NJ Auditor Accused of Demanding, Taking Bribe

State officials say an auditor with New Jersey's Division of Taxation demanded a bribe from a convenience store owner in return for not initiating an audit.

Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa says 33-year-old Jerry Moore of Mays Landing was arrested Friday after accepting a $900 bribe from the owner the Washington Township (Gloucester County) store.

Chiesa said Moore allegedly visited the store Feb. 2 and told the owner he had to pay $1,000 to avoid being audited. Moore then repeated the demand during a subsequent phone call, but eventually agreed to accept $900.

Moore, who has been an auditor since 2000, was suspended after being charged with bribery. He faces up to 10 years in state prison if convicted.

A phone message left for Moore Monday afternoon was not returned.