Henry Helstoski

Henry Helstoski (March 21, 1924 – December 16, 1999) was an American politician and veteran of World War II. Helstoski, a Democrat, represented New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives for twelve years, lasting from 1965 until 1977. He was the representative for New Jersey's 8th congressional district.

He is best remembered for being indicted on charges of receiving bribes from illegal aliens in 1976, but he was never tried as all his charges were dropped by the United States Supreme Court.

Background Helstoski was born in the Bergen County town of Wallington, New Jersey. He attended public schools in Wallington and East Rutherford. He graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1940.

World War II Helstoski enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and served as an instructor and radio technician until the end of World War II in 1945. Hollenbeck ended up winning the election against Helstoski, capturing a 54%-46% margin.

The Supreme Court ruled against government lawyers on several of the counts, and the others were dropped. One of Helstoski's outside counsel, Alfred Porro, was indicted, convicted and sentenced to six years in the Lewisburg Federal Prison Camp.

Life after Congress After failing in his re-election bid, Helstoski ran again in the 1978 election as an independent, winning only 13% of the vote. He ran in the Democratic primary in 1980, but lost to Gabriel Ambrosio, who lost the general election to Hollenbeck.

In 1981, Helstoski became the superintendent of the North Bergen School District, and held that position until 1985. He later served as a public relations consultant.

Death Helstoski died on December 16, 1999, at the age of 74, in Wayne, New Jersey.