Investigators haul records from Spring Valley Village Hall Photo: Peter Carr/The Journal News
“As the arrests of local officials continue to pile up, Rockland residents may be wondering if their county is becoming synonymous with corruption.
Here’s some of what’s unfolded over the past four years:
- Spring Valley TrusteeVilair Fonvil arrested on charges accusing him of stealing money from the summer camp program. He has pleaded not guilty.
- Ramapo SupervisorChristopher St. Lawrence on trial on federal charges accusing him of committing securities fraud, conspiracy and wire fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.
- Ramapo Chief Building Inspector Anthony Malliaindicted on charges accusing him of stealing money from taxpayers and falsifying building permits. He has pleaded not guilty.
- Clarkstown bus company ownerRichard Brega indicted in a federal bribery and corruption case. He has pleaded not guilty.
- Ramapo CouncilmanSamuel Tress resigns after pleading guilty to official misconduct.
- Amassive raid in Ramapo targets potential wrongdoing connected with federal funds used by vendors and yeshivas to buy tech equipment.
- Former Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasminand then-Deputy Mayor Joseph Desmaret convicted of bribe-taking charges.
- Corruption cases with Rockland ties ensnaring a former Bronx Republican Party chairman and ex-state Senate majority leader.
One thread running through all these cases is the involvement of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and, more recently, the office’s Public Corruption Task Force.
District Attorney Thomas Zugibe has utilized increased cooperation among local, state and federal agencies, and newly minted criminal charges to target government malfeasance.”
Read the complete Journal News story here.