BREAKING: VICTORY! Charges Against Investigative Journalist Leroy Truth Dismissed by Newark Municipal Court for Illegal Arrest—A Victory for the First Amendment

May 9, 2025 – Newark, NJ

In a resounding win for free speech and constitutional rights, the Newark Municipal Court today dismissed all charges against investigative journalist Leroy Truth (Leonard Filipowski) relating to his unlawful arrest at a Union City Commissioners Meeting. This ruling marks a critical defeat for Union City’s political machine and a major step forward in the fight to protect First Amendment freedoms from abuse by those in power.

The Arrest: A Stark Display of Political Overreach

The incident that sparked widespread outrage occurred on July 16, 2024, during a Union City Board of Commissioners meeting. Leroy Truth, a well-known critic of Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack, used the public comment period to question Stack’s ties to the now-convicted U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, pointing to years of entrenched political corruption in Hudson County.

Videos—widely shared across social media from multiple angles—captured the entire event and have been viewed on very social media channels over 4 million times throughout the world.

These recordings allow viewers to witness, firsthand, the full context of the incident: from Truth’s measured but firm remarks to the aggressive and unlawful actions of Union City Police Captain Omar Hernandez. The footage reveals a shocking abuse of authority and provides undeniable proof of the events that unfolded before, during, and after Truth’s arrest.

Violation of Constitutional Rights: “You Cannot Disrespect the Commissioners”

In the videos, Captain Hernandez is heard repeatedly telling Truth, “You cannot disrespect the commissioners,” before forcibly removing him. This statement alone constitutes a flagrant violation of the First Amendment. Criticism of public officials—no matter how uncomfortable—is protected speech under the U.S. Constitution. Hernandez’s comments and actions highlight either a gross misunderstanding or a willful disregard of basic civil liberties.

Misinterpretation and Abuse of the Open Public Meetings Act

Adding to the legal quagmire, Captain Hernandez wrongly cited the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) as justification for the arrest. However, it must be made clear: OPMA governs the conduct of public bodies, not the speech of private citizens. Law enforcement officers, including the Union City Police Department, have no legal jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the OPMA against members of the public. Captain Hernandez’s misuse of this law to silence a critic represents a blatant abuse of power and a textbook case of civil rights violations under color of law.

Legal Battle: A Triumph for Civil Rights

Following his arrest, Leroy Truth filed a civil rights lawsuit against Mayor Stack and the Union City Police Department, exposing the retaliatory and unconstitutional nature of his arrest. Truth’s attorney, Mario Blanch, fought relentlessly to defend his client’s rights, arguing that the arrest was nothing short of a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence dissent.

Today’s dismissal of the charges vindicates both Leroy Truth and the principle that no one is above the Constitution. Mario Blanch deserves special commendation for his unwavering defense of civil liberties and for holding Union City’s corrupt leadership accountable in court.

The Bigger Picture: Exposing a Political Machine

This case casts an unflattering spotlight on Mayor Brian Stack’s administration and the Union City Police Department, exposing deep-rooted corruption and a culture of political retaliation. Stack’s empire has long been accused of using intimidation tactics to suppress criticism and maintain a stranglehold on local power. The attempt to criminalize public discourse at an open meeting only confirms what many have long suspected: Stack and his enablers fear accountability.

Conclusion: A Warning to Abusers of Power

The dismissal of these baseless charges is not just a personal victory for Leroy Truth—it’s a powerful statement that the people of New Jersey will not tolerate the erosion of their fundamental rights. This case sets a crucial precedent: public officials who attempt to weaponize law enforcement to stifle criticism will be exposed and defeated.

As the fight for transparency and accountability continues, citizens are reminded that the First Amendment is non-negotiable—and those who try to trample on it, from Brian Stack down to his loyal lieutenants, will be held to account.