Ex-Atlantic GOP official arrested

Frank Barbera, the former Treasurer of the Atlantic County Republican Party and a political ally of County Executive Dennis Levinson, was arrested by FBI agents this week on bribery charges, a month after a suicide attempt. He was found in his car with what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his chest.

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Barbera is accused of offering a $5,000 bribe to Craig Callaway in 2005, while Callaway was serving as the Atlantic City Council President. Callaway is now serving a 40-month sentence following his own bribery conviction.

The arrest of the GOP official came on the same day that Atlantic City Mayor Robert Levy resigned amidst allegations that he lied about his military service. He disappeared for two week; his attorney said he was at a substance abuse and mental health treatment center.

Levinson faces a tough battle for re-election to a third term next month against Democrat James McGettigan, the Atlantic County Sheriff.

The U.S. Attorney's office issued three press releases today, including announcements that former Democratic Assemblyman Mims Hackett was indicted, and the sentencing of a former Paterson city official, but nothing regarding Barbera, the Chairman of the Atlantic County Economic Development Advisory Commission.