Former Secaucus Mayor Elwell found guilty in FBI sting
After a day of deliberations, a federal jury reached a decision Wednesday afternoon in the bribery and extortion trial of former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell.
The jury found Elwell guilty of the third charge – acceptance of a corrupt payment – and not guilty of the first two charges, conspiracy to commit extortion and attempted extortion.
Sentencing will be Nov. 15, 2011. However, Elwell’s attorney said he plans to appeal.
Elwell was among dozens of religious and political leaders snared by the FBI in 2009 in a sting operation in which a developer (who himself was facing fraud charges) met with various politicians and offered campaign donations in exchange for future help with development projects.
In his trial, Elwell said that he did take $10,000 cash from his friend, political associate Ronald Manzo, that came originally from the developer. The developer, Solomon Dwek, had told both men that he wanted to build a hotel in Secaucus.
But Elwell said he saw it as a possible campaign donation rather than any sort of bribe, and that Manzo had asked him to hold onto the money for him.
Manzo pleaded guilty to accepting the money last month and testified against Elwell in the trial.
For more on this story, read this weekend’s Secaucus Reporter at hudsonreporter.com.
86-year-old woman killed with hammer in apparent domestic dispute
Authorities are saying that an apparent fight between an elderly couple was what killed an 86-year-old Union City woman who was found dead on Sunday.
A relative of the couple became concerned when she hadn’t heard from them since Thursday, and went to the apartment on Sunday, July 3. She found Mercedes Figueroa dead and her 74-year-old male companion badly injured. He is in critical condition at Jersey City Medical Center.
A news story quotes County Prosecutor Ed DeFazio as saying, “The man has not been charged at this point but it does appear that it was a domestic dispute that elevated to this level” and that it was “mutual combat.” DeFazio said that a hammer at the scene appears to be what killed the woman.
The elderly man is in critical condition at Jersey City Medical Center. An autopsy on the woman later in the week revealed that trauma to the skull caused the death.
West New York summer food service program
The West New York Recreation program will be participating in the 2011 Summer Food Service Program through Aug. 5. The program takes place weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Middle School, Donnelly Park on 60th and Boulevard East, Washington Park on 66th street, and Filmore Park on 61st street. Kids are given lunch at 12 p.m. and snacks at 3 p.m.
Throughout the day, kids at these locations participate in recreational activities including board games, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities.
For further information about the program call the office of Commissioner of Public Affairs Fior D’Aliza Frias at 201-295-5119.
Concerts in the Park
Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners will host concerts at Juan Pablo Duarte Park on New York Avenue and 33rd Street. The first concert, titled “Jazz at the Park,” will take place Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m.
For further information contact the Town Hall of Union City at 201-348-5735.
Movies at the Park
Friday nights at 6:30 p.m., the town of West New York will host free movie nights in Patricia Mc Eldowney Field on 61st Street on Boulevard East.
The following is a list of the movies: July 15, Iron Man 2; July 22, Rango; July 29, Karate Kid. People are encouraged to bring a blanket or foldable chair to sit on. Free refreshments will be served.
For further information contact the West New York Public Affairs office at 201-295-5119.