Ex-Passaic Councilman convicted on federal charges
By EditorA jury took about four hours today to convict former Passaic City Councilman Jonathan Soto on all 23 counts of federal bribery, extortion and drug possession charges. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
The 33-year-old Soto, who still serves as the Passaic Republican Municipal Chairman, was convicted of accepting $44,500 in bribes for him and two other city officials who have already pleaded guilty, former Mayor Sammy Rivera and former Councilman Marcellus Jackson.
"Like so many others we've encountered in this investigation, Soto leveraged his position as an elected official and sold his office for cash," said Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph Marra, Jr. "We are gratified that the jury recognized this and convicted Soto on all counts."
Soto also served as Chairman of the Passaic Redevelopment Authority.
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