TRENTON - The government has rested its case in the trial of a former New Jersey lawmaker accused of taking a $10,000 cash bribe to help a real estate developer.
The government's star witness, an FBI informant posing as a crooked developer, says he offered former Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt payment for official action.
But Solomon Dwek acknowledged under cross-examination that he pushed Van Pelt hard to accept a payoff.
Van Pelt's lawyers say the Ocean County Republican was acting as a consultant discussing what he thought was a legitimate redevelopment proposal.
In a taped conversation played for the jury, Van Pelt suggests that Dwek hire him as a consultant. Dwek contends the word consultant was code for bribe.
This story is developing; check here for updates.
