Nation IN BRIEF : NEW JERSEY : County Official Sold His Office, Jury Finds

The top elected official of Essex County was convicted of federal charges he sold his office, but was acquitted of most charges related to alleged campaign fund misuse. County Executive Thomas J. D’Alessio, 59, was convicted of accepting more than $58,000 in late 1990 and early 1991 from a solid waste company. Attwoods Inc., of Miami and London, to help it get a state permit. The jury reached a similar verdict for his longtime campaign treasurer, Joseph Thor. Each man was convicted of 12 of 19 counts against him. They face up to seven years in prison.