Scandal Shocks Perth Amboy

Vas Collaborators

One Admits Guilt…

PERTH AMBOY — Jeffrey D. Gumbs, who was a top city administrator under former Mayor Joseph Vas, pleaded guilty Monday to theft, tampering with public records and the misapplication of the city’s property between April 2004 and November 2005.

Gumbs, who was the city’s director of human resources and supervisor of recreation for many years, pleaded guilty to stealing about $2,500 from taxpayers in the New Brunswick courtroom of Judge Frederick DeVesa.

Under the plea bargain, the state will recommend that Gumbs be sentenced on June 26 to probation, he must pay restitution to the city and he will be permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.

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Attorney General Announces Three New Mortgage Fraud Complaints

TRENTON – Continuing the state’s attack on mortgage fraud, Attorney General Anne Milgram announced yesterday the filing of three new fraud lawsuits charging a total of 14 individual and corporate defendants.

“The lawsuits we announce (on Thursday) involve three separate complaints, but they share a common thread of greed, human callousness and disregard for the law,” said Milgram. “In one way or another, each of the defendants in these complaints is charged with making money by selling false hope to trusting people during uncertain economic times.”

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State Assemblyman Indicted

Joseph Vas (file photo)

TRENTON – Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni announced that New Jersey Assemblyman and former Perth Amboy mayor Joseph Vas was indicted Wednesday on charges he conspired with city employees to steal approximately $5,000 in funds of the City of Perth Amboy to pay for personal purchases and expenses.

Vas, 54, was also indicted with his personal driver, Anthony S. Jones, 48, of Perth Amboy, in connection with an alleged scheme in which Vas rigged a public lottery so that Jones won the opportunity to buy an affordable two-family home through the Perth Amboy Home Program.

Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) removed Vas from his post as Assembly Deputy Majority Leader and his committee positions Thursday while calling on the Perth Amboy Democrat to resign.

“Any time an elected official is accused of using their office for personal gain, it stains the reputations of all of us who have chosen to dedicate ourselves to public service,” Roberts said. “Assemblyman Vas should do what is best for his constituents and the Assembly and resign from office.”

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