arrest

Authorities Arrest New York Democratic Lt. Governor

Fraud can take many different forms. In this case, New York Democratic Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin surrendered to authorities on campaign finance charges. The arrest came as a result of a previous campaign. Benjamin didn’t inform Governor Hochul of the subpoena, thinking the background check was sufficient. A former campaign aide is in trouble too for soliciting fake donations.

The arrest applies to more than one thing

ABC News 7 reported, “The lieutenant governor, who had been considered a rising political star after he was chosen by Gov. Hochul, faces bribery and other charges.” Benjamin is charged with bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsifying records. After pleading not guilty, he can’t travel far and is not allowed to return to the state capitol in Albany.

NBC News 4 reported,

“His arrest comes after reports that Manhattan federal prosecutors and the FBI were investigating whether Benjamin knowingly engaged in a campaign finance fraud scheme. Subpoenas were issued in connection with the investigation, two sources familiar with the subpoenas said at the time. The investigators also looked into whether Benjamin helped dole out state money to contributors and/or their projects as part of the alleged fraud.”

Failure to disclose

During the vetting process in 2021 he didn’t tell the governor’s office about the subpoena in relation to his aide. WSKG reported,

“Benjamin was a state senator when the Manhattan district attorney subpoenaed him last year about an alleged scheme run by a former campaign aide. The aide, Gerry Migdol, allegedly solicited phony campaign donations so that Benjamin — who was then running for New York City comptroller — could boost his fundraising numbers to receive public matching funds. Migdol was arrested and charged with soliciting fake donations.”

The arrest doesn’t help

The New York Governor’s office already rocked by scandal. The WSKG report continued, saying that Benjamin thought he was doing everything necessary. “The State Police did a thorough investigation, I participated in that. I followed the process as it was supposed to be followed.”

The arrest revealed several things. The New York Times reported that “federal prosecutors are looking at whether Benjamin steered state grants for his district to financially benefit Migdol.” Benjamin accepted funds from the real estate developer so he could steer $50,000 in state funds to a non profit the developer owned.

Still on the ballot with the arrest

It’s state election law. He’ll still be on the ballot for the 2022 Democratic primary even if Hochul picks another lieutenant governor.

Hochul defended him, “I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately. While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”

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