Ex-Housing Official Testifies In NJ Bribe Trial

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The federal corruption trial of former New Jersey Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith was set to resume Friday with cross-examination of former Jersey City housing official Edward Cheatam.

Cheatam testified Thursday that he handed Smith a $10,000 cash bribe paid by a developer seeking help with permits. Cheatam has pleaded guilty to extortion conspiracy.

The developer was undercover government informant Solomon Dwek, who secretly taped meetings with Smith and other public officials.

Cheatam has said he introduced Dwek to Smith. He was questioned yesterday about his motives for testifying against his former friend.

Smith has pleaded not guilty to several charges. He was one of 46 people arrested in the sting last year.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)