Housing Officials Face Charges of Bribery.
A few housing officials in the counties of Paterson and Passaic were found guilty on charges of bribery. Some of these former and current housing officials were taken into custody by federal agents when a local property manager brought out the case into the open.
The local property manager had secretly cooperated with the federal agents and the proof accumulated exposed fourteen such employees on charges of taking bribes from as low as $50 to as high as $3000. Details also showcased that a few of the accused have taken thousands of dollars in the form of bribes over the years. Among the officials who have been charged with the crime are city building inspectors, employees of the Paterson Housing Authority, employees of the Passaic valley water commission and also inspectors in the Paterson Environmental health department.
Detailed investigation showed that corruption is quite deep rooted within the housing division and that the fact is common knowledge. People offer thousands as bribes to get their way in code violations, and for some officials it has been difficult to refuse the good money. This is especially the case for that segment of workers who work a lot but do not get sufficient wages. Records showcased that in the year 2006, housing inspectors undertook 4,539 inspections, and over 3,000 zoning inspections. With a staff of just six housing inspectors and a zoning inspector and all being overworked no one had the time to audit the reports.
This investigation has brought out into the open one of the ugly aspects of renting and buying homes in New Jersey. Homeowners and purchases of new homes need to be wary of such people and apply through trusted agents only. A news conference would soon be called to discuss about the arrests and preventive action to be taken in the future.
June 03 2007 05:20 pm | Bribes
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