Stack’s Campaign Confrontation Leads to Criminal Charges

Court complaint records show that several individuals have been criminally charged following an confrontation involving an investigative journalist, Scalzo Photo, during a political campaign event in Union City in the summer of 2025.

The complaint documents indicate that the incident is connected to activities surrounding a political campaign event attended by supporters and volunteers of Mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack.

Individuals Named in Complaint Records and Charges Listed

According to the complaint records reviewed:

Andre Stevens is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). After physically shoving the journalist onto a vehicle and strangling him.

Ernesto J. Ferrera-Robles is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). This individual is seen to purposely follow the journalist throughout the entire event blowing air horns in the ears of the Journalist .

Luis R. Beltran is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). Also followed and harassed the journalist with an airhorn.

Elisa T. Cuenca is listed as charged with third-degree criminal mischief involving alleged property damage exceeding statutory limits under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3(a)(1). Also followed and harassed the journalist by consistently blocking the camera view and his personal view with a Campaign sign, a consistently impeding his way of travel.



The complaint records reference offense dates in June 2025 and appear to stem from the same overall police investigation.

Allegations Regarding the Incident

According to allegations described by individuals familiar with the matter, the confrontation occurred while an investigative journalist was documenting campaign activities. It is alleged that campaign volunteers followed the journalist, blocked camera views using political signs, and attempted to intimidate him from reporting on the event.

It is further alleged that at one point a volunteer physically confronted the journalist, including grabbing and pushing him against a vehicle. These allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

Political Reaction and Public Criticism

The incident has generated political controversy and public criticism. Some critics argue that campaign leadership and elected officials connected to the event should have ensured a safe environment for journalists and members of the public.

Criticism has also been directed at prominent political figures associated with the campaign, including Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack, as well as Assemblyman Larry Wainstein and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez, with opponents alleging a failure to prevent or discourage confrontational conduct by supporters.

None of these public officials are listed as defendants in the complaint records reviewed and none has made comments of the incident.

Court Process Ahead

The charged individuals are expected to appear in court as the cases move through the criminal justice process. The proceedings will determine whether the charges proceed to indictment, trial, dismissal, or other resolution.

Presumption of Innocence

All charges described in the complaint records are allegations only.

Each named individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law following due process.