Newark Businessman Admits to Bribing Former Official
A Newark businessman has admitted to bribing a former deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development in exchange for assistance with acquiring and redeveloping city-owned properties.
Irwin Sablosky, 64, of Springfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to two counts of honest services fraud and bribery before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in the case, Sablosky provided cash and jewelry to Carmelo Garcia, a former Newark deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development, in exchange for his use of influence to assist Sablosky’s acquisition of various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment.
The scheme occurred between 2017 and April 2019, during which time Sablosky, Frank Valvano Jr., and others provided significant monetary payments and other benefits to Garcia in exchange for his assistance.
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 Sablosky and Valvano.
Sablosky’s actions undermined the best interests of his community and threatened the confidence its citizens have in those who take an oath to serve the public, according to law enforcement officials.
Sablosky faces significant penalties for his actions, which include honest services fraud and bribery. The case is a reminder that the public trust must be upheld by those in positions of power.
According to law enforcement officials, Sablosky corrupted the public official’s independent judgment and violated the public trust for his own financial gain.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to ensure that the people of New Jersey are protected from public officials whose greed overrides their sworn duty to serve the public and from the individuals who bribe those officials.
**Mandatory Facts**
Defendant/Respondent: Irwin Sablosky
Criminal Charges: Honest services fraud and bribery
City and State: Newark, New Jersey
Exact Date: 2023 (no specific date provided)
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
Dollar Amounts: Not specified in the source
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
