Former Middlesex Sheriff's Officer Sentenced in Jobs-for-Cash Scheme

A former Middlesex County Sheriff's Officer was sentenced to three years of probation, 500 hours community service and a $2,500 fine for his part in the former sheriff’s jobs-for-cash scheme, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced on Friday.

Paul A. Lucarelli, 48, of South River, plead guilty to third-degree conspiracy to make illegal gifts to a public servant in former Sheriff Joseph C. Spicuzzo’s scheme where he collected $112,000 in bribes while the head of the county sheriff’s office. He collected the bribes that he demanded from eight people seeking jobs or promotions within the office between March 1996 and November 2008.

Spicuzzo previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in state prison.

Former sheriff's office investigator Darrin P. DiBiasi was also previously sentenced to jail for his role in the cash-for-jobs scheme. He was sentenced to 364 days in county jail, 200 hours community service and a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to third-degree conspiracy to make illegal gifts to a public servant.

All three men are also permanently barred from public employment, Hoffman said.

Investigators determined Spicuzzo accepted individual bribes ranging from $5,000-$25,000 from seven individuals, including DiBiasi, who paid $5,000 prior to being hired in 1999. Hoffman said.

He also collected $7,000 and $5,000 from a sheriff’s officer in exchange for a pair of promotions, Hoffman said.

DiBiasi and Lucarelli each collected the bribes for Spicuzzo, according to Hoffman.

Lucarelli collected a bribe on behalf of Spicuzzo in 2008, from an individual seeking a position as an investigator, Hoffman said. That bribe was worth $25,000.

DiBiasi also collected three bribes from individuals seeking investigator positions on behalf of Spicuzzo between 2002 and 2005. One individual bribe was worth $12,500, while another was worth $10,000, Hoffman said.

Spicuzzo was the county sheriff for almost 30 years. He resigned as the Chairman of the Middlesex County Democratic Party following his arrest. He held that position for 16 years.

He is also a former commissioner on the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. He resigned from that position following his arrest, Hoffman said.