BREAKING: In Massive Sweep, Feds Arresting Jersey City Pols
By Jon Whiten • Jul 23rd, 2009 • Category: Blog, News, Politics
FBI and IRS agents are reportedly making roundups all across the state in what is being described as one of the biggest investigations of its kind in New Jersey’s scandal-plagued history. According to news reports from NBC and the Bergen Record, City Council president Mariano Vega and deputy mayor Leona Baldini are among those arrested, as is former City Council candidate Michael Manzo. Other Hudson County politicians, including newly-elected Hoboken mayor Peter Camarano, have also reportedly been arrested.
UPDATE, 9:23 AM: The Record reports that former council candidate LaVern Webb-Washington, as well as Jersey City health officer Joseph Castagna and local Republican John Guarini have also been arrested. Pictures at NBC show that former Ward E candidate Guy Catrillo was also arrested.
UPDATE, 10:55 AM: Politicker is reporting that longtime Jersey City Democratic strategist Joe Cardwell and Municipal Utilities Authority board member Joe Cardwell was also among those arrested today.
UPDATE, 11:23 AM: Two of this year’s mayoral candidates have also been charged: L. Harvey Smith and Lou Manzo. You can read the complaints against them here and here. Also, the Journal is reporting that Jimmy King is on the list.
The federal agencies are mum thus far on the specific charges, but a press conference is expected later today as suspects appear in U.S. District Court in Newark. We’ll bring you any of the significant details as they emerge.
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Jon Whiten is the founding editor of the Jersey City Independent; he now works for a public-policy nonprofit in Trenton.
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