Three individuals have admitted guilt in a bribery and fraud case linked to operations at Newark Liberty International Airport. This was announced by Caroline Sadlowski, Attorney for the United States.
Edward Dolphin from Tomball, Texas, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Quraishi in Trenton federal court. He faced charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. James Wajda from Cement City, Michigan, also pleaded guilty on the same day before the same judge to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ronald Delucia from Wayne, New Jersey admitted his guilt today before Judge Quraishi to two counts: conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Court documents revealed that Dolphin worked for an airline at Newark Airport where he influenced contract awards in exchange for bribes and kickbacks totaling over $1.6 million. His dealings included accepting money from Delucia's company and other vendors for securing contracts related to busing, snow removal, and aircraft cleaning.
Wajda held a position with a Des Plaines-based company providing services at Newark Airport. He conspired with Delucia in a fraudulent invoicing scheme that netted him approximately $38,600.
Delucia also admitted involvement with Alok Saksena, Anthony Rosalli, and Lovella Rogan—all previously pleading guilty—who used their influence within an airline's selection committee to secure lucrative contracts for Delucia’s company in exchange for personal home renovations and valuable items.
Caroline Sadlowski stated: “The defendants exploited their positions within their respective companies to enrich themselves while defrauding others.” Terence G. Reilly noted the schemes were “reprehensible,” while John Gay emphasized how such corruption erodes public trust.
The three men face potential sentences of up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count and fines reaching $250,000 each. Sentencing dates are set for June 24, 2025 (Dolphin and Wajda), and July 1, 2025 (Delucia).
This investigation involved collaboration among special agents from the FBI under Terence G. Reilly’s direction; investigators from the Port Authority Office of Inspector General led by John Gay; and U.S. Attorney’s Office special agents under Thomas Mahoney’s guidance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine J. Calle and Francesca Liquori are representing the government in this case.
All co-conspirators mentioned remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.