Lavarro asks U.S. Attorney to investigate Bloomberg report

Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpentino Friday, asking that he investigate reports that an ally of Mayor Steve Fulop was facing federal inquiries over unpaid federal taxes.

“Over the past year, my skepticism regarding the integrity of various operations by the Mayor’s office has been well documented in the press. Sadly, this experience leaves me — and others who share my concerns — with private concerns that an investigation at the behest of the city alone could never adequately take place,” Lavarro said. “These personal concerns, combined with the inter-state nature of the Bloomberg report, lead me to conclude that your office would be best equipped to open such an inquiry.”

A Bloomberg report released Friday said Tom Bertoli, a longtime Fulop ally, is facing an ongoing federal investigation over payments he received from developers looking to move into Jersey City and is being pressed to cooperate and provide information about Fulop and other New Jersey officials.

Fulop has not been charged or accused of any wrongdoing by authorities.

“It is vitally important to the people of Jersey City that these possible circumstances be investigated to the greatest possible extent,” Lavarro said. “Due to the serious nature to which a trail such as this may ultimately lead, it is my hope that your office will do an extensive investigation into the events surrounding Mayor Fulop; addressing such concerns with the attention that one of New Jersey’s largest cities deserves.”