Regional Briefs – April 30, 2019

Mayor Resigns, Charged With Election Ballot Violation

HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) — The Democratic mayor of a northern New Jersey town has resigned amid an election violation charge.

The Bergen County prosecutor’s office said Monday that former Elmwood Park Mayor Francesco Caramagna faces a charge of interfering with the secrecy of the election process.

Caramagna, who resigned Sunday, is accused of filling out some portions of mail-in ballots and primary election ballot certifications.

Man Admits Bribing Postal Workers to Steal Credit Cards

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man has admitted bribing postal workers to steal credit cards from the mail.

Olagoke Araromi pleaded guilty Monday to bribery, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The 22-year-old Union Township man now faces up to 47 years in prison when he’s sentenced Sept. 9.

Federal prosecutors say Araromi and 24-year-old Moussa Dagno, of Harrison, recruited at least six letter carriers and postal service employees to steal credit cards from the mail in exchange for cash bribes, usually $100 per stolen card.

Lawyer: Watchdog Has No Jurisdiction In Chokehold Trial

NEW YORK (AP) — The lawyer for a New York City police officer accused in the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner says the police watchdog agency prosecuting his disciplinary trial doesn’t have the jurisdiction to do so.

Officer Daniel Pantaleo’s attorney, Stuart London, appeared Tuesday before Judge Joan Madden to ask for a hearing on the issue and a temporary restraining order against the trial, scheduled to start in mid-May, going forward.

The judge denied the order but agreed to hold a hearing next week.