New Jersey Mayor Dennis Elwell accused by prosecuting attorneys of federal corruption though FBI witness.
Newark, NJ (NewYorkInjuryNews.com)– After leaving the Federal Courthouse last Thursday, Dennis Elwell, Mayor of Secaucus since 1999, decided to leave his position as Mayor. However, Elwell claims not guilty of the allegation of corruption where he, along with 2 other NJ mayors, and 44 officials who were arrested last week.
The two other Mayors accused–Peter Cammarano and Mayor Anthony Suarez of Ridgefield– have been asked to step down from office by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, according to the New York Times.
Mayor Elwell pleaded not guilty when accused in court of taking 10,000 dollars through a fake set up interaction of an incognito FBI witness, who posed as a builder to follow through with the fake plans to construct a hotel in Secaucus. Mr. Elwell’s attorney commented that the Mayor only resigned to give all his attention to defending his case, which he decided was the chief approach to deal with his family and the citizens of Secaucus.
The 44 accused are being prosecuted for money laundering, illegal kidney sales, and charges of federal corruption. The prosecuting attorneys used FBI witness, Solomon Dwek, to testify against Mr. Elwell in court claiming that the Mr Elwell did in fact take the bribe of 10,000 dollars to erect a hotel in Secaucus. Soon after, Mr. Elwell gave the money over to Ronald Manzo, a politically-savvy insurance agent. They are both being charged with extortion.
Mr. Dennis Elwell is the only public official that has resigned since the trial has begun. Authorities are still investigating this national case for more evidence.
Bridget Hom— NewYorkInjuryNews.com