Controversial Donors Fuel Ciattarelli’s New Jersey Governor Campaign
Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for governor in New Jersey, has promised to take a strong stance against crime. However, his campaign finances have come under scrutiny due to contributions from individuals with questionable backgrounds.
One of the most notable figures supporting Ciattarelli is Louis Civello, Jr., whose father was reportedly a member of La Cosa Nostra, earning the nickname “Louie the Leg-Breaker.” Civello, who owns a used car dealership in Bridgeton, was implicated in a 2015 corruption investigation involving the state Motor Vehicle Commission. The dealership was alleged to be involved in tax evasion and money laundering, with Civello sharing a bank account with a convicted felon linked to organized crime. Despite these allegations, Civello has never faced criminal charges and contributed the maximum legal amount of $5,800 to Ciattarelli’s campaign in June.
Joseph J. Fafone, another donor, also contributed $5,800. He is the son of alleged mobster Joseph P. “Boca Joe” Fafone. Both were arrested in 2002 for operating an illegal sports betting website. While Joseph J. received probation, his father served a prison sentence. The Fafones were again prosecuted in 2009 for another gambling operation, leading to a guilty plea from the younger Fafone and a $2 million fine. Joseph J. also supported Ciattarelli’s 2021 campaign with a $4,900 donation.
Former Newark police captain Anthony Buono, convicted of theft and conspiracy in 2009 for accessing an insurance database unlawfully, is another controversial figure who supported Ciattarelli. Buono was sentenced to two years of probation for his actions.
Richard Costabile, a former businessman who pleaded guilty to bribing a school official in 2006, also backs Ciattarelli. Costabile, who received two years of probation and a $2,000 fine, was involved in a flooring contract scandal.
Healthcare fraud accusations also surround two of Ciattarelli’s contributors. Dr. Richard Lipsky, an investor in Silver Lake Hospital, faced a hefty $12 million settlement for allegedly overbilling Medicare. Meanwhile, William G. Burris was implicated in a similar scheme involving several healthcare facilities, as reported in a state comptroller investigation.
Additional contributors with criminal pasts include Jeffrey Citron, former CEO of Vonage, who paid $22.5 million in fines to settle SEC fraud charges in 2003. Citron and his wife each donated $5,800 to Ciattarelli. Another donor, Robert O. Carr from Connecticut, was fined $250,000 by the SEC for insider trading.
Despite trailing behind Democratic opponent Rep. Mikie Sherrill in most polls, Ciattarelli’s campaign has garnered significant attention and investment from the Republican National Committee, marking it as the most expensive gubernatorial race in New Jersey’s history. Election Day is set for November 4.
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