Jan 31, 2012
Will Turner Return Tainted Campaign Cash from the Scandal-Plagued Grimm?
According to a bombshell report over the weekend, Congressman Michael Grimm (NY-13), together with a man under FBI investigation for embezzlement, raised more than $500,000 dollars in tainted campaign cash by taking contributions in excess of federal limits, taking contributions from foreign nationals, setting up “straw donors,” and personally receiving envelopes filled with cash. Some of Grimm’s campaign cash was then given to Congressman Bob Turner (NY-09). Will Congressman Turner continue to hold on to Grimm’s tainted cash or will he disassociate himself with his scandal-plagued colleague and give the money back?
“Congressman Bob Turner will be endorsing the worst kind of political corruption by continuing to hold on to tainted campaign cash he received from Congressman Michael Grimm,” said Josh Schwerin, Northeast Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “With lawyers who represent organized crime saying Congressman Grimm is in serious trouble, it’s clear that Congressman Turner should disassociate himself from his scandal-plagued colleague and return the money immediately.”
Background
Grimm Contributed $1,000 to Turner. On August 5, 2011, Turner received a $1,000 contribution from Rep. Michael Grimm’s campaign fund. [fec.gov, accessed 1/30/12]
Grimm Accused of Illegal Fundraising Practices. In January 2012, the New York Times reported that Grimm had allegedly engaged in illegal fundraising practices during his 2010 campaign, including taking contributions in excess of federal limits, taking contributions from foreign nationals, and setting up “straw donors.” The charges stem from Grimm’s efforts to raise money from the followers of prominent Orthodox rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto – all with the assistance of Pinto aide Ofer Biton, who is now the target of a federal embezzlement investigation. The report was based on findings from more than 15 interviews with Pinto followers and close scrutinization of Grimm’s campaign finance records. [New York Times, 1/27/12]
Organized Crime Lawyers: Grimm Is In Trouble. In January 2012, two local attorneys with experience representing organized crime figures told the Advance that the allegations against Grimm are serious and that he could face a federal grand jury. “If the allegations are true, they are serious,” said attorney Joseph Sorrentino. "The reality is, they are crimes. If he took those types of donations, he could wind up in front of a federal grand jury.” “It looks like he has issues all over the place,” said defense attorney Patrick Parrotta. Both Parrotta and Sorrentino have previously represented organized crime figures in legal proceedings. [Staten Island Advance, 1/31/12]
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