Apr.21, 2010

NEWARK, N.J.—One of the highest-ranking former politicians to be caught up in New Jersey's massive corruption and money laundering probe pleaded guilty Tuesday to accepting bribes from a man he thought was a developer but who was really an undercover witness wearing a wire.

Former Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano III pleaded guilty to one count of extortion conspiracy, admitting that he accepted bribes—under the guise of campaign contributions—from an informant posing as a corrupt developer.

Mr. Cammarano admitted Tuesday to accepting $25,000 in what he thought were campaign contributions from the undercover witness, Solomon Dwek, in exchange for promises to help Dwek build in Hoboken.

In the small city along the Hudson River, gentrification has transformed its once-industrial waterfront into a destination for Wall Street employees, students and young families drawn to its spectacular Manhattan views. Cammarano, a 32-year-old Democrat who's an attorney specializing in election law, became the youngest mayor in Hoboken's history when he took office July 1.

He held the position less than three weeks before he was arrested July 23, along with 43 other defendants, in a federal sting targeting political corruption and money laundering. Mr. Cammarano was among three mayors, two state assemblymen and nearly two dozen public officials ensnared in the probe, along with prominent rabbis in Brooklyn and Deal, N.J.

Prosecutors released transcript excerpts of recordings in which Mr. Cammarano allegedly told Mr. Dwek that his political opponents would "get ground into powder.''

Mr. Cammarano resigned July 31.

Under terms of his plea agreement, Mr. Cammarano faces up to 2 ½ years in prison, although it is up to the discretion of U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares when he sentences him on Aug. 3.

Mr. Cammarano is the 17th person to plead guilty in the case and the 18th to be convicted; one person was found guilty at trial.

Mr. Cammarano, appearing composed and in a dark suit, entered the

plea himself in Newark federal court.

He declined to speak outside the courthouse, but his attorney, Joseph Hayden, said Mr. Cammarano had expressed remorse for his actions.

"He is 32 years old, and after he finishes the criminal process, I except he will rebuild his life and be once again a positive member of society,'' Mr. Hayden said.