Ex-Newark City Attorney Admits Trying to Shake Down His Boss for $750K

A former assistant city attorney in Newark, N.J., has pleaded guilty to trying to shake down his boss for $750,000 and a promotion.

Neal Braunstein pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal coercion on Tuesday, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. He was accused of asking for the money to keep quiet about an unspecified offense by his boss, corporation counsel director Julien Neals, the story says.

The plea agreement calls for Braunstein to be sentenced to three years’ probation and barred from future public office, the Associated Press reports. He is also expected to undergo a psychological evaluation.