A federal judge has sentenced the former mayor of New Jersey's largest suburb to little more than three years in prison for corruption.

Mayor John Bencivengo
Mayor John Bencivengo (Hamilton Township)
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Former Hamilton Township Mayor also has to participate in a mental health program in prison and will face three years' probation when he's released.

Bencivengo was convicted last November on extortion, money laundering and bribery-related counts. Bencivengo resigned as mayor of the Mercer County community the day after he was convicted.

Federal prosecutors said Bencivengo took $12,400 in bribes from a health insurance broker between May and July 2011. In exchange, he promised to use his influence to help the broker keep a health insurance contract with the township's school district.

Bencivengo's lawyer claimed the money was a loan.

 

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