Former Manhattan G.O.P. Leader Admits Tax Evasion

[babylonsister]

Former Manhattan G.O.P. Leader Admits Tax Evasion

By Anemona Hartocollis


The former chairman of the Manhattan Republican organization pleaded guilty this morning to tax evasion and violating the public officers’ law in connection with money he was paid as a consultant to a real estate company and as an arbitrator in a dispute over helicopter services on the West Side.

The former chairman, James A. Ortenzio, 62, admitted in a hearing in State Supreme Court in Manhattan that he had knowingly failed to disclose the income, totaling about $180,000, that he made in 2004 and 2005. He made the admission as part of a deal with prosecutors, in exchange for a promise that he would be sentenced to five years of probation.

Mr. Ortenzio read a written statement in court admitting that in September 2004, while he was chairman of the Republican club, he was paid $100,000 by the Fisher Brothers partnership, a real estate concern on Park Avenue, for consulting services. He said that “with intent to deceive,” he did not report the payment on a financial disclosure form required of public officers by the State Ethics Commission in an effort to hide the fact that he received the money.

He also admitted that in June 2004, he was retained to mediate a dispute between Air Pegasus of New York Inc. and Sightseeing Tours of America Inc., which provide helicopter service in Manhattan. He said that in 2005, he was paid $80,000 for his services, and that he filed false tax returns by intentionally failing to disclose the income.

Asked by Justice Laura A. Ward whether there was any impediment to his understanding the nature of his guilty plea, Mr. Ortenzio replied, “No, your honor.”

more...

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/manhattan-gop-leader-admits-tax-evasion/index.html?hp

[lurky]

1. Another pal of Rudy.

n/t

[EST]

2. In a deal for five years probation...

The guy is a republican operative, commits tax fraud--probably not for the first time, but that's my opinion--for a hundred eighty thousand and makes some kind of deal for probation. And what do WE get?
Typical crook, typical party affiliation, typical crime, typical lack of justice. What do I expect?

[xchrom]

3. nice example of class ''warfare'' in our country.

mr well connected gets five years probation -- and is still rich.

while joe schmoe gets prison and loses everything.

america since ronald reagan.