SWAT probe costing Hoboken

Tuesday, March 11, 2008  Jersey Journal

HOBOKEN - Mayor David Roberts has recruited some experienced lawyers to show the city is being "fair and impartial" in its investigation of nine unnamed officers charged in connection the SWAT scandal.

But others say that the city is prepared to throw a few lower-ranking police officers under the bus and pay top dollar to shield itself from further litigation.

Roberts said that he asked criminal defense lawyer Paul Condon, a former Essex County prosecutor, at $150 an hour, to present disciplinary charges on behalf the city in administrative proceedings.

He also asked former Hudson County Superior Court Assignment Judge Arthur D'Italia to be the hearing officer, sources said, adding that D'Italia would likely be paid $400 an hour.

Officials said the investigation into the SWAT scandal was conducted by David Corrigan, who has a $125,000 contract with the city to be its labor counsel, at no extra cost.