BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (AP) - A municipal official has admitted soliciting and accepting a $15,000 bribe from a business owner who wanted to sell his commercial property to the town.
Bloomfield Township Councilman Elias Chalet pleaded guilty Tuesday to bribery as part of a plea deal. He faces a five-year state prison term when he’s sentenced July 10.
Authorities say the 55-year-old Chalet told the business owner in October 2015 that he needed to pay $15,000 or the town wouldn’t buy his property. The business owner reported this to state police, and the Democratic councilman was arrested the following month after authorities said he received the final installment of his bribe.
Chalet will lose his council seat and will be barred from holding public employment in New Jersey. He also forfeited the $15,000 he received.
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