Assemblyman Albert Coutinho Abruptly Resigns Post

A state assemblyman from northern New Jersey has abruptly left office, less than a week after he announced that he would not seek re-election.

Albert Coutinho submitted his resignation letter Wednesday to the assembly clerk, stating that his departure was "effective immediately."

Coutinho told The Star-Ledger that he's the target of an investigation into the finances of his family's charitable foundation. He tells the newspaper he's discussing a possible plea bargain with the state attorney general's office.

The 44-year-old Coutinho had been in office since 2008. He represented the 29th legislative district, which includes Newark and Belleville.

A message left for his attorney Wednesday was not immediately returned.

Coutinho had announced Friday that he was withdrawing as a candidate for the upcoming November election.