The Times of Trenton reports former attorney Lemuel Blackburn was 75 and he had been battling illness for several years.
Federal documents identified Blackburn as a cooperating witness in the sting that targeted Trenton Mayor Tony Mack. It's alleged Blackburn met a sandwich shop owner and Mack contributor to solicit the mayor's support for a phony parking garage project.
Federal prosecutors allege Mack and Joseph Giorgianni agreed to take a $100,000 bribe from the government informant.
Giorgianni acknowledged in a July interview with the newspaper that Blackburn gave him envelopes full of cash.
Mack and Giorgianni have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
