Trenton, NJ – A former Jersey City Board of Education president has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in a corruption case tied to efforts to steer government contracts, state officials announced Friday.
Sudhan Thomas, 50, of Jersey City, admitted in court to conspiracy to commit bribery in official and political matters, a third-degree crime. The plea came before Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober in Somerset County on September 5.
Prosecutors said Thomas pocketed $35,000 in cash bribes from a tax attorney during two meetings in 2019, promising to use his position on the school board—and a potential City Council seat—to help secure public contracts for the attorney’s law firm. Law enforcement intercepted Thomas immediately after he accepted the second $25,000 payment.
Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend a five-year prison sentence. Thomas must also forfeit $10,000, pay a $30,000 corruption profiteering penalty, permanently forfeit public office and employment, and avoid doing business with the state or its subdivisions for five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17.
“This defendant placed personal profit ahead of fulfilling his duties and doing what was best for the people who elected him,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “This case shows that my office takes fighting public corruption seriously.”
Thomas was charged alongside several others in the bribery probe. Among them, former Mount Arlington councilman John S. Windish pleaded guilty in May, while cases against former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro and former State Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell remain pending.
Key Points
- Sudhan Thomas, 50, ex-Jersey City school board president, pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy.
- He admitted to accepting $35,000 in bribes in 2019 to steer contracts.
- Prosecutors are recommending five years in prison; sentencing is set for October 17.
A onetime education leader now faces prison for turning public office into personal profit.
