Informant Faces Cross Examination In N.J. Mayor's Trial

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- An informant whose secretly recorded videotapes of public officials form the heart of a federal corruption sting faces a potentially lengthy cross-examination Thursday.

In direct testimony Tuesday and Wednesday, informant Solomon Dwek described meeting with Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez and tax preparer Vincent Tabbachino as part of an alleged bribery scheme.

Prosecutors played numerous audio and video tapes Dwek recorded of the meetings.

Suarez and Tabbachino each face bribery and extortion counts. They were arrested in July 2009 along with more than 40 others.

In two previous trials stemming from last year's massive corruption sting, Dwek was cross-examined extensively by defense lawyers. Both trials ended in convictions.

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