Attorney General Announces Arrest for Stealing from Taxpayer-Funded Non-Profit

Yesterday, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest of an executive for a church-related charity that has been supported by state legislative “member item” grants.

Clement Gardner of the Bronx was charged with second degree grand larceny, and stands accused of embezzling at least $75,000 – and perhaps as much as $400,000 — from the Christian Community Benevolent Association, Inc. (CCBA) over a three-and-a-half year period.

According to indictment, Gardner prepared and executed unauthorized payments to himself from CCBA accounts that were funded in part by member item grants administered through the Empire State Development Corporation and the Office of Children and Family Services. These funds were provided to CCBA to support educational and recreational opportunities to children and senior citizens in the Bronx.

Gardner has ties to Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx), having served as his campaign committee treasurer.  CCBA was founded by Senator Diaz, and is affiliated with a church that the Senator leads.

Senator Diaz has not been charged in the case.

This is the second indictment relating to legislative member items brought by Attorney General Schneiderman, who previously served in the State Senate.  Read this read earlier blog post about the indictment Schneiderman announced last December