Linden Mayor Derek Armstead today fired of a letter to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, asking for an investigation into state Senator Nick Scutari (D-22), going back to when Scutari worked as the municipal attorney.

“Based on the severity of Nicholas Scutari’s improprieties, it was absolutely necessary to take swift action and call on the authorities to immediately investigate the abuse of public trust that I have outlined in my correspondence,’ Armstead said. “In 2017, Scutari missed 64 out of 115 Court Sessions and in 2018, he missed 57 out of 111 Court Sessions; all while earning $85,000 a year. His ‘absences’ cost the taxpayers of Linden $147,493.97.

“Furthermore, because this auditing report was completed at the request of municipal entities, I am obligated to inform residents that I have taken actions to protect their interests and that potential corruption will not be tolerated in local government, as I am hopeful that adequate consequences will be forthcoming,” the mayor said. “Just as we have seen similar circumstances prosecuted, such as those as the case of former State Senator Wayne Bryant, it is imperative that we remain diligent in holding other public officials to the same standard. Finally, on behalf of the residents I am calling on Senate President Sweeney to recognize the seriousness of these allegations and suspend Senator Scutari from his role as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee until these serious findings have been fully reviewed and this matter reaches a conclusion by way of investigation by the authorities. My priority remains fighting for and protecting the residents of Linden.”

Armstead added, “Mr. Scutari should give serious consideration to resigning from the New Jersey State Senate and as Union County Democratic Chairman.”