By: Najla Alexander
NJ AG authorities announced that a state grand jury has returned a new indictment against former Wildwood Mayor Peter J. Byron, accusing him of abusing his official position to request a job from a city attorney, then failing to pay state taxes on his earnings from that position for years.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that a new seven-count indictment was filed on April 16 against Byron, 68, of Wildwood, New Jersey, who resigned from office in September 2023.
He has been accused of Official misconduct, Tampering with public records, Falsifying or tampering with records, Failure to pay tax, and Filing a fraudulent return, according to officials.
According to the allegations in the indictment, Byron, who had been elected as a city commissioner before serving as mayor, used his official position as a commissioner to unlawfully pursue and obtain employment from an attorney who had a contract with the City of Wildwood and held official appointed positions with the City.
Officials said it is further alleged that Byron submitted required annual financial disclosure statements to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in which he failed to properly identify the job with the attorney as a source of income in 2017 and 2018.
Additionally, the investigation revealed that Byron failed to pay the required state income tax on income earned from New Jersey sources in 2017 and 2018, officials say. 
Authorities say the investigation found Byron’s New Jersey income tax return falsely omitted required New Jersey-sourced income earned during those years.
“As alleged, the former mayor inappropriately used his power and influence for unlawful personal financial gain, betraying the public’s trust,” said Attorney General Platkin.
“Elected officeholders are expected to serve the public, not use their authority to line their own pockets.”
“The former mayor had a clear conflict of interest in seeking and accepting this job, given his power over the city contracts and appointments of his employer,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas J. Eicher.
“Cashing in unlawfully on positions of power damages the public’s confidence in government, and this indictment should send a message that those who do so will be held accountable.”