Businessman pleads guilty to bribing former deputy mayor of newark in redevelopment scheme

NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark business owner admitted in federal court on Friday to bribing a former city official in exchange for assistance with acquiring and redeveloping city-owned properties, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Frank Valvano, Jr., 57, of Florham Park, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to charges of honest services fraud and bribery. According to court filings, Valvano bribed Carmelo Garcia, Newark’s former deputy mayor and director of the Department of Economic and Housing Development (DEHD), to advance his real estate interests.

Prosecutors said that from 2017 to 2019, Valvano, alongside co-conspirator Irwin Sablosky, provided Garcia with cash, jewelry, and other benefits, including covering expenses for a trip to Miami. In one instance, the pair supplied Garcia with $25,000 in cash while Garcia held key positions overseeing redevelopment initiatives in Newark.

“These bribes corrupted the public official’s judgment and violated the public trust for financial gain,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. The scheme involved securing preliminary designation letters and redevelopment agreements to acquire Newark properties while ensuring Garcia did not act against their interests.

Valvano faces up to 10 years in prison for bribery and 5 years for the Travel Act charge, along with fines of up to $250,000 or double the financial gain from the crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2025. Garcia and Sablosky, who previously pleaded guilty to related charges, are also awaiting sentencing.

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