Former New Jersey Corrections Official Faces 20 Years for Extortion

One of the former New Jersey corrections officials from Neptune is facing a maximum of 20 years in jail after her has pleaded guilty, in federal court, to extortion charges. Lydell B. Sherrer has admitted, in front of the United States District Judge, Joel A. Pisano of Trenton, that he made attempts to take about $10,000 from one of the employees who was supposed to be laid off in exchange for allowing that individual to remain employed within the department or as a private contractor.

Sherrer is charged with bribery and has also been charged with extortion for taking money from a number of people between the span of 2006 through 2008. After pleading guilty, Sherrer, who is 52 years old, has agreed to pay off nearly $23,000 in restitution.  The United States Attorney, Paul J. Fishman, has scolded Sherrer. In a release, he says, “The crime to which this defendant pleaded guilty is especially offensive, given his role as a member of law enforcement.” Fishman also said, “Mr. Sherrer not only abused his public trust, he tried to enrich himself by taking advantage of subordinates who wanted only to keep their jobs.”

On May 11, 2010, Sherrer had a phone conversation with an unidentified individual who had recently found out in April that they would be laid off. Sherrer contacted the individual and told them that if they wanted to continue their employment with the department, they could so, but would have to pay a fee of $10,000 as a means of securing their employment. Sherrer told the individual that they could pay half upfront and then pay the other half later but if they chose this route, the first half of the payment would have to be in cash, or “the green stuff” as Mr. Sherrer said.

Sherrer admitted to accepting the $5,000 in cash on the 17^th of May, which was an installment from the individual, who had hopes of securing his or her employment with the department. After receiving the payment, Sherrer worked to ensure that the individual’s employment was, in fact, secured.

Sherrer was arrested on the 12^th of October; with two charges for receiving bribes for securing a job and helping another worker get a good outcome with their lawsuit. In the meantime, ten other charges were added on again Sherrer since June of the previous year.

If Sherrer is actually convicted of the charges in which he has pleaded guilty to, he is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and may possibly have to pay off a fine that will cost him nearly $250,000. He will find out his sentencing on the 11^th of June, just a few months from now.