North Bergen DPW hit with 25 more state subpoenas as probe widens

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: More than two dozen subpoenas were dropped on the North Bergen Department of Public Works this afternoon as part of a widening probe into corruption at the agency, CLIFFVIEW PILOT has learned.

Jerry DeMarco

09/25/2012 8:56 p.m.

The subpoenas are part of a larger probe, CLIFFVIEW PILOT has learned.

Less than a week after two department supervisors were indicted, representatives from the state Attorney General’s Office served the 25 subpoenas at DPW headquarters on Tonnelle Avenue, a source with knowledge of the delivery told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

These were then distributed to certain employees, the source said.

“Some of the subpoenas are duplicates from before,” the source told CLIFFVIEW PILOT, “but there are several new ones.”

The source said the subpoenas are connected to an investigation that involves Frank Gargiulo, the DPW commissioner, and Timothy Grossi, the deputy commissioner — both of whom have been subpoenaed themselves, as part of a group of 65 or so whom authorities are looking to testify.

Last week, Troy Bunero, 46, of North Bergen and Francis “Frank” Longo, 47, of Ridgefield Park were indicted for assigning municipal employees to work on election campaigns and personal chores that included projects for their boss, DPW Superintendent James Wiley — all on township time while using public works trucks and department equipment.

Wiley pleaded guilty Sept. 11 to conspiracy to commit official misconduct, admitting that he directed municipal employees to perform hundreds of hours of work at his home, including housecleaning, yard work and special projects, all while being paid by the township.

He also admitted assigning township employees — including Bunero and Longo — to work on election campaigns. READ MORE….

Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights and receive free news updates.