Quote:

+1

Just the tip of the iceberg, unfortunately.

I'll be really impressed when and if the Feds examine more closely the role of third party expediters.

The real question is not whether one Jersey City inspector is guilty of extorting bribes but rather is there one who is INNOCENT.
What percentage of these extortions get handed UP the political ladder?


How about asking David Harrington with whom he shared the bribes in exchange for a reduced sentence?

But perhaps is it better not to ask these questions lest some BIG feathers get ruffled?

NJ building inspector sentenced for extortion

The Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. - A Jersey City building inspector who demanded tens of thousands of dollars in money, services and gifts from a contractor has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

David Harrington of Orange will remain free on $50,000 bail pending his surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. He had pleaded guilty to extortion in June.

Under the sentence imposed Friday, Harrington also must pay a $40,000 fine and serve two years of supervised release after being released from prison.

The 47-year-old Harrington admitted taking bribes between January 2004 and November 2006 in exchange for expediting inspections at the contractor's projects.

Prosecutors said the contractor, whom they did not identify, cooperated in the investigation.

Healy and Healy's administration is going through some intensive business management and human relations training in the supervision of all staff. They will be forced to study and implement the Sgt Schultz school of authority and control.

U.S. Attorney's Office..District of New Jersey

06-10-09 -- NEWARK
A former Jersey City building inspector pleaded guilty today to extorting corrupt payments from contractors.

Harrington News Release (.pdf)

Harrington Information (.pdf)

Ex-city inspector: I extorted big bucks

Thursday, June 11, 2009
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

NEWARK - A former Jersey City building inspector pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to extorting tens of thousands of dollars, as well as gifts and services from a contractor in exchange for official help.

David Harrington, 47, of Orange, yesterday admitted under oath to taking bribes between January 2004 and November 2006 in exchange for "expeditious approvals and timely inspections."

Harrington admitted that while working at the city's Department of Housing, Economic Development and Office of the Construction Code Official he took bribes from a Jersey City contractor and an employee of the contractor, identified only as "CW1" and CW2."

In exchange, he received, in part, $15,000 for the purchase and installation of an air-conditioning system, $12,000 for the purchase of materials for work, $10,000 for time and materials to put in a driveway, $2,000 for the purchase of an ice-maker and $1,080 for tuition for a fire inspector school class.

Harrington appeared relaxed at the hearing as he stood with hands clasped behind his back beside his lawyer, Michael Armstrong of Willingboro, in the courtroom of District Court Judge Susan D. Wigenton.

When asked by Wigenton if he "understood that by accepting and agreeing to accept these benefits in exchange for your official action while serving as a building inspector, you were violating the law?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harrington responded softly.

Harrington was hired by Jersey City in December 2002 and he was terminated in February 2008, Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said, adding that he made $56,300 per year as an inspector.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Kramer said Harrington will be sentenced Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. and likely faces a term of 30 to 37 months. Harrington was released on $50,000.