Newark councilman pleads guilty to bribery scheme

West Ward Councilman Joseph McCallum admitted he solicited bribes and kickbacks from contractors seeking work in Newark.

McCallum also served on the board of directors for the city's redevelopment agency.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said under the kickback scheme, McCallum received a $16,000 bribe from a contracting company, a $25,000 bribe from a development company and $500 in cash for an out of country trip where he tried to get more payments from a developer. McCallum, 66, told WNYC he plans to finish out his term which ends in June. He will be sentenced in July.