After a special meeting of the Secaucus Town Council Friday afternoon, the governing body has named Deputy Mayor John Reilly acting mayor. Reilly, currently a 3rd Ward Town Councilman, will be stepping in for Mayor Dennis Elwell, who has kept a low profile since being arrested in a bribery sting Thursday morning.
For those wondering why Hoboken can’t do the same thing, Secaucus has a different form of government in which the mayor is also part of the seven-member council.
Elwell was among 44 government officials who were targeted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark as part of the massive corruption scandal that has rocked New Jersey.
Elwell was charged with “conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.”
According to federal prosecutors, Elwell allegedly took a $10,000 cash bribe from a witness who was cooperating with investigators. In exchange for the payment, Elwell allegedly agreed to help the witness get a hotel built in Secaucus, prosecutors said.
Elwell was allegedly introduced to the cooperating witness by Ron Manzo, brother of former state Assemblyman Lou Manzo.
For his involvement, Ron Manzo allegedly received a $5,000 payment from the witness.
If convicted, Elwell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Several of Elwell’s political allies claim not to have spoken with him since his arrest.
In a statement released on June 24, the Secaucus Town Council said: “The Town of Secaucus wants to assure its residents that the day-to-day operation of the town government will continue uninterrupted. Additionally, based upon the town’s annual resolution, Councilman John Reilly was appointed Deputy Mayor. Pursuant to that resolution, he serves as acting mayor for any absence of the mayor. The governing body wants to reassure the community that it will continue the work for the best interest of he residents of Secaucus.
The statement made no reference to Elwell’s arrest or the charges against him. Also, the statement did not indicate if or when Elwell might reassume his duties as mayor.
Reilly has represented the 3rd Ward for more than a decade. A former Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center board member and retired United Parcel Service employee, Reilly has been a member of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department. An Elwell ally, his is running for reelection this November on the Democratic slate against Independent candidate Bill McKeever. – E. Assata Wright
Our Digital Archive from 2000 – 2016
