Lawyers for a former northern New Jersey mayor found guilty of accepting a bribe but not guilty on extortion counts say the mixed verdict makes no sense.
A jury found former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell guilty Wednesday of illegally accepting $10,000 in cash from a man he thought was a developer seeking to do business in the town.
The developer was actually cooperating with federal authorities and wearing a recording device.
Elwell attorney Thomas Cammarata said the verdict was confusing. He said it was difficult to understand how a jury could find someone guilty of taking a bribe, but not guilty of extortion counts, when they basically involve the same elements.
Cammarata says an appeal will be filed.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
