I
n a shocking turn of events, Lamont Baxter, a 49-year-old expediter in Essex County, has pleaded guilty to a slew of charges related to bribing Newark officials for permits and approvals on real estate and construction deals. As part of the scheme, Baxter allegedly used coded language to facilitate payments to corrupt officials, including former Councilman Joseph A. McCallum Jr., who received over $5,000 in cash bribes between 2019 and 2020.

    Baxter's role as an expediter allowed him to act as a liaison between Newark officials and entities seeking permits, giving him the perfect cover for his illicit activities. For five years, he conspired with developers and others to bribe officials, using fake documents like Certificates of Code Compliance and Certificates of Continued Occupancy to scam utility companies and obtain payments from unsuspecting individuals.

    The scheme also involved Baxter's use of shell companies to file false tax forms and secure over $40,000 in Paycheck Protection Loans between 2020 and 2021. McCallum Jr., who pleaded guilty last year as part of a larger plea deal, will likely face consequences for his role in the scandal.

    Baxter is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12 at 11 a.m. His attorney could not be reached for comment. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting and permitting processes.