Head Of Sayreville Democratic Party Charged With Bribery

SAYREVILLE, NJ — The head of the Sayreville Democratic Party has been arrested and charged with accepting bribes, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.

Thomas V. Pollando, the Sayreville Borough Democratic Chairman, was charged with second-degree bribery in official matters and second-degree receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant for official behavior.

According to the prosecutor, over a several week period in July and August 2022, detectives with the Middlesex County Prosecutor were conducting electronic surveillance of a business in Sayreville. While conducting the surveillance, detectives observed Pollando accept several thousands of dollars in cash, and state that he would attempt to use his political clout to influence an ongoing criminal case, said police.

Pollando, 72, of Parlin, was subsequently arrested after leaving the business and was found in possession of the cash payment. Pollando was charged on a summons and released the day of the arrest.

This investigation was done by Sergeant Joseph Celantano and Detective Shadi Zaiton of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. They say Pollando has influence and strong ties to the community

Pollando is a former Sayreville Borough council president, current vice-chairman of the Middlesex County Planning Board and long-time president of the Sayreville Athletic Association. Pollando also holds a seat on the Sayreville Economic & Redevelopment Authority and is currently employed with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Zaiton of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4263.