By: Richard L. Smith
A former Hudson County Parks Department director and a Jersey City business owner have admitted to their roles in a long-running bribery scheme, while a second former department head now faces federal charges, authorities announced.
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Thomas A. DeLeo, 76, and William A. Murray, 56, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.
DeLeo also admitted to conspiracy to launder money tied to the scheme. Meanwhile, Russell Fallacara, 58, DeLeo’s successor, has been charged by complaint with similar offenses and was released on bond following his initial court appearance.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme, which spanned from about 2019 through 2024, involved more than $1.5 million in bribes and kickbacks.
Investigators allege Murray paid both DeLeo and Fallacara in exchange for securing lucrative county contracts tied to parks projects, including landscaping, paving, and general maintenance work.
Authorities said the payments were often made in cash, including one instance where DeLeo allegedly received a bag containing tens of thousands of dollars.
Other payments were funneled through a consulting company to conceal their origin.
Fallacara is accused of receiving more than $400,000 in illicit payments, while additional benefits included free home repairs and renovations.
In return, prosecutors say both officials used their positions to steer more than $5 million in county work to Murray’s company.
Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The investigation remains ongoing.