By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the apprehension of Brandon M. Hernandez, a 28-year-old resident of Paterson, NJ, on grave charges, including terroristic threats and cyber-harassment.
The arrest came as the climax of a meticulous investigation spearheaded by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office under the vigilant guidance of Chief Jason Love.
The investigation was set into motion by the Cyber Crimes Unit of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Detectives were alerted to an alarming series of social media posts where threats were made to carry out shootings and bombings targeting government establishments and judiciary members.
The probe quickly zeroed in on Brandon M. Hernandez as the individual behind these menacing communications.
In the wake of the investigation, Hernandez faced serious legal charges: third-degree terroristic threats, as per N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a, and fourth-degree cyber-harassment, under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1.
The pursuit of justice reached a critical juncture on Thursday, January 11, 2024, when Hernandez was apprehended in Paterson, NJ, by competent officials from the Bergen County Sheriff's Office.
Following his arrest, Hernandez was taken to the Bergen County Jail. He awaits his preliminary court hearing at the Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, where the gravity of his alleged actions will be judicially scrutinized.
The arrest marks a significant stride in the ongoing battle against digital crimes and asserts the commitment of Bergen County law enforcement to maintaining peace and public safety.