TOMS RIVER — The government has added more charges in the bribery case against a former New Jersey school superintendent and an insurance broker. In a superseding indictment announced today, Michael Ritacco and Francis X. Gartland face a combined nine counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and filing false federal income tax returns. The two already have pleaded...
Flanked by attorneys Brian Neary (left) and William Hughes, Jr. (right) Michael Ritacco (center), the longtime superintendent of Toms River school district, leaves court in Newark after he posted $1 million bail after he surrendered to federal authorities on Oct. 21, 2010.TOMS RIVER — The government has added more charges in the bribery case against a former New Jersey school superintendent and an insurance broker.
In a superseding indictment announced today, Michael Ritacco and Francis X. Gartland face a combined nine counts of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and filing false federal income tax returns.
The two already have pleaded not guilty to an 18-count indictment accusing them of bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and their lawyers have vowed to fight the charges.
Ritacco retired as Toms River superintendent on Oct. 21, the day he surrendered to the FBI.
Authorities say Ritacco and Gartland concealed more than $1 million in bribes from insurance brokers and other service providers.
Previous coverage:
• Former Toms River superintendent Michael Ritacco cashed in more than $200K in sick days
• Lawyer for ex-Toms River superintendent Michael Ritacco calls corruption case 'preposterous'
• Former Toms River superintendent pleads not guilty to fraud, bribery
• Toms River covers Ritacco Center sign with tarp after ex-school chief's arrest
• N.J. judge sets bail at $1M for Toms River Superintendent Michael Ritacco