N.J. assemblyman arrested in sting won't resign

TRENTON - A New Jersey assemblyman who was among 44 people snared in a recent federal corruption sting says he will not resign.

L. Harvey Smith, a Jersey City Democrat, said he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and will not bow to pressure from the governor, the Assembly speaker, and others to step down.

Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. (D., Camden) called Smith's decision disappointing. Roberts has stripped Smith of his legislative salary and benefits.

Smith was arrested on July 23 and is accused of taking $15,000 in bribes from a federal informant to help win building approvals from state officials. One assemblyman and two mayors arrested in the sweep have resigned; another mayor and a city council president have not. - AP