by Jason Allentoff & Tom MongelliShore-based Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt is among the most prominent shore-based arrestees among 44 rounded up in a two-tiered federal probe into political corruption and money laundering. Van Pelt is charged with taking 10-thousand dollars from a cooperating witness posing as a developer seeking state approvals for construction in Waretown. He was mayor for a decade, and folks there mix disbelief with cynicism.
While some people we spoke with were totally speechless, others felt it was to be expected. There were quite a few people who knew Van Pelt personally and said he had done "such good things for the community that its very hard to believe that this happened." Some other remarks came from people who feel that New Jersey is too far gone to fix when it comes to corruption and this is just a prime example of "how deep the roots and seeds of corruption run."
Van Pelt's Ninth-District colleagues are Senator Chris Connors and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf. They both are pressing Van Pelt to resign as soon as possible. State Assembly Republican Leader Alex Decroce is also calling for the resignation sooner rather than later. He has stated clearly that "Daniel Van Pelt cannot represent his district effectively with this cloud hanging over his head."
Also charged with extortion are Charlie Amon and Former Assembly Candidate Jeff Williamson, both of Lakewood and Denis Jaslow of Wall Township. Among those facing money laundering counts are Eli Ben Haim of Long Branch and Edward Nahum of Deal, principal rabbis of a Deal synagogue where neighbors are understandably shaken.
Be sure to stay tuned to WOBM News and the Millennium Radio News Network for continuing updates on this developing story.
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