The mayor of Clark, New Jersey, Salvator Bonaccorso, is currently facing criminal charges following an investigation into allegations that he made racist slurs. According to Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Bonaccorso operated his landscaping and illegal tank removal business from his township office and used municipal resources to run the company. Additionally, Platkin accused the mayor of witness tampering and falsifying records.

Officials from Clark Township and the mayor’s residence declined to comment on the charges. However, a resident named Debbie Flanagan called for Bonaccorso’s resignation, while other residents praised the mayor for his work before the charges were announced.

Platkin also revealed that the criminal charges stemmed from another investigation into allegations of racist comments made by the mayor. This investigation uncovered a disproportionately high arrest rate for Black individuals in the police department despite the police department and officials being unavailable for comment. Platkin recommended changes for the police department and called for the resignation or firing of the police chief, which only Bonaccorso can do as he is responsible for overseeing law enforcement in Clark Township.