Officials from the Bergen County Democratic Committee called for Assemblyman Robert Schroeder to resign from his seat and for county Republicans to return money contributed by Schroeder Monday.

Schroeder was charged with writing almost $400,000 in bad checks August 3. He previously said he would not give up his seat.

"He has abused the integrity of the office we entrusted in him inorder to borrow millions of dollars from unsuspecting friends, neighbors and associates," District 39 Democratic Chairman Todd Sherer said in a press release. "I do not see how he can fulfill the duties for which he was elected and he should resign immediately."

Since he was charged, other investors in Schroeder's two Hillsdale-based companies, All Points International Distributors and Hercules Global Logistics, have said Schroeder owes them millions of dollars.

Schroeder, who once ran for governor and joined the State Assembly in 2010, has contributed more than $400,000 to New Jersey Republican groups and politicians since 2001.

"It is unlikely that the money Assemblyman Schroeder gave to the Bergen County Republicans this year was his but instead money borrowed from unknowing victims and it is likely that his previous contributions were also redirected 'investment' funds from his business," Sherer said. "That money should be returned so Mr. Schroeder can begin making some restitution to his victims."

Bergen County Republican Organization officials were not immediately available for comment Monday, but PolitickerNJ.com reported BCRO Chairman Bob Yudin said they would not give back any money. 

Yudin called the Democrats' statement "a ridiculous political stunt and hypocrisy at its greatest," according to the report.

Sherer said the request was "not speculation or political posturing," but was instead made for the investors and other District 39 residents.

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