Two Former Transportation Leaders Are Charged by a Grand Jury in a Case of Retaliation

Two former heads of the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) are facing significant criminal charges after being accused of using their positions to settle a political score. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office said that the complaint is based on an alleged attempt to stop payment to a contractor as a form of revenge for political support.

A state grand jury has charged both Christopher Milam, 46, who is currently an SJTA commissioner, and Bryan Bush, 53, who used to be one. Prosecutors claim the two worked together to hinder T&M Associates, an engineering business that had been given work by the commission, from getting paid what it was owed.

Alleged Retaliation for Supporting a Political Candidate

Investigators say that the fight was caused by a disagreement over political endorsements. Milam and Bush are accused of using their official positions to stop the payment from going through, which prosecutors call a clear violation of public trust.

Both men, who live in Sewell, Gloucester County, are accused of working together to vote against paying the contractor. Officials say that this choice was not based on the quality of the job or any problems with the contract, but rather on personal and political reasons.

Charges Include Lying, Conspiracy, and Misconduct

The grand jury indictment says that Milam and Bush did a lot of bad things, such lying under oath, conspiracy, and official misconduct. In New Jersey, official misconduct is a second-degree offense that might lead to jail time if you are found guilty. Lying on oath, or perjury, makes the legal problems for the accused even worse.

Officials stress that public servants should behave in the best interests of taxpayers and not use their positions to settle personal or political scores.

What Could Happen if You Are Found Guilty

If they are found guilty, the defendants may spend years in state prison, pay large penalties, and never be able to run for office in New Jersey again. Lawyers say that this case shows how important it is for public authorities to be open and honest, especially those that deal with taxpayer money for big projects.

Transportation Authority Effects Continue

The public is now scrutinizing the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which manages vital infrastructure and services. The claims are against individual people, but the case may lead to a wider investigation at agency decision-making to prevent repeats.

The indictment raises the question of how political rivalry affects public contracts, something watchdog groups have long concerned about.

The Next Step

Milam and Bush are expected to appear in court to answer the charges. The case’s thorough prosecution sends a clear message that New Jersey’s public institutions will not tolerate revenge or power abuse.