(02/22/06) KEYPORT ? Monmouth County residents still have a healthy amount of mistrust for their public leaders one year after a corruption scandal rocked the area.

The federal sting, called Operation Bid Rig, resulted in the indictments of 11 Monmouth County public officials. The 11 individuals were accused of extorting thousands of dollars in bribes. One year later, residents say they still don?t trust their public leaders. They also believe corruption will continue unless authorities shake things up even further.

Three Monmouth County mayors were included among the 11 people indicted. Some of those individuals pleaded guilty and face prison time. Others are planning to fight the charges. Keyport Mayor John Merla has pleaded not guilty and refuses to step down from his position.

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