TRENTON — A former high-ranking Department of Corrections official was indicted today on charges of bribery and attempted extortion. The 12-count indictment reveals a widening case against the former official, Lydell Sherrer. Federal authorities charged him with taking bribes from five people, rather than just the two he was originally accused of soliciting for cash. In return for bribes,...
Department of Corrections Assistant Commissioner Lydell Sherrer in this 2009 file photo. Sherrer has been suspended without pay today, two days after he was arrested on bribery charges.TRENTON — A former high-ranking Department of Corrections official was indicted today on charges of bribery and attempted extortion.
The 12-count indictment reveals a widening case against the former official, Lydell Sherrer. Federal authorities charged him with taking bribes from five people, rather than just the two he was originally accused of soliciting for cash.
In return for bribes, Sherrer promised jobs, transfers or help with a lawsuit, federal authorities said. They said he sought $52,500 and received $19,000.
Besides six charges of bribery, Sherrer is also facing six charges of attempted extortion.
As assistant commissioner, Sherrer was one of the highest-ranking officials in the Department of Corrections. In that position he oversaw community programs, including contracts with nonprofit organizations and private companies.
Sherrer, 51, of Neptune was a 29-year veteran of the prison system when he was arrested in October and charged with taking bribes from two corrections employees.
The morning of his arrest, federal authorities said, Sherrer had driven his state-issued car to Princeton to collect a $2,000 bribe he had solicited from another corrections employee.
He is currently free on $100,000 bail.
Sherrer's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Department of Corrections official is suspended without pay after being charged with bribery
• Federal authorities arrest high-ranking N.J. corrections official