PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) -- Paterson's top lawyer joined Mayor Andre Sayegh Monday to announce the first step in reclaiming hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary paid to a crew of now federally imprisoned rogue cops.
"They have been referred to in the media as the robbery squad," said the mayor.
The crew, led by former Sgt. Michael Cheff, used excessive force, stole from alleged drug dealers, and ultimately pled guilty in 2022 to federal corruption charges.
Two years later, the officers’ widely publicized actions are still a factor in how some Patersonians feel about their embattled police department, which is currently being overseen by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
"There are some good cops, but I don't trust them because of all the negative energy we get from the bad ones," said Kay, who lives in Paterson.
Cheff’s first $65,000 installment comes from accrued salary the city held back while he was initially under criminal investigation. He’s due to make future installment payments following his scheduled release from federal prison later this year.
Corporation Counsel Aymen Aboushi called the agreement unprecedented.
"Essentially, we've come up with a gameplan that other cities and municipalities in this state can use to pursue officers who violate the law while wearing their badge," said Aboushi.
"These officers who were convicted and sentenced and imprisoned should return the money back to taxpayers. Paterson is a cash-strapped city. All the money we can get to help our residents -- $200,000 can go a long way," said Mayor Sayegh.
Corey Teague, a longtime community activist and current police department advisor, said the restitution agreement should be just the beginning.
"That's a good step, in terms of holding them accountable. But there's also the other part -- they should look at all his cases at this point," said Teague.
Calls and an email to Cheff's attorney were not returned in time for this report.
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