PATERSON — The FBI is investigating alleged illegal dumping at Paterson’s municipal recycling yard, according to a report.
The FBI obtained a subpoena to obtain four years of surveillance footage from the yard. Private companies allegedly bribed workers to let them dump tires without paying the full required fee, the Paterson Press reported.
Tire businesses are supposed to pay $1-$5 for each tire they drop off but NBCNewYork.com video shows truckloads of tires being dropped off for only $20.
That ends up costing city taxpayers — in December and January Paterson paid $20,332 to a company which picks up the tires to recycle while receiving just $3,746 in tire drop-off fees.
Four public works employees told NBC they have witnessed cash payoffs being made from tire companies to city workers to accept the tires at the East 16th Street facility.
Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres told the Paterson Press the city is also conducting its own investigation.
Torres himself is the subject of an investigation — city workers are alleged to have performed work at the mayor’s house while on duty.
Paterson is also under investigation for its alleged use of federal funds to renovate a church.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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