JERSEY CITY — According to media reports, a jury in the federal corruption trial of former Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini on Thursday found her guilty on two counts against her and not guilty on the other four counts against her. Beldini was the treasurer for Mayor Jerramiah Healy’s 2009 re-election campaign.
The 74-year-old Beldini was found guilty of two counts of accepting things of value to influence and reward. The two guilty counts pertained to a $10,000 payment from government informant Solomon Dwek on March 26 of last year, purportedly for Mayor Healy’s reelection campaign, and a $10,000 payment on May 5 that presumably also went to Healy’s campaign.
The charges were part of an FBI sting investigation last year in which 44 religious and political leaders were snared by Dwek, who offered campaign contributions to candidates, saying he might need help with development projects.
Beldini was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit extortion under the color of official right, attempted extortion under the color of official right, and one count of acceptance of things of value to influence and reward.
Sentencing is set for June 1. Beldini’s attorney Brian Neary said he would file an appeal of the guilty counts.
Defense attorneys have said Beldini will likely appeal. – RK