Angelo Errichetti

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Angelo Joseph Errichetti (September 29, 1928 – May 16, 2013) was a Democratic politician from New Jersey who served as Mayor of Camden from 1973 to 1981 and as a state senator starting in 1976. He became a central figure in the Abscam corruption sting.

Early life
Errichetti grew up poor in Camden, the sixth of seven children of Italian immigrant parents. His father was a coal stoker from Ruoti, Italy. He played football at Camden High School, attended West Nottingham Academy, and briefly took night classes at Rutgers. After stints in his brother’s dry cleaning business and in insurance, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Career beginnings
He entered politics in 1961 as administrative assistant to Camden Mayor Alfred R. Pierce, later becoming Camden’s purchasing agent and then head of the Department of Public Works.

Mayor and State Senator
Errichetti was elected Mayor of Camden in 1973. In 1976, he was chosen to fill a vacancy in the New Jersey Senate and was re-elected Mayor in 1977 with about 88% of the vote, while winning a full term in the Senate.

As mayor
He was known for long workdays and tight control over city operations. He submitted several budgets with no tax increases, which passed with little oversight. The city Council began hearings on his 1980 budget, but his budget was still approved.

Abscam and downfall
In the Abscam investigation, Errichetti arranged for undercover agents to meet with politicians who accepted bribes, taking his share as part of the scheme. His grip on local politics weakened after elections in 1980, though his Democratic City Committee candidates won.

Indictment and conviction
In May 1981, Errichetti was indicted on bribery charges related to federally subsidized sewer projects, with prosecutors saying he received $10,000 in cash to steer projects. He denied the charges and refused to resign. In 1981, he was convicted of federal bribery and conspiracy and sentenced to six years in prison, serving 32 months. A judge noted Errichetti’s central role in a wider pattern of corruption.

Later life and death
Errichetti lived in Ventnor City, New Jersey, and died there on May 16, 2013, at age 84. Camden honored him with flags at half staff for his funeral. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores and survived by his daughter Michele.

In popular culture
The character Carmine Polito in the 2013 film American Hustle is based on Errichetti.