Clark Mayor Resigns Amid Scandal and Guilty Plea
Investigations reveal township resources were used for personal gain
Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso resigned from office on January 10, 2025. This stems from a guilty plea to charges of official misconduct and forgery; both in the third degree.
The charges stemmed from Bonaccorso's misuse of township resources and personnel for his private landscaping business, Bonaccorso & Son, LLC. Investigations revealed that he operated this business from his mayoral office, utilizing municipal equipment and directing township employees—while they were on the clock for the township—to perform tasks related to his private enterprise.
Additionally, Bonaccorso was found to have submitted fraudulent permit applications to various municipalities. These applications falsely indicated that a licensed engineer supervised tank removal projects, a requirement under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations. In reality, the engineer was neither involved in nor aware of these projects, and Bonaccorso had forged the engineer's signature on the documents.
As part of his plea agreement with the New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), Bonaccorso immediately forfeited his position as mayor and accepted a permanent ban from holding any future public office or employment. He also agreed to a three-year probation period and a $15,000 fine, the maximum allowable for a third-degree crime. Furthermore, Bonaccorso and his company are prohibited from bidding on or entering into any public contracts with the state or its subdivisions for five years and are barred for three years from conducting any storage tank removals for private commercial or residential property owners.
Attorney General Matt Platkin commented on the case, stating, "Bonaccorso used taxpayer-funded workers for personal gain. He abused his power over municipal personnel, finances, and operations, and he submitted false documents to keep the scheme going."
Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, added, "My office will investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally abuses the public’s trust."
The embattled mayor’s resignation marks the end of his political career spanning over two decades. His tenure had been marred by previous controversies, including making racist and sexist remarks in 2022, which was met with intense backlash from residents.
The Clark Township Council is now tasked with appointing an interim mayor to serve until a special election can be held. This case underscores the importance of ethical conduct in public office and serves as a reminder that misuse of power for personal gain should never be tolerated.
Bill Spadea, a conservative radio host and 2025 NJ gubernatorial candidate, has consistently voiced his support for Bonaccorso over the years. Spadea attended Bonaccorso’s re-election fundraiser in September 2024.
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