Raymond J. Geneske
PERTH AMBOY — Raymond J. Geneske, 73, a member of the Board of Education was charged with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree official misconduct and third-degree money laundering in connection with his role who as chairman of the 2006 congressional campaign of former Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas.
Charged along with Geneske was Melvin Ramos, 53, a former mayoral aide who served as treasurer of Vas’ campaign. The two Vas associates will be ordered to appear in Superior Court in Middlesex County to answer the charges, according to Attorney General Anne Milgram.
“Ray Geneske is facing 10 years in state prison and criminal fines of up to $315,000,” said Councilman Fernando Gonzalez. “It would be unreasonable for anyone to expect him to be a good role model for our children while facing such a severe penalty for these alleged crimes. He should remove himself from the Board of Education.”
Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni said that Ramos and Geneske solicited city employees and others to make fraudulent contributions to Vas’ 2006 campaign for Congress, reimbursing them with cash for writing checks payable to “Vas for Congress.”
Vas, a state assemblyman, was indicted on numerous counts of conspiring to steal approximately $5,000 in city funds to pay for personal expenses during the time he held office as mayor.
Vas was also charged with rigging a public lottery so that his personal driver, Anthony S. Jones, won the opportunity to buy a two-family home at a price below market value.
Geneske is also a member of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority.
