Seacaucus Mayor Resigns, But Claims Innocence

Dennis Elwell, mayor of Secaucus, NJ, announced that he will resign today, after being charged with corruption—he allegedly took a $10,000 bribe from a government informant— in the massive federal probe that netted 44 arrests last week. His lawyer issued a statement, "Effective today, July 28, 2009, Dennis Elwell will resign his position as mayor of the town of Secaucus. After careful deliberation, Dennis determined this action is in the best interest of both his family and the People of Secaucus. Those who perceive this action to be an admission of culpability as to the pending criminal allegations are gravely mistaken." Elwell had been mayor since 1999. Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano, who was also arrested and accused of taking $25,000 in bribes, and Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Saurez, arrested and accused of taking $10,000, have refused to resign, in spite of outcry.