The Mayor of Hamilton Township, N.J., surrendered Thursday morning to FBI agents to face allegations he took $12,400 in bribes in exchange for his official influence over a health insurance brokerage contract with the township’s school district, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
John Bencivengo, 58, of Hamilton, is charged with attempted extortion under the color of official right. He is scheduled to appear Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Arpert in Trenton federal court.
“This investigation revealed the alleged use of bribes in exchange for official influence,
which casts a negative connotation on our political system during a time when trust in public
officials is essential,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez. “It is
imperative to combat public corruption at all levels of government, therefore, situations of
extortion under the color of official right will continue to be vigorously addressed and
investigated.”
Bencivengo faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he's convicted.
