HOBOKEN – Journalists Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin returned to the scene of the crimes on Wednesday afternoon, signing copies of their new book “The Jersey Sting,” which tells many previously untold stories about the FBI’s 2009 political corruption sting operation that shook Hudson County politics to the core. Their Wednesday appearance was at the Malibu diner in Hoboken, where an FBI informant had met in 2009 with politicians to offer them campaign donations in exchange for political favors.
Among those snagged in this manner was former Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano, who is now in jail.
Sherman and Margolin had reported on “Operation Bid Rig” for the Newark Star Ledger.
Approximately 40 people came to the Malibu to meet the authors and have their books signed.
Among those who came was Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. More than once, Zimmer asked the authors if they would release the tapes that mention Councilman Michael Russo, who, according to the book, walked away after at first allegedly agreeing to a $5,000 payment in a meeting.
Russo is up for re-election May 10 and faces one of Zimmer’s allies, Greg Lincoln, who last week issued a press release about the allegations. Russo has said that he did not agree to a bribe. (Read Russo’s response from earlier this week HERE.
The two authors have said that they stand by what is in the book.The authors will return to the area on Tuesday, April 5 at the Jersey City Library – Greenville Branch, 1841 Kennedy Blvd. The authors will discuss the book and take questions, and the event will be moderated by former Mayor Bret Schundler.
Check out some photos from the event. — Ray Smith
Hoboken Mayor Zimmer asks ‘Jersey Sting’ authors for FBI tapes during their local appearance
