In a startling development, Attorney General Matthew Platkin has accused Salvator Bonaccorso, the mayor of Clark, New Jersey, of operating his landscaping and illegal tank removal business from his township office while using municipal resources to run the company. The charges also include witness tampering and falsifying records.
Platkin stated that Bonaccorso fraudulently used an engineer’s name, license number, and forged signature on permit applications. Officials from Clark Township and the mayor’s residence declined to comment on the charges. A resident named Debbie Flanagan called for Bonaccorso’s resignation, while other residents praised the mayor for his work before the charges were announced.
The criminal charges against Bonaccorso come after another investigation into the police department in Clark, its chief, and allegations of racist comments made by the mayor. Platkin revealed that there is a disproportionately high arrest rate for Black individuals despite the police department and officials not being available for comment.
In light of these findings, Platkin recommended changes to the police department and called for the resignation or firing of the police chief. Only Bonaccorso can make this decision as he is responsible for appointing members of his staff. This news has sent shockwaves through Clark township and raised questions about racial bias within local law enforcement agencies.