Assembly Republican Conference Leader Alex DeCroce today sent a letter to Speaker Albio Sires asking for an investigation by the General Assembly Judiciary Committee into the possible illegal fund-raising practices of Rajesh "Roger" Chugh cited on August 17 in The Record of Hackensack.

"The allegations of illegal fund-raising by Roger Chugh are disturbing but even more so is the idea that the Governor was forewarned of his behavior and did not take action," said DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "I am also concerned that Chugh was potentially rewarded for his heavy-handed fund-raising tactics through the ever-popular patronage system." The story details how Chugh offered appointments in Governor McGreevey’s administration in exchange for campaign contributions. It appears that Chugh preyed upon the naivete and fear of local businessmen and women, in order to generate large contributions in exchange for local government approval of zoning applications or dismissal of code violations. Worse yet, it appears that campaign officials and local government officials in Woodbridge were made aware of Chugh’s activities but did nothing to stop him.

"I am asking that Speaker Sires call for an immediate investigation by the Judiciary Committee into this matter," DeCroce said. "At the very least, these citizens appear to have been manipulated by Mr. Chugh. We need answers to some very serious questions about Mr. Chugh’s alleged illegal fund-raising."

"The ethical cloud that hangs over our state government is an embarrassment to all elected officials," said DeCroce. "Swift action is the only means of restoring people’s faith in the electoral system."