August 1, 2025 – Hudson County, NJ – After nearly a decade as Hudson County Prosecutor, Esther Suarez officially retired today, and Wayne L. Mello, her former First Assistant Prosecutor, was sworn in as her successor.

A Bitter Farewell to Esther Suarez

Esther Suarez leaves office amid mixed evaluations. During her ten years (starting in September 2015), she oversaw the creation of regional units—including collision investigation, arson task force, and a SWAT team—and presided over a homicide division that reportedly achieved a 100% clear rate, far exceeding the national average of ~58%  .

She also spearheaded major modernization: an in‑house DNA lab to eliminate backlogs, a cybersecurity lab, and a child advocacy center. Suarez promoted mental health courts, criminal justice reform, and participated in federal crime‑reduction initiatives, drawing praise from law enforcement unions and local chiefs  .

But the praise comes with caveats. Critics argue that her tenure masked persistent problems of token diversity and favoritism. According to investigative commentary from Real Garden State, while Suarez touted minority hiring, the leadership largely stayed dominated by white men. The first assistant and deputy roles held by Wayne Mello and Peter Stoma—key decision‑makers—remain white males, fueling accusations of an “optical illusion of diversity”  .

Sources also criticized her for effectively defending Gene Rubino, a politically connected white detective who lacked formal certification for his position—exposing a disconnect between rhetoric on equity and actual internal promotions  . Additionally, a lawsuit from a former female detective accused the office of penalizing motherhood in promotions—a lampoon of Suarez’s professed support for women in law enforcement  .

Perhaps most controversially, Suarez’s decision not to charge Al Alvarez in connection with a rape allegation during Governor Murphy’s 2017 campaign drew heavy scrutiny. Then‑AG Gurbir Grewal publicly ruled Suarez acted “appropriately,” but critics remain unconvinced. Or perhaps her rejection by the Biden White House in attempts to become the NJ District Attorney.

Wayne L. Mello: The New Prosecutor

At age 79 (born July 27, 1946), Wayne L. Mello steps into the top role. A Bayonne native with a J.D. from Rutgers in 1976, Mello worked in private practice focusing on civil litigation, criminal defense, and white‑collar cases before becoming First Assistant under Suarez in approximately 2017. His government payroll records list his 2023 salary at about $194,000—over double what many colleagues earned  .

Mello has long stood at the core of Suarez’s leadership team, including involvement in public events and policy efforts under her watch  . With Suarez’s departure, Mello inherits an office built around her vision—though not without inheriting her shortcomings.

While specific details about Mello’s own priorities or reforms remain scarce, his tenure as First Assistant suggests continuity rather than change. Critics may find little hope that diversity and accountability issues will be addressed unless fresh leadership emerges.

A Transition Fraught with Continuity

Today’s change feels more like a reshuffle than a reset. As Mello steps into the top role, if Suarez’s departure is praised as good riddance, it’s because many felt her leadership was more style than systemic substance.

● Accomplishments: built labs, task forces, crime‑solving infrastructure; a perfect homicide clearance rate; federal resources for crime reduction.

● Criticisms: superficial diversity; questionable promotions; allegations of inaction on sexual assault; failure to elevate genuine leadership diversity.

● Succession outlook: Mello’s rise signals more of the same rather than an overhaul.

Attorney General Matt Platkin may hold the interim until Governor Murphy—or his successor—nominates someone new for confirmation by Hudson County’s state senators  . Whether that nominee will break from the entrenched culture Suarez helped build remains to be seen.

Bottom line: Suarez may have left the office today, but her legacy—and controversies—remain in place. Wayne Mello takes the reins without promising reform, raising questions whether Hudson County truly wants change or just a familiar face at the top.

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?