Indictments begin for arrested politicians
Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra Jr. announced on Thursday that Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini (pictured with her attorney Brian Neary) and Edward Cheatam, former Jersey City Board of Education member and Hudson County government employee, were both charged with extortion in a one-count indictment.
Both were among the 44 people who were arrested on July 23 as part of the federal government’s investigation into money laundering. Other officials swept up in the sting, carried out by cooperating witness Solomon Dwek, included Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano and Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell.
Beldini, 74, is accused in the indictment of allegedly taking $20,000 in illegal campaign contributions from Dwek as a way of his gaining access to Mayor Jerramiah Healy.
Cheatam, 61, is accused of accepting $15,000 in bribes and introducing Dwek to Beldini.
Under federal law, prosecutors are required to seek indictments against defendants within 30 days of filing charges. But the other defendants in the case have signed agreements with prosecutors extend the 30-day deadline to continue plea negotiations.
Beldini’s attorney Neary said his client will fight the charges.
“We fully expected the indictment,” Neary said. “Leona did not consent to give prosecutors more time to prepare a case where she could plea deal. This 74-year old woman is ready to fight to clear her good name now, and will plead not guilty and insists on her right to a speedy trial.”
Cheatam’s attorney John Collins could not be reached for comment.
Healy also issued a statement about Beldini, who is currently suspended without pay:
“I’ve known Leona for more than 20 years, and I’ve always known her to be honest, upright and law abiding. And under our laws, like anyone else who is charged, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We have been told this is an ongoing investigation and consistent with that status, we are not going to comment any further.”
Lots to see, hear, do during Barclay’s
The $250 million Liberty National golf course is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City. This year, the course has invited golf legends like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to compete in the Professional Golfers Associations’ (PGA) Barclay’s Golf Tournament held from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30. In conjunction with the event, Art House Productions, one of Jersey City’s largest arts organizations, presents the “See What’s Hear Festival,” hosting concerts, art exhibits and more to welcome the hundreds of expected visitors. In addition, local restaurants are offering discounts.
Founder of Art House Productions (AHP) Christine Goodman said there is plenty in store for tourists traveling to Jersey City to take in the five-day tournament.
“The ‘See What’s Hear Festival’ offers exciting visual art, performances and music programs too,” Goodman said.
The “See What’s Hear Festival” is made possible by the Jersey City Urban Enterprise Zone Program and is also paid for in part by the State of New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program. All events are free and open to the public.
For more on the festival, see the story inside this edition in our entertainment section.
Provident Bank awards library $15K grant
The Provident Bank Foundation recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the Jersey City Free Public Library for the installation of security cameras at library branches across the city.
There are already cameras at the Greenville, Miller and Five Corners branches, and partially at the Main Library.
In a letter thanking the Provident Bank Foundation, Library Director and Library Foundation Executive Director Priscilla Gardner stated, “We are more than just pleased to hear of the Provident Bank Foundation’s award of $15,000 toward the purchase of security cameras for the library system. We know this is a manifestation of the excellent, long and storied relationship between the Provident Bank and the Jersey City Free Public Library, one that spans over 120 years.”
Free inspections of child safety seats
O n Saturday, Sept. 12 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 12-18), Jersey City Medical Center’s Trauma Division and the Jersey City Police Motorcycle Squad Division will have certified technicians available to provide on-site child safety seat inspections and education in the parking lot at Target, 100 14th St. in Jersey City.
“It’s the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to make sure their children are safely restrained – every trip, every time,” said Marissa Fisher, RN, Safe Kids Hudson County Coordinator. “We are urging everyone to get their child safety seats inspected. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.”
For more information on Child Passenger Safety Week, a national effort to remind parents and caregivers of the lifesaving effect child safety seats have in protecting young children, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/cps.