Computer hacking trial of West New York mayor now postponed until September

The trial date has been pushed back in the case of West New York Mayor Felix Roque and his son, Joseph, who face federal charges they hacked into and took down the website of a political opponent, officials said.

The pair had been scheduled to go on trial on July 23 but the new date is Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. before District Court Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark. Defense attorney John Azzarello said the defense requested the postponement because more time is needed for discovery.

Both men are charged with unauthorized access to computers and using that access to harass individuals they saw as enemies. Another count charges conspiracy.

According to the complaint, in early February 2012, a Hudson County resident and public official anonymously established www.recallroque.com to post commentary and criticism of Mayor Roque and his administration. On Feb. 6, 2012, the mayor and his son schemed to hack into and take down the website and to identify, intimidate and harass those associated with it, the complaint says.

By the afternoon of February 8, 2012, Joseph Roque had successfully hacked into online accounts connected to the website, the complaint says, adding that he used that access to disable the website. Mayor Roque harassed and attempted to intimidate several individuals associated with the website, the complaint says.

This is the second time a judge has granted a postponement of the trial at the request of the defense.

Both the conspiracy and gaining unauthorized access counts are punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 upon conviction.

Source: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2013/07/west_new_york_mayor_felix_roques_trial_on_federal_computer_hacking_charges_postponed.html

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