Ex-Clark mayor gets probation, fine

Former Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso was sentenced to three years probation and a $15,000 fine for using municipal employees to run his private oil tank removal business using taxpayer resources.

Bonaccorso also admitted to filing fake applications to some towns to receive illegal permits for tank removals.

“The former mayor misused taxpayer-funded resources in Clark to benefit and enrich himself at residents’ expense,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “This successful prosecution by OPIA’s Corruption Bureau ensures he will be unable to ever again abuse his authority. We will continue to hold accountable anyone who abuses the public trust no matter how powerful they may be.”

He resigned after entering his guilty plea on January 10, soon after taking office for a fifth term.  Bonaccorso will be permanently barred from holding public office or government job.

Additionally, Bonaccorso’s plea deal includes a five-year ban on government contracts for his landscaping and underground tank businesses and a three-year ban on removing underground storage tanks for anybody.