By: Richard L. Smith
Three defendants, including a Paterson zoning inspector, have pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme that involved fraudulent zoning permits bearing forged signatures in exchange for illegal payments, according to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Officials said Jose Fermin, 54, of Prospect Park, pleaded guilty on May 8 to second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct. Authorities said Fermin was a Paterson zoning inspector at the time of the scheme.
His alleged accomplice, Jose Juan Guerrero-Cruz, 46, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, also pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree official misconduct.
A third defendant, Alfonlly Monegro-Camilo, 28, of Paterson, previously pleaded guilty on May 5 to third-degree forgery and acknowledged the involvement of Fermin and Guerrero-Cruz, officials said.
According to prosecutors, the scheme took place between approximately December 2020 and February 2022. Investigators said the defendants helped provide applicants seeking city permits with illegitimate zoning permits for residential construction and other bogus documents, some of which carried the forged signature of Paterson’s Planning and Zoning Director.
Officials said some applicants were allegedly told they could obtain sham permits without submitting building plans.
Fermin received payments in exchange for producing the forged documents, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the defendants abused public trust for personal gain, adding that corruption at any level of government will not be tolerated.
Fermin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2026. Under his plea agreement, the state will recommend a three-year state prison sentence.
He was also ordered to forfeit public employment immediately and is permanently barred from holding public office or employment in New Jersey.
Guerrero-Cruz is scheduled for sentencing on June 25, 2026, with prosecutors recommending probation conditioned on 364 days in county jail. Monegro-Camilo is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2026, with the state recommending noncustodial probation.