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Union City Schools in Crisis: What the Court Found — and Who’s at Fault

Union City Board of Education (A-2404-24 & A-0338-25), clarifying the legal liability of the BOE for those abuses.

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Background: Allegations, Assault, and Abuse of Trust

In 2004, a softball coach and gym teacher employed by Union City High School, Francisco Realpe, sexually assaulted two female students — including Jessica Garcia. Over 15 years later, in 2025, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued a landmark ruling in Garcia / Jane Doe v. Union City Board of Education (A-2404-24 & A-0338-25), clarifying the legal liability of the BOE for those abuses. 

The case revealed that school officials had multiple warnings and “red flags” about Realpe’s behavior — but failed to act, supervise, or protect students under their care. The survivors’ suit alleged negligent hiring, retention, supervision, and a hostile educational environment under anti-discrimination laws. 

What the Court Found — UC BOE’s Legal Failures

The court recognized that the board “had reason to know” about Realpe’s misconduct but “failed to appropriately supervise, investigate, or remove him.”  It held that under the 2019 Child Victims Act (CVA), claims like those of Garcia and Jane Doe — including hostile-environment claims under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) — are revived and may proceed, even though the abuse occurred decades earlier. 

The court rejected arguments that the board is automatically shielded simply because the abuser was an employee. Because the assaults were “outside the scope of employment,” the board is not automatically vicariously liable — but can be liable for negligent supervision/hiring and for failing to maintain a safe environment. 

The decision therefore makes clear that the board’s protective shield cannot hide deliberate inaction or willful neglect.

In Plain Terms: What This Means for Students and the Public:

1. Liability for sexual abuse

The BOE cannot claim blanket immunity just because the abuser was “on staff.” If school officials ignored known risks, they can be sued.

2. Time-barred claims revived

Under the 2019 CVA, victims like Jessica Garcia can still hold the BOE accountable — even for assaults from 2004.

3. Board failures exposed

The court found strong evidence that UC BOE ignored warnings and failed to protect children.

4. Potential for accountability

Negligent-hiring, negligent-supervision, and hostile-environment claims remain alive — the Board could face damages or be forced to reform.

As one legal summary put it: the decision confirms that “school districts may be held liable for failing to protect students from sexual abuse by employees,” even if the abuse occurred outside the scope of employment. 

Responsibility Doesn’t Stop at the Board — The Mayor Appoints the Board

It matters that the UC BOE isn’t elected by the public. Union City is a Type I school district — meaning all seven board trustees are appointed by the mayor, not elected. 

That puts final responsibility on Mayor Brian P. Stack. Over the years, he has appointed successive boards — including the very trustees who failed to protect children. In effect, Stack has enormous leverage over a system that should serve students and families. 

In past years, this patronage-based appointment system has already drawn criticism — with observers arguing the BOE “serves him, not the students.” 

Put simply: If the BOE failed, then the mayor — who chooses the board — must share responsibility.

Why This Ruling Matters — and Why the Public Should Care

For decades, many sexual-abuse victims in school districts like Union City believed they had no recourse because of immunity protections or because too much time had passed. That is no longer true.

From Union City to Jersey City: Continued to Victimize

In 2023, the former Union City and Jersey City teacher, Francisco Realpe, was sentenced to four years in state prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two students — one in 2004 at a Union City high school and another in 2019.    That 2004 victim is the same Jessica Garcia whose 2021 lawsuit helped bring to light the institutional failures at Union City.    The fact that Realpe remained employed — despite multiple warnings about “unhealthy relationships with students” — exposes deep negligence by the UC BOE, which failed to investigate or remove a known predator after red flags were raised by teachers and supervisors.  

The 2025 ruling:

Reinforces that school boards can — and must — be held accountable for protecting students. Serves as a warning to other districts: ignoring credible warning signs about staff behavior can expose districts to liability. Raises urgent questions about governance: should appointed boards be replaced by elected ones? Should mayors appoint their supporters to boards overseeing student safety?

For parents, students, taxpayers — and voters — the message is unmistakable: “No more excuses. If you control the board, you are responsible.”

What We Know About the Victim — and Why Her Fight Matters

One of the plaintiffs, Jessica Garcia, survived the abuse and pursued justice. Coverage from local outlets describes her as a former student victim who bravely came forward. 

Her lawsuit — filed under the revived CVA window — forced the issue into court, uncovered long-buried failures, and given new hope to other survivors in Union City and across New Jersey.

Her victory isn’t just about money — it’s about exposing institutional failure and demanding accountability from public officials entrusted with children’s safety.

What This Case Means to Other Victims:

In recent weeks, two former Union City students, Jonathan Almeida and Michael Torres, have come forward publicly in live social-media interviews, alleging that current Union City vice principal and former high-school football coach Edwin Marinez exposed himself to them when they were student-athletes at Emerson High School. These allegations — which remain unproven and have not yet resulted in formal charges — echo the same pattern of institutional neglect revealed in the Jessica Garcia case, where the Appellate Division found substantial evidence that school officials failed to act on warnings about predatory behavior.

The Garcia ruling now establishes a powerful legal foundation for survivors: if Almeida’s and Torres’s allegations are ever corroborated, the precedent confirming that school districts can be sued for negligent supervision, failure to investigate, and maintaining a hostile educational environment will directly strengthen their path to justice, accountability, and systemic reform.

Takeaway — What You Should Do, and Demand

Demand a public accounting: The community should require the BOE and the Mayor’s office to explain how Realpe was hired, supervised, and why the warnings were ignored. Advocate for reform: Appointed boards like UC’s create accountability loopholes.

The public should consider supporting a switch to an elected school board structure. Support survivors: The ruling shows that past abuse is no longer hidden; victims should feel empowered to come forward. Hold elected officials responsible: If you live in Union City or Hudson County, remember — the Mayor makes the appointments. Leaders like Brian Stack must answer for board failures.

Conclusion

The Appellate Division’s decision in Garcia / Jane Doe v. Union City BOE lays bare a decades-long pattern of neglect, silence, and institutional protectionism. It shows that legal reforms — like the 2019 Child Victims Act — can and must be used to hold public institutions accountable. But legal tools alone are not enough.

True accountability requires public pressure, civic engagement, and — ultimately — structural change. If appointed boards are going to shield abusers and ignore warning signs, then maybe it’s time the public takes back control.

The victims spoke. The court ruled. It is now the community’s turn to act.


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THE DETAILS!  EXPLOSIVE LAWSUIT BOMBSHELL DETAILS OF THE MASSIVE SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL IN Corrupt MAYOR BRIAN STACK’s UNION CITY, NJ SCHOOLS!

A total of 50+ teachers and administrators so far have been accused of sexually assaulting Union City, NJ students and covering up for the sexual repetitive teachers AND Leroy Truth has the list.

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UNION CITY, NJ MAYOR AND SENATOR BRIAN STACK SILENT BUT ALLEGEDLY SET-UP INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST | LEROY TRUTH INVESTIGATIONS THE MASSIVE SEX SCANDAL

Leroy Truth was ARRESTED AND FALSELY CHARGED with a false felony of aggravated assault against a police officer which did not happen which video proves however, Leroy Truth was still arrested and and sent to Hudson County Jail where he is fighting these false charges presently.

Of important note, Leroy Truth started investigating and massive allegations corruption against Union City, NJ Mayer who is also simultaneously in New Jersey State Senator Brian stack on December 1, 2024, Mayor Brian Saga has had over 31 false criminal charges put against Leroy Truth in an attempt to stop him from continuing his investigation and reporting.

However, Leroy Truth cannot be stopped cannot be bought cannot be intimidated and he has committed to protecting the children of Union City, NJ Bayonne, NJ and the children of the United States of America from sexual predator teachers and any and all sexual predators.

Of extremely important note: 28 out of the 31 false charges have been completely dismissed which had been brought against Leroy Truth with three more still pending.

This is exactly what dictators do in Cuba and Russia and North Korea however, that is allegedly exactly what corrupt Union City, NJ Mayer and NJ State Senator in NJ Senator judiciary committee Brian Stack is doing to try to stop Leroy Truth from exposing these extreme crimes against children!

CAUGHT IN A NIGHTMARE OF MASSIVE TEACHER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A MINOR STUDENT — FULL DETAILS STRAIGHT FROM THE COURT COMPLAINT!

A total of OVER 50 Union City, NJ teachers AND ADMINISTRATORS so far have been accused of sexually assaulting Union City, NJ students WERE COVERING UP FOR THE SEXUAL COMPETITOR TEACHERS AND Leroy Truth has the list.

A LEROY TRUTH INVESTIGATIONS EXCLUSIVE!

SHOCKING TWIST! MAYOR BRIAN STACK HAD LEROY TRUTH ARRESTED FOR INVESTIGATING AND REPORTING ON THE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS if you’re trying to protect the Union City, NJ School children from the alleged sexual predators!

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE: MAYOR BRIAN STACK HAS TARGETED Independent Investigative Journalist Leroy Truth to try to stop Leroy from protecting the unit city, NJ school children and trying to stop Leroy Truth from continuing to investigate and report on these extremely disturbing allegations against Union City, NJ teachers!

Union City, NJ Mayor and Senator Brian Stack, in an attempt to STOP Leroy Truth from continuing to investigate and report on these extremely disturbing allegations, had Leroy Truth arrested and falsely charged with a felony of aggravated assault against a police officer which did NOT happen.

Leroy Truth was Live-streaming on his YouTube channel when he was arrested and falsely charged with crimes he did NOT commit and LEROY TRUTH HAS VIDEO PROOF that there was absolutely no assault against the Union City Police officer as EVERYTHING was recorded by Leroy Truth as it was happening.

Leroy Truth is looking at five years in state prison if found guilty of a crime he did NOT commit For simply doing his job as an investigative journalist.

Also, Leroy Truth knows what these electric victims as he is also a sexual assault survivor and was sexually assaulted by a Catholic priest for four years when he was an altar boy starting at the age of 7 years old.

A grand jury in Hudson County is scheduled to convene on March 30th, 2026 to decide if they will INDICT Leroy Truth an innocent man who was arrested and falsely charged for trying to protect the Union City, NJ school children from sexual predator teachers.

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Read the EXTREMELY DISTURBING details BELOW OF EXACTLY WHAT THE UNION CITY, NJ TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE ACCUSED OF directly from the lawsuit!

Why every single one of these teachers has not been immediately suspended and why Union City, NJ Mayor and Senator Brian Stack, the Union City Board of Education and Superintendent Sylvia ABBATO have not done an immediate press conference about these extremely serious and disturbing allegations is absolutely insane!

If you are a parent of a Union City, NJ STUDENT, are you comfortable sending YOUR children to school???

A brave 34-year-old survivor, G.R., has filed a powerful civil lawsuit in Superior Court of New Jersey (Bergen County) against the Union City School District, Union City Board of Education, and multiple Emerson High School (now Union City High School) staff.

She was 16 years old when the grooming and abuse began in WHILE A STUDENT AT UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY SCHOOL’S in 2008.

Francisco Lindo already pled guilty to 2nd-degree endangering the welfare of a child and served 5 years in prison.

But the complaint accuses MANY MORE Union City TEACHERS and ADMINISTRATORS of participating, enabling, harassing, or covering it up while the school did NOTHING.

Here is an ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of EVERY SINGLE TEACHER & ADMINISTRATOR and EVERY ACCUSATION against them — pulled directly from the Lawsuit Complaint:

FRANCISCO LINDO – Math Teacher Groomed, sexually abused, and assaulted the minor plaintiff starting ~2008. Sent her romantic Spanish songs, made her stay after school to “grade papers,” sat next to her in class and touched her leg, had sexual intercourse with her inside Emerson High School classrooms (multiple times, including the week of June 22, 2008), texted her to meet in classrooms for sex during school hours, sent naked and suggestive pictures, followed and stalked her around school when she tried to stop, continued the sexual relationship outside school, bragged to other staff that he had a sexual relationship with her, and created an environment of fear and exploitation. Plaintiff personally told the nurse’s clerk Eugenia Vallejo; Lindo was arrested and pled guilty.

Note: everything written below are allegations and no statements of fact are being made here. All information in this Facebook post has been taken directly from the lawsuit filed by Union City, NJ former student known only as G.R.

EDWIN MARINEZ – Assistant Principal allegedly made sexual advances toward the minor plaintiff.

Became hostile and retaliatory toward her when his advances were rejected and after Lindo was arrested for abusing her.

Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Union City, NJ assistant principal EDWIN MARINEZ married one of his students as soon as she turned 18 which the student shared directly to Leroy Truth in his Facebook comments.

EDWIN MARINEZ has also been accused of having sexual relationships with numerous Union City, NJ students as well as allegedly threatening some of them who said no to his advances if they told anyone.

EDWIN MARINEZ is also accused of exposing hisHudson County Prosecutor’s OfficeNorth Bergen Police DepartmentnMikie SherrilleGovernor Mikie SherrilltMike RodriguezhLea DeMarations ranging from at least 1994 to 2017.

According to alleged victims of EDWIN MARINEZ including Union City Emerson High School graduates Jonathon Almeida and Michael Torres and others, according to the alleged victims, they claim that EDWIN MARINEZ would gather all of the football players into a huddle and then say things like, “ Who wants to see my dick?

And they claim Coach Edwin MARINEZ would “whip his dick out “and show the children and then whoever he caught looking at it, he would allegedlylabel them the “gay kid for the day “and then the other kids would make fun of the children who EDWIN MARINEZ would “CATCH LOOKING AT HIS DICK”. These are quotes from the alleged victims.

STEVE HANAK – Teacher allegedly Lifted up the minor plaintiff’s shirt and made sexually charged comments about her body after learning she had a sexual relationship with Lindo. On or around October 12, 2008, plaintiff personally informed him about Lindo’s grooming and abuse — he did nothing.

Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Failed to take any action after plaintiff emailed him alerting him to the sexually explicit misconduct happening in school.

Also engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior, made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

MARK RYAN – English Teacher allegedly Secretly recorded a video on his camera between the minor plaintiff’s legs during a school presentation and shared it with other staff members (Lindo told plaintiff it upset him because he wanted her exclusively).

Plaintiff emailed him directly alerting him to the “sexually explicit instances” occurring in Emerson High School — he took zero action.

Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Also engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior, made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

DENNIS MCMULLEN – Teacher allegedly Told the minor plaintiff he had erectile dysfunction and that “she could help him with that issue.”

Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior toward the minor plaintiff. Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted her. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

CRAIG LAPIERRE – Teacher allegedly Pursued his own sexual relationship with the minor plaintiff after he knew she had already been groomed, harassed, and assaulted by Lindo. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior.

Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

GREG CAMPBELL – Teacher allegedly Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior.

Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

GEORGE MORALES – Teacher Openly allegedly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior. Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

ROBERT FAZIO – Principal As principal during the entire period of abuse, he allegedly knew or should have known about the constant sexual grooming, contact, harassment, and assaults happening inside his school (including classrooms during school hours) yet failed to investigate, stop it, protect the student, report it, or take any action whatsoever.

The superintendent of Union City Schools has been ALSO been implicated in this lawsuit though he has not been named.

UNION CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT & UNION CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION Knew or should have known about everything above, failed to supervise, failed to report under NJ mandatory child-abuse laws, created and condoned a culture that tolerated teacher-student sexual relationships, concealed evidence, took no reasonable safeguards, allowed the abuse to continue for years, and even made their own sexually explicit videos of the minor plaintiff for their gratification.

The lawsuit is brought under the NJ Childhood Sexual Abuse Act and demands massive compensatory + punitive damages. The survivor says the trauma destroyed her mental health, trust, relationships, education — she had to flee to Florida to escape the targeting and gossip at college.

WHY HAVEN’T THESE TEACHERS BEEN SUSPENDED? WHY IS MAYOR BRIAN STACK COMPLETELY SILENT ON THIS HORROR? Union City parents — this is happening in YOUR schools. Share this post far and wide. Demand immediate suspensions. Demand answers. Demand justice for every child!

Got Tips Of ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR INDECENT EXPOSURE AND/OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S LIEUTENANT MATT FEDROW, HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF JIMMY DAVIS, Union City, NJ Assistant Principal and Teacher EDWIN MARINEZ and/or Corruption by Mayor/Senator Brian P. Stack? Call or Text The Leroy Truth Investigations CORRUPTION TIPS HOTLINE at: 305-707-8325 or Email: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com Or Mail Me Directly at: Leroy Truth P.O. Box 3464 Stamford, Ct 06905

TAKE ACTION NOW — PROTECT THE CHILDREN

FBI TIP LINE — REPORT IMMEDIATELY

1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) https://tips.fbi.gov

If you have ANY information — CALL THE FBI NOW Your voice could STOP ABUSE & SAVE A CHILD

LEROY TRUTH INVESTIGATIONS — CORRUPTION TIPS HOTLINE

GOT TIPS OF ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR INDECENT EXPOSURE AND/OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S LIEUTENANT MATT FEDROW, HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF JIMMY DAVIS, UNION CITY, NJ ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER EDWIN MARINEZ AND/OR CORRUPTION BY MAYOR/SENATOR BRIAN P. STACK?

CALL OR TEXT NOW: 305-707-8325 EMAIL: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com MAIL: Leroy Truth P.O. Box 3464 Stamford, CT 06905

DO NOT STAY SILENT — SPEAK UP — REPORT — PROTECT THE CHILDREN

YOUR TIP COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

#UnionCityNJ #SchoolAbuseScandal #TeacherMisconduct #ProtectOurKids #JusticeForGR #UnionCitySchools #BergenCountyLawsuit #EndChildAbuse #DemandActionNow

Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office North Bergen Police Department Mikie Sherrill Governor Mikie Sherrill Mike Rodriguez Lea DeMaraCLUSIVE!


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Gabriel Rodriguez Walks Away Again

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Gabriel Rodriguez’s resignation from his $140,000 taxpayer-funded position should surprise absolutely nobody.

For years, Rodriguez has built a political career on titles and political connections, yet many residents and municipal employees have questioned whether his performance ever matched the positions he held.

Even during his tenure as Mayor of West New York, critics frequently complained that Rodriguez was not as visible or engaged as a mayor should be. Residents elected a leader, but too often they were left wondering where that leadership was when it mattered most.

Those concerns became impossible to ignore during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While communities across New Jersey were facing one of the greatest public health emergencies in modern history, Rodriguez’s administration was widely criticized by employees and political observers as disorganized, absent, and ineffective. According to accounts shared by municipal employees at the time, there was growing frustration over what many viewed as a lack of leadership during a crisis that demanded constant attention and decisive action.

The criticism became so significant that local officials reportedly turned to former Congressman and current West New York Mayor Albio Sires for help. According to those accounts, Sires was forced to step in and push Rodriguez to take a more active role in governing during the pandemic.

West New York employees called him incompetent as Mayor.

Whether Rodriguez was serving as mayor, assemblyman, or holding another government position, the same question continued to follow him: was he actually leading, or simply occupying a title?

Now Rodriguez is once again leaving a taxpayer-funded position behind. The real story is not that he resigned. The real story is how little many residents believe will change because of it.

Public office is not about collecting titles, salaries, and political favors. It is about showing up, making difficult decisions, and leading when people need you most.

For many critics, Gabriel Rodriguez failed that test long ago.


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“Bullying and Cowardice”: Marco Navarro Responds to Rob Menendez Viral Video

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Following the circulation of a viral video showing U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez engaging in a heated confrontation outside Delaney Hall in Newark, local political figure and potential state Senate candidate Marco Navarro has now publicly entered the controversy with sharp criticism directed at the congressman.

The original incident, circulated by multiple mainstream media, showed Menendez responding angrily to an elderly man during tensions surrounding protests connected to Delaney Hall. In the video, Menendez appeared to shout profanity and make an obscene gesture toward the elderly ICE supporter, footage that quickly spread across social media and national news networks.

Shortly after the video surfaced, Navarro posted his own reaction video across his campaign social media platforms, directly condemning Menendez’s behavior and accusing the congressman of engaging in “political theatrics.”

“Attempting to bully and act tough in front of an elderly person, regardless of their political views, is disgraceful,” Navarro stated when asked to comment on the incident. “To approach an elderly man while being far younger in attempts to bully or intimidate, it’s not just bullying, but also cowardice. That’s not a man.”

Navarro then escalated his criticism personally, referencing Menendez’s upbringing and family background.

“I know his father was not around as much during his childhood, but maybe if he were an actual Hispanic father he would’ve instilled the proper discipline in Rob many years ago like real Hispanic parents do,” Navarro said. “I am appalled to see this happening from a local congressman.”

Navarro also hinted at a potential direct verbal confrontation with Menendez over the issue.

“I’ll be at Delaney Hall soon,” Navarro added. “Let’s see if Rob can give that same energy as he did to that elderly man.”

The comments mark another major political figure now publicly criticizing the younger Menendez amid growing backlash online over the viral confrontation video.

Navarro, a North Hudson political activist, EMT, Marine veteran, and former Board of Education trustee, has increasingly become known throughout Hudson County for aggressively criticizing prominent political figures and political machine establishments. He has frequently targeted Brian P. Stack, as well as former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, over what he describes as entrenched, corrupt political power and political hypocrisy within Hudson County and New Jersey politics.

Political insiders have also continued speculating that Navarro may soon launch a campaign for the New Jersey State Senate, although he has not publicly confirmed either his candidacy or which legislative district he may seek to represent.

One thing now appears certain: beyond his broader political ambitions, Navarro has officially placed Congressman Rob Menendez directly in his political crosshairs along side Brian P. Stack.


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