Former Newark official pleads guilty to bribery, attempted extortion
From Sunshine Review
24 November 2008
Keith O. Reid, the former Chief of Staff to Newark City Council President Mildred Crump, pleaded guilty of accepting bribes and attempted extortion. Reid was arrested last year as part of a statewide bribery sting which also netted assemblymen, mayors, school board and council members.[1]
[edit] Acknowledging his mistakes
Reid entered his guilty plea just one week into his federal trial. His decision came after the government's key undercover witness played video and audio recordings of Reid accepting bribes.[2]
In response to the plea, Reid's Attorney Michael Pedicini said, "A decision was made that it was Keith's best interest to acknowledge his mistakes."[1] While he was accused of taking $10,000 in bribes, Reid admitted to accepting over $15,000 in exchange for his influence over lawmakers. Reid agreed to convince public officials in Newark and Irvington to steer insurance brokerage business to a fake company that was actually created and run by the FBI.[2]
[edit] Sentencing
Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, where he will most likely face a four year jail term. Reid surrendered his passport and agreed to only travel in New Jersey and South Carolina, in order to see his mother.
