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Political Corruption

Hoboken Mayor Announces Congressional Run, Primarying Menendez Hoboken Mayor Announces Congressional Run, Primarying Menendez
Hoboken Mayor Announces Congressional Run, Primarying Menendez Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, announced Tuesday, Dec. 12, he is running for Congress in New Jersey's 8th Congressional District. Bhalla will be primarying incumbent Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), the son of Senator Robert Menendez, who was recently indicted on federal corruption charges. The younger Menendez, who has represented the 8th district since 2023, has not been accused of any wrongdoing.  Menendez announced in September he was running for re-election for a second term and has already received endorsements from numerous elected officials in Hudson County. In a video announ…
George Santos Is Out: Here's How NJ Delegates Voted George Santos Is Out: Here's How NJ Delegates Voted
George Santos Is Out: Here's How NJ Delegates Voted New Jersey's congressional delegation all shared the same sentiment when it comes to Rep. George Santos. They wanted him out, and they got it. The serial fabulist (R-Long Island) was expelled by the US House 311-114, with all 12 New Jersey representatives, including three Republicans, voting in favor of his ouster. The resolution required a two-thirds majority vote in order to pass. Santos was expelled amid mounting accusations of criminality. He is only the sixth member of Congress to be expelled in American history. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City) and Ch…
Ex-State Sen. In Fitchburg Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds Ex-State Sen. In Fitchburg Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds
Ex-State Sen. In Fitchburg Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds A former Republican state senator who represented Worcester and Middlesex counties was charged with illegally taking thousands in COVID relief money and concealing cash from the IRS, federal authorities said.  Dean Tran, 48, of Fitchburg, was indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud and three charges of filing false tax reports on Friday, Nov. 17, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.  Tran served in the Massachusetts Senate from 2017-2021.  Investigators said Tran collected $30,120 in unemployment benefits after being voted out of o…
Did Menendez's Wife Get Special Treatment In Fatal 2018 Crash? AG Investigating: Report Did Menendez's Wife Get Special Treatment In Fatal 2018 Crash? AG Investigating: Report
Did Menendez's Wife Get Special Treatment In Fatal 2018 Crash? AG Investigating: Report Did Nadine Arslanian, the wife of indicted Senator Bob Menendez, get special treatment by police after she fatally struck a pedestrian in Bogota in December 2018?  The state's top prosecutor is apparently looking to find out. According to NBC New York, investigators from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity & Accountability were at the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday, Oct. 5, seeking documents related to the incident.  In an e-mail to Daily Voice, the AG's office said they do not confirm or deny investigations. Arslanian, who w…
Menendez Accepted Benz As Bribe Following Fatal Wreck Caused By His Wife In Bogota: Reports Menendez Accepted Benz As Bribe Following Fatal Wreck Caused By His Wife In Bogota: Reports
Menendez Accepted Benz As Bribe Following Fatal Wreck Caused By His Wife In Bogota: Reports A fatal 2018 car crash in Bergen County involving his wife is what led to embattled New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez accepting bribes to influence a criminal case, according to the federal indictment levied against him.  Nadine Arslanian, the now-wife of embattled Senator Robert Menendez, was involved in a fatal car crash in Bogota in 2018, according to The New York Times. The couple, who married in 2020, were dating at the time of the incident. Arslanian, who was also named in the federal indictments accusing Menendez of accepting bribes from the government of Egypt, among other indiscreti…
ONLY IN JERSEY: Convicted Paterson Mayor Joey Torres Indicted For Trying To Run Again ONLY IN JERSEY: Convicted Paterson Mayor Joey Torres Indicted For Trying To Run Again
Only IN Jersey: Convicted Paterson Mayor Joey Torres Indicted For Trying To Run Again A court order banned ex-Paterson Mayor Joey Torres from ever running for public office again after being convicted of corruption. But he did it, anyway. Now he's in another familiar position: under indictment. A grand jury in Trenton returned an indictment on Tuesday, Sept. 26, charging Jose "Joey" Torres, 64, with criminal contempt. “It takes remarkable brashness to flout a state court order and then attempt to strong-arm the city clerk, via civil litigation, into allowing an impermissible campaign to proceed,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. “That is bold," the attorn…
Nassau Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says Nassau Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says
Nassau Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says Updated story: George Santos Now In Custody, Facing 13 Federal Counts Embattled New York Congressman George Santos has been charged with at least one federal crime, CNN reports. The Republican lawmaker, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, is expected to be arraigned on the sealed charge or charges in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday, May 10, according to the outlet, which cited three sources familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear what crime or crimes Santos, age 34, is being accused of, but the federal probe is believed to center around ca…
Frederick County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty To Machine Gun Scheme, Replacement Named Frederick County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty To Machine Gun Scheme, Replacement Named
Frederick County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty To Machine Gun Scheme, Replacement Named Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins has pleaded not guilty to all counts after being embroiled in a machine gun purchasing scheme, though he ha agreed to step down and a replacement has been named. Jenkins, 66, a Thurmont resident, was arraigned this week and pleaded not guilty after being accused last week by a federal grand jury indictment for an alleged years-long scheme to import machine guns into the county with Machine Gun Nest owner Justin Krop. Initially, Jenkins had planned to remain active in office as the legal proceedings played out, but on Wednesday, April 12, after his arr…
How 'Boardwalk Empire' Stacks Up Against Atlantic City History How 'Boardwalk Empire' Stacks Up Against Atlantic City History
How 'Boardwalk Empire' Stacks Up Against Atlantic City History "Boardwalk Empire," the HBO series set in 1920s Atlantic City, has gained critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of the era. But how accurate is it?  The Characters "Boardwalk Empire" has an incredibly diverse and rich cast of characters. The main character, bootlegger Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi, is based on the real-life Enoch “Nucky” Johnson. Other major characters in the show include Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Jimmy Darmody, Arnold Rothstein, and Gillian Darmody. The supporting cast is just as captivating as the main characters, featuring Chalky White, Commodore Lou…
Jersey Shore Mayor Hit With New Charges Of Theft, Misconduct: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Mayor Hit With New Charges Of Theft, Misconduct: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Mayor Hit With New Charges Of Theft, Misconduct: Prosecutor A mayor from the Jersey Shore has been charged with additional counts of theft and misconduct, authorities said. Paul Kennedy, 66, of Ocean Gate, was charged with three counts of official misconduct and three counts of theft on Wednesday, May 4, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. These charges are in addition to those served upon Kennedy on March 18, for official misconduct and theft as mayor of the Borough of Ocean Gate, Billhimer said. The additional charges are the result of an extensive and ongoing investigation conducted by the Ocean County …
NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Arrested For Alleged Scheme To Funnel Fraudulent Donations NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Arrested For Alleged Scheme To Funnel Fraudulent Donations
NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Arrested For Alleged Scheme To Funnel Fraudulent Donations New York State's No. 2 political official has been arrested in connection with a campaign-funding scheme during a previous campaign to run for New York City comptroller, federal officials announced. New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, who has been in the role for less than a year, is facing charges that include bribery, honest services wire fraud, and falsification of records following an investigation into probes from his former campaign. Benjamin - a former state senator from Harlem - joined New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration in September following her ascension into the role follo…
Feds: Hit Man From Philly Admits Committing Murder-For-Hire For NJ Political Operative Feds: Hit Man From Philly Admits Committing Murder-For-Hire For NJ Political Operative
Feds: Hit Man From Philly Admits Committing Murder-For-Hire For NJ Political Operative A Philadelphia resident admitted Wednesday that he was one of the two hit men paid by a onetime New Jersey political operative to kill a former associate. Bomani Africa, 61, who has a criminal history that includes convictions for robbery and drug-related crime, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for hire via videoconference with a federal judge in Newark, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger announced. People immediately began wondering who the hired killers were after Sean Caddle, 44, admitted on Tuesday that he paid them to whack Michael Galdieri, the son of forme…
Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says
Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says A former Long Island public official was sentenced for stealing $59,000 and scamming a commercial lender into granting him more than $1 million in loans. John Novello, the former deputy commissioner for the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 30, to five years of probation, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced. The 53-year-old Hewlett Harbor man also paid $41,000 in restitution to the Nassau County Republican Committee. Novello pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree grand larceny on Friday, July 23. “As public o…
Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle
Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle A heavily in-debt ex-Massachusetts state representative, who once served as chairman of the House Ethics Committee, has admitted to funding his lavish lifestyle with public money and fraudulent bank loans. On Wednesday, Feb. 24, former state representative David M. Nangle, 60, pleaded guilty in U.S. Senior District Court to 10 counts of wire fraud, 4 counts of bank fraud, 4 counts of making false statements to a bank, and 5 counts of filing false tax returns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said. Nangle, a Democrat, represented Massachusetts’ 17th Middlesex District, which include…
'Old School' Corruption: Morris Freeholder Hopeful Admits Taking $10G Bribe In Failed Campaign 'Old School' Corruption: Morris Freeholder Hopeful Admits Taking $10G Bribe In Failed Campaign
'Old School' Corruption: Morris Freeholder Hopeful Admits Taking $10G Bribe In Failed Campaign UPDATE: Not only did Mary Dougherty lose a Morris County freeholder election three years ago. She also admitted Friday that she accepted an illegal $10,000 contribution to the failed campaign. What Dougherty didn’t know at the time was that the contributor was working for state prosecutors. Dougherty, 60, of Morristown was one of five politicos from Morris and Hudson counties snared in the sting, which targeted what state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal called “old school” New Jersey corruption. Rather than go to trial, she took a deal from the government, pleading guilty Friday via tele…
NJ: Indictments In ‘Old School’ Corruption Sting Name Ex-Officials, Political Candidates NJ: Indictments In ‘Old School’ Corruption Sting Name Ex-Officials, Political Candidates
NJ: Indictments In ‘Old School’ Corruption Sting Name Ex-Officials, Political Candidates Indictments were returned against four former New Jersey public officials and political candidates accused of taking bribes in a major corruption probe in Hudson and Morris counties, authorities announced Tuesday. Former Jersey City School Board President Sudhan Thomas, former state Assemblyman and Bayonne mayoral candidate Jason O’Donnell, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro and former Mount Arlington Council Member John Windish are charged in separate indictments with pocketing thousands of dollars in bribes from a campaign contributor. A fifth defendant, former Morris County free…
5 From North Jersey Busted In Lucrative Political Bribery Scheme With Morristown Lawyer 5 From North Jersey Busted In Lucrative Political Bribery Scheme With Morristown Lawyer
5 From North Jersey Busted In Lucrative Political Bribery Scheme With Morristown Lawyer Five North Jersey residents were busted in a major political corruption case that has already produced charges against public officials and political candidates from Hudson and Morris counties. Last month, state officials said Elizabeth Valandingham, 47, had prepared and submitted proposals for the law firm where she worked to the township of Bloomfield for legal services between 2012 and 2016, state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. Valandingham said the company hadn’t made any political contributions. She was lying, Grewal said. Valandingham and an unnamed co-conspirator “recr…
Lawyer Charged In Lucrative Hudson, Morris Political Bribery Scheme Lawyer Charged In Lucrative Hudson, Morris Political Bribery Scheme
Lawyer Charged In Lucrative Hudson, Morris Political Bribery Scheme State authorities busted a Morristown lawyer as part of a major political corruption case that has already produced charges against public officials and political candidates from Hudson and Morris counties. Elizabeth Valandingham, 47, prepared and submitted proposals for the law firm where she worked to the township of Bloomfield for legal services between 2012 and 2016 in which she said the company hadn’t made any political contributions, state Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. She was lying, he said. “Each year for which Valandingham indicated no reportable political contributions,…
Long Island Town Official Arrested For Alleged $59K Grand Larceny Long Island Town Official Arrested For Alleged $59K Grand Larceny
Long Island Town Official Arrested For Alleged $59K Grand Larceny The Deputy Commissioner for the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department faces up to 15 years in prison after being arrested for allegedly stealing more than $59,000 from the Cedarhurst Republican Committee. John Novello, 51, of Hewlett Harbor, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 5, and charged with second-degree grand larceny, four counts of third-degree grand larceny, fours counts of violation of the election law, and two counts of petit larceny, said the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.  “This defendant allegedly funded his luxurious lifestyle with contributions that donors made to …
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor A judge has reportedly ruled against former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ request for an injunction that would allow him to remain in office following his guilty plea to misdemeanor corruption charges. A hearing determined that Thomas is no longer the mayor, following a month of political strife and chaos at City Hall. Acting Mayor Andre Wallace officially took over following the decision on Wednesday, July 31. On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to misappropriating nearly $13,000 in campaign funds and then proceeded to lie about them on government papers. Two days after that plea…
Former Mangano Top Aide Admits To Obstructing Justice Former Mangano Top Aide Admits To Obstructing Justice
Former Mangano Top Aide Admits To Obstructing Justice A former top aide to Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano has admitted to lying to federal investigators in an effort to cover up a $5,000 cash payment he received from a county contractor. Rob Walker, 43, a former chief deputy to Mangano, pleaded guilty in federal court in Central Islip on Wednesday, May 29, to one count of obstruction of justice. He is expected to receive less than two years in prison. In court, Walker admitted to meeting with an informant working with the government and asked him not to disclose a $5,000 payment that he received in 2014. Walker, a Hicksville resident, acc…
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Criminal Case, Will Head to Trial Embattled Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas will have his day in court. Thomas rejected the final plea deal in his criminal case on Friday and is scheduled to go to trial in July, according to lohud. At his latest court date, Thomas reportedly told Supreme Court Justice Barry Warhit that “I have faith in the system, your honor. I’m proceeding to trial.” The decision came following two hours of conferences between the judge, prosecutors and lawyers representing the mayor. Thomas has vehemently denied any wrongdoing since allegations arose claiming he misappropriated campaign funds. Jury sel…
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Grand Larceny Case Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Grand Larceny Case
Mount Vernon Mayor Rejects Plea Deal In Grand Larceny Case Embattled Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas has vowed to have his day in court, rejecting a plea deal that could have helped him avoid potential jail time. Earlier this year, Thomas was charged following an investigation which exposed that he allegedly stole $12,900 from his campaign committee and diverted more than $45,000 from his inaugural committee for personal use and failed to disclose that information to officials. Thomas was charged with third-degree grand larceny and two counts of third-degree ordering a false instrument for filing, all felonies. He was also charged with two count…
Mayor In Westchester Picks Familiar Defense Team In Corruption Case Mayor In Westchester Picks Familiar Defense Team In Corruption Case
Mayor In Westchester Picks Familiar Defense Team In Corruption Case Embattled Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is turning to a familiar defense team as his criminal trial for alleged corruption approaches. Earlier this year, the Mount Vernon mayor was charged following an investigation which exposed that he allegedly stole $12,900 from his campaign committee and diverted more than $45,000 from his inaugural committee for personal use and failed to disclose that information to officials. Thomas was charged with third-degree grand larceny and two counts of third-degree ordering a false instrument for filing, all felonies. He was also charged with two counts …
Gloves Off: Molinaro Calls Cuomo 'Classless Buffoon' After Attack Ad Rips GOP Candidate's Wife Gloves Off: Molinaro Calls Cuomo 'Classless Buffoon' After Attack Ad Rips GOP Candidate's Wife
Gloves Off: Molinaro Calls Cuomo 'Classless Buffoon' After Attack Ad Rips GOP Candidate's Wife Gov. Andrew Cuomo's campaign has just released an attack ad accusing his Republican challenger Marc Molinaro for engaging in “the worst of pay-to-play politics.” The ad comes two weeks after the Dutchess County executivie unveiled his own television ad blasting Cuomo about corruption-related convictions of former top advisers. Tuesday's Cuomo ad prompted Molinaro to call the Democratic governor a “classless buffoon," while posting a response here on Facebook.  The 30-second Cuomo ad, which is running on television statewide, accused Molinaro of accepting more than $5,000 in donations …
Former NY State Senate Majority Leader, Son Convicted Of Bribery, Extortion Former NY State Senate Majority Leader, Son Convicted Of Bribery, Extortion
Former NY State Senate Majority Leader, Son Convicted Of Bribery, Extortion Guilty, again. Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam Skelos, have been convicted on corruption charges in federal court. The two had previously been found guilty of the same offenses by a jury in December 2015, but their convictions were overturned by a U.S. Court of Appeals." United States Attorney Robert Khuzami announced Tuesday, July 17 that the Skelos’ have been found guilty of bribery, extortion and honest services fraud charges following a five-week trial in court. “For the second time, Dean Skelos repeatedly abused his official position to…
Ex-Assembly Speaker Silver Found Guilty In Second Corruption Trial Ex-Assembly Speaker Silver Found Guilty In Second Corruption Trial
Ex-Assembly Speaker Silver Found Guilty In Second Corruption Trial The former New York State Assembly Speaker has been convicted by a jury in Manhattan federal court on corruption charges. Sheldon Silver was convicted of the same seven counts in 2015, but the conviction was reversed.  Silver, a Democrat, obtained nearly $4 million in illicit payments through an asbestos doctor and two real estate companies in return for legislative favors, jurors decided after a two-week trial. The 74-year-old Silver, who represented lower Manhattan, will be sentenced July 13. Silver, who served two decades as speaker, forfeited his seat in late 2015, along with  former …
Actor, Activists Rally Outside Trial Of Ex-Cuomo Aide From Westchester Actor, Activists Rally Outside Trial Of Ex-Cuomo Aide From Westchester
Actor, Activists Rally Outside Trial Of Ex-Cuomo Aide From Westchester A group of activists, including actor James Cromwell, rallied outside the courthouse where Westchester resident and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo top aide Joseph Percoco’s corruption trial continues. Last year, Percoco, a South Salem resident, was indicted on corruption charges that allege he accepted more than $300,000 in bribes to benefit Competitive Power Ventures, an energy company that sought to build the power plant in the Hudson Valley, and COR Development, a real estate developer that received several sizable state projects. Cromwell, a resident of Warwick in Orange County, as well as gu…