Keith Reid

September 6, 2007 - 3:40pm

Arrests could be first test of Panter's ethics reform law

Today's arrests could be the first real test of Assemblyman Michael Panter's legislation (A-20), which requires mandatory prison sentences and pension forfeiture for any public officials convicted of corruption. Governor Jon "Hold Me Accountable" Corzine signed the bill on March 16th of this year and it took effect on April 15th. Criminal complaints filed today by the U.S. Attorney could mean that Assemblymen Alfred Steele and Mims Hackett, Passaic Mayor Sammy Rivera, Passaic Councilman Marcellus Jackson, and Keith Reid, the Chief of Staff to the Newark City Council President, would lose their pensions if convicted of bribery.

There have been 4 comments posted in response to this story.

September 6, 2007 - 9:53am

Eleven arrested in bribery scandal

By Editor

Rev. Alfred Steele is the Assembly Deputy Speaker and the Passaic County UndersheriffThe list of eleven public officials arrested today by FBI agents: Assemblymen Alfred Steele and Mims Hackett, Passaic Mayor Sammy Rivera, Passaic City Councilman Marcellus Jackson, former Passaic City Councilman Jonathan Soto, Keith Reid, the Chief of Staff to the Newark City Council President, Louis Mister of Pleasantville, and five current and former members of the Pleasantville Board of Education -- Jayson Adams, City Councilman Maurice "Pete" Callaway, James McCormick, James Pressley and Rafael Velez.

Callaway is the brother of former Atlantic City Councilman Craig Callaway, who was sentenced today to 40 months in a federal prison for taking bribes from an undercover FBI agent.

Soto, viewed as a rising star in North Jersey GOP politics when he was elected to the City Council in his early 20's, is the Passaic Republican Municipal Chairman. He has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President.

There have been 16 comments posted in response to this story.

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