Former Newark Official Pleads In Extortion Scheme
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A former Newark city official has pleaded guilty in a scheme involving demolition contracts.
Anthony Clark was a manager in the city's Neighborhood Services Department. He pleaded guilty to attempted extortion during an appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court in Trenton.
Clark admitted taking $10,000 in cash in 2006 from a contractor who was also a government informant. In exchange, Clark promised to use his position to get the contractor work with the city.
The same informant taped meetings with former Newark Deputy Mayor Ron Salahuddin, who was indicted last February and pleaded not guilty to extortion and bribery.
A judge set Clark's sentencing for March 18. The maximum penalty for attempted extortion is 20 years in prison.
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