Hoboken pol admits DUI 'lapse'

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Jersey Journal

HOBOKEN - City Councilman Christopher Campos, who was arrested Saturday morning in Manhattan on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, admitted to the crime through his lawyer yesterday and said it will never happen again.

"My client realizes that this was a lapse in judgment and admits that he made a mistake. He will pay the appropriate penalty for this mistake and wants to assure everyone that this will never happen again," said the statement, released by his attorney, Francis S. Cutruzzula.

"Mr. Campos hopes that this unfortunate incident serves to deter anyone who consumes alcohol, no matter how small the amount, from operating a motor vehicle."

Campos is also a municipal prosecutor in West New York and has not been suspended, according to town spokeswoman Olga Alvarez. She said the town administration is still gathering information and deciding what action, if any, to take.

Campos, who according to city officials was driving his own car and not a city-issued vehicle, was stopped by New York police at 3:12 a.m. after failing to stop at a red light on the West Side Highway at West 43rd Street, reports said.

He was charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to stop for a red light, authorities said.

Hoboken Mayor David Roberts - who has described the incident as a "terrible mistake" - will continue to support Campos, city spokesman Bill Campbell said.