Posted on 10/17/2006 7:20:29 PM PDT by conservative in nyc
Federal investigators have charged state Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin (D-Flushing) with stealing more than $2 million from local unions, not-for-profits, his campaign committee and a local Little League, according to an 186-page indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney's office.
The embattled state assemblyman, whose offices were raided by the FBI earlier this year, was arraigned in Manhattan federal court Tuesday on 44 counts ranging from racketeering, money laundering, conspiracy and fraud after he turned himself in earlier that morning. Investigators accuse McLaughlin of stealing money for his own use from local several organizations so he could buy a car, renovate his multimillion-dollar Nissequogue, L.I. home and even pay for his daughter-in-law's wedding expenses, according to the indictment. McLaughlin, the only defendant listed in the indictment, pleaded not guilty during his noontime arraignment in Manhattan federal court.
The Flushing official has served seven terms in the state Assembly and also served until recently as the president of the city's powerful Central Labor Council, which represents hundreds of city unions. He announced in January that he would not run for re-election to his Assembly post so he that could concentrate on his labor duties. He also recently took a leave of absence from his labor post.
Federal investigators raided his offices earlier this year as part of an investigation into a bid-rigging scheme involving the city's street lighting contracts.
Ping!
Apparently, the Slimes failed to mention the club too.
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