Frank Valvano, Bribery and Honest Services Fraud, New Jersey 2025

State: New Jersey
Category: Public Corruption
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/newark-businessman-admits-bribing-former-newark-deputy-mayor-and-director-newark-0" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Newark, NJ – In a shocking turn of events, 57-year-old Florham Park businessman Frank Valvano, Jr. has pleaded guilty to bribing a former high-ranking city official in exchange for assistance in acquiring and redeveloping city-owned properties.

According to court documents, Valvano provided cash, jewelry, and other benefits to Carmelo Garcia, a former deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development, in exchange for Garcia’s use of his influence to further Valvano’s private business interests.

The scheme, which took place from 2017 through April 2019, involved Valvano and his business partner, Irwin Sablosky, providing significant monetary payments and other benefits to Garcia in exchange for his assistance in obtaining preliminary designation letters, securing redevelopment agreements, and ensuring that Garcia did not use his influence to act against their interests.

Phone records and text messages obtained by law enforcement show extensive communication between Garcia, Valvano, Sablosky, and others throughout this period of time, including text messages in which Garcia arranged to personally collect cash provided by Valvano and Sablosky.

Valvano, who was originally charged by indictment in October 2021, pleaded guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with honest services fraud and bribery. He faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the pecuniary gain from the offense.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2025. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and the devastating consequences of bribery and corruption.

The case is a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.

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