” 

Republican county leaders quickly embraced Schillari’s move. Hudson County GOP Chair Jose Arango praised his switch as evidence of the GOP’s inclusive values, calling it “proof that the Democrats are a shrinking party” and affirming that the Republican Party is “here for all New Jerseyans who want commonsense, lower taxes, lower crime”—a message echoing concerns many residents hold. 

Elvis Alvarez: A Strong Republican Candidate with Local Roots

Running in the November 4, 2025 general election, Elvis Alvarez is the Republican nominee for Sheriff. A veteran West New York police officer with over two decades of service, Alvarez steadily rose through the ranks—eventually earning respect as a juvenile detective and community youth coach. He won his primary with over 95% of the vote. 

Sheriff Frank Schillari’s recent party switch and the GOP wave building across Hudson County, Alvarez brings the law enforcement experience, community dedication, and common-sense approach voters are seeking.

The Road to November: A Shift in Hudson County Politics

Schillari’s loss in the June 10 Democratic primary was close: he received about 46% of the vote versus Jimmy Davis’s 53%—roughly 31,200 votes to 32,600.  His campaign had highlighted past sexual harassment allegations and an overturned jury verdict involving Davis. Schillari’s team ran mailers calling Davis a “creep” and referencing lawsuits; although Davis was cleared and the $500,000 verdict vacated, the messaging resonated with many voters concerned about accountability. 

Why Republicans Are in a Strong Position

Bipartisan credibility: With Schillari’s switch, Republicans now carry the voice of an experienced, long-tenured sheriff who understands both sides of Hudson County politics. Law-and-order focus: Alvarez’s roots in policing and Schillari’s emphasis on public safety and fiscal discipline align with growing community concerns over crime and cost of living. Fresh alternative: Jimmy Davis, while Democratic nominee, remains shadowed by allegations of inappropriate text messaging and workplace conduct. Those controversies—though legally resolved—continue to be raised by opponents.  Changing political currents: The GOP’s inclusive message, spearheaded by local leaders like Chair Arango and the switch by Schillari, signals new momentum across Hudson County. 

What’s at Stake in November

On November 4, 2025, Hudson County voters will decide whether to embrace a new chapter of law enforcement leadership. With Elvis Alvarez representing a fresh law-and-order vision and Frank Schillari lending decades‑long credibility to the cause, the Republican ticket offers a compelling alternative to continued Democratic control. Hudson County hasn’t had a Republican Sheriff since 1904, can history be made this November? The only other question remains, will Sheriff Frank X. Schillari publicly endorse Elvis Alvarez for Sheriff along with other Republican candidates for the November election?

July 25, 2025 – Hudson County, NJ

Following FMBA President Ed Donnelly’s recent TAPinto article “Recipe for Change”, Assembly candidate, U.S. Marine veteran, and EMT Marco Navarro is calling out what he says is a “fraudulent, backpedaling rewrite of reality,” accusing Donnelly of hypocrisy, political gamesmanship, and intimidation behind closed doors.

In an exclusive response to HUDTruth, we contacted Navarro and he didn’t mince words.

“Let me be absolutely clear, I will never, ever stand in the way of an EMS essential service bill. I’ve been advocating for this long before Ed Donnelly ever decided it was politically convenient,” Navarro said. “But I also believe the public and the membership deserves the truth. Donnelly’s sudden support is nothing but a strategic pivot after he spent months bullying a legislator and working behind the scenes to kill the exact same bill he now pretends to support.”

According to Navarro, the same formula being promoted now by Donnelly and the FMBA was already brought forward earlier this year by a principled legislator who was ready to act, until Donnelly inserted himself, demanding control and ultimately sending what Navarro describes as “a condescending and derogatory letter designed to silence and intimidate.”

“If Ed Donnelly thinks he can rewrite history, he’s dead wrong. The record exists.”

Navarro emphasized that his frustration lies not with the FMBA as an institution, which he vocally supports, but with Donnelly’s leadership, which he characterized as driven by ego and control rather than service and solidarity.

“Let’s be honest, the only fake news here is Ed Donnelly pretending he’s always had EMS in his corner. The only political games being played are by him,” Navarro said. “When it wasn’t his idea, he shut it down. And now that it fits his agenda, he wants to be crowned the savior of EMS. That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice masquerading as courage. He did the same with the 9/11 Bill. Someone else pushed for it, he bullied his way into the bill and excluded the person from having credit for the bill.”

And Navarro says the FMBA membership sees right through it.

“Since my original statement, I’ve received **countless phone calls from FMBA members, both firefighters and EMS, all telling me the same thing: ‘You’re right. Ed’s behavior isn’t right.’ There is a growing wave of members fed up with his shady tactics, backroom deals, and bully-boy politics,” he said.

As a final note, Navarro hinted that his journey with the FMBA is just getting started, and that Donnelly may soon find himself facing real internal accountability.

“I fully support the FMBA. In fact, I’m looking forward to becoming a member myself soon as a firefighter or EMS. And when I do? Let’s just say Ed won’t be the only one eyeing that leadership role. He’s got a real challenger coming, one who won’t bully, who won’t lie, and who will put all of our members first.”

Navarro closed by reaffirming his support for the EMS essential bill, and his refusal to let egos derail progress.

“This fight is bigger than one person’s pride. It’s about EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, real people who deserve recognition and respect. Ed Donnelly wants to make it about himself. I’m here to make it about them.”