Mahoney takes stand as Stoma continues to build HCPO’s case against three JCPD cops

Thomas Mahoney’s testimony and Peter Stoma’s evidence submissions – mostly JCPD off-duty pay vouchers – dominated day three of The State of New Jersey vs Joseph Ascolese, Kelly Chesler, and Michael O’Neill.

Hudson County First Deputy Assistant Prosecutor Peter Stoma and JCPD Off-Duty Intake Coordinator Thomas Mahoney

It’s clear Hudson County desperately needs a new courthouse. For those who sat through Thomas Mahoney’s first day of testimony, setting up an espresso bar in Superior Court Judge Mirtha Ospina’s courtroom might be a more pressing matter.

Mahoney, the Jersey City Police Department’s (JCPD) off-duty intake coordinator, was the second witness called on behalf of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office (HCPO) in The State of New Jersey vs Joseph Ascolese, Kelly Chesler, and Michael O’Neill.

Similar to Robert Kakoleski, who served as Jersey City’s business administrator during Mayor Fulop’s first term, HCPO First Deputy Assistant Prosecutor Peter Stoma questioned Mahoney regarding his responsibilities and knowledge related to the JCPD’s off-duty jobs program.

Unlike Kakoleski, Mahoney wasn’t cross-examined on day three of the trial. Instead, Stoma spent most of the day introducing evidence, mostly pay vouchers, relevant to his case – with Mahoney validating the documents as the expert witness.

Needless to say, it was an uneventful day with its fair share of yawns. Mahoney will continue testifying for the HCPO on day four of the trial and is expected to be cross-examined by defense attorneys.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Because Mahoney is still on the stand, quotes from his testimony will be published after it’s completed.

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