Contractor Says In Deposition That FBI Is Investigating Vicari, Claims Vicari Threatened His Life

A contractor who has done work for Ocean County since 1991 claimed in a recent deposition that the FBI has been investigating longtime Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, according to app.com.

Anthony Sierchio, owner of Toms River-based Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler Construction - said that Vicari had extorted him in the 1990s and 2000s when he installed an irrigation well at Vicari‘s home and wells and sprinkler systems at the homes of his children, Dina and Joseph Vicari, according to a civil suit deposition.

Sierchio said in the deposition that Vicari gave him checks for the work, then requested cash back for the exact amount of the check. When he attempted to bill Vicari for other work, Vicari called him up and was “ --- mad,” Serchio testified.

After that, Vicari began interfering with contract work Sierchio was bidding on, he testified.

Sierchio said Vicari threatened him a Christmas party when Sierchio asked about the interference.

“I’m going to throw you off this balcony and kill you,” Sierchio testified.

Vicari did admit he had a “heated argument” with Sierchio and might have made such a statement. But he called Sierchio “disgruntled” contractor whose county business fell from a high of $650,000 a year to roughly $100,000 to $200,000 by 2015, after the county instituted cost-saving measures.

“Tony Sierchio is a vicious liar who hates me,” Vicari told the Asbury Park Press.

Sierchio said he stands by his testimony.

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Photo credit: Ocean County Government.