Saturday, February 7, 2009

The FBI says a Jersey City housing inspector is on the take

The FBI (with Efrem Zimbalist Jr., don't worry kids, the old folks will get that one) says they have Jersey City housing inspector Randolph J. Condi on tape accepting bribes, or what Condi described at 'tributes'. The Feds say the have Condi on tape:

...telling a cooperating witness doing construction work in Jersey City, Condi said the money was "not a requirement" but it "makes it easier for you. ... If you show gratitude we love it. ... If you're giving me a gratuity because I made your life easier, fine,"

No Randolph, NOT fine.

The FBI also says Condi was illegally shaking down a building project on Stuyvesant Avenue warning about big fines because the proper building permits were not happening. Condi did tell the people working that project that for the right price he'd show them how to continue without permits. The Feds then say he'd drop by every so often for 'inspections' where he'd pocket $500 bucks. He even supposedly admonished one worker who only had $400 bucks for him he'd quote "Have to do better".

Thank YOU Randolph Condi, thank you for really living up to the expectations the residents of Jersey City have for this job of yours. Thanks for shaking down your fellow residents. Thanks for turning your department into an episode of The Sopranos.

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