Ronald Salahuddin, the former deputy mayor for public safety under Newark Mayor Cory Booker, was indicted on federal charges of corruptly using his official position and influence to advance the business and financial interests of his business partner and himself in connection with demolition work in Newark.

The federal indictment handed down in Newark today alleges that Salahuddin, 59, of East Orange, concealed his ownership in S. Cooper Brothers Trucking Inc. and steered demolition contracts in Newark from September 2006 to December 2007 to a cooperating witness who posed as the owner of another demolition company.

In exchange, the cooperating witness agreed to give S. Cooper Brothers a portion of demolition business that the cooperating witness' company was to receive from the city, including demolition work at the Prudential Center, the indictment alleges. Salahuddin also solicited and accepted charitable contributions from the cooperating witness to organizations supported by Newark officials and encouraged the cooperating witness to give concealed political contributions, the indictment alleges.

Salahuddin received approximately $45,000 from S. Cooper Brothers between May and August 2007, including a $5,000 check that was funded from proceeds of a check for demolition work that Cooper had received from the cooperating witness, the indictment alleges.

"The conduct alleged in the Indictment shows a brazen effort by Salahuddin to corrupt his city office for his own personal financial gain and to benefit his business partner," said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman.

Sonnie L. Cooper, 67, of Springfield, owner and president of S. Cooper Brothers, was also charged in the indictment. The company engages in demolition, waste-hauling and street sweeping for municipal government and companies.

Salahuddin, who was credited with helping reduce crime in Newark, resigned last year. The Newark Mayor's Office and the New Jersey Devils have been cooperating in the investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"The FBI will continue to send a crystal clear message that if you hold a public office and you abuse your position and the public trust, you will be caught and you will face the strong possibility of prison," said Kevin Cruise, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark office. "This is neither for show nor statistical accomplishment. Rather, we intend to rid New Jersey of corruption and pay-to-play practices by making the risk outweigh the reward."

Salahuddin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.