Witness hopes testimony keeps her out of jail

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
NEWARK — The government’s star witness in the corruption trial of Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna and his wife admitted Tuesday she is hoping her testimony will amount to a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Under cross-examination for a second day, Luisa Medrano, 53, of Cliffside Park told a federal jury she is facing 24 to 30 months in prison when she is eventually sentenced for harboring illegal aliens and tax evasion.

“You’re looking to walk away from these charges, no jail, isn’t that true? asked Ralph Lamparello, the mayor’s attorney.

“Yes, but that’s not in my hands,â€