South Jersey transit officials indicted for involvement in a political revenge scheme.
In a significant development in New Jersey’s political landscape, a grand jury has indicted Christopher M. Milam, a current commissioner of the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and Bryan J. Bush, a former commissioner, on multiple charges including conspiracy, official misconduct, and perjury. The indictment arises from allegations that the officials misused their positions to retaliate against a political adversary, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The two men, both residents of Sewell, are accused of conspiring in 2023 to deny payments to T&M Associates, an engineering firm whose executive had reportedly fallen out of favor with prominent Democratic figure George E. Norcross III. This alleged retaliation follows a dispute between Norcross and John Cimino, a Mercer County commissioner and executive at T&M, who resisted Norcross’s request to remain neutral in a local political contest.
Details from the affidavit of probable cause indicate that Milam and Bush used their authority to withhold payment for services rendered by T&M Associates, effectively disrupting compensation for completed work. Payments were ultimately approved several months later, in May 2023, but the delay is at the center of the misconduct allegations.
The indictment, announced in June 2024, includes a total of six counts against the commissioners. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin characterized the actions of Milam and Bush as an abuse of power, emphasizing that utilizing public office as a tool for personal grievances undermines the integrity of governmental institutions. The most serious charges may carry substantial penalties, including up to ten years of imprisonment.
Legal representatives for both Milam and Bush have not yet commented on the specifics of the indictment, as they are in the process of reviewing the details. Notably, Norcross is not named in the indictment and has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to this case. His spokesperson has stated that he was not involved in the actions attributed to the commissioners.
The SJTA is responsible for key transportation entities such as the Atlantic City Expressway and Atlantic City Airport, functioning as an essential component of the region’s infrastructure. This ongoing legal situation highlights the complexities of political relationships in New Jersey and raises questions about accountability within public office. As the case progresses, further developments may shed light on the intersection of political power and public service in the state.
The Attorney General’s office has acknowledged that cases involving white-collar offenses often take longer to resolve due to their complexity and other procedural factors, suggesting a protracted legal journey ahead for the indicted individuals. This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards in public service and protecting the integrity of governmental operations in New Jersey.
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