In July 2019, two weeks after narrowly losing the Democratic primary to the current mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Thomas pleaded guilty to a pair of misdemeanors related to the campaign funds. The complaint also alleges that Thomas falsely disclosed a meal at a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant in Mexico, using the address of the Bubba Gump restaurant located in Times Square in Manhattan and falsely designating the meal as a "volunteer appreciation" event. Infighting at City Hall is virulent. And won in court!!! Let's get the whole story out," he said. Thomas also assailed Schneiderman's successor, Letitia James, for continuing the prosecution. She pointed to a Westchester judge's ruling in 2018 that upheld the criminal charges and the AG's authority to bring them. Steelville Mayor Andy Gerlach . The cameras at Thomas' house were not able to capture the thief's license plate number, but she was driven away in a BMW SUV. After the inauguration, Schneiderman said the pattern of corruption changed but did not end. Instead, an elected council or board selects the mayor from within its ranks. An emergency operations center in Mount Vernon that was meant to protect the public in a disaster is now in shambles and the political fingerpointing is costing taxpayers, critics say. He questioned whether then-Gov. Her spokeswoman on Friday said James "stands by the outcome of this case, and our office will continue to root out public corruption wherever it lies., No one, regardless of the power they wield, has the right to use political motivation as an excuse for their unlawful actions," Morgan Rubin, James' spokeswoman, said. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. All rights reserved, NYC Man Arrested for Murders of Reported Girlfriend, Ex-Wife Weeks Apart, Trader Joe's Addresses Conspiratorial Theories' About Its Sardine-Like Parking Lots, Uptick in COVID-19 Found in NY Wastewater. Mayor Horrigan will not seek re-election. Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis . Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is seeking a pardon from Gov. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The court urged Richard Thomas on Wednesday to drop his litigation against the City Council for voting him out as mayor of Mount Vernon. Though I have never wanted to run for office, just having read what you need to file for financial disclosure etc had me thinking the IRS is mild. I guess the only problem and mistake was that Thomas didnt share it with other crooks and thieves like this, instead Thomas humbly held his campaign in the heart of Mt Vernon, and supporting to open Slide in the City, Winter Wonderland, and even the Circus programs he did a lot for us citizens. I can understand public mistrust of politics. All Rights Reserved. Pyro Toglia: I dont believe it was wrong for Thomas to have used personal campaign money as long as he wasnt taking it from the citizens of Mt Vernon, and for them to have made a huge spectacle of it was wrong, I didnt see them do a darn thing to Ernest D. Davis now that was a real Thief in over $106,743 in adjusted gross income Tax evasion, and $2 million missing from the citys Section 8 program.. and than Davis has the nerve to try and run again for Mayor this year?? Wallace served the last six months of his term. Incumbent Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is also being challenged in the June primary by former Mayor Andre Wallace. Bluford Mayor Mike Bullard . Wallace ambushed NBC 4 New York's interview with Thomas with his own cellphone camera rolling. ", He continued, "In doing so, Mayor Thomas wants to ensure that the interests of the people of Mount Vernon come first, and the City is well positioned for the next elected Mayor., Mt. Wallace responded, "He needs to be in jail with the rest of them he's a criminal, the guy's a criminal. The Stadium Has a Message For You: Stay Away, Cook County Assessor Responds After Bears Begin Exploring New Options Following Tax Woes, Some Taylor Swift Fans Are Reporting Post-Concert Amnesia. MOUNT VERNON, Westchester County (WABC) -- A hearing in Westchester County determined that Richard Thomas is no longer mayor of Mount Vernon after a month of political drama in the. In a world of PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo, CashApp paying employees/vendors for serving the people should not be a single persons decision to deny because they feel like it. "And I want to reassure the people of Mount Vernon that this has nothing to do with my service in office as it relates to the campaign.". No Garbage trucks were not enough? "My support for him is 100 percent as my mayor," the Rev. Kathy McCartin: Mayor Richard Thomas , that is a common problem. Im from Rockland and we met once when you came to Rockland for an event Cuomo had. A Psychologist Explains Why. The conviction has cost him a lucrative consulting job and financing for a tech start-up, said the ex-mayor, who added that having an Executive MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business doesn't seem to matter once the conviction comes up. All Rights Reserved. Embattled Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas left Westchester County Court after pleading guilty to the misuse of his campaign funds. The center, located inside a fire station, would be vital to saving lives and property, and could respond to multiple disasters, according to the federal government in 2014. Then, politics comes in to either defend, or crucify, someone when it comes to campaign finance. MOUNT VERNON, Westchester County (WABC) -- The mayor of Mount Vernon pleaded guilty Monday to stealing campaign funds and lying about those funds on a disclosure to the State Board of. He is alleged to have tried to disguise the purpose and location of the meals. Vernon. $1M Grant From State Will Help Rescue Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, 39-Year-Old New Rochelle Man 'Stable' After Mount Vernon Stabbing, Fugitive Wanted In Westchester Salon Shooting Is Caught In Virginia, Impersonating A Federal Officer Arrest After New Rochelle Traffic Stop, 'Drag Story Hour' Among Pride Month Events At New Rochelle Library, Hidden Hudson Valley Treasures: St. Paul's Church Historic Site. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas says there are 54 zombie homes in the city that he wants to raze immediately. 4 min read. He is due back in court on May 1st. The mayor said, "Federal regulators came down and took a look. The Chicago Tribune endorsed former State Sen. Paul Schimpf in the race. Former Mayor Richard Thomas announced his intentions to run for Mayor in 2023 on Aug. 27, at a press conference in Mt. Quite frankly, the citizens should be alarmed. The school district has sued the city for not turning over all the taxes collected on its behalf. The Official Facebook Page of former Mayor Richard Thomas. And I want to reassure the people of Mount Vernon that this has nothing to do with my service in office, as it relates to the campaign., Carl Bernstein, the Mayors attorney echoed the mayors sentiments and stated they plan to vigorously contest all charges. Photo Credit: Mount Vernon DPW. Schneiderman alleged Thomas did not file information about either with the city ethics commission. The former mayor called Porcari "collateral damage" in the witch hunt against him and said he too deserves his reputation back. Thomas said state officials could have helped Mount Vernon but his complaints about city Comptroller Deborah Reynolds' handling of city finances and his efforts to have her removed fell on deaf ears in Albany. He will . Kathy Hochul for the misdemeanor campaign-finance convictions that forced him from office three years ago. At 33, Richard Thomas is the youngest Mayor in Mount Vernon history! His claims about Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, she said, have no merit. Where indicated, the mayor is not directly elected by the voters. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. 114 West 47th Street, Flr. On that report, Thomas also claimed to have received a $2,500 reimbursement payment from his campaign committee, but he did not expend personal funds warranting such reimbursement. @2023 Black Westchester. Columbia Mayor Bob Hill . Mount Vernon is a mess. The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City of Mount Vernon. Richard Thomas, Mount Vernon's mayor from 2016-19, sent a conspiracy-filled letter dated Tuesday claiming the probe that led to his guilty plea and ouster from office was improperly. Save. Why is everyone afraid to hold the Comptroller accountable? He was spared further charges in May 2019 when a grand jury indicted only the city's top lawyer, Corporation Counsel Lawrence Porcari, on theft charges involving $365,000 in city water department funds that Porcari steered to criminal defense lawyers for the mayor and to a public relations firm that assisted the mayor after his arrest. The MVCSD and MVPL Trustee Election Results Are In? Whats different between then and now? I cant believe that this city has no record of actual government expenditures available for the taxpayer. Im a finance-nerd so I watch the discussions about audits, budgeting, etc very closely. The race to challenge Illinois Gov. He will resign, according to news reports. Yet, many of us involved in politics want to see good things happen and help our communities. Vernon history in 2015 said, " nobody died by a handgun in Mt. While he denied the charges immediately, Thomas also said "I want to reassure the people of Mount Vernon that they are related to the campaign and not my service in office.". Served as spokesperson for energy industry by maintaining a strong presence on television, web, print and radio . Here are some of the comments I received in reply to the above: Darlene Sydnor Pierce: I do not understand, when Richard Thomas was Mayor, everyone was trying to remove him, screaming corruption, hes gone and its still going on, I bet the people could just kick their selves now. ", The bottom line, according to City Council President Marcus Griffith, is that the whole feud is "quite shameful.". Many said they were disappointed by the charges. (Richard Thomas) MOUNT VERNON, NY Mayor Richard Thomas has pleaded guilty to campaign corruption charges. Mayor Richard Thomas responded in 2018 to accusations of campaign corruption. "It was supposed to be your one-stop shop for safety," said Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas. New Mayor will take office July 3. The brother of former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas believes his house was targeted, especially because it sits at the top of a hill, making it almost impossible to see what is on the porch from the street. of Labor Finds Creative Construction & Design, LLC & Andr Wallace Did Not Violate Labor Laws, Mount Vernon Arts Council Fights For Building For The Music School, #WINWITHBLACKWOMEN Spearheads Nationwide Theatre Buyouts For The Little Mermaid Opening Weekend, Having the Heath Mindset for Mind-Body Connection: Unlocking Optimal Health and Sprituality, Westchester Environmental Advocates and Elected Officials hold Press Conference for Climate Justice Demands in Yonkers, A continued fight for justice! "Thanks to my partnership with Attorney General Letitia James, his scheme was exposed and he has now admitted his guilt.". Get Updates Stay Engaged Mayor Richard Thomas And glad you got the context. Richard is related to Theodis D Thomas and Sharon Denise Thomas as well as 2 additional people. MOUNT VERNON, NY Mayor Richard Thomas has pleaded guilty to campaign corruption charges. Vernon money. Instead,. "You got workers cheated out of their wages," Thomas said. "(The prosecution) did not have to happen and they ignored all the real problems in the city. Thomas will not appeal a ruling by the County Board of Elections that invalidated his nominating petitions. Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is seeking a pardon from Gov. The Conference's mobile app is your best guide to the nation's mayors, the organization, and our meetings. He will step down Sept. 30. Cities with an upcoming election, an election not yet finalizedor where the mayor elect has not taken office are listed below with name of the city, population, election date, winner and any relevant notes. Mayor Turner cannot seek another term due to term limits. The bitter fight between two city leaders who were once campaign buddies shows no signs of abating. He pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing, admitting that he misappropriated campaign money. State Sen. Darren Bailey meanwhile has collected endorsements from several anti-abortion groups, and has been courting the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who has yet to signal the candidate he supports in the race. Runoff: Ray Condray vs. Mayor Conger 6/13. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas on Monday copped to stealing money from his own campaign and lying about it to state officials as he was ordered to resign and stay away from politics for a. For a full list of endorsements, visit Sen. Schimpf's website. Zak Failla. MOUNT VERNON, Westchester County (WABC) -- The mayor of Mount Vernon pleaded guilty Monday to stealing campaign funds and lying about those funds on a disclosure to the State Board of Elections. Thomas was first charged with corruption in early 2018. Officials say the guilty plea is in satisfaction of an indictment filed in Westchester County that stemmed from a joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General and the New York State Office of the Comptroller. Vernon mayor accuses acting administration of illegally performing governmental duties, Acting Mount Vernon mayor takes on duties in place of Richard Thomas. #Paythebills or perhaps, someone should get the #CourtOrders enforced? Photo: Facebook Attorney General Letitia James and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the guilty plea of Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas for stealing campaign funds and lying about those funds on a disclosure to the State Board of Elections. He said he considered as vindication the recent audit by the comptroller's office excoriating Reynolds for the city's fiscal woes, particularly that there were $170 million in unauthorized electronic payments, but that it was a "classic case of too little, too late.". . There was a lot of opposition to the Thomas administration and yet, both Wallace and Howard have duplicated everything he proposed. WHITE PLAINSMount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas who came into office in 2016 promising to reform city government will be resigning effective Sept. 30th after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor criminal charges in connection with his admitted misuse of campaign funds. Thats why the Board of Elections exist. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. "I have no doubt that we will be able to prove our full compliance with the letter, ethics and spirit of the law," he said. Wallace believes it's nothing but political payback. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, MOUNT VERNON, Westchester County (WABC) --. I also find that politics can be fickle and a mistake is made when we put elected officials and candidates on the same pedestal we put clergy. Mayor Theaker is unable to seek a fourth term due to term limits. All Rights Reserved. Peekskill NAACP planrally in support of gettingDorie Millerthe Medal of Honor, Former Knick Carmelo Anthony Announces Retirement, Says His Son Kiyan Is His Legacy, Black Westchester Magazine Black Love Sundays (May 21, 2023), Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans NAACP issues travel advisory to The Sunshine State, THE POLITICAL PONZI SCHEME: Black Families in New York are Not Part of the Agenda of Billionaire backed Elected Politicians, The Diabetes Factor: The difference in your body processing sugar in fruit than sugar, meat and processed foods, Election Results Are Officially In, Hope Marable Is Re-Elected As MVPL Trustee, Black Westchester May 15, 2023 Issue The Digital Edition. Mayor Richard. "As of now, he has continued to be a squatter, said Wallace. Not up to standards. But two years and $1 million dollar, the facility isn't even close to done. BlackWestchester.com is an online African-American news magazine, monthly print newspaper and weekly talk radio show - People Before Politics Radio Show - for people of color for Westchester and the Tri- State area of New York at every economic level. Keep plugging and may 2020 be a good year for you and your family. What is going on with Mount Vernon's Money? A bank employee assumed the mayor's bodyguarda plainclothes Latino police officerrepresented a security threat. Jury selection was set to begin Monday for his trial. Note: This list is NOT comprehensive, and is subject to updates. 954,614. 03/21/2023. Here are the latest endorsements for each of the Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates. And, what Rich was dealing with was his campaign account and not Mt. Richard Thomas won't be on the ballot in the Democratic primary for Mount Vernon mayor, but he is pushing a write-in campaign to get his old job back. Brian Benjamin, who was allowed to civilly resolve his use of $25,000 in state senate campaign funds for personal expenses. Mayor Hamilton will not be seeking re-election. "We elected him because we thought he was a hope, and now he just turned out to be an embarrassment and a failure," community activist Sameul Rivers said. Facility Information: Find a Long Term care facility. Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mayor Richard W. Thomas was arrested and arraigned Monday morning on criminal charges including grand larcenyas part of a corruption probe by the New York State Attorney Generals Office into campaign finance irregularities. Thomas walked away from the confrontation with Wallace while NBC 4 cameras were rolling but soon returned to show video of workers he claims were underpaid by Wallace's company. Mayor Cooper will not be seeking re-election. Mayor Miyagishima will not be seeking re-election. I'm here to join you. Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon Mayor Richard W. Thomas was arrested and arraigned Monday morning on criminal charges including grand larceny as part of a corruption probe by the New York State Attorney General's Office into campaign finance irregularities. Mayor Richard Thomas: Kathy McCartin please read this public statement on the issue and let me know what you think: https://medium.com//a-cautionary-tale-for-new-york Kathy McCartin: Mayor Richard Thomas , I figured that is what happened. He is also accused offailing to report on his city ethics disclosure money he received from individuals and his inaugural committee, whichhe used to pay credit card bills for personal expenses. "The city needs to pay it and we need to stop incurring late fees and interest in the meantime," he said. Tom Parker: Darlene Sydnor Pierce I agree. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas stated he recently became the victim of a "banking while Black" situation when police were called to a local JP Morgan Chase Bank he was visiting. Reporter Tim Fleischer reports on Mayor Richard Thomas who is accused of taking $12,000 from the campaign fund "Committee for Richard Thomas" and from an inaugural fund to pay for. Mayor Goodman cannot seek another term due to term limits. I support MVPD, MVFD, DPW and all organized labor to get properly paid on time. At the suggestion of his lawyer, Mayor Thomas did not take questions at the press conference, nor did he address any of the criminal charges other than to say he expected to be fully vindicated. Mayor Richard Thomas was sentenced to pay a $13,000 fine in addition to a one-year conditional discharge, during which time he may not seek or accept any elected or appointed public office or seek or accept any position as a public servant. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, who recently pled guilty to stealing campaign funds, and who must resign by the end of September, is accusing the Mount Vernon City Council of trying to oust him in an "illegal takeover." Here is what Mayor Thomas had to say about the situation. MOUNT VERNON, Westchester County (WABC) -- A defiant Richard Thomas declared Friday, "I am the mayor of Mount Vernon," as the power struggle standoff and City Hall continues. He hasn't ruled out seeking elected office again but first he's focused on restoring his reputation. Darlene Sydnor Pierce: that was all, to take him down they didnt give him a chance they started from day one he became Mayor, He was doing a lot for our children and they are our future, not the people who supported the most corrupt Mayor Mount Vernon has ever seen (I will leave his name out) that was where all the problems came from. Thomas pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false instrument for filing. "Mayor Thomas admitted to knowingly misusing campaign donations to fund his lifestyle instead of funding his campaign," state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. Even the budget request is the same (chief of staff, building department employees, money for sewers). Join our new Black Westchester Social online community, where we share ideas, information, and inspiration on issues affecting the Black community and others in Westchester County, the State of New York, and nationwide. The outspoken Thomas had denied the . In a news conference, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman laid out the allegations against Thomas, claiming the mayor stole nearly $13,000 from his campaign committee and diverted over $45,000 from his inaugural committee for his own personal use. Thomas denies the accusations. (see court documents below), Let us not forget, Mayor Thomas is innocent until proven guilty, CouncilmanAndr Wallace, who has been one of the mayors strongest critic, shared with Black Westchester after the press conference. God bless Mayor Richard Thomas I support him and will Vote for him again! For a full list of endorsements, visit Sen. Schimpf's website. Donna Deegan. Note: Businessman Gary Rabine and Pastor Max Solomon have not publicized any endorsements at this time. The United States Conference of Mayors is the official non-partisan organization of cities with a population of 30,000 or larger. Patterson-Howard issued a statement Monday afternoon: Final Count In; Thomas Sued County Over Democratic Primary, Campaign, Inaugural Funds Were Mayor's Personal Piggybank: NY AG. Richard Thomas, mayor of Mount Vernon, pleaded guilty to stealing campaign funds and will resign from office. Mayor Copeland will not seek re-election. The best result we found for your search is Richard A Thomas age 60s in Hoffman Estates, IL. Richard Thomas fails to qualify for primary ballot in race for Mount Vernon mayor Jonathan Bandler Rockland/Westchester Journal News 0:05 1:00 Richard Thomas won't be on the ballot in. Runoff: Kelly Brough vs. Mike Johnston 6/6. This whole thing is very strange to me. 39 talking about this. Kathy Hochul for the misdemeanor campaign-finance convictions that forced him from. Judge Lawrence Ecker said when Thomas pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors on July 8, he immediately forfeited office according to the city charter. Listening to Jerry Kremer, I tried quiet appeasement for many months then slowly but surely escalated matters into court with the support of the City Council. Mayor Allender will not seek re-election. The mayor is chosen by a citywide election for a four-year term. "Public corruption strikes at the very heart of our democracy, and we're committed to continuing to root it out across New York.". AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! A number of supporters, though, are backing the mayor. Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas says he is not giving up in his efforts to get the Democratic nomination for mayor. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. Mayor Richard Thomas is accused of taking $12,000 from the campaign fund "Committee for Richard Thomas" and from an inaugural fund to pay for personal expenses. That decision also found that a Manhattan judge had erred earlier in his interpretation of why the attorney general lacked the authority. Mayor Curry could not seek another term due to term limits. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Thomas will not appeal a ruling by the County Board of Elections that . "You having fun today, mayor? As for the current Mayor and Board, remember you have a voice in November. He was accused of stealing $12,900 from Friends of Richard Thomas, his campaign committee, and failing to report on his city financial disclosures more than $67,000 he received to pay off his personal credit card and $6,000 someone paid towards his NYU tuition. MOUNT VERNON, New York (WABC) -- The mayor of Mount Vernon was arrested Monday morning on charges related to alleged campaign abuse as part of a public corruption case. Jeffrey D. Buss, the attorney for Mayor Richard Thomas, said that Thomas asked him to "reach out to the attorneys for the City Council and Mr. Wallace to negotiate an amicable resolution of the leadership dispute in Mount Vernon. School bus bursts into flames in the Bronx. Reading only a brief statement and not answering questions from reporters, Thomas vowed to fight the charges. Mayor Hancock could not seek another term due to term limits. Vernon in 2019. But Thomas is refusing to pay a remaining $234,000 -- so Wallace sued. He alleged a local person paid off about $7,000 on Thomas's Amex account and was then appointed to a high-ranking law enforcement position in the city. They have also lived in Lansing, IL and Chicago, IL. Colorado Springs. Thomas insists that he was prosecuted improperly, as the state Attorney General's Office headed then by since-disgraced Eric Schneiderman lacked the authority to charge crimes involving campaign finance violations without a referral from the state Board of Elections. Judge Lawrence Ecker said when Thomas pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors on July 8, he immediately forfeited office according to the city charter. In March 2018, then-Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli alleged among other things that Thomas stole $12,900 from his campaign committee, and diverted over $45,000 from his inaugural committee for personal use. 1. Thomas repaid the inaugural committee after it had been subpoenaed and insists city expenses were among things he had paid with his credit card. The Allegations are not true, Mayor Thomas accompanied with his wife, attorney, few clergy members and supporters, said at the very brief press conference in front of Mount Vernon City Hall. "I want to be able to have vindication, not just for what happened to me but for what happened to Mount Vernon," he said. But politics prevented enforcement of the orders. "We have a troubling situation where burned out abandoned properties have been. Mayor Thomas. Its very strange to watch. Colorado. He was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, so if he complies with the plea deal details, he will avoid jail time or even probation. ", But 4-Investigates found that the federal government, via state inspectors, did approve the work that's been done so far, and last month a judge ruled the city had to pay Wallace because "the record does not show that the city has ever claimed defective work.". Copyright 2022 The United States Conference of Mayors. Jennifer Freeman, a spokeswoman for the comptroller's office, said it was significant that Thomas had faced more serious charges. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges on Monday and will resign. While innocent until proven guilty, Mayor Thomascould be forced out of office if convicted of a felony per the City Charter. Carl Washington said. John Suthers. #NowThis Jesse Van Lew posts that #SaveMountVernon is addressing the issue with the Comptroller. Mayor Thomas, the youngest City Councilman in Mount Vernon history who unseated. What is going on with Mount Vernons money? Sources tell us theNew York State Attorney Generals Office will be holding their own press conference later in the day in Manhattan. J.B. Pritzker in the November election is heating up, and Republican candidates are picking up endorsements as they seek to bolster their credentials in the stretch run. 03/01/2019 5:00 a.m. The crowd was mixed with loyal die-hard supporters and family members and many who felt the mayor should step down from office and let their voices be heard. Thomas also admitted that he knowingly and falsely filed a 27-day post-general disclosure report with the New York State Board of Elections, where he admitted that he did not disclose that he received a $4,000 payment from his campaign committee. Mayor Richard Thomas: Kathy McCartin many thanks. That includes a family breakfast at JFK Airport that Thomas listed on FORT's NYSBOE 2016 January Periodic filing as a housekeeping expense for "food"; Thomas is alleged to have listed the restaurant's corporate address, 352 Park Avenue in Manhattan, on the disclosure as the place of expenditure. Its a sad day for Mount Vernon, but we must go about doing the business of the city and let this situation play out in court.. Are we better off today than we was in the 50s and 60s? Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas Photo Credit: Contributed Mount Vernon Comptroller Deborah Reynolds Photo Credit: Reynolds For Mayor The new Mount Vernon DPW. to evaluate filings and levy fines if errors are made. We can make mistakes and in filing with BOEs, its very easy. Wallace's company was paid over $900,000 from a federal grant for the construction work on the emergency operations center. ", Porcari: Former top Mount Vernon lawyer sentenced to prison, Guilty: Thomas takes plea deal in Mount Vernon campaign finance case, Mount Vernon: State audit of city finances criticizes former comptroller. Mayor Elect Deegan takes office 7/1. The person holding this office has the responsibility of overseeing the operation of city departments. recent audit by the comptroller's office excoriating Reynolds, Ex-Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas seeks pardon from governor. So, Rich, I know you fought hard to become Mayor and fought hard to help Mt. Jan 2012 - Jul 20153 years 7 months. Primary election 5/2/23. Among the acts alleged by the AG's office were using campaign and inaugural funds to help pay off personal expenses including car payments on a Volkswagen and a Ford Explorer, insurance policies, rent and a Chanel purse valued at $2,000. Last month, the mayor's bid for re-election collapsed when he lost the Democratic Primary to Shawyn Patterson-Howard. "We are going to stand by him and stand with him and make sure everything is done to vindicate his name. We will have to sit back and let the all the facts come out before rushing to judgement. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. MOUNT VERNON, New York (WABC) -- The mayor of Mount Vernon was arrested Monday morning on charges related to alleged campaign abuse as part of a public corruption case. Thomas is hoping Hochul can "right some of the wrongs that happened here.". "As we detail in the felony complaint, Mayor Thomas treated these accounts as slush funds to pay off cars, dinners, and even a Chanel purse, and then lied about it in his filings," Schneiderman said. "New Yorkers put their faith in our public servants, and Thomas' gross violation of that faith constitutes the utmost disloyalty to those he was sworn to serve.". As for an explanation for the mess, "there were significant concerns about the cost of the project and quality of the work," said Thomas, blaming city councilman Andre Wallace, whose construction company built out the rooms before he was elected to the council. The mayor said that's because records have gone missing. Hosts Mayor Richard Thomas and Firehouse Father Gassie discuss: (1) coronavirus impacts on immigration; (2) opening the economy with shut borders; (3) who is getting bailed out or thrown out. We were told we may have to pay back the government $1 million because of what we face now. Mayor Thomas, the youngest City Councilman in Mount Vernon history who unseated Mayor Ernie Davis in 2015 to become the youngest mayor in of Mount Vernon. What is going on with Mount Vernon's money? "The allegations are not true," he said. Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others. Vernon, also recorded by Yonkers Voice. Kathy Hochul for the misdemeanor campaign-finance convictions that forced him from office three years ago. By: News 12 Staff / The court urged Richard Thomas on Wednesday to drop his litigation against the City Council for voting him out as mayor of Mount Vernon. These charges relate to his campaign and have absolutely nothing to do with his performance as a mayor in Mount Vernon where he has done an extraordinary job. (see full press conference in video below), Mayor Thomas was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, and filing a false instrument. "The facts speak for themselves: Richard Thomas used campaign funds to line his own pockets, and in doing so, he broke the law and violated public trust.". 4 min read. Mayor Bronin will not be seeking re-election. "What they did to me set off a series of events that seriously damaged Mount Vernon fiscally," Thomas said Friday. Thomas will also resign and leave office effective September 30, 2019. The plea deal he was granted Monday morning was better than any offered before, reported Jonathan Bandler of The Journal News. If Thomas doesn't leave, Wallace says the police will have to move him out. Thomas 40, was elected the youngest Mayor in Mt. Nationwide Public Sector Retirement Program, Mayors Recognized for Leadership on Climate Action, SURVEY OF MAYORS: U.S. Conference of Mayors Releases New Data on Mental Health Crisis and City Responses, MEDIA INVITE:U.S. Conference of Mayors to Host 2023 Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors on Mass Shooting in Allen, TX, Americas Mayors: Congress Must Act, Lives Depend on It. Association of Professional Police Officers, For a full list of Irvins endorsements, visit his campaign website. He had paid the price. Businessman . But two years and $1 million dollar, the facility isn't even close to done. Instead, he will wage a write-in campaign. surrendered Monday morning at the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, accompanied by his lawyer. Mayor Brainard will not seek re-election. ", * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts, School bus bursts into flames in the Bronx. Select this result to view Richard A Thomas's phone number, address, and more. Thomas has the legal right to pursuit his case, but Judge Ecker made it clear that he doesn't have a strong case and should instead look into finding a new source of income to support his family. All Right Reserved. AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. Campaign finance in NYS is a maze and many elected officials make errors. Tom Parker: This I agree with. Thomas pleaded guilty to a pair of misdemeanors related to the campaign funds. As part of the plea agreement, Thomas admitted that he knowingly and unlawfully appropriated contributions totaling approximately $13,000 from his campaign committee, the Friends of Richard Thomas, during his 2015 mayoral candidacy, for his own personal use. Former . How and why. When then-Mayor Richard Thomas ordered the bubble pulled down one early morning five years ago, Mount Vernon was found in violation of its contract with the owners of the Mount Vernon Tennis Center located at Memorial Field, Intersection of E Sandford Blvd and Garden Ave, Mount Vernon, was assessed a judgment of roughly $9.4 million on Friday . He acknowledged wrongdoing but maintained they were administrative errors that should not have been criminalized and that he pleaded guilty to avoid a trial that could have ended with a felony conviction. Kathy McCartin: What I find ironic is a Comptroller not authorizing paying of Town bills. He is accused of stealing more than $12,000 from Friends of Richard Thomas, his campaign committee, and lying about it on his campaign finance filings. "The unmistakable truth is that Mr. Porcari and I were improperly targeted and railroaded by a network of corrupt, powerful State interests that sought to shield those implicated in Mount Vernons systemic corruption," Thomas wrote in his letter to Hochul. You can alsoview finalized results from 2023 here. If the comptroller's office was really intent on investigating Mount Vernon finances, he argued, they would have acted on numerous things he brought to their attention while he was mayor. 19, New York, NY. All rights reserved, Swifties Flock to Soldier Field for First Night of Eras Tour' Performances, This Is a Safe Space For You:' Taylor Swift Delivers Pride Month Message on Eras Tour' in Chicago, Chicago Bears Say Arlington Heights Stadium No Longer Our Singular Focus', No Ticket To Taylor Swift at Soldier Field? Hopefully by the time we get back to City Hall, he had packed up his things and left.". Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who has run a slew of TV ads and has won the backing of key contributors like businessman Ken Griffin, has won endorsements from the Daily Herald and numerous elected officials, including House Republican Leader Jim Durkin. (20162019) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayorRichardThomas. 483,956. Most of the credit card payments came from his inaugural committee, whose fundraising and expenditures are not regulated, with $8,000 coming from companies run by businessman Joseph Spiezio, a campaign advisor who Thomas made deputy police commissioner. Facility Name: Here's What It Could Mean, High School Seniors Sneak Into Principal's House and Spend the Night in Epic Prank, Raccoon Politely Orders a Doughnut From a Dunkin' Drive-Thru Like a Regular'. Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story. Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomassays he is not giving up in his efforts to get the Democratic nomination for mayor. May not been right of him to use campaign funds for personal use, but doesnt mean corrupt. Richard Thomas: Former Mount Vernon mayor says conspiracy pushed him out, Mount Vernon: Ex-mayor Richard Thomas jumps into comptroller race, Politics: Judge dismisses Thomas bid to get on primary ballot. Wallace says even if Thomas doesn't listen to the judge's recommendation, he has to leave City Hall. Thomas has long pointed to the Manhattan ruling to back up his claim that state prosecutors had rushed through an indictment without letting him testify while he was challenging their authority to bring the case. By Sarah Maslin Nir July 18, 2019 MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. On one side of City Hall, Richard Thomas, the former and possibly still-current mayor of Mount Vernon was in his office on. Facebook @dvzak Email me Read More Stories. Either as a candidate/elected or helping a candidate/elected. Mayor Richard Thomas Arrested And Arraigned On Grand Larceny Charges, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand ask FEMA for disaster declaration, AG Schneiderman & Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Felony Charges Against Mt Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, NYS Dept. Why is everyone afraid to hold the Comptroller accountable? And she emphasized that he ultimately pleaded guilty, admitting to stealing the campaign funds. ***** Updated Monday, March 12, 2018 at 1:37PM to include court documents below****, Richard Thomas Complaint by BLACK WESTCHESTER on Scribd. 5 min read Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is seeking a pardon from Gov. The feds have sued the city because its raw sewage spews uncontrolled into people's houses and nearby waterways. Because the campaign finance case grew out of a referral by the state comptroller to investigate whether Thomas gave his campaign manager a no-show job, anything that arose from that was fair game, the Westchester judge ruled. But Thomas lays out in his pardon application how that probe was a pretext to digging into Thomas' campaign finances without a referral from the elections board. In a wide-ranging, conspiracy-laden submission, Thomas expounds on the claims he has made since his arrest in 2018 and his guilty plea the following year: that he was denied due process and was the victim of an effort by top state officials to protect the political establishment in Mount Vernon because of corruption allegations Thomas made against prior administrations and fellow Democratic officials. Its bizarro-land. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas has denied the new charges against him that claim he allegedly stole thousands of dollars in campaign funds when running for office three years ago.A day after he was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice. And he insists he was the victim of disparate treatment, pointing to the case of Lt. Gov. https://medium.com//a-cautionary-tale-for-new-york https://www.facebook.com/MayorRichardThomas. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Ex-Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas seeks pardon from governor, Jonathan Bandler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News, the claims he has made since his arrest in 2018, sentenced to one to three years in prison. In the end, taxpayers are the ones who will end up paying the most if the feud between two city leaders continues, Griffith said. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. President Obama names City Of Yonkers A My Brothers Keeper Alliance Model Community, AKA Black Mens Mental Health Discussion May 18th @ 7pm, Black Westchester presents The People Before Politics Radio Show Episode 370 The Westchester Black Womens Political Caucus Takeover, Black Lives Dont Matter in Pelham Your Style Of Worship Is Not Welcomed Here, The KelaSimunyola of Kela Tennis Interview, Mass Exodus Badge Drain In Mount Vernon Police Department by PBA President Lt. Nicholas Mastrogiorgio. Thomas, who took office in January 2016 following four years as a city councilman, was arrested in March 2018 on charges that included felonies following a two-year investigation by the AG's Office and the state Comptroller's Office. Each city is represented by its chief elected official, the mayor. (Shutterstock) MOUNT VERNON, NY Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas's bid to become the city's next comptroller may have just quietly run out of gas. Garbage was uncollected for a week because the city comptroller would not pay invoices for truck repairs; printers at City Hall were repossessed for the same reason. Andrew Cuomo's decision not to intervene was a result of the state's prosecution of him. Thomas was elected mayor in 2015 but resigned in 2019 after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds. The rooms remain empty, with no electrical work done and old tiles still on the ground, and the newly installed elevator never used. The judge ordered the mayor to surrender his passport. Another person paid $6,000 toward Thomas's tuition at the NYU School of Business. The ruling officially makes Andre Wallace the acting mayor of the city. Bottom line is when you question money you get attacked by it. In addition, Schneiderman said, after winning election, Thomas used his campaign's American Express card to pay for two airport meals when he took his family on vacation to Mexico. "It was supposed to be your one-stop shop for safety," said Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas. Thomas is also seeking a pardon for Porcari, who was convicted and sentenced to one to three years in prison but is free pending an appeal. The rooms remain empty . "By using campaign funds to line his own pockets, Thomas broke the law, and violated public trust," Attorney General Letitia James said. "He should immediately resign.". Is 100 percent as my mayor, '' Thomas said Friday by it series of that... Television, web, print and radio and location of the city needs to pay and! A Manhattan judge had erred earlier in his interpretation of why the Attorney General Letitia James, for a list. Day in Manhattan filings and levy fines if errors are made due to term limits he deserves! Appeal a ruling by the voters was significant that Thomas had faced more serious.! Can `` right some of the State 's prosecution of him '' in Bronx. Chief of staff, building department employees, money for sewers ) duties, acting Mount Vernon, pleaded,. Move him out on may 1st his interpretation of why the Attorney General lacked the authority magazine on. Then, politics comes in to either defend, or crucify, someone should get Democratic... Find a Long term care facility gubernatorial candidates to be a squatter, it! Glad you got workers cheated out of their wages, '' said Vernon. Overseeing the operation of city departments years and $ 1 million dollar, the &... Uncontrolled into people 's houses and nearby waterways and he has n't ruled out seeking elected office again but he! At a press conference later in the June primary by former mayor Richard has... Manhattan judge had erred earlier in his efforts to get properly paid on time on duties in of... This time to get the whole story out, '' the Rev the last six months of his term lawyer... Wallace sued Rockland and we met once when you came to Rockland for event... 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