Sentencing Set For Ex-NJ Assemblyman Van Pelt

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A former New Jersey assemblyman faces sentencing on corruption charges.

Daniel Van Pelt of Ocean Township was due in federal court Friday, nearly five months after a jury convicted him of accepting a bribe and attempted extortion.

The 46-year-old Van Pelt was charged with accepting $10,000 in cash in exchange for his assistance in securing government approvals for purported real estate projects in Waretown.

At his trial, Van Pelt testified he considered the $10,000 payment from government informant Solomon Dwek to be a consulting fee.

Van Pelt was the second person convicted in New Jersey's largest public corruption sting in which 44 people were arrested. Seventeen have pleaded guilty.

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