Greg Lincoln to Mike Russo – ‘Answer to the bribe caught on Fed’s tape’
Greg Lincoln for 3rd Ward Council announces:
GREG LINCOLN TO COUNCILMAN RUSSO: EXPLAIN THE BRIBE FROM SOLOMON DWEK
Two investigative reporters from the New Jersey Star-Ledger revealed that in 2009, Councilman Michael Russo agreed to accept a $5,000 bribe in a meeting with Solomon Dwek, an FBI informant. Dwek’s role was pivotal in the FBI sting that brought down former Hoboken Mayor and now convicted felon, Peter Cammarano.
In their book, “The Jersey Sting,” Pulitzer Prize recipients Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin describe the meeting between Councilman Russo and Dwek, which was recorded by the FBI. In the meeting, Councilman Russo tells Dwek he’s a “smart man” for concealing his identity in the deal, and that they will “get along fine.” At the end of their meeting, Councilman Russo is caught on tape agreeing to accept $5,000 from Dwek, with the promise of further payments.
“Peter Cammarano may be in jail for accepting bribes, but sadly, the corruption story in Hoboken is not over. Councilman Russo needs to explain why he agreed to accept a $5,000 bribe, why he refused to answer questions about the incident, and why he never reported it to the authorities,” said Greg Lincoln. “This revelation raises many questions, but at least now we know why Councilman Russo refused to ask for Mayor Cammarano to resign and why he didn’t want further attention on Hoboken. Councilman Russo needs to explain why he agreed to accept a bribe or remain silent and let the voters of Hoboken end this chapter of corruption once and for all.”
Sources:
The Jersey Sting, by Ted Sherman, Josh Margolin, 2011 – Account of Councilman Russo’s meeting with Solomon Dwek: http://bit.ly/hXaqqW
nj.com article by Carly Baldwin, July 28 2009 – Councilman Russo explains why he didn’t call for Peter Cammarano’s resignation:http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2009/07/mike_russo_calling_attention_t.html
Links:
Campaign Press photos: http://bit.ly/fuTwuy
Campaign website: http://LincolnForCouncil.com
Campaign phone: 201-468-0605
Campaign email: LincolnForCouncil@gmail.com