Mercer Times

Salvatore Bonaccorso, the mayor of Clark Township since 2001, has pleaded guilty to charges related to using town employees for his private business and submitting forged documents. The announcement was made by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). As part of a plea agreement with OPIA, Bonaccorso has forfeited his position as mayor and is permanently barred from holding any future public office or employment.

Bonaccorso, aged 64, admitted guilt to charges of conspiring to commit official misconduct and forgery. These charges are linked to his submission of fraudulent permit applications that allowed his landscaping company to unlawfully obtain permits for removing underground tanks.

The plea was entered before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh in Union County on January 10, 2025.

Attorney General Platkin stated, "Today’s guilty plea secured by OPIA ends a long and sad betrayal of the community by someone who had been in a position of power and trust for a long time." He emphasized accountability for those who misuse public trust. Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, added that Bonaccorso "used taxpayer-funded workers for personal gain" and vowed continued prosecution against public trust abuses.

Bonaccorso's company, Bonaccorso & Son LLC, along with him personally, agreed not to bid on or enter into any public contracts with the State or its subdivisions for five years. They are also prohibited from conducting storage tank removals on private properties for three years.

The plea agreement includes a recommendation for three years probation and a $15,000 fine—the maximum penalty for third-degree crimes.

OPIA charged Bonaccorso following an investigation revealing he operated his oil tank-removal business from township offices using municipal resources. It was found that he used township equipment and directed employees paid by the township to perform tasks related solely to his business operations.

Further investigation showed fraudulent use of an engineer’s credentials on permit applications without proper supervision or inspections required by law. Neither Bonaccorso nor his company held the necessary licenses for such work.

Permit reviews revealed misrepresentations about supervisory roles during tank removals conducted by Bonaccorso & Son as per New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

The investigation uncovered arrangements where Bonaccorso facilitated obtaining necessary licenses through an engineer whom he compensated directly. The fraudulent permits led to removal jobs valued at hundreds of thousands between 2017-2023.

The case was managed by OPIA Corruption Bureau Co-Director Jeffrey J. Manis and Deputy Chief Frank L. Valdinoto under Skinner's supervision. Attorney General Platkin acknowledged contributions from various state departments involved in the investigation.