Star-Ledger report: Ferreiro investigated for assault

MINNEAPOLIS - Already the subject of an FBI probe into his party activities, Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero is now being investigated by prosecutors for allegedly assaulting a woman who was a guest at a barbecue at his house, according to the Star-Ledger.

The Ledger reports that the incident is alleged to have occurred on Labor Day at Ferriero's home in Old Tappan, according to the Ledger’s sources, "who requested anonymity because of an ongoing investigation by prosecutors."

Ferreiro's lawyer denies it happened.

"There is absolutely no truth to the allegation that Joseph Ferriero engaged in any inappropriate conduct towards a guest at a family barbecue over the Labor Day weekend at his home," attorney Joseph Hayden, told the Ledger. "This was a family event hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Ferriero and their children, which was attended by friends of all members of the family. The Ferriero's host this event for friends and family every year."

According to The Record, a Superior Court clerk in Bergen County described the allegation as a "sexual charge."

The Democratic Party leader’s law firm, Scarinci and Hollenbeck, planned late today to release a statement regarding Ferriero’s leave of absence from the firm, which sources this afternoon reported to PolitickerNJ.com.

According to the Star-Ledger, Ferriero’s case was "forwarded to Attorney General Anne Milgram’s office, who then assigned it to the Hudson County Prosecutor's office, according to the sources and another law enforcement official with knowledge of the case."