Soto gets 75 months in jail
By Editor*Updated
Former Passaic City Councilman Jonathan Soto was sentenced to 75 months in prison following his conviction on federal corruption charges. Earlier this year, a jury found Soto, a former Republican Municipal Chairman, guilty of all 23 counts in an indictment that accused him of taking $44,500 in bribes for himself, former Mayor Sammy Rivera, and former Councilman Marcellus Jackson.
He was also convicted of one extortion charge connected to his role in bribing other public officials, including former Pleasantville Board of Education member Jayson Adams, and one count of procession of illegal drugs.
"Soto joins the long line of politicians going to prison for putting public office up for sale," said Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph Marra. "We once again hope that a clear message has been sent to those in public life, that if you corrupt your office you will be brought to justice."
Update: The U.S. Attorney's office also announced the conviction of Passaic Councilman Geraro Fernandez on one count of perjury for testifying falsely in front of a grand jury. He was aquitted on one count of obstruction.
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