New York Governor Kathy Hochul Criticized for Accepting Lieutenant Governor’s Resignation Amid Bribery Charges

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Speaks Out

Caribbean American New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for accepting the resignation of her Lieutenant Governor, Caribbean American Brian Benjamin, who was indicted on charges of bribery and related offenses.

Background

Damian Williams, another Caribbean American and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Tuesday that Benjamin, the son of a Guyanese mother and Jamaican father, was charged with bribery, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit those offenses.

The charges were “based on his use of his official authority while a New York state senator to direct a state-funded grant to an organization controlled by a real estate developer (‘CC-1’) in exchange for campaign contributions made and procured by CC-1”.

Resignation and Plea

Benjamin, 45, who resigned shortly after prosecutors unsealed the indictment, pleaded not guilty when he made a short appearance at the Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan. He was released on a US$250,000 bond.

Criticism of Governor Hochul

Williams, a candidate for Governor of New York in June’s Democratic Primary, said that Hochul’s acceptance of Benjamin’s resignation was part of a pattern of enabling corruption. “As Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul denied knowledge or awareness of Andrew Cuomo’s (former New York Governor) wrongdoing,” Williams said.

“Now, she’s repeating the same posture and strategy with her own Lieutenant. Either she’s consistently shamefully out of the loop, or shamefully enabling through her inaction and either way, it’s clear that, unless we elect leadership outside of the old ways of Albany, these patterns of scandal and corruption will keep repeating,” Williams added.

Charges and Allegations

Benjamin is also charged with two counts of falsifying records in connection with the preparation of contribution forms that falsely reported certain contributions made by CC-1 as being made by other individuals. He is also charged with making false statements in a questionnaire he submitted while seeking to become Lieutenant Governor.

According to the indictment, during the period 2019-21 Benjamin participated in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for the use of his official authority and influence as a New York State senator to obtain a US$50,000 state-funded grant for a non-profit organization.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Brian Benjamin’s resignation and charges highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government. As Williams said, “unless we elect leadership outside of the old ways of Albany, these patterns of scandal and corruption will keep repeating.” It remains to be seen how this situation will play out and what impact it will have on the upcoming elections.

FAQs

Q: What were Brian Benjamin charged with?

A: Benjamin was charged with bribery, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit those offenses.

Q: What was the alleged scheme?

A: Benjamin allegedly used his official authority as a New York state senator to secure a state-funded grant in exchange for campaign contributions to his own political campaigns.

Q: What is the significance of this controversy?

A: The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government and raises questions about the role of leadership in enabling corruption.