Manzo and brother indicted on corruption charges

Former Assemblyman Louis Manzo (D-Jersey City), who was arrested on July 23 as part of Operation Bid Rig, was indicted today on charges that he took a $27,500 bribe from a government witness - believed to be Solomon Dwek - in exchange for help on a development matter after he became Mayor.  Manzo lost his bid to unseat incumbent Jerramiah Healy last spring by a wide margin.

Manzo's brother, insurance executive Ronald Manzo, was also indicted.

The Manzo's are accused of conspiring with two then-Jersey City officials, Edward Cheatam and Maher Khalil, and with a "now-deceased political consultant" - believed to be Jack Shaw.  Cheatam and Khalil have already pleaded guilty.

The two accepted envelopes with cash outside a Staten Island restaurant, according to the indictment.

From the  U.S. Attorney's press release:

Shortly before taking the envelope full of cash on March 5, the CW reiterated that he wanted his development approvals expedited. "There's no question," Ronald Manzo replied, according to the indictment. He added that it was "good government."

"I mean it's not only, it's only because of good government. It has nothing to do with anyone else. It makes sense," Manzo said, winking at the CW, according to the Indictment.

Throughout the meetings, Ronald Manzo and Cheatam agreed to act as conduits and accept the cash instead of payments going directly to Louis Manzo. Ronald Manzo said his brother needed a "buffer." Louis Manzo, however, ultimately acknowledged receiving payments in discussions with the CW, according to the Indictment.