After the trial and conviction of former Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo, the local state assemblyman has called for a state investigation into municipal contracts there.

Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Hamilton) said he asked the state Attorney General to investigate the township, partially because of Marliese Ljuba's testimony in the case. Ljuba, the government's key witness in the case, said she gave tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to local politicians in order to secure contracts for her employer.

“I believe it is imperative that there be a thorough investigation of the township and school district to ensure that those who are entrusted with taxpayer monies to oversee and operate our township and local school system have done so according to state and local laws,” he said in a press release.

Ljuba said at various times she paid off current and former school board members, as well as making illegal "straw" donations through third parties to campaigns for town council and school board.

Bencivengo was convicted in federal court of taking $12,400 in bribes from Ljuba in exchange for his influence with the Hamilton Board of Education, so that she could keep her lucrative health insurance brokerage for her employer, Allen Associates.