Ex-NJ lawmaker convicted of accepting bribe, attempted extortion in massive corruption probe

Ex-NJ lawmaker is convicted in corruption probe

TRENTON, N.J. — A former New Jersey lawmaker arrested in the state’s largest corruption sting has been found guilty of accepting a bribe and attempted extortion.

Former Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt had been accused of accepting $10,000 from an FBI informant who posed as a developer. Prosecutors say Van Pelt promised to use his position to help the informant gain development approvals.

Wednesday’s verdict is the second conviction in the sting. Van Pelt is among 44 people who were arrested last July in the massive federal corruption and money laundering probe.

Van Pelt, a Republican, had testified that he considered the informant a client in his fledgling consulting business.

He could face up to 20 years in prison for the attempted extortion count and up to 10 years on the bribery count.