Teachers Say NJEA Misled and Betrayed Members

In a lawsuit filed in Mercer County, Roselle teacher Dr. Marie Dupont and Hamilton Township teacher Ann Marie Pocklembo claim NJEA leaders broke their membership contracts, misrepresented political giving, and violated their fiduciary duty to members. The lawsuit alleges that teachers were told contributions to the union’s PAC were optional, but that NJEA insiders quietly funneled mandatory dues into political organizations to bankroll Spiller’s gubernatorial ambitions.

“When I signed my union membership card, I chose not to support the union’s PAC,” said Dupont, a mother of three and teacher for nearly two decades. “Then I discovered that $40 million of teachers’ dues—including mine—had been used for the union president’s campaign. That’s wrong, and I believe it’s illegal.”

Dupont has since resigned her NJEA membership.

Pocklembo, a teacher for 30 years, said: “It’s an obvious conflict of interest when the union president benefits from backroom deals to fund his own campaign with members’ money. It undermines trust and damages the union’s credibility.”

The Shell Game: Dues to PACs to Campaign

The lawsuit outlines how NJEA officials created and controlled Garden State Forward, a political entity funded with dues. That group then sent $40 million to Working New Jersey and Protecting Our Democracy, both run by union insiders, who used the money to promote Spiller’s campaign.

Despite the extraordinary spending, Spiller finished fifth in the Democratic primary, earning fewer than 90,000 votes. The cost amounted to over $400 per vote.

“This is textbook self-dealing,” said Nathan McGrath, president and general counsel of the Fairness Center, which represents the teachers. “The NJEA diverted mandatory dues into its president’s political campaign while misleading members into believing political giving was optional. That’s a breach of contract and a breach of trust.”

Think Tank Seeks Federal and State Investigations

The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI), also represented by the Fairness Center, filed complaints with both the IRS and the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).

The IRS complaint argues that NJEA failed to disclose millions in political expenditures on its required tax forms, violating federal law. The ELEC complaint alleges the union evaded New Jersey’s $5,800 campaign contribution limit by splitting donations between multiple affiliated entities, giving Spiller’s campaign a combined $11,600.

“Union officials don’t get a pass on election or tax law,” said Rosemary Becchi, NJPI president. “We believe NJEA used a web of organizations to conceal its political spending and benefit its president personally. Teachers and taxpayers deserve accountability.”

The Stakes

The lawsuit, Dupont & Pocklembo v. NJEA & Spiller, seeks a ruling that the union violated its contract with members, made misrepresentations, and breached its fiduciary responsibilities. NJPI’s complaints ask for state and federal investigations into what could be one of the largest hidden diversions of union dues in New Jersey history.

At stake are thousands of teachers’ dues dollars, originally believed to support education, but allegedly redirected to political ambitions. The outcome could reshape trust in one of New Jersey’s most powerful political organizations.

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Call to Action: If you have additional information regarding NJEA, Sean Spiller, or union dues misuse, contact Leroy Truth Investigations.
• Corruption Tips Hotline: 305-707-8325
• Email: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com
• Mailing Address: Leroy Truth – P.O. Box 3464, Stamford, CT 06905

The post NJ Teachers File Lawsuit: $40 Million in Union Dues Secretly Bankrolled NJEA President’s Failed Run for Governor appeared first on Hudson County Truth.

This alarming appointment took place in November 2024, raising serious questions about who is truly being protected in this city. Instead of launching a criminal investigation or ensuring accountability, Union City officials have now placed a man with a deeply troubling past in charge of the student safety of over 12,800 Union City school children.

Parents, educators, and community members must demand answers as well as the immediate firing of Lieutenant Sergio de Rojas.

A formal complaint detailing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation within the Union City Police Department has surfaced, revealing a troubling pattern of misconduct and a failure to protect the alleged victim. The victim will be kept anonymous for the purpose of this article. The complaint, filed on August 4, 2010, by a police dispatcher, accuses Sgt. Sergio DeRojas of repeated sexual harassment and assault over a four-month period, followed by retaliation when she reported the abuse.

According to her statement, the harassment began in March 2009 and escalated until June of that year. She alleges that Sgt. DeRojas, who was her supervisor, repeatedly propositioned her for sex, grabbed her inappropriately, and made unwanted sexual advances while on duty. She states that DeRojas offered her money in exchange for sex, pulled her into private rooms, and even exposed himself at work.

“I told him to stop and leave me alone,”she wrote in her complaint. “I told him I would report him and that he would lose his job. He just would not stop.”

Despite her efforts to seek help, her complaints to the Chief of Police and requests for transfer were rejected. In one particularly disturbing incident in June 2009, she states that Sgt. DeRojas pulled down his pants, exposed himself, and demanded oral sex. Feeling threatened and desperate, she states that she complied, describing the experience as “rape.”

Following her report to Internal Affairs, she faced retaliation. She described how Sgt. DeRojas’ allies within the department, including Sgt. Pisani and Sgt. Surowier, began targeting her with increased scrutiny and disciplinary actions. Despite the gravity of her claims and video evidence showing DeRojas’ inappropriate behavior, the department’s response was minimal — Sgt. DeRojas was given only a 45-day suspension.

“What is even more incredible,” she wrote, “is that the Police Department allowed Sgt. DeRojas to work detail and get paid while he was suspended. He was not even demoted. There was no criminal investigation.”

She further claimed that the light punishment stemmed from Sgt. DeRojas’ close relationship with Union City Mayor Brian Stack and senior police officials. After the suspension, Sgt. DeRojas was reinstated to a supervisory role, putting her back under the authority of the man she accused of assaulting her.

Her complaint also reveals that she was targeted for retaliation by other officers, creating what she described as a “hostile work environment.” She reported that Sgt. Pisani closely monitored her work and issued disciplinary actions for minor infractions.

“I take responsibility for my mistakes,” she wrote. “However, it is not right that I have to work under a man who sexually harassed me.”

She concluded her complaint by calling for Sgt. DeRojas’ termination and an independent investigation by an outside agency. “I respectfully request that someone outside of the City of Union City come in to investigate this matter.”

The Union City Police Department has not yet issued a public statement in response to the complaint. Mayor Stack’s office also declined to comment. She remains employed as a dispatcher and continues to face professional challenges stemming from her decision to speak out.

The allegations highlight serious questions about the culture within the Union City Police Department and the accountability of its leadership. This case is likely to place significant pressure on local officials and law enforcement leadership to address systemic issues related to workplace harassment and misconduct.

What is even more concerning is that Sergio DeRojas is now retired from the Union City Police Department and currently holds a security position within the Union City Board of Education. The fact that an individual with such serious and credible allegations of sexual misconduct now works in a school environment raises alarms about the vetting process and the safety of students. Local officials have yet to address these concerns publicly, but the situation is expected to generate significant scrutiny from parents and the broader community.

(This article highlights allegations not facts, every person is entitled to due process and are innocent until proven guilty.)

The post Union City Police Department Rocked by Sexual Harassment Allegations appeared first on Hudson County Truth.

WHO KNOWS & IS KEEPING QUIET?

Superintendent Silvia Abbato

Mayor & State Senator Brian Stack

UCHS Principal Ryan Lewis

Union President Barbara Pinzon

THE LAW IS CLEAR—THEY MUST REPORT OR FACE PENALTIES!

In New Jersey, anyone who suspects child abuse, including educator misconduct, is legally required to report it IMMEDIATELY to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP).

Failure to report is a criminal offense punishable by:

Up to $500 in fines

Up to 6 months in jail

Disciplinary action for knowingly covering up misconduct

JUDGE RULES: UNION CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION CAN BE HELD LIABLE!

In a BOMBSHELL RULING, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Kalimah Ahmad ruled last week that the Union City Board of Education CAN be held liable for a teacher’s sexual assault of two students dating back to 2004. This proves what many in the community have known all along—THEY HAVE BEEN COVERING FOR PREDATORS FOR DECADES!

Judge Ahmad revealed shocking facts in the ruling, exposing how Union City school officials ignored multiple warnings about teacher Francisco Realpe, allowing him to remain employed even after teachers and supervisors flagged his disturbing relationships with students.

“The Board ignored their suspicions towards Defendant Realpe, did not investigate into Defendant Realpe’s relationships with multiple underage students, and allowed him to remain employed until his termination in 2005,” wrote Judge Ahmad.

Jessica Garcia, one of Realpe’s victims, finally saw justice when the judge DENIED the Union City BOE’s motion to dismiss her case. “I had such a feeling of not just relief, but validation, to read the Court Order, especially seeing, in all capital letters, the word DENIED,” said Garcia.

Realpe was eventually sentenced to four years in prison in January 2023, but HOW MANY OTHER TEACHERS HAVE BEEN PROTECTED JUST LIKE HIM? HOW MANY VICTIMS NEVER GOT JUSTICE?

AND NOW, MAYOR BRIAN STACK JUST HIRED AN ACCUSED RAPIST AS SCHOOL SAFETY DIRECTOR?!?

In a gut-wrenching slap to every woman in this country, Mayor Brian Stack and the Union City Board of Education have just hired retired Union City Lieutenant Sergio Rojas as the new Director of Safety for Union City schools!

Who is Sergio Rojas?

He has been accused of raping a female police dispatcher while he was a sergeant.

The victim was retaliated against.

The semen-stained chair with evidence was allegedly destroyed on orders from Mayor Brian Stack.

Instead of being held accountable, Rojas was PROMOTED to Lieutenant.

And NOW, Stack just gave him a job protecting OUR CHILDREN?!?

THIS IS INSANE! THIS IS CRIMINAL! ROJAS MUST BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY!

This is not just negligence—this is deliberate, systemic corruption that enables sexual predators while silencing victims. The entire Union City Board of Education must be removed, Mayor Brian Stack must resign, and the FBI must investigate every official involved in this cover-up!

CALL TO ACTION: DEMAND JUSTICE NOW!

If you have ANY information about inappropriate relationships between teachers and students OR if you know which administrators are covering it up, you must come forward NOW!

CONTACT LEROY TRUTH IMMEDIATELY!

Call or Text: 305-707-8325

Email: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com

CONTACT THE FBI—DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION!

FBI Newark Field Office: (973) 792-3000

Submit an anonymous tip online: FBI Tip Line

SHARE THIS MESSAGE—OUR CHILDREN DESERVE PROTECTION!

The people of Union City deserve better. We MUST hold these corrupt officials accountable! No more secrets. No more cover-ups. No more silence!

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW! PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!

The post 🚨🔥 UNION CITY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER FIRED UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES AS SCHOOL OFFICIALS ACCUSED OF COVER-UP! 🔥🚨BOE HIRED ALLEGED RAPIST SERGIO DEROJAS AS NEW Union City SCHOOLS SAFETY DIRECTOR!🔥🚨 appeared first on Hudson County Truth.