Hudson prosecutor stands by handling of Murphy staffer sex assault probe

<p>Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez is standing by how her office handled and investigated a sexual assault allegation made against a former Murphy administration staffer.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 17, 2018, 10:58 PM

Updated 2,033 days ago

Share:

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez is standing by how her office handled and investigated a sexual assault allegation made against a former Murphy administration staffer.
In a statement Wednesday, Suarez calls allegations she interfered in the case "offensive and irresponsible."
Suarez says that she and everyone from her office acted professionally.
"If I am called to speak with the special bipartisan committee I will gladly answer whatever questions they may have on this matter. I anxiously await the opportunity to defend this Office and stop the misinformation,” Suarez said in a statement. 
Albert Alvarez is accused of sexual assault by two women, including fellow staffer Katie Brennan. Brennan claims that Alvarez sexually assaulted her in April 2017 when they were both working on Gov. Phil Murphy’s campaign.
Alvarez, through his attorney, has denied wrongdoing.
Suarez said she is familiar with Alvarez and Katie Brennan, but wasn't involved in the 2017 investigation and only learned about it this month.
The investigation has been reopened and transferred to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
A state Senate committee is investigating the Murphy administration's handling of the matter.
Attorney Michael Critchley will serve as counsel. He will report to a bipartisan committee formed to investigate the handling of the sexual assault allegations.
Critchley was previously involved in the “Bridgegate” case, representing defendant Bridget Ann Kelly. 
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:44
Pro-Palestinian hunger strike at Princeton University marks 1 week

Pro-Palestinian hunger strike at Princeton University marks 1 week

2:06
Rainy morning on Mother’s Day in New Jersey, tapers by evening

Rainy morning on Mother’s Day in New Jersey, tapers by evening

0:29
Authorities: 24-year-old man fatally shot in Jersey City

Authorities: 24-year-old man fatally shot in Jersey City

0:22
Montclair police: 2 people hurt in shooting near Mission Street and Bloomfield Avenue

Montclair police: 2 people hurt in shooting near Mission Street and Bloomfield Avenue

0:20
Authorities: Pennsylvania woman receives 2 consecutive life sentences for Ocean County murders

Authorities: Pennsylvania woman receives 2 consecutive life sentences for Ocean County murders

0:17
Police: Motorcyclist killed in Barnegat crash

Police: Motorcyclist killed in Barnegat crash

1:09
Newark charter school students learn financial literacy at Mother's Day market

Newark charter school students learn financial literacy at Mother's Day market

1:23
Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

2:03
Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

1:35
Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting

Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting

0:18
Authorities identify person killed in crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township

Authorities identify person killed in crash on Route 27 in Franklin Township

2:36
Piscataway fire chief accused of throwing mud and rocks on business owner's rare sports car

Piscataway fire chief accused of throwing mud and rocks on business owner's rare sports car

0:17
Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times

Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times

0:37
‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun

‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun

2:25
Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University

Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University

2:20
Toms River School District works to finalize next year’s budget amid $26.5 million shortfall

Toms River School District works to finalize next year’s budget amid $26.5 million shortfall

0:14
Police: Man assaults owner of Maywood dry cleaner, steals $400

Police: Man assaults owner of Maywood dry cleaner, steals $400

0:27
13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

2:17
‘I knew I was meant to be a mom.’ Woman shares her journey of becoming a mother at age 46

‘I knew I was meant to be a mom.’ Woman shares her journey of becoming a mother at age 46

Prosecutor: 3 men accused in deadly 2023 shooting in Elizabeth

Prosecutor: 3 men accused in deadly 2023 shooting in Elizabeth