FBI arrests former top fundraiser for Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm (R)

Source: NYDailyNews

Israeli citizen Ofer Biton's arrest is the first bust of anyone targeted in a broader federal probe of allegations that Grimm accepted illegal campaign contributions.


BY JOHN MARZULLI / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A former top fundraiser for Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm and aide to the so-called Rabbi to the Stars has been arrested by the FBI on charges of lying on immigration documents, the Daily News has learned.

Ofer Biton, a citizen of Israel, is accused of making false statements about the source of $400,000 he loaned to a company as part of a entrepreneurial visa program administered by the government.

The criminal complaint was filed by prosecutor Anthony Capozzolo of the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney's public corruption unit. He has been leading a probe of allegations that Grimm, a Staten Island Republican, accepted illegal campaign contributions.




Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/fbi-arrests-top-fundraiser-staten-island-rep-michael-grimm-article-1.1139005#commentpostform

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Top Fundraiser For Rep. Michael Grimm Arrested By FBI

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As first reported by the New York Daily News, Biton has been arrested for lying on immigration documents. The case does not appear to be directly related to his fundraising efforts for the Grimm campaign, which are under FBI investigation.

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The same federal prosecutor who filed the charges against Biton is leading the investigation into Grimm’s campaign financing, according to the Daily News. At least four campaign workers have gotten subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury, the newspaper reported.

Grimm, a former FBI agent, has denied any wrongdoing.

A court document related to the case, obtained by TPM, has been embedded below.

more: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/top_fundraiser_for_rep_michael_grimm_arrested_by_f.php