US COUNCILMAN NABBED IN CORRUPTION PROBE

New York, 9 Rajab 1435/8 May 2014 (MINA) – Ruben W. Wills, a member of the New York City Council, has been arrested in connection with an ongoing political corruption probe.

According to an indictment unsealed in court on Wednesday, Wills, a Democrat, was charged with a dozen crimes, including of misusing public funds, falsifying business records and trying to conceal the theft.

The 42-year-old allegedly pocketed around $30,000 in public funds for personal use, Press TV quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Authorities say Wills re-directed funds from city and state sources to a non-profit organization he had established for single mothers.

From there, he would route the money to his campaign committee where he could access it for his own use.

“Not too many people have stood before the cameras and said they’re innocent,” Wills told reporters after being released without bail from Queens Supreme Court.

“I am not resigning on charges. This is America, people. We are presumed innocent before we are proven guilty,” he said.

“But because I know what I am, where I come from and the color I am, it doesn’t really work like that with you guys. But I am presumed innocent and that’s what we are going with,” Wills stated.

If convicted, Wills could face up to seven years in prison. His arrest marks the latest corruption case involving New York politicians.

In April, two state legislators were arrested on corruption charges, and five other lawmakers were charged with accepting bribes. (T/P04/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)