In a stunning turn of events, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has filed criminal charges against Mayor Salvatore Bonacorso for allegedly using his municipal office to run his landscaping and illegal tank removal business. Additionally, the mayor is accused of tampering with and falsifying witness records, including using an engineer’s name, license number and forged signature on permit applications.
When reached by CBS New York, Clark Township officials declined to comment on the matter. Attempts to contact the mayor’s residence were unsuccessful. A resident living in Clark stated that if any illegal activity is taking place, those involved should resign. However, another resident commented that under Bonacorso’s leadership, Clark has become a better place than it was under previous mayors.
This latest development comes after a separate investigation into the police department and its chief revealed racially motivated arrests as well as a failure to investigate allegations of misconduct. The report found that blacks are arrested at a disproportionate rate. Despite this, records obtained by the state attorney’s office were insufficient to indict the police officers involved. As a result, the police department is now under county supervision.
Christine Sloan is an Emmy Award-winning reporter who covers New Jersey for CBS 2 New York. She previously worked at the station from 2004 to 2016 before returning in January 2023.