List of Hudson County politicians convicted of corruption charges

By The Jersey Journal The Jersey Journal
April 01, 2015 at  4:50 PM

Today U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, the former Union City mayor, was indicted on charges that include conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud. Here's a list of some Hudson County politicians and power brokers who were charged and convicted on corruption counts:

Thomas Whelan, former Jersey City mayor, John V. Kenny, former Jersey City mayor and county power broker; and Thomas Flaherty, former Jersey City City Council president: The three members of the "Hudson County Eight" were convicted in federal court of conspiracy and extortion in a multi-million dollar political kickback scheme connected to city and county contracts. 

Robert Janiszewski, former Hudson County executive: "Bobby J" pleaded guilty in 2002 to taking more than $100,000 in bribes. He was the highest-ranking elected official in state history ever to work undercover for the FBI.

Joe Barry, real estate mogul: Barry paid illegal kickbacks to Janiszewski.

Edward Cheatam, former Jersey City Housing Authority director: Cheatam pleaded guilty to extortion conspiracy as part of Bid Rig III sting.

Leona Beldini, former Jersey City Deputy Mayor: She was convicted of collecting $20,000 in illegal campaign contributions as part of Bid Rig III sting.

Mariano Vega, former Jersey City Council President: Vega took $30,000 in illegal contributions as part of Bid Rig III sting.
Joseph Cardwell, Hudson County political operative and former Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority commissioner: Cardwell collected $30,000 bribe as part of Bid Rig III sting.

Philip Kenny, former Jersey City councilman. Kenny pleaded guilty of taking $5,000 bribe as part of Bid Rig III sting.

Read more:  http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/20 ... art_2box_hudson_index.ssf