Guyanese-born lawyer files motions against fraud allegations

Guyanese-born lawyer and politician Albert Baldeo says he will file several motions in a Federal Court in New York to dismiss charges against him relating to his alleged engagement in a campaign finance fraud scheme and obstruction of justice.



Baldeo,52, is the only elected representative of Caribbean or South Asian heritage in Queens.



The politician who lives in Queens, New York, has been described as a prominent district leader and communist activist and the most viable immigrant minority candidate.



He is a Democratic Male District Leader in Queens and was a 2010 candidate for the New York Council representing Queens District 28.



Baldeo's lawyers, Clayman and Rosenberg, expect Federal Judge Paul A Crotty to review the legal arguments advanced at the hearing of the motions and dismiss all the charges.



Some of the motions will address Baldeo's defence that his campaign had withdrawn its application to receive matching funds and had not received any public dollars.



It will be argued that Baldeo was being targeted and selectively prosecuted, that the prosecution's theory was based on speculation, bias, conjecture and a misunderstanding of the archaic campaign finance laws.



"It is a regrettable American tragedy that District Leader Albert Baldeo, his family and his community are forced to pay a political price for their laudable convictions and efforts in trying to bring about long overdue attention, resources and recognition to their district, said the group, People for Baldeo in a media release.



"This capricious action violates our time-honoured right to run for public office, the corresponding rights of our constituents to vote for candidates of their choice and the very foundations of democracy our nation was built on. Accordingly, we implore fair-minded citizens, good government groups and others to condemn and remedy this grave injustice," the group said.



Baldeo is accused of participating in a scheme to use straw donors to funnel multiple illegal campaign contributions to his fall 2010 campaign for City Council with intent to fraudulently increase the amount of matching funds provided by the New York City Campaign Finance Board to the campaign.



He is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, attempting to commit mail fraud, conspiring to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice.



Each count carries a maximum of 20 years in jail.



Baldeo surrendered to law enforcement authorities on October 24, 2012.



A trial date has been set for November 18.



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