When Rep. Michael Grimm’s attorney announced that the Staten Island Republican would be indicted on federal charges last week, he maintained Grimm’s innocence, claiming he would be “vindicated” by the legal process. Grimm is apparently so unworried by the allegations that dropping out of the race for his Congressional seat is not an option — according to Capital New York, he told reporters yesterday “there was no way he was giving up.”
About those charges: yesterday, we only knew about a tax fraud accusation, which stemmed from Grimm’s time running the Upper East Side store Healthalicious. It turns out he’s also being charged with perjury, as well as mail, wire, and healthcare fraud. “When it came to his restaurant, Michael Grimm never met a tax he didn’t lie to evade,” said Loretta Lynch, the New York Eastern District U.S. Attorney. Lynch also called the Congressman’s fraud “almost breathtaking in its simplicity.”
City Demcorats took the opportunity to highlight Grimm’s opponent in, former councilman Domenic Recchia. “I wish I could say it was a surprise,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday. “I think it’s something that has been anticipated for a long time. I think it’s sad every time one of these things happens.”
“I think very strongly that Domenic Recchia will be the next congressman,” he added.
Grimm hasn’t been charged with anything related to his 2010 campaign finances, which have been under federal investigation since 2012.
(Photo: @House Committee on Foreign Affairs)
