N.J. Labor Department investigator sentenced for accepting bribes

    An investigator for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development who admitted accepting bribes from owners of temporary labor firms has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison.

    Seventy-three-year-old James Peyton of Salem pleaded guilty last year to one count each of accepting a bribe and subscribing to a false tax return.
    Prosecutors say Peyton was assigned to conduct audits of employer records to ensure compliance with payroll tax laws. He admitted taking bribes to understate the amount of taxes temporary labor firms owed to the state.

    Peyton also will have to pay the state $119,600 in restitution.

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