Jul 28, 2009 6:33 pm US/Eastern
Lawyer: Secaucus Mayor Resigns, Denies Allegations
Dennis Elwell Arrested In Massive Corruption Sweep Across N.J.
Reporting
Jay Dow
SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBS) ―
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Secaucus, N.J., mayor Dennis Elwell (pictured) was among dozens of public officials and others arrested by federal agents involved in a corruption investigation, July 23, 2009.
CBS
The mayor of Secaucus is the first politician to resign from office following last week's massive corruption bust, an operation that saw the arrests of nearly four dozen people, including two other New Jersey mayors.
Elwell's attorney said the accused lawmaker will resign in the wake of his corruption probe arrest, but that his resignation is not an admission of guilt.
Attorney Thomas Cammarata released this statement Tuesday: "Effective today, July 28, 2009, Dennis Elwell will resign his position as mayor of the town of Secaucus. After careful deliberation, Dennis determined this action is in the best interest of both his family and the People of Secaucus. Those who perceive this action to be an admission of culpability as to the pending criminal allegations are gravely mistaken."
Elwell, along with 43 others, was handcuffed and led into FBI headquarters in Newark, where he was charged with taking $10,000 in bribes from an FBI informant through a third party to expedite zoning changes. He is a respected Vietnam veteran, a man who has faced adversity in the loss of his 18-year-old son, and one who doesn't give up easily. Yet his attorney said he decided to step down because he doesn't want his town to have to deal with a distraction.
"It's a very difficult decision. He considered it with his family, discussed it with his family, discussed it with his friends, discussed it with members of his party. We think he took the high road," said Cammarata.
The mayor sent his resignation letter to the town administrator.
"The day to day running of government is going to continue to be here for the people of Secaucus," said David Drumeler, the Town Administrator.
No one answered the door at Elwell's home in Secaucus, where his family has lived for decades, running a trucking business. All of the neighbors there know them well.
"Everybody is completely shocked and they don't believe it. He's a great mayor. I was voting for him in this upcoming election," said Secaucus resident Jocelyn DiGiacomo. "You are innocent until proven guilty."
Added resident Joseph Giambona: "The taxes in town here have been stabilized. He did a lot of good things."
The mayors of Hoboken and Ridgefield were also charged with taking bribes, but they've so far refused to resign. Gov. Jon Corzine is still asking for all officials charged in the sting to step down. Elwell's attorney, in the meantime, says his client will defend himself vigorously.
"Very emotional. I've known Mayor Elwell, I know him representing him as his attorney in this matter, but I also know him as a friend," said Cammarata.
City Council members will hold a public meeting Tuesday night at 7. Elwell is not expected to be in attendance.
Elwell has been mayor of Secaucus since 1999.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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