Leona Beldini
Leona Beldini is a real estate broker and a deputy mayor of Jersey City.
On July 23, 2009, Beldini was charged by the FBI with conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. She allegedly arranged a meeting between a purported developer and an unnamed Jersey City official (“Official 4″) at which she indicated Official 4′s willingness to accept campaign contributions in exchange for “cut[ting] red tape” on projects that developer was pursuing. Beldini also allegedly was interested in being a realtor for the properties purportedly under development. (You can read the criminal complaint against her here.)
Beldini was suspended from her position on July 23, 2009 in light of the criminal allegations. She was indicted on Aug. 20, and pleaded not guilty on Sept. 1.
