(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. today announced he has suspended the salary and benefits of three Assembly members facing corruption charges.

Roberts (D-Camden) had already stripped Assemblymen L. Harvey Smith, Joseph Vas and Daniel Van Pelt of their committee assignments.

Pursuant to the advice of legislative counsel, it was determined the Speaker has the authority to suspend their compensation and benefits.

The Speaker released the following statement:

“The right to the presumption of innocence is a hallmark of our democracy, however, serving in the Legislature is a privilege, not a right. The Assembly is often referred to as the ‘People’s House,’ and I want the people to have full confidence in the integrity of its members.

“Any member charged with criminal activity is incapable of effectively attending to their constitutional duties and should not be entitled to taxpayer-paid compensation while the charges are pending.

“Taxpayers should not be on the hook for services that cannot be effectively rendered.

“The people of New Jersey have had enough of the state’s reputation for corruption, and so have I and the overwhelming number of honest public servants.

“I repeat my call for Assemblymen Smith, Vas and Van Pelt to do the right thing and resign. Their failure to step down is a disservice to their constituents and the Assembly, so this extraordinary step is necessary.”