Matt Platkin’s 2024 isn’t ending on a high note.
On Wednesday, the New Jersey Attorney General was dealt an unexpected blow an appellate court which ruled that he wasn’t authorize to seize control of the troubled Paterson Police Department back in March 2023. Platkin now has three days to either appeal the appellate ruling – during which time the state would maintain control – or return full control to the city.
“This is a victory for democracy. What Matt Platkin did was unlawful and undemocratic,” Paterson Mayor André Sayegh said in a press release. “He disenfranchised Paterson voters to advance his own electoral ambitions.”
It’s unclear what comes next though it would be surprising if Platkin decided to lay down and allow the appellate panel’s ruling to stand unchallenged.
Platkin faces another big legal test early in the new year when his state corruption prosecution of George Norcross III comes under scrutiny following the defense filing a dismissal motion.
Developing…
