NewsElections Albert Alvarez, ex-City Council candidate, committed campaign fraud: AG Former City Council candidate Albert Alvarez is accused of stealing at least $4,500 in public matching funds for his campaign, officials said on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Photo Credit: NYC Votes By Lisa L. Colangelo lisa.colangelo@amny.com @lisalcolangelo Updated February 22, 2018 7:11 PM Print Share fbShare Tweet Email Former City Council candidate Albert Alvarez was charged with stealing at least $4,500 in public matching funds for his campaign by using illegal donors, officials said Thursday. Alvarez, who worked as chief of staff for former Councilman Joel Rivera, ran unsuccessfully in 2013 for Rivera’s 15th district seat in the Bronx. The alleged fraud was uncovered after an investigation by the offices of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the city’s Department of Investigation. Alvarez allegedly used contribution cards from the straw donors, and falsely submitted them to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, officials said. “New York City’s public financing system is not a piggy bank for criminals,” said Schneiderman. Alvarez is facing charges of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and third-degree grand larceny. Alvarez’s lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment. By Lisa L. Colangelo lisa.colangelo@amny.com @lisalcolangelo Lisa joined amNewYork as a staff writer in 2017. She previously worked at the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comments We're revamping our Comments section. Learn more and share your input.
