Ex-Official Admits Laundering Money For Mayor

A former Hamilton Township official says he laundered money that was allegedly paid as a bribe to the town's mayor.

Robert Warney pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering Friday in federal court in Trenton. He's scheduled for sentencing on October 9 and faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

The 46-year-old Warney was director of community planning and compliance for Hamilton Township, New Jersey's largest suburb.

He admitted taking a $5,000 check on behalf of Mayor John Bencivengo from a person whose employer provided health insurance brokerage services to the township schools. Warney said he gave the proceeds of the check in cash increments.

Bencivengo was indicted last week for allegedly taking more than $12,000 in bribes to maintain the health insurance broker's contract with the town.

Governor Christie on Thursday night's Ask The Governor program called for Bencivengo to resign. Bencivengo denies the charges.