UPDATE: The president of the Dominican House of Hazleton, Victor Perez, 62, has just pleaded no contest to serious charges of aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. This shocking development comes after allegations that Perez shot Bernardo Perez, the owner of the Spanish-language newspaper El Periodiquito, during a heated confrontation on the afternoon of October 4, 2023.
The plea was accepted by Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough on February 5, 2024, with sentencing set for 10 a.m. that day. This case has drawn significant public attention due to its violent nature and the alleged motivations tied to political retribution. Prosecutors claim that Victor Perez shot Bernardo Perez in retaliation for published caricatures portraying him and his family as corrupt, with images accusing him of stealing and branding his relatives as “The Diabolical Family.”
The incident occurred outside 145 S. Vine St. in Hazleton, resulting in serious injuries to Bernardo Perez, including permanent damage to his left wrist. This alarming act of violence highlights the potential dangers of political expression and the lengths to which some may go to silence dissent.
Victor Perez previously defended his actions, claiming self-defense and asserting that Bernardo Perez was armed with a knife during the confrontation. However, the charges against him reflect a broader concern over threats of violence in political discourse, particularly as tensions rise in communities across the nation.
In addition to the aggravated assault charge, Victor Perez faced a misdemeanor charge for making terroristic threats stemming from an incident at El Sabor De Mi Tierra restaurant on September 16, 2023, where he allegedly displayed a firearm and threatened to kill a woman.
Judge Vough indicated that he would consider allowing Victor Perez to enter the Intermediate Punishment Program, a probationary pathway aimed at rehabilitating primarily non-violent offenders. Prosecutors have agreed to waive any eligibility limitations, a move that could impact Perez’s future significantly.
As this case continues to develop, it raises urgent questions about accountability and the implications of political violence. With sentencing scheduled for early next month, many in the community are left wondering what this outcome will mean for both the victims and the broader societal implications.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we continue to follow the latest developments in Hazleton.
