Convicted of corruption in Trenton, Tony Mack is still mayor

Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was convicted on charges of bribery, fraud and extortion earlier this month. But he has refused to leave office and remains at the helm of New Jersey’s capital city.

The state is trying to boot him from City Hall, but Mack says he should be able to continue as mayor until he’s sentenced in May. Under state law, those convicted of corruption cannot continue to hold public office, but Mack says with a slew of appeals in the works, his conviction is not “guaranteed.”

Trentonian columnist L.A. Parker says the whole ordeal has taken a serious toll on Mack, whom he’s known for 35 years. “You get to know this wonderful guy, a guy’s guy,” said Parker, “and he’s changed dramatically since he’s been mayor.”

During a hearing Wednesday, a judge will decide whether Mack should be removed from office.

Click the audio player above to hear L.A. Parker discuss Tony Mack’s corruption case with WHYY’s Jennifer Lynn.