Ex-head of Bergen Democrats sobs as he’s sentenced for racketeering

A former northern New Jersey Democratic power broker has been sentenced to prison for racketeering and other charges.

A federal judge in Newark handed Joseph Ferriero a 35-month sentence Friday. He had faced 41 to 51 months under federal guidelines.

Ferriero's lawyer had sought a sentence of probation.

The former head of the Bergen County Democratic Organization sobbed as he pleaded with the judge for lenience.

Ferriero was charged in 2013 with running bribery and kickback schemes, including one that allegedly involved a megamall project in the Meadowlands.

A jury convicted Ferriero last spring of racketeering, wire fraud and bribery. He was acquitted of bribery conspiracy and mail fraud.

Jurors couldn't reach a verdict on whether the charges stemming from the megamall project were part of a pattern of racketeering activity

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