Hoboken's former information technology director Patrick Ricciardi, who pleaded guilty in March to intercepting and leaking the confidential email communications of the mayor and her top staff, was sentenced Friday to five years probation. He will avoid jail time.
Federal Judge Esther Salas called Ricciardi's actions "reprehensible" and "an incredible violation of your trust, your role and your position," but said she chose to show lenience because of his financial and family situation, his acceptance of full responsibility for his actions and his lack of a criminal history.
"It's a very disappointing decision," Mayor Dawn Zimmer said, calling Ricciardi's leaks a serious breach of trust. "I don't think this decision holds him accountable for his actions."
Ricciardi, 46, admitted that while employed by the city he used his administrator access to divert emails from the mayor and her top staff to an archive folder that he then leaked to current and former city officials.
The former IT director said Friday that he was "truly very, very sorry," for his actions.
In addition to his five years probation, which was the maximum amount within the guidelines, Ricciardi must also pay $13,475 in restitution to the city for damages. Salas declined to fine him an additional amount because of his financial situation, but did restrict him from working in the IT industry for federal, state and local government entities or the duration of his probation.
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