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Daniel M. Van Pelt's attorney said Wednesday that the former Assemblyman and Ocean Township mayor would not agree to a plea bargain in his federal corruption trial based on the current evidence against him.

Toms River attorney Robert R. Fuggi said he thinks the U.S. Attorney's Office lacks information in its prosecution against Van Pelt "of such magnitude and such significance" to alter its case against him.

"I've been able to evaluate the government's evidence," Fuggi said, "and I think there are significant issues that the government did not investigate before they charged our client."

He would not elaborate on those issues.

A spokesman with the U.S. Attorney's Office did not return a call for comment Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors and attorneys for Van Pelt have agreed to postpone the trial three times since he was arrested in July for allegedly accepting a $10,000 bribe from an FBI witness in exchange for his help in securing permits for a construction project, with the most recent extension putting it off until mid-December.

Van Pelt had the right to be tried 30 days after his arrest July 23, but it has been delayed in order for the defendants to review the evidence, the prosecution to gather evidence and the two parties to negotiate a possible plea agreement.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo last week ordered the latest continuance, which delays the trial until Dec. 11, at which point another extension could be granted, a plea could be agreed to or a trial could be set.

The FBI made several video and audio recordings of Van Pelt meeting with the witness, who posed as a developer and allegedly bribed Van Pelt to use his influence to streamline the environmental permit process for a construction project in Ocean Township.

Van Pelt resigned eight days after his arrest, saying, "At this point in time, although I would like to respond to the government's allegations, I have been advised that I cannot take any question related to the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges against me and eagerly await my day in court."

Contact Lee Procida:

609-457-8707

LProcida@pressofac.com

3 comments:

• pommax (6) posts 10:19 am

  Here's Van Pelts legacy: copied from app.com Mayor Dennis "the mop" Tredy, 35 yrs as UPS porter or "janitor" did not prepare him for this mess that HE made, better grab the ole mop, ole mop. Deputy Mayor Joe Lachofwits "empty politician" good luck with Adler, you're well prepared. CouncilWomen Tina "one term wonder" Wetter, served in Beachwood in like 1958 and paved the first road, with a tractor. CouncilWomen Lydia "I don't know what to do, WHAAA!" Dodd, fired from the school board, no experience yet a political hack?! weird. Councilmen Vince "man bag" Anepete, is what your carrying medicinal? no experience nothing to offer other than tredy's bud,stranger then fiction. Zoning Board Joan "big gulp" Tredy, ran against Connor for the Assembly on the platform that she had more "corporate" experience. Joan, cumberland farms second shift (in bayville no less) is not corporate america! duh! ok so she supported the 25 cent air pump! So there you have it! Our cast of charcters left by Dan, thanks but no thanks--just go away.

• dreary (31) posts 10:34 pm

  If he is so innocent why hide your face leaving the courthouse? should have walked out with his head held high but he knew he was guilty. now his house is sold and the family is moving back to the old culde sac. guess the mother in law is getting tossed out. but then again, word is danny was tossed by ms. kerr. well, at least he has old ralphie as his caddie.

• eyeswideopen (1) posts 9:47 pm

  You have been video taped , audio taped , took the money and the FBI found it in your bureau draw. We have never heard you deny taking the money. Dan it's time to cowboy up here and spare the town and all the people who put you where you wanted to be. It's not about you anymore. Do the right thing.

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