From 2019 to 2024, William Murray, owner of Murray Paving and Concrete, allegedly paid bribes totaling around $1.5 million to DeLeo and Fallacara to secure contracts for Hudson County Parks Department projects.

DeLeo and his successor, Russell Fallacara, are connected to the scheme; Fallacara is charged with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering and appeared in federal court, later being released on bond.

Fallacara allegedly received more than $400,000 in cash bribes and kickbacks, with officials also benefiting from free home repairs and renovations.

No immediate comment was available from the parks department spokesperson or case lawyers at the time of reporting.

Complaints and details of the case are documented in the Murray Information, Fallacara Complaint, and DeLeo Information PDFs linked in the article.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy condemned the actions, emphasized transparency, and stated commitment to accountability and reform in the Parks Department.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy condemned the actions and emphasized that corruption is not tolerated on his watch.

These developments highlight alleged systemic corruption involving contract awards for park maintenance, paving, and related services in Hudson County.

Text messages cited in court filings show Murray promising more cash envelopes and thanking DeLeo for his “word,” illustrating ongoing coordination between the parties.

DeLeo retired in 2021; Fallacara succeeded him and resigned in February 2024.

Murray Paving was the sole awarded vendor for repair and maintenance contracting under Hudson County’s cooperative purchasing system, directing work to Murray Paving and amounting to over $5 million in county contracts.

Both conspiracy charges and money laundering carry a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.