The 2014 lawsuit filed by former Trenton mayoral candidate Paul Perez was dismissed with prejudice
TRENTON -- A lawsuit filed by former mayoral candidate Paul Perez claiming he was defamed when allegations surfaced on Facebook that he likes to hit women was dismissed on Tuesday.
The 2014 lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice by Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd after Perez did not appear in court.
The lawsuit had named Miriam Martinez, her brother, Juan, who died last year, Robert Chilson and Gregory Usberti, all of whom were involved with the Facebook posts.
Miriam Martinez, a city resident and supporter of now-Mayor Eric Jackson, filed a complaint in municipal court the week before the May 13, 2014, election, alleging simple assault. She claimed Perez shoved her at a campaign event for Jackson and injured her left shoulder.
She also posted on Facebook a picture of Perez with the words "Real men don't hit women" and "This man likes to hit women."
Perez denied that he hit Martinez and said he turned around because Martinez was yelling at him and she was in her face.
He sought to have the Facebook comments removed, but his request was denied by Mercer County Assignment Judge Mary Jacobson who said she could not restrict political speech without first having a full hearing where witnesses are called and evidence presented.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.