Under RICO, a person or group who commits any two of 35 crimes—27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes—within a 10-year period and, in the opinion of the US Attorney bringing the case, has committed those crimes with similar purpose or results can be charged with racketeering. Those found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and/or sentenced to 20 years in prison. In addition, the racketeer must forfeit all ill-gotten gains and interest in any business gained through a pattern of "racketeering activity." The act also contains a civil component that allows plaintiffs to sue for triple damages.

The New Jersey Foreclosure Fairness Act, P.L. 2009, c.296, was signed into law on January 17, 2010 and provides protection to renters living in residential properties.

Residential tenants in New Jersey cannot be evicted solely because the property where they live is in foreclosure or has been foreclosed.

In general, New Jersey law protects tenants against eviction from their homes so long as they:

• pay the rent,
• respect the peace and quiet of their neighbors,
• avoid willful or grossly negligent damage to the property, and
• obey the reasonable rules theyhave agreed to in writing.

As the Federal corruption trail of Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini progressed, the FBI released several undercover video tapes made by government informant SOLOMON DEWK.

"Caught on tape" were Leona Beldini, Edward Cheatam, Jack Shaw, and Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy.

Beldini is accused of accepting $20,000 from Dwek in the form of illegal campaign contributions to Healy. Beldini faces up to 20 years in prison.

NEWARK – Real estate developer Shimon Haber pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder money, admitting he agreed with a cooperating witness and others to launder money for the purpose of making contributions to the political committee of a Union City official in exchange for official approvals to develop certain property in Union City, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

NOTE: The Star Ledger reported "Court filings and campaign finance reports show the money went to an election campaign associated with Mayor Brian Stack. The mayor has not been charged with any wrongdoing and has declined repeated requests to discuss the matter."

Haber, 34, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares to a one-count criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to launder money to conceal and promote unlawful activity. Judge Linares continued Haber’s release on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 28, 2010 at 11:00a.m.

In the waning days of his administration, Governor Jon Corzine's office released more than 180 names for direct appointments and nominations to paid and unpaid posts.

Three Hoboken residents were on the list. 

Former Hudson County Freeholder (District-5, Hoboken) Maurice Fitzgibbons was nominated as a new appointment to the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

Former Hoboken Councilman Michael T. Cricco was nominated for reappointment to the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

Scott Kisch was nominated as a new appointment to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

I personally know Fitzgibbons and Cricco, but had no idea who Scott Kisch was until I came accross the following February 28, 2006 NY Times article entitled "Driven to Success."

Local news agencies reported today that there is a movement in New Jersey to recall Senator Menendez.

The "Committee to Recall U.S. Senator Robert Menendez" is sponsored by the Sussex County Tea Party.

On November 25, 2009, the Committee filed a civil complaint in the Essex County Superior Court of New Jersey against Nina Michell Wells, New Jersey Secretary of State, and Robert F. Giles, Director of the Division of elections. To date, the Secretary of State has ignored the Notice and the Complaint in violation of state law and the Committee is awaiting a decision from the court.