In a news conference at his lawyer's Toms River office Friday, Van Pelt said in the months ahead he plans to "simply tell the truth" and hopefully prove he was worthy of the public's trust.
He said he was advised not to take reporters' questions.
Assembly Republican leader Alex DeCroce said Van Pelt's decision was the correct one given the circumstances.
Earlier Friday, Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano resigned. Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell resigned Tuesday. They were among 44 people arrested last week.
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