Gerald Sanzari 

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

A 63-year-old man who previously served as executive director of the North Bergen Housing Authority was charged with theft, authorities announced, Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

Between January 2022 and June 2024, Gerald Sanzari, a River Edge resident, used city vendors to perform contract work at his private residence, Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello said. 

Sanzari paid the vendors over $20,000 utilizing an account belonging to North Bergen Renaissance Urban Renewal, a component of the North Bergen Housing Authority, Mello said.

Sanzari is charged with two counts of theft by unlawful taking, Mello said. He was released pending a court appearance, Mello said. 

North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco called Sanzari's actions "an egregious violation of the public's trust"  and said they immediately referred the matter to the appropriate authorities when they uncovered his misconduct. 

"Executive Director Julio Marenco moved quickly and aggressively to overhaul operations, implementing sweeping reforms to close gaps, strengthen oversight, and ensure full accountability," Sacco said. "He has worked side-by-side with law enforcement throughout this investigation, leaving no stone unturned to protect public resources and restore integrity to the Housing Authority. The Township of North Bergen stands firmly behind the decisive actions Executive Director Marenco has taken to reform operations and rebuild public trust. Our residents deserve an honest, transparent, and accountable government. While we are outraged by the criminal behavior that has now come to light, we remain committed to ensuring this never happens again.”

Marenco said since day one of taking over for Sanzari he made it a priority to review all operations, strengthen internal controls, and restore transparency and accountability to the NBHA.

"We are deeply disturbed by the betrayal of trust committed by Mr. Sanzari, but we remain focused on moving forward, restoring confidence in the Housing Authority, and continuing to provide quality, affordable housing for the residents we serve," Marenco said.