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New Jersey mayor faces corruption charges

NEWARK, New Jersey (CNN) -- Federal prosecutors Thursday charged the mayor of New Jersey's third largest city with corruption.

A grand jury returned a 40-count indictment against Paterson Mayor Martin Barnes for accepting cash, vacation trips and home improvements, said Mike Drewniak, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney.

Barnes is also accused of taking bribes from city vendors and prospective city vendors, Drewniak said.

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Barnes, 53, a Republican, is the first black mayor of Paterson, a city of 150,000 located 20 miles from Manhattan. He took office in 1997 and announced this month that he would seek a second full term in May.

Barnes was expected to appear in court Thursday, Drewniak said.

A city spokesman said the 53-year-old has acknowledged taking overseas trips to review sewer systems, The Associated Press reported. But Barnes has denied any wrongdoing.

The indictment stems from a two-year investigation which has resulted in several guilty pleas.

Camden Mayor Milton Milan was convicted of corruption in 2000.