If you don’t have time to read the 186-page indictment [pdf] against former Assemblyman and labor leader Brian McLaughlin, here are some highlights from the press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Southern District of New York:
McLaughlin “allegedly required certain J Division
members to make monthly payments to McLAUGHLIN from proceeds that those workers obtained by selling scrap metal and other salvaged materials recovered during the course of their jobs.”
He also had union members do personal work around the house like “changing light
bulbs; hanging picture frames; shoveling snow; hanging Christmas lights…removing garbage…searching for and capturing rodents in McLAUGHLIN’s basement…”
In a breech of State Assembly rules, “McLAUGHLIN allegedly created fictitious positions on his legislative staff and pocketed a share of the salary for one of the purported employees, and he also allegedly submitted false claims for reimbursement of his daily expenses.”
And to round it off, he allegedly used “$19,000 from the Clinton Club for his own personal expenses, including rent at his residence in Albany, and the purchase and installation of a wide-screen plasma television at the home of a person with whom he maintained a personal relationship.”
Denis Hughes, President, New York State AFL-CIO said, “Everyone should keep in mind that Brian McLaughlin has not been convicted of a crime and will be afforded the opportunity to respond to and defend himself against these allegations.”
Update: Remember the Assembly candidate who had a tribute to Brian McLaughlin? Well, it’s down now. It used to be posted here. That candidate, Rory Lancman, issued a statement about McLaughlin, which is after the jump.
— Azi Paybarah
Rory Lancman:
“Today’s indictment of Brian McLaughlin is a sad day for Brian and his family, and for the community as well. Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence in America, but the government’s allegations are extremely disturbing. I look forward to all the facts and evidence being presented, and to a speedy and just resolution of these charges.”
