Attorney General Matthew Platkin has accused the mayor of Clark, New Jersey, Salvator Bonaccorso, of operating a landscaping and illegal tank removal business from his township office using municipal resources. The charges include witness tampering and falsifying records. Officials from Clark Township and the mayor’s residence declined to comment on the charges. A resident, Debbie Flanagan, called for Bonaccorso’s resignation while others praised him for his work before the charges were announced.
Platkin also revealed that the criminal charges arose from another investigation into the police department and its chief, with allegations of racist comments made by the mayor. Platkin found a disproportionately high arrest rate for Black individuals but did not receive comment from the police department or officials.
In addition to recommending changes for the police department, Platkin called for the resignation or firing of the police chief, which only Bonaccorso can do as mayor. The charges against Bonaccorso highlight concerns over corruption in local government and call into question his leadership abilities as mayor of Clark Township.
