|
|
| More Details May Surface in Rikers Probe |
| By Newsday |
| Published: 12/22/2003 |
|
A cluster of ongoing investigations could yet uncover more details about wrongdoings at Rikers Island in New York, more than a year after the flurry of scandals turned a spotlight on the city jail system. Many questions remain in the cases of Rikers Island misconduct and embezzlement, but answers could emerge as the city, federal and criminal probes unfold. The city comptroller has been auditing inventories. Two former high-ranking correction officials face trials in separate felony cases. Other issues have been referred to the Department of Investigation and at least two prosecutors. There is the pending Bronx trial of Anthony Serra, a former three-star correction chief charged with ordering officers to work on his home on city time. He was indicted in February and prosecutors added new charges in September. The top charge, second-degree grand larceny, is punishable by up to 15 years. Johnson and the city Department of Investigation have yet to say if Serra, a paid GOP consultant, illegally used correction officers to work on political campaigns such as Gov. George Pataki's. Nearly 10 months ago, Johnson hinted those matters would be explored. Authorities say only the probe is continuing and trial pending. Meanwhile, the alleged misuse of the Rikers Island storehouse by Serra and others prompted the comptroller's office to start a new audit. The report has yet to be finished, officials said. Fred Patrick, a deputy jails commissioner under Kerik, still faces Manhattan federal court charges of using the resources of an off-budget jail foundation for personal calls to and from inmates. U.S. Attorney James Comey charged in July that Patrick wrote checks from the non-profit New York City Correction Foundation of which he was treasurer. But $140,000 allegedly misappropriated by Patrick was only a minor portion of money the foundation raised from tobacco companies that sold cigarettes in jail commissaries. Another $700,000-plus reported by the foundation remains unexplained. The state attorney general's office oversees filings from non-profit foundations. But as of last week, the office had no further information. Also this year, Rikers supervisor Dane Martin settled for $60,000 and restoration to his former rank of assistant deputy warden after charging in federal court that the Republican-run department spied on his voluntary actions for Democrat Mark Green in the 2001 mayoral election. He'd also been demoted. Former Commissioner William Fraser, who resigned as the scandals were breaking late last year, has declined all public comment. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think