New York Times Report: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is Facing CRIMINAL CHARGES

New York Times Report: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is Facing CRIMINAL CHARGES

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is not one of America’s favorite politicians, especially among those who back the blue. His support for criminals over police officers has infuriated people across the country, but the criminal charges he’s now facing might cause him to lose whatever meager support he has left.

Two separate grand juries have heard information relating to criminal investigations into de Blasio involving crimes like pay-to-play schemes and illegal fundraising. According to the New York Times, de Blasio used these illegal fundraising efforts while campaigning, while potentially sticking New York City taxpayers with the bill.

It is alleged that de Blasio, along with his senior aides, took hundreds of thousands of dollars, passed them through upstate New York county committees and then gave it to Democratic candidates. This was in a failed effort to take the state senate out of Republican hands in 2014. And if the allegations are found to be true, then this would be a violation of state election laws.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. is believed to be conducting the state investigation, while Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara is heading up the federal investigation. The federal investigation is also looking into claims that de Blasio took contributions in exchange for political favors during his 2013 mayoral campaign.

So far, the legal bills for the investigation into de Blasio is costing taxpayers approximately $2 million, something that presumptive challenger Nicole Malliotakis slammed him for. “Our mayor is ethically challenged,” Malliotakis said outside of City Hall. “He has shown a complete disregard for the taxpayers today by now saying he’s going to use taxpayer money to pay for his legal fees.” It’s estimated that at least $11 million has been spent lawyers in various corruption probes related to de Blasio.

The New York Times says that there are strong indications that de Blasio will be indicted. “[T]he grand jury activity appeared to be the strongest indication since the investigations came to light in April that prosecutors may be moving closer to one or more indictments, possibly against some of Mr. de Blasio’s closest aides,” the paper reported.

Do you think de Blasio is guilty?

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