NEW ROCHELLE, NY (August 1, 2022) — Deputy Bureau Chief for Public Corruption Brian P. Weinberg is leading the Westchester County District Attorney’s investigation into New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson.
Why It Matters: Weinberg is a successful prosecutor poised to force the Mayor out of office, thereby setting off a scramble among Democrats to replace Bramson ahead of the 2023 Mayoral election.
Who is Brian Weinberg? Weinberg is the former Special Counsel to the Public Integrity Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office. He specializes in government corruption, fraud, and abuse of authority by public officials.
- Secured a guilty plea from former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, who admitted to stealing from his campaign
- Obtained a jury conviction of Mount Vernon corporation counsel Lawrence Porcari, who sought to pay for Thomas’ legal defense by defrauding the city
The Politics: Four Democrats are said to be currently in the Mayoral mix — either as 2023 candidates, interim replacements should Bramson leave office before his term ends, or both.
- Yadira-Ramos Herbert, District 3 New Rochelle City Council
- Damon Maher, District 10 Westchester County Board of Legislators
- Greg Varian, former New Rochelle Public Library Trustee
- Sara Kaye, District 5 New Rochelle City Council
The Big Picture: The Grand Jury investigation stems from an ethics complaint that led to an Advisory Opinion issued by the ethics board on June 16 which sustained most allegations against Bramson.
The Advisory Opinion:
- Bramson pressured City Manager Chuck Strome to appoint him to a $210,000 a year job for which he was not qualified under the City Charter
- Bramson sought to interfere in the appointment of the Deputy City Manager
- Bramson did not violate the charter in seeking to appoint his former campaign manager as City Manager
Weinberg Investigation:
- Requested and received the Advisory Opinion on June 17
- Issued a Grand Jury subpoena for related records such as transcripts, emails and memos on June 24
- Received related records on July 1
What’s Next: Weinberg could drop the matter, but most likely he will call witnesses to testify before the Grand Jury.
Links to related resources:
Bramson Pushed for Development Job
Ethics Complaint Against Bramson
