New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Under Scrutiny for Campaign Contributions
Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for governor in New Jersey, faces intense scrutiny over contributions to his campaign, which include donations from individuals linked to organized crime and criminal activities.
Among the notable contributors is Louis Civello, Jr., associated with reputed La Cosa Nostra figures through his father, known as “Louie the Leg-Breaker.” Civello’s used car dealership in Bridgeton was implicated in a 2015 corruption investigation related to tax evasion and money laundering at the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Additionally, Civello was found to have a joint bank account with a convicted felon tied to the mob. Although linked to organized crime, Civello has not faced criminal charges. He contributed $5,800 to Ciattarelli’s campaign, the maximum amount permitted under state regulations.
Another donor, Joseph J. Fafone, whose father, Joseph P. “Boca Joe” Fafone, is an alleged mob associate, also contributed $5,800. Both Fafone and his father were involved in illegal sports betting operations leading to their arrest in 2002. Boca Joe served two years in prison, while the younger Fafone received probation. The Fafone family was again prosecuted in 2009, resulting in a guilty plea by Joseph J. Fafone, who paid approximately $2 million in fines. He had also donated $4,900 to Ciattarelli’s previous 2021 gubernatorial campaign.
Disgraced former Newark police captain Anthony Buono is also on the donor list. In 2009, Buono was arrested on theft and conspiracy charges for illegally accessing and distributing confidential insurance information. He was sentenced to two years’ probation.
Richard Costabile, once owner of Ironbound Floor Covering Inc., also backs Ciattarelli. Costabile pleaded guilty in 2006 to bribing a school official and received probation and a fine.
Health care fraud allegations surround other donors, including Dr. Richard Lipsky from Westwood, who invested in Silver Lake Hospital. The hospital settled claims last year, paying $12 million for Medicare fraud. William G. Burris is involved in a similar investigation concerning health care facilities at risk of losing Medicaid funding.
White-collar crimes are also highlighted among Ciattarelli’s supporters. Jeffrey Citron, former Vonage CEO, contributed $5,800. Citron was fined $22.5 million by the SEC for securities fraud in 2003, marking one of the largest penalties at the time. His wife matched his donation.
Connecticut’s Robert O. Carr, another donor, faced $250,000 in SEC fines for insider trading.
Despite polling behind Democratic opponent Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Ciattarelli’s campaign receives substantial backing from the Republican National Committee in what has become New Jersey’s most expensive governor race to date. Election Day is set for November 4.
