New York Mayor Bill De Blasio Cleared In Hasidic Fundraising Probe
Satmar vs. Satmar: New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, shown here campaigning at the West Indian carnival in Brooklyn, has won the endorsement of a group of Satmar Hasidic Jews. That sets up a battle for the votes of the Hasidic community, as another group has endorsed Bill Thompson. Image by getty images
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been cleared in federal and state probes into possible improper fundraising that had ties to the Satmar community in Brooklyn.
“I’ve said consistently that we acted appropriately, we acted ethically, we acted lawfully,” de Blasio told WNYC. “I think this confirms what I’ve been saying.”
Federal prosecutors investigated whether de Blasio gave special treatment to a Satmar Hasidic landlord in exchange for campaign support.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim, who replaced the recently dismissed Preet Bharara, said there was not enough evidence to prove corruption or proof of criminal intent.
No charges for the mayor but he won’t talk to me about it as he leaves Park Slope library in his gym clothes. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/pA2cJ74vSs
— Grace Rauh (@gracerauh) March 16, 2017
De Blasio is up for reelection in November.
Contact Daniella Cheslow at cheslow@forward.com.
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