Treasurer of a failed 2021 Brooklyn borough president campaign was charged with wire fraud for a straw-donor scheme, where false donations were made to the campaign to secure public matching funds. The scheme involved sending money through CashApp to prospective donors and forging records. The campaign did not receive matching funds and ended in debt. The case is part of law enforcement scrutiny on NYC’s public matching campaign finance program.
In a recent development, federal prosecutors have charged the treasurer of an unsuccessful 2021 campaign for Brooklyn borough president with wire fraud related to a straw-donor scheme. Erlene King, a Queens resident and former City Council candidate, served as the treasurer for Anthony Jones during his 2021 campaign for Brooklyn borough president. The scheme involved King sending money through CashApp to prospective donors, who then made donations to Jones’ campaign. This fraudulent scheme reportedly generated false donations totaling at least $25,000, with the aim of securing $400,000 in public matching funds.
The indictment against King alleges that she falsified records to conceal the true source of the donations. Despite the efforts to secure matching funds, the Campaign Finance Board denied Jones’ campaign any public funds, citing the illegality of receiving donations in someone else’s name. The Board emphasized its commitment to upholding campaign finance rules and protecting taxpayer dollars.
Jones, a district leader in Brooklyn, and an ally of the Brooklyn Democratic machine, has not commented on the charges. In a previous instance, Jones admitted to forgery within his political club to remove political rivals from volunteer positions. His 2021 campaign for borough president ended in a significant financial deficit, with expenditures exceeding contributions by $728,000. He garnered minimal voter support, receiving less than one percent of the votes in the primary election.
The case against King is part of a broader crackdown by state and federal law enforcement on fraudulent activities within New York City’s public matching campaign finance program. The program, which was expanded under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, aims to match small-dollar political contributions at a ratio of up to $8 to $1. This intensified scrutiny follows the recent charges against Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who is accused of participating in a fraudulent scheme to obtain matching funds.
In conclusion, the legal actions against King and Jones underscore the importance of transparency and compliance with campaign finance regulations. Upholding the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding public funds remains a top priority for authorities in New York City.
Source: TheCity.NYC
