L. Harvey Smith

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Smith was one of 44 individuals arrested on July 23, 2009, as part of Operation Bid Rig, a joint operation of the FBI, IRS, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey into political corruption and money laundering. Smith was charged with accepting $15,000 in bribes in exchange for obtaining approval of building plans. [6]

Despite call for Smith's resignation from Governor Jon Corzine and others, Smith has said that he would remain in office. In a letter sent to Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts on August 6, 2009, Smith stated, "I believe that the resignation of my position as assemblyman is inconsistent with the presumption of innocence." Roberts, however, has said that he would suspend Smith's pay and benefits. [7]

On February 9, 2010, Smith was indicted for receiving $15,000 in bribes from a government informant. [8] He pleaded not guilty and planned to use an entrapment defense for the federal trial, scheduled to begin on November 29, 2010. [9] After a three-week trial, Smith was acquitted of all charges on December 16, 2010. [10]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith Archived 2017-03-04 at the Wayback Machine , New Jersey Legislature. Accessed April 13, 2008.
  2. ↑ New Jersey Legislative Digest Archived 2016-06-21 at the Wayback Machine for November 24, 2003. Accessed April 13, 2008. "Senator Joseph Charles, Jr., of the 31st Legislative District, has resigned effective August 18, 2003. L. Harvey Smith was sworn in as a member of the Senate for the 31st Legislative District."
  3. ↑ Chen, David W. "Voters Send Mixed Signals to Democratic Organization in New Jersey Primaries", The New York Times , June 6, 2007. Accessed October 13, 2007.
  4. ↑ "31st Dist: Democrat victories for Cunningham, Smith, Chiappone", The Star-Ledger , November 6, 2007. Accessed December 27, 2007.
  5. ↑ State of New Jersey. 213th Legislature thenewspaper.com
  6. ↑ Ryan, Joe. "Feds charge 44 with corruption including two N.J. assemblymen, three mayors", The Star-Ledger , July 23, 2009. Accessed July 23, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Smith Won't Quit". Jersey Journal . August 7, 2009. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  8. ↑ Hayes, Melissa (February 9, 2010). "Former Jersey City assemblyman indicted on corruption, money laundering charges". Hudson County Now. New Jersey On-Line LLC.
  9. ↑ "Smith to use entrapment defense". The Jersey Journal . 2010-10-30. Archived from the original on 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2010-11-03.
  10. ↑ "Ex-Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith is found not guilty of accepting $15K in bribes". The Star Ledger . 2010-12-16.
Leonard Harvey Smith
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from the 31st district
In office
January 8, 2008 –January 12, 2010
Servingwith Anthony Chiappone
New Jersey Senate
Preceded by New Jersey State Senator
31st Legislative District
November 2003 – January 2004		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Jersey City
May– November 2004
as Acting Mayor		Succeeded by
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