Ex-official who admitted taking bribes now working for state

(AP) - A former New Jersey municipal official who admitted taking bribes from undercover FBI agents more than a decade ago is now working for the state.
Marcellus Jackson was hired this summer at a salary of $70,000 to work as a special assistant in the Department of Education. Politico first reported his status, which was later confirmed by a spokesman for Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy's administration.
Jackson, a Democrat who served on the Paramus City Council, was among 11 officials arrested in a 2007 corruption sweep. He pleaded guilty to obstructing interstate commerce by extortion and received a 25-month prison sentence. He was released in July 2011.
The spokesman says Jackson is remorseful, has taken responsibility and has paid his debt to society.
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