Derrick James, Attempted Extortion, New Jersey 2021
Former Zoning Officer Pleads Guilty to Attempted Extortion
In a shocking turn of events, Derrick James, a 60-year-old former zoning officer in Irvington, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to attempted extortion.According to authorities, James solicited corrupt payments from a man posing as a land developer in exchange for securing necessary documentation and approvals required to obtain building permits for a property in Irvington, New Jersey.
The scheme involved James accepting approximately $1,500 in cash payments from the cooperating witness, with the promise of arranging for licensed New Jersey contractors to place their official seals on permit applications and guaranteeing that an Irvington inspector would inspect the property and grant the necessary approvals.
The count of attempted extortion under color of official right carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. James is currently scheduled for sentencing on September 21, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today's guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tazneen Shahabuddin of the Special Prosecutions Division.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Derrick James, 60, of Irvington, New Jersey
- Charges: One count of attempted extortion under color of official right
- Location: Irvington, New Jersey
- Date: September 2018 to December 2018
- Sentence: Currently scheduled for sentencing on September 21, 2021
- Fine: Up to $250,000
- Amount of corrupt payments: Approximately $1,500
About the Case:
The Township of Irvington Building and Construction Department (TIBCD) processed the issuance of permits for construction, renovations, and alterations to building structures in Irvington in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. James, as a zoning officer, represented to a cooperating witness that he could facilitate the acquisition of the necessary permits for the proposed rehabilitation of a certain residential property in Irvington.Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/irvington-zoning-officer-admits-attempted-extortion