In light of former Hudson County Parks Department Director Russell Fallacara pleading guilty to his role in a in a $1.5 million vendor kickback scheme last week, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy is calling for the creation of the Office of the Inspector General.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Americans are losing faith in their government and confidence in our political institutions is at an all-time low. Each day we see a new scandal, whether it’s a bribery scheme, a shady corruption deal, or wealthy individuals buying political power. As county executive I am committed to helping restore our community’s trust in government,” Guy said in a statement.
“But I know actions speak louder than words. Since taking office, I have prioritized increasing transparency and accountability in county government, which includes new leadership at county agencies and schools, advocating for audits, restructuring departments, and establishing new policies and guardrails. This commitment to open government continues with my intent to establish the Office of Inspector General.”
He further stated that this new county agency would act as an internal watchdog and auditor who seeks efficient use of taxpayers dollars throughout the county government.
Establishing the Office of Inspector General will require changes to the county code, including approval from the board of commissioners, with the governing body expected to review the first reading of an ordinance at tomorrow’s caucus.
Additionally, over the next several weeks, the Hudson County Law Department will conduct “a thorough selection process” to identify qualified candidates to lead the Office of Inspector General, Guy’s office added.
On Wednesday, Russell Fallacara, 59, of Bayonne, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with conspiring to defraud Hudson County of the right to officials’ honest services, as HCV first reported.
The bribes and kickbacks often came in the form of cash payments to Hudson County officials, including Fallacara and former Parks Department Director Thomas DeLeo, who was also charged back in March.
Fallacara received over $400,000 in cash bribes and kickback payments. At other times, the bribes and kickbacks came in the form of free home repairs and renovations for both DeLeo and Fallacara.
“On occasion, Individual-1 and Fallacara took steps to conceal the corrupt nature of these financial transactions. For example, in or around January 2023, Individual-1 provided an associate of Fallacara’s with a check for $300,000, issued from Company-1’s bank account,” Fallacara’s indictment states.
“The associate then provided Individual-1 with $300,000 in cash, which Individual-1 then gave to Fallacara. This $300,000 payment was given to Fallacara in exchange for Fallacara having taken official action with regard to approving contracts awarded to Company-1 by Hudson County.”
Hudson County said that Fallacara resigned for “personal reasons” in late January 2024, with Denise D’Alessandro serving as the acting director while remaining the head of the Department of Roads and Public Property, as only HCV reported.
Fallacara was one of 16 arrested in an FBI sting in August 2005, with then-U.S. Attorney Chris Christie’s office alleging that Fallacara was “was an associate of the Genovese Crime Family and part of the crew headed by Joseph Scarbrough.”
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners will convene tomorrow at 567 Pavonia Ave. at 1 p.m.
