TRENTON — A judge is set to hear arguments today on whether a former northern New Jersey Democratic Party boss should get a new trial or walk free. Joseph Ferriero was convicted of conspiracy and mail fraud last October. He and former Bergenfield attorney Dennis Oury were accused of not disclosing their ownership of a consulting firm that solicited...
Joseph Ferriero leaves U.S. District Courthouse in this October 2009 file photo.TRENTON — A judge is set to hear arguments today on whether a former northern New Jersey Democratic Party boss should get a new trial or walk free.
Joseph Ferriero was convicted of conspiracy and mail fraud last October. He and former Bergenfield attorney Dennis Oury were accused of not disclosing their ownership of a consulting firm that solicited contracts in towns where they had political influence.
Ferriero's attorneys want the indictment dismissed considering a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the so-called "theft of honest services" law.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark has agreed the verdicts should be set aside. But it wants to retry Ferriero.
Previous coverage:
• Ex-Bergen County Democratic chair convicted in corruption trial
• Jury will weigh corruption charges against northern N.J. political boss Joseph Ferriero
• Report: Indicted Bergen Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero resigns