SECAUCUS — Possible witnesses for the trial of ex-Secaucus Mayor Elwell include former associates Denis Jaslow, Ronald Manzo, Maher A. Khalil, and Edward Cheatam, as well as FBI agents, Elwell family members, Secaucus Mayor Gonnelli, Business Administrator David Drumeler, and State Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, according to a newspaper report.
A list of 34 potential witnesses were discussed yesterday in Federal Court in Newark as attorneys and prosecutors prepare for a June 20 trial date.
Elwell is among 46 public officials arrested in a government sting operation in 2009 called “Operation Bid Rig” in which an FBI informant posing as a developer offered political candidates bribes in exchange for future help with developments. Elwell has pleaded not guilty to accepting money. But several individuals listed on the potential witness list have pleaded guilty.