Government’s star witness is under cross-examination in trial in NJ’s largest corruption bust

Informant cross-examined in NJ corruption bust

NEWARK, N.J. — The government’s key witness is being cross-examined in the first trial in New Jersey’s largest corruption bust.

Attorney Brian Neary was questioning Solomon Dwek on Monday about his religious convictions as a member of an Orthodox Jewish sect.

Neary represents suspended Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini. He is asking Dwek which biblical laws he has violated, in addition to state and federal laws.

Beldini was among 44 arrested in July in a two-track investigation into political corruption and money laundering. Ten have pleaded guilty.

Those who plan to go to trial are watching how jurors react to Dwek. He has pleaded guilty to bank fraud, and jurors had been asked during selection whether they could impartially consider the testimony of someone who has admitted to a crime.