By Hunter Walker 3/18/12 7:51pm

What You Should Know

Senator Ruben Diaz (Photo: RubenDiaz.com)

Ruben Diaz: ‘I Have My Own Demons’

State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. sent out an epic press release today in which he again denied any involvement in the scandal surrounding his charity, accused Attorney General Eric Schneiderman of having a vendetta against him and urged local media to “go back to journalism school.”

“I am not a saint, and neither do I claim to walk on water. I have my own demons, but I assure you that they are not about a corrupt mind abusing the trust and confidence that my constituents have placed in me,” Mr. Diaz said.”

Mr. Diaz’s lengthy letter blasting the attorney general’s office and the press for looking at his charity’s finances was entitled, “God Hates Ugly and He is Watching.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 3/13/12 5:54pm

What You Should Know

Ruben Diaz Sr. (Photo: nysenate.gov)

Ruben Diaz Denies Involvement In Charity Scam

State Senator Ruben Diaz sent out one of his regular “What You Should Know” press releases to address the arrest of his campaign aide Clement Gardner for allegedly embezzling $75,000 from a charity founded by Mr. Diaz. Mr. Gardner’s arrest came after an FBI investigation into the charity, the Christian Community Benevolent Association. Mr. Diaz vehemently denied being involved in any wrongdoing.

“I assure you that if I ever lose my salvation, it will not be for taking money because I am in the business of giving not in the business of taking,” he wrote. Read More

By Hunter Walker 3/13/12 4:52pm

crime

Senator Ruben Diaz (Photo: RubenDiaz.com)

Ruben Diaz Aide Charged With Stealing $75,000 From The Senator’s Charity

Clement Gardner, a campaign aide to State Senator Ruben Diaz, was charged today with embezzling $75,000 from a charity founded by the senator. In a press release announcing the indictment, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said his office is continuing its investigation into the charity and accused Mr. Gardner of using the Christian Community Benevolent Association, which operated senior centers and children’s services as “a personal piggy bank.”

“Today’s charges demonstrate our vigilance in ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is spent properly, and that corrupt individuals who betray the public trust to line their own pockets will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mr. Schneiderman said. Read More