TRENTON — A contrite Marcellus Jackson pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges Tuesday and then announced his resignation from the Passaic City Council.
On the steps of the federal building with his lawyer, he said misty-eyed, “I accept full responsibility in what I’ve done today. I dearly apologize and I am going to pay the price, and then move onto the next chapter of my life.”
Jackson, 38, pled guilty to one count of obstruction of interstate commerce by extortion, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Jackson’s attorney, Miles Feinstein, said that the sentencing guidelines for his conduct are in the range of 42 months. Feinstein said he will ask the judge to go lower than the guidelines because of the plea agreement and his remorse.
“It is a sad day that a person who gave so much of himself to the city, and the community is in court for something like this. It’s tragic for himself, his family and his citizenry.” NorthJersey.com
Councilman Marcellus Jackson admits that he took $26,000 in bribes from an undercover agents posing as members of an insurance brokerage. Jackson says he took the money in return for helping steer city contracts to the company.
Passaic - Bergen Jewish News 