SECAUCUS--The U.S. Attorney's office in New Jersey announced Tuesday afternoon that former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell has been indicted in connection with an FBI sting operation of politicians this past summer.

In late July, 44 religious and political leaders were arrested statewide. In several cases, government informant posing as a developer offered to donate money to political campaigns, ostensibly in exchange for help with his development projects.

Three mayors were arrested in connection with the scheme, including Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell and Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano. Both resigned from their respective towns.

Elwell was indicted today. An indictment is NOT a declaration of guilt or innocence, but rather a jury decision that there is enough evidence to bring a matter to trial.

The indictment charges that Elwell and his political associate, Ronald Manzo, allegedly accepted a total of $15,000 in "corrupt payments."

The indictment states that Elwell accepted $10,000 to help the informant with "real estate development matters in Secaucus," while Manzo allegedly got $5,000 "for his assistance in setting up the corrupt arrangement with Elwell."

Manzo has already been indicted for allegedly helping his brother, former Assemblyman Louis Manzo, accept money for his help should Manzo win his mayoral election in Jersey City (which Louis did not).

The indictment also charges that Elwell and Manzo conspired with former Jersey City official Edward Cheatam to accept the payments. Cheatam has already pleaded guilty in connection with the investigation.