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Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini’s Thin Skin is on Full Display
If there was ever a case study on how not to handle public criticism, Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini just wrote the manual. In an incident report that reads more like a bad comedy script than a legitimate police document, Chief Facchini has filed cyber harassment charges against investigative journalist Leroy Filipowski — also known as “Leroy Hudtruth” — for doing what journalists, satirists, and concerned citizens have done for centuries: criticize public officials.
Facchini claims that Leroy has “targeted” him, caused him “emotional harm,” and tarnished his “credibility” as police chief. The irony is almost too thick to cut — the man whose own actions have done far more to damage his reputation than any meme or post could ever hope to achieve now wants the legal system to shield him from public ridicule.
Let’s not forget: this is the same police chief who was caught on video physically attempting to grab Leroy’s camera tripod. That act alone brought him public embarrassment — and rightfully so. You don’t get to manhandle a journalist’s equipment and then whine about your reputation being hurt when people call you out.
Even more absurd is Facchini’s contradictory position in his own report. He states that the events occurred while he was acting in his official capacity as chief of police — yet he’s filing a citizen’s complaint? Which is it, Chief? You can’t have it both ways. If you were acting as chief, then criticism — even harsh, satirical criticism — comes with the job. If you were acting as a private citizen, then why is this even in a police report in the first place?
The author of this report also adds his own comedic flair by claiming there is “no evidence” of the chief being corrupt — despite the fact that Leroy Hudtruth has already published multiple investigations with documented facts, court hearing audio, and hard evidence showing Chief Facchini’s incompetence and glaring lack of true leadership skills. That little omission might have something to do with the fact that the report’s author, Officer Eric Saroli (were you instructed to write this narrative or are those your personal opinions?) and the approving officer, Lieutenant Glenn Gaston — yes, the same Mr. Brady List himself — already have their own reputations in question. Gaston, in particular, is widely known by multiple individuals as an emotionally unstable “Mr. I’m in Charge” type who thrives on intimidation but lacks the credibility to back it up.
Public officials are, by definition, subject to public scrutiny. The First Amendment protects exactly the kind of speech Facchini is trying to criminalize. Memes, political satire, and critical commentary on social media are protected free speech — even if they hurt someone’s feelings. If a police chief can’t handle a few mocking posts without claiming “emotional distress,” he’s not fit to wear the badge, much less lead a department.
And let’s be honest — Chief, your “credibility” problem didn’t start with Leroy Hudtruth. Word on the street, backed up by multiple police officers’ own testimonies, is that morale under your leadership has sunk so low that the Police Benevolent Association held a lengthy meeting to discuss a no-confidence vote against you. That’s not social media’s fault. That’s not a journalist’s fault. That’s on you.
In reality, you have zero credibility and zero respect within your own department. Your officers are counting the days until you’re gone. Filing harassment charges against a journalist for doing his job isn’t going to save your image — it’s just going to make you look petty, weak, and unfit for leadership.
If you can’t handle criticism, Chief Facchini, it’s time to do the honorable thing: resign. Union City deserves a chief who can lead with strength, integrity, and the ability to withstand public accountability — not one who runs to the courts over internet memes.
As of August 15, the charges against Leroy truth have been DISMISSED by the Newark Mun. Court.
