UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Victor Perez, the president of the Dominican House of Hazleton, has just pleaded no contest to serious aggravated assault charges. This plea comes after allegations that he shot Bernardo Perez, the owner of the Spanish-language newspaper El Periodiquito, during a heated confrontation on October 4, 2023.
The incident unfolded outside 145 S. Vine St., where prosecutors claim the shooting was motivated by a series of caricatures published by Bernardo Perez that depicted Victor Perez’s family as corrupt, labeling them as “The Diabolical Family.” The altercation left Bernardo Perez with permanent injuries to his left wrist, a stark reminder of the violent clash.
Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough accepted Victor Perez’s no contest plea to a felony count of aggravated assault and a misdemeanor charge of making terroristic threats. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to withdraw additional charges against him. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 5, 2024, at 10 a.m., where the court will decide the consequences of these grave actions.
In a separate incident on September 16, 2023, Victor Perez faced allegations of threatening a woman at the El Sabor De Mi Tierra restaurant, reportedly flashing a gun and making death threats. This pattern of behavior raises serious concerns about public safety and the implications of leadership positions in the community.
Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Vough indicated that Victor Perez might qualify for the Intermediate Punishment Program, designed for non-violent offenders seeking rehabilitation. Remarkably, prosecutors have agreed to waive any ineligibility he may have for this program, allowing him to pursue a path to probation.
The community is left reeling from these developments, questioning the safety of their leaders and the implications of violence in local politics. Victor Perez remains free on bail as he awaits sentencing, with many eager to see how this case will unfold and what it means for the future of the Dominican House.
As this story develops, the broader implications of violence and retribution in political discourse are becoming increasingly evident. Residents and community members are urged to stay informed about the upcoming sentencing and its potential impact on local governance.
