City Councilman Ruben Wills was arrested Wednesday morning and a 12-count indictment later unsealed in court that accuses the Queens lawmaker of being involved in a political corruption scheme.
Wills was processed at the 112th precinct police station in Forest Hills and later appeared in a Queens courtroom where he pleaded not guilty.
He was arrested by state authorities along with a relative and a staff member.
Charges against the Queens politician include scheme to defraud, grand larceny and falsifying business records.
The state Attorney General had been investigating a non-profit organization founded by Wills called New York 4 Life.
New York 4 Life is described on the City Council’s website as an organization dedicated to teaching single mothers about civil literacy and financial empowerment.
Prosecutors say it received $ 30,000 worth of state funding, and it’s unclear where the money went.
Outside court, Wills told reporters he’s innocent.
“I’m telling you in my district that I’m innocent. I have full support in my district and I have full support across the City Council. I am not resigning on charges. This is America people. Right? We are presumed innocent you are proven guilty,” he said.
Wills was also the former Chief-of-Staff to State Sentator Shirley Huntley, who is currently in prison for embezzling state funds.
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito says the Council will review the charges against Wills.
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via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
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