FBI raids NJ Mayor Tony Mack’s house in middle of night

New Jersey Mayor Tony Mack was awakened right in the middle of the night on Wednesday by FBI agents, who had a warrant to search his house. FBI initially declined to comment on what its agents were looking for, but the agency later confirmed that the raid had nothing to do with any possible wrongdoing of the Mayor.

Tony Mack, who took over as the mayor of New Jersey in 2010, is often accused of nepotism and mismanagement of the crime-plagued and economically-depressed city.

At around 2:00 am Wednesday morning, as many as 10 FBI agents raided the mayor’s home and took away two boxes after a search that lasted for more than four hours.

FBI spokeswoman Barbara Woodruff confirmed that the agency had a search warrant against the mayor, but declined to comment any further regarding the investigation.

Mr. Mack, emerging later from his home, denied having corrupted his office.

“We have not violated the public trust, nor have I violated any of my public duties,” he said. “And that’s all I have to say on the matter.”

According to a report by NY Times, the agents also searched the homes of Mack’s brother, Ralphiel Mack, and that of Joseph Giorgianni, who was one of the biggest donors to Mack’s election campaign and is a convicted sex offender.

The FBI later on called the police to assist them with the search, according to Lt. Don Fillinger of the Trenton police, as reported by the Daily Mail. Fillinger said that the agents were all over the house.

So far neither any arrests have been made nor any charges have been filed against the mayor, his brother or the campaign donor.

It is believed that Mack was at his home with his children and answered the door bell in his pajamas.

Mack's administration has been in turmoil since the day he took office of the Mayor. Officers appointed by Mack lack sufficient credentials, while some even face criminal charges. His administration is not only accused of cronyism, but also reckless spending. Since he won office, his home and other properties have faced foreclosure, raising questions regarding how he managed paying for his campaign.