Former Councilman Gets 5 Years in Funds Theft

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Former City Council member Miguel Martinez has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing more than $100,000 in public funds. He resigned his seat representing Washington Heights and Inwood in July, before pleading guilty. Martinez was also ordered yesterday to repay $106,000 in city money he admitted skimming from funds meant for nonprofits.

Martinez told the judge he was "remorseful and shamed" and apologized to his constituents, the council, and his family.

The councilman was one of several figures who landed in trouble over a council practice of hiding millions of dollars in secret reserve funds used to benefit nonprofit groups and pet projects.

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