Gov. Christie calls for Joseph Spicuzzo's resignation from N.J. sports authority

'In light of the disturbing allegations ... I call upon you to immediately resign your position, Christie wrote. 'The conduct of one individual commissioner cannot be permitted to cloud the work of the entire NJSEA' Watch video

Joseph Spicuzzo surrenders to N.J. authorities on corruption charges

Patti Sapone/The Star-LedgerFormer Middlesex County Sheriff Joseph Spicuzzo surrenders at State Police Troop C barracks in Hamilton Monday.

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today called on Joseph Spicuzzo to resign from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, one day after his arrest on charges of bribery and official misconduct.

"In light of the disturbing allegations ... I call upon you to immediately resign your position," Christie wrote. "The conduct of one individual commissioner cannot be permitted to cloud the work of the entire NJSEA."

But a lawyer for Spicuzzo said the former Middlesex County sheriff has already stepped down.

New Brunswick attorney Steven Altman said Spicuzzo sent resignation letters to both the sports authority and the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, where he was chairman for 16 years, shortly after turning himself in to the State Police on Monday.

"He absolutely recognized that was the right thing to do and he did it," Altman said.

Attorney General Paula Dow accused Spicuzzo of selling jobs and promotions at the Middlesex County sheriff's office. He allegedly received at least $50,000 in bribes from three people in 2007 and 2008.

Spicuzzo served as sheriff for 30 years, ending his tenure by deciding not to seek reelection early last year.

Spicuzzo was named to the sports authority board by then-Gov. Jon Corzine in 2009. Christie criticized the decision, calling Spicuzzo "probably the singular most unqualified candidate" for commissioner.

Star-Ledger staff writer Tom Haydon contributed to this report.