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Ex-Perth Amboy Mayor's Corruption Case Goes To Jury

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The corruption case against former Perth Amboy mayor and state legislator Joseph Vas is now in the hands of a jury.

Vas is charged with accepting illegal campaign contributions. Government prosecutors say he profited from the flip sale of a city apartment building and used some of the money for his unsuccessful 2006 congressional campaign.

Lawyers for Vas and his co-defendant, former mayoral aide Melvin Ramos, wrapped up their closing arguments Tuesday in federal court in Newark.

Vas' attorney didn't call any witnesses during the nine-day trial.

Vas also faces state corruption charges related to the alleged billing of personal expenses to the city of Perth Amboy while he was mayor.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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