Statement on Indictment of Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin

04/12/2022

NYC Campaign Finance Board Executive Director Amy Loprest released the following statement:

"Today, the Southern District of New York issued an indictment against Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin which includes allegations of fraudulent contributions to his 2021 Comptroller campaign.

As the indictment makes clear, in February 2020, the CFB’s audit reviews identified potentially fraudulent contributions prior to issuing any public funds payments. Those contributions were not matched with public funds, nor did they factor into the campaign qualifying for public funds payments.

We have been working closely with the Southern District of New York office in this matter. We appreciate the work of the SDNY prosecutors, the F.B.I., and the NYC Department of Investigation and will continue to review their findings.

The matching funds program allows more New Yorkers to run for office and helps ensure that our government better reflects the diversity of our great city. To protect taxpayer funds, the program requires rigorous audits, including post-election audits for all campaigns.

The 2021 post-election audits are underway. As our audit process proceeds, we will continue to monitor developments in this case."