Today, the City of Hoboken was informed that former Director Leo Pellegrini pled guilty in Newark federal court to charges of embezzlement and filing a false tax return. From the very moment irregularities were discovered pertaining to Mr. Pellegrini, the City took the swift action to retain former state comptroller Matt Boxer to conduct a thorough investigation, which concluded there was likely unlawful and corrupt conduct related to his city employment. The matter was promptly referred by the City to the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mr. Pellegrini resigned after being notified he was going to be imminently terminated.
After an investigation spanning several months, the City's beliefs were confirmed by the U.S. Attorney's Office District of New Jersey in a press release this afternoon.
“Today, justice has been served, as no government employee is ever above the law,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all law enforcement personnel for their diligent work during the course of the investigation.”
Additionally, the City is in the process of filing a frivolous litigation notice to dismiss Mr. Pellegrini’s sensational and completely unsubstantiated lawsuit against the City, which was meant to distract from his corrupt actions as a City employee.
