Jul 25, 2009 11:05 am US/Eastern
Residents Call For Resignations Amid NJ Scandals
Dozens Arrested In Massive FBI Corruption Bust
NEWARK (CBS) ―
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Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy (file)
CBS
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Hoboken, N.J., mayor Peter Cammarano, left, and Secaucus, N.J., mayor Dennis Elwell were among dozens of public officials and others arrested by federal agents involved in a corruption investigation, July 23, 2009.
Hoboken & Secaucus Official Web Sites
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Hoboken, N.J., Mayor Peter Cammarano was among many public officials and others arrested by federal agents involved in a corruption investigation, July 23, 2009.
CBS
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A Deal, NJ synagogue was raided during morning prayers, and several boxes of evidence removed, in the massive corruption bust in New York and New Jersey.
CBS
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Among the NJ officials arrested in the massive corruption bust were Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano III, and several prominent NJ religious officials.
CBS
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Secaucus, N.J., mayor Dennis Elwell (pictured) and Hoboken, N.J., mayor Peter Cammarano were among dozens of public officials and others arrested by federal agents involved in a corruption investigation, July 23, 2009.
CBS
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In the wake of one of the largest corruption sweeps in New Jersey state history, many residents said they want new elected officials.
Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy said he was the latest target in the federal corruption investigation that snared dozens of politicians and rabbis.
"When I heard what was going on and he wasn't named, I thought it's just a matter of time," one resident said.
Newly-elected Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano, in office just three weeks, was among 44 people arrested Thursday.
According to authorities, they were caught on tape taking a bribe.
"I am fully capable of carrying out my oath of office and the duties of my office while this case is pending," Cammarano said.
Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, Assemblyman Dan Van Pelt, and Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez were also accused of taking bribes.
The alleged corruption took place, according to acting U.S. attorney Ralph J. Marra, Jr., in "meetings, in parking lots, at restaurants, luncheonettes, diners, officers, basement boiler rooms and bathrooms, and the politicians willingly put themselves up for sale. Hundreds of thousands in bribes were paid in those places."
When asked how much she violated the public trust, Beldini said: "None."
Residents felt betrayed and were calling for resignations.
"He can't be mayor and defend himself at the same time like this. It's too much work," one New Jersey resident said.
"I think my confidence has definitely been shaken. I was more confident yesterday than I am today that's for sure," said Meredith Emery.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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