Figure in New Jersey Corruption Scandal Found Dead
JERSEY CITY, NJ (AP / WCBS 880) -- Authorities are investigating the death of a political consultant who was arrested in last week's federal corruption sweep in New Jersey.
An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday. Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio says it may take weeks to determine a cause of death if toxicological tests are required.
DeFazio says the 61-year-old was found by his girlfriend lying on the floor of the apartment near a desk.
The prosecutor says Shaw's death doesn't appear to be a homicide. Prescription drugs were found at the scene, but DeFazio says Shaw was suffering from an undisclosed illness.
Shaw was accused of taking $10,000 in bribes from a government informant posing as a developer.
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Yesterday, hundreds gathered outside [WCBS 880] Hoboken City Hall to protest Mayor Cammarano. Residents say it's an embarrassment to the city.
What's Happened Since the Corruption Sweep?
Latest developments in the New Jersey political corruption and money-laundering scandal:
*Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell resigned Tuesday, becoming the first elected official arrested in last week's corruption sweep to step down. Elwell denied any wrongdoing but said he left office for the good of his family and the residents of his hometown.
*State Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt was fired Saturday from his $85,000-a-year job as administrator of Lumberton Township. Town officials have asked federal authorities to review all the Ocean County Republican's dealings while serving in the post.
*Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez rebuffed a Borough Council resolution calling for him to resign. Suarez said during the contentious council meeting that he's confident he'll be exonerated.
*Protesters calling for Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano III to step down rallied outside City Hall and the mayor's home. Cammarano, who continues showing up for work, has denied charges that he accepted bribes.
*Cammarano's chief-of-staff, Joseph Garcia, resigned Tuesday, saying he didn't feel he could work for Cammarano in light of the allegations against the mayor.
*Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy has suspended without pay six employees arrested last week in the probe, including Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini. Healy said Tuesday he is ``very concerned'' about the effect the arrests could have on the city's image and on future development projects.
*Following last week's resignation of Joseph Doria Jr. as commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs, Charles Richman is now running the department. Richman had been a deputy commissioner.
*Several state lawmakers stepped up their calls for legislation that would require public officials charged to immediately forfeit their office:
Sen. Bill Baroni, R-Hamilton, urged a constitutional amendment that would suspend any indicted elected official from office until the legal process is completed.
Sen. Tom Kean, R-Westfield, wants the state Local Finance Board to consider exercising emergency control in cities where mayors and key officials have refused to step down.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Audio Content and Graphic Content Copyright 2009 WCBS-AM 880.
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