Deputy Attorney General Peter Baker, who has prosecuted several high-profile corruption cases, will replace Jeremy Farrell as Jersey City corporation counsel.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“After an aggressive and deliberate search for an experienced and dedicated candidate, I am beyond proud to announce the addition of Peter Baker to our team,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“As a Deputy Attorney General and former Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor, Peter’s work on high profile cases has exemplified the kind of skill, commitment and ambition that is perfectly aligned with our City and this Administration. I look forward to working with Peter to continuing moving Jersey City forward.”
Baker helped prosecute former state Assemblyman Robert Schroeder for stealing $1.9 million from creditors in February 2017, as well as the case of ex-Paterson Mayor Joey Torres – who had Department of Public Works employees renovate a warehouse leased by his relative while on city time.
Schroeder received an eight-year prison sentence, while Torres was sentenced to five years.
Additionally, in 2016, he received the Attorney General’s Award for “Excellence in Investigations” for the investigation into Schroeder’s case.
“I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity. I am looking forward to serving the people of Jersey City and working on their behalf in my role as Corporation Counsel,” stated Baker, who will take over the position on April 16th.
“The hiring of a member of the Official Corruption Bureau is another step towards eliminating corruption in Jersey City and preserving the public’s trust in our representatives and employees,” added Fulop.
Farrell earned $130,031 as corporation counsel and took over the MUA executive director gig full time in January, which pays an annual salary of $195,000 (h/t The Jersey Journal).
