CAN YOU SUPERSIZE THAT? MOUNT VERNON POLICE OFFICER'S WILLFULLY VIOLATE LAW

Officer Erin Holly, Officer Muendel, and K-9 Officer socializing over meal

K-9 OFFICER'S VEHICLE ILLEGALLY PARKED IN FIRE LANE

OFFICER ERIN HOLLY'S VEHICLE ILLEGALLY PARKED IN FIRE LANE AND OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC

Illegally parking in a fire lane or parking in a handicap parking space without the proper permit can get your car towed and/or can result in a hefty fine.  But, for some of Mount Vernon’s finest, these same violations that they write dozens of tickets for do not seem to apply to them. 

On Thursday, May 20^th, 2010, Mount Vernon Exposed™® received a tip that 3 Mount Vernon Police Officers were casually socializing and enjoying a hearty meal at McDonald’s and at the same time, their vehicles were illegally parked in McDonald’s parking causing mass confusion.  When Mount Vernon Exposed™® arrived on the scene, the sight was beyond comprehension. 

Two Mount Vernon police vehicles were parked in the fire lane, obstructing traffic and another police cruiser was illegally parked in a handicap parking space.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® videotaped the illegally parked police cruisers and then went inside to get an explanation from the Mount Vernon police officer’s that were on the scene. 

Mount Vernon Exposed™® then noticed three Mount Vernon Police officer’s enjoying a hearty meal and having a casual conversation upon approaching their table.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® Publisher Samuel L. Rivers then said to the officers, “Do you know that you are illegally parked outside?”  Police Officer Muendel then said that the officers had a hot call.  Officer Muendel then stated that he was on his dinner break and that he was finished and now was up and going.  However, Officer Muendel never stated if this “hot call” he was on was at McDonald’s or at another location.

Officer Muendel was joined by two other Mount Vernon Police Officer’s, Officer Erin Holly and a K-9 officer.  Officer Holly was munching on what appeared to be a McChicken sandwich and the K-9 officer appeared to just have received his order because he was still unpacking it from the bag when Mount Vernon Exposed™® arrived on the scene.

Officer Muendel was very polite and realized that he had quite possibly parked his car incorrectly in the parking lot.  He then went to go park it correctly.  Officer Holly could care less if she was breaking the law.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® publisher Samuel L. Rivers then informed the officer’s that if a private citizen parked illegally and exhibited the same disregard for the law as displayed by these officers, the private citizen would be ticketed without hesitation. 

Officer Holly disagreed.  She stated it was a private lot and therefore a ticket could not be issued.  She also stated that she was getting calls left and right.  In Officer Holly’s language, that meant she was entitled to park however and wherever she chose, and she was entitled to her McChicken sandwich even if that wasn’t her regularly scheduled dinner break.  The K-9 officer remained silent the entire time and did not speak to Mount Vernon Exposed™®.

Officer Holly became arrogant and belligerent when she was questioned about her high handed behavior.  She responded “Can I enjoy my meal?” She did not care that cars, yes taxpayers that pay her salary, were being inconvenienced and traffic was backing up onto Fulton Avenue.  The savory juices from the McChicken sandwich were satisfying to her mouth and she refused to be disturbed.

Samuel L. Rivers then left and telephoned the Mount Vernon Police Department and spoke with Sgt. Godshall and informed him of the illegally parked vehicles at McDonald’s.  Sgt. Godshall then said he would look into the matter.

If these three officers were indeed scheduled to have dinner at the same time and at the same place, then the Mount Vernon Police department manual needs to be looked at.  Not only is this poor planning, this is a major safety issue.  In Seattle a few months ago, a gunman killed four police officers that were having the morning coffee.  All four officers were sitting together when the gunman opened fire. 

Mount Vernon Exposed™® Publisher Samuel L. Rivers then recognized Officer Holly from another run-in he had with her just a few weeks prior, where she demonstrated the exact same arrogance and unprofessionalism that she displayed in McDonald’s.

Corrupt DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton called the police to the DPW Yard on numerous occasions on Mount Vernon Exposed™® Publisher Samuel L. Rivers.  One of the officers that responded was Officer Holly.  Officer Holly was asked by Samuel L. Rivers if she had a copy of the City Charter and/or City ordinances in her vehicles to resolve the dispute if Terrence Horton had the legal authority to remove Samuel L. Rivers from the premises.  Officer Holly responded, “Do not ask me what I have in my car?”

It was then evident that Officer Holly did not receive adequate training in the police academy, was unhappy with her job or a combination of the two. 

Officer Holly has a reputation for being arrogant and unprofessional.  A few weeks prior to the DPW incident, Officer Holly was involved in an incident with Gary Fuller, Chairman of the City of Mount Vernon Board of Ethics.  Officer Holly was dispatched to a scene that involved a city taxi that was attempting to overcharge Mr. Fuller.  The Mount Vernon Police Department has jurisdiction over the Mount Vernon Police Department. 

Officer Holly and her partner (Shield #2106) told Mr. Fuller that they would sic their dog on Mr. Fuller if he did not leave the taxi.  Mr. Fuller had refused to leave the taxi because the taxi driver was attempting to charge him more than the legal fare.  Officer Holly also refused repeated requests to call a supervisor to the scene. 

Officer Holly, without regard for taxpayers, then decided to waste valuable resources and called an ambulance to the scene.  Officer Holly and her partner had declared that Mr. Fuller was an “emotionally disturbed person.”   Officer Holly and her arrogance and blatant disregard for the law and the taxpayers of Mount Vernon will not be tolerated.  It is unfathomable to think that Mount Vernon taxpayers must pay these arrogant and abusive officers such as Officer Holly, and at the same time be subjected to their high handed behavior and harassment.  However, we must not blame Officer Holly for her reckless actions and unprofessionalism.  Officer Holly has only been on the force for a few years.  We must hold those accountable that trained her and taught her how to behave and act this way.  

OFFICER ERIN HOLLY THREATENS MOUNT VERNON RESIDENT WITH POLICE DOG  

JUDGE HELEN BLACKWOOD CONTINUES TO VIOLATE ETHICS LAWS; INVESTIGATION REVEALS WIDESPREAD DEMOCRATIC CORRUPTION IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY COURTS

EMBATTLED JUDGE HELEN M. BLACKWOOD

Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned of another complaint filed against Judge Helen M. Blackwood with the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.  The latest complaint, for a total of three, accuses Judge Blackwood of improper political campaign contributions during the heated campaign for Mount Vernon City Court Judge.  Judge Blackwood may have set a new world record for ethics violations by a sitting Judge in a relatively short period of time. 

Judge Blackwood’s latest ethics violation takes us into the shadowy and creepy world of the Democratic Party in Westchester County where backroom deals, sexual favors, and envelopes filled with cash are standard operating procedure for securing a spot on the ballot.  The truth is many voters do not know the process of how Judges are selected to countywide positions in Westchester County. While many voters think they are voting for a Judge when they go to the polls, the candidates that are being voted upon have been lurking around the Democratic clubhouses for months, and in some cases years, waiting for the chance to become part of Westchester County’s Kangaroo Court.  Think again if you think you are voting for the best and brightest in Westchester County.

Judge Helen Blackwood was appointed to the Mount Vernon City Court in April 2009 by embattled Mayor Clinton I. Young.  Judge Blackwood faced a bitter primary from two challengers; Nichelle A. Johnson, ESQ; and Tamika Coverdale, ESQ; Judge Blackwood narrowly escaped defeat by a little over   100 votes. 

Judge Blackwood’s victory however, can be directly linked to her violation of Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge Part 100; Judicial Conduct; specifically, 

§ 100.5 A judge or candidate for elective judicial office shall refrain from inappropriate political activity.

(A)   Incumbent Judges and Others Running for Public Election to Judicial Office.

(1)    Neither a sitting judge nor a candidate for public election to judicial office shall directly or indirectly engage in any political activity except (i) as otherwise authorized by this section or by law, (ii) to vote and to identify himself or herself as a member of a political party, and (iii) on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system or the administration of justice. Prohibited political activity shall include:

(h) soliciting funds for, paying an assessment to, or making a contribution to a political    organization or candidate

According to the NYS Board of Elections, Judge Helen M. Blackwood made a contribution of $10,000 on September 2, 2009 to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee for her share of primary costs for the 2009 election, however her running mate Marcus A. Griffith, candidate for City Comptroller, only made a contribution of $7,250.00 to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee. 

Both candidates filed reports with the NYS Board of Elections indicating that their respective committee spent money on signs, campaign mailings, literature, etc.  Due to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee blatantly violating NYS campaign finance laws, it cannot be determined where or who Judge Blackwood’s of Marcus Griffith’s money went to.

Allegations of Extortion and Bribery

We have all heard stories of Clarence Norman, the disgraced Chairman of the Brooklyn Democratic Party sent to prison for selling judgeships and candidacy’s across Kings County.  It appears that this shake ‘em down mentality has found its way across the Whitestone Bridge and into Westchester County.

All three candidates for Mount Vernon City Court interviewed with a screening committee handpicked by Mayor Clinton I. Young a member of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee Executive Committee, and also the person that appointed Judge Blackwood to the bench.  Some of the persons involved in the screening process were; Arnold Keith, ESQ; Jennifer Coker-Wiggins; and Edward Dowdy. 

Arnold Keith, ESQ, was recently appointed Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission by Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.  Jennifer Coker-Wiggins was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources by Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.  Edward Dowdy is an extremely close personal friend of Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.

At these meetings, the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee Executive Committee and/or Screening Committee informed the candidates that in order to get the nomination of the Democratic Party it was expected that each candidate contribute a minimum of $25,000 to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.  Democratic enrollment outnumbers Republican enrollment in the City of Mount Vernon 7 to 1.  The winner of the Democratic Primary essentially cruises to victory in the November general election. 

Judge Blackwood and others who were involved in the ‘screening process’ conspired to disenfranchise the other candidates for public office by expecting that each one contribute $25,000 to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.  In actuality, the expected amount was not $25,000 but that amount was fabricated to discourage other candidates from participating in the election.  In the end, only Judge Helen M. Blackwood made a contribution to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.

Judge Blackwood’s ethics violation should be of concern to all Democratic voters in Westchester County.  Recently, Mount Vernon Exposed™® has interviewed several Democratic candidates elected to office in Westchester County.  These elections reveal widespread corruption in Westchester County Democratic politics.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned that extortion and bribery are customary, and those not willing to participate cannot play.  In other words, you must pay to play. 

Westchester County Democrats have even come up with a scientific formula to justify their criminal enterprise.  For example, all NYS Supreme Court, Westchester County Court, and Westchester Family Court justices earn $136,700 annually.  NYS Supreme Court judges are elected to 14 year terms and County Court judges serve 10 year terms.  Westchester County Party bosses and local committee chairs expect a kickback of 10% of the judge’s salary over a ten year period.  The money most likely will be in the form of cash because judges are forbidden from making contributions to political organizations.

Here is an example of how much money is at stake here: $136,700 x 10 years = $1,367,000 x 10% = kickback of $136,700 to be divided up amongst the Democratic Party bosses.  The jackpot is slightly larger for Supreme Court Justices.  $136,700 x 14 years = $1,913,800 x 10% = kickback of $191,380 to be divided up amongst the Democratic Party bosses.

One can speculate that Judge Blackwood has made her down payment on her judgeship.  However, Judge Blackwood did not follow protocol by giving an envelope of cash, instead she opted to give a check and the reason the lid has been blown wide open on corruption within the Democratic Party in Westchester County.

With all of the seasoned politicos consulting with Judge Blackwood, how could she make such a foolish mistake? It has been reported to Mount Vernon Exposed™® that Judge Blackwood’s campaign manager was Gary Stracuzzi, Rye Town Democratic Chair.  Stracuzzi also drinks from the public till via his high paying job at the Westchester County Board of Elections.  If one wants to find Stracuzzi, one just can simply drive past the Westchester County Board of Elections to see Mr. Stracuzzi outside smoking on the finest cigars that the world has to offer courtesy of Westchester County taxpayers.  Mr. Stracuzzi was recently seen leaving lunch with Kathy Davidson, Supervising Judge for Family Court, 9^th Judicial District, an indication that his tentacles have extended into Westchester County Family Court.

As we continue to explore this dark, creepy, shadowy world of corruption in Democratic politics in Westchester County also known as District 9, the findings will be unfathomable. In case you are wondering, YES your vote has been compromised. 

Judge Helen Blackwood Ethics Violation #2

Mount Vernon Dems sidestep money freeze

LAWLESS MOUNT VERNON DEM'S FAIL TO FILE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS; INCOMPETENCE WILL SEVERELY AFFECT EVERY DEMOCRATIC LOCAL, COUNTY, AND STATEWIDE ELECTION THIS NOVEMBER

Embattled Mount Vernon Democratic Committee Chairman Devereaux Cannick

Racist Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee 2nd Vice Chairman Ronald Detres

The Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee continues to be a lawless regime only interested in advancing the agenda of only a few evil men and Woman City, County, and Statewide.  The recent article by The Journal News about the Mount Vernon Dem’s spending money despite a freeze ordered by the state in December 2008 only validates what is being said about the incompetent leadership in the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.  The incompetence in Mount Vernon will certainly have a domino effect on every Democratic City, County, and Statewide election this November.

Mount Vernon District Leaders that have spoken with Mount Vernon Exposed™® in recent days have long suspected that the current party bosses were misappropriating funds. ”Everything was a secret”, says one district leader.  “Where is the money?  That is my hard earned money that they are messing around with”, she added. 

But the Mount Vernon Dem's trouble doesn’t end there.  Under the leadership of Devereaux Cannick it has been reported that Verizon has suspended phone service to Dem headquarters on more than one occasion and rent was never paid in a timely fashion.  The Mount Vernon Dem’s, one of the only Democratic organizations in the State of New York with a permanent, stationary, headquarters was more than 10 months behind in rent before Mayor Clinton Young stepped in to save the day. 

According to reports filed with the NYS Board of Elections, Mayor Young gave the troubled organization $14,200 to catch up on past due rent obligations and hold off eviction proceedings. $8,000 of the $14,200 was listed on Mayor Young’s financial disclosure as “party dues” even though no other individual or district leader made a contribution labeled as such.  District leaders have voiced concerns over Mayor Young giving such large contributions to the Mount Vernon Dem’s.  “No one gives up something without expecting anything in return”, says Samuel L. Rivers a Democratic District Leader who also questions the low property assessment for the building that houses the Mount Vernon Dem’s.   The corrupt leadership in the Mount Vernon Dem’s and the City of Mount Vernon are costing Mount Vernon taxpayers at least $40,000 annually in lost property tax revenue.

Mr. Cannick should have known better.  Either he was unaware, too trusting of his subordinates, didn’t care or just outright incompetent.  As a practicing attorney, neither answer is acceptable to the voters of Mount Vernon.  Mr. Cannick has managed to take an organization that was the top Democratic Party in the State of New York, and overnight, turn it into the laughingstock of the State of New York.  With the continued infighting and backdoor shenanigans in Mount Vernon, the Northern Democrats have joined forces and now have some say in electing candidates to countywide offices.  At least for now. 

Mr. Cannick could have avoided the negative press and the appearance of impropriety by utilizing the wisdom of 1^st Vice Chair Reginald Lafayette and the legendary David Ford.  The stubbornness of the racist 2^nd Vice Chair Ron Detres and his partner in crime, Michael Justino apparently was an obstacle for Mr. Cannick.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned that Ronald Detres and Michael Justino have been having secret meetings at their homes preparing for the June 8^th date for gathering petitions for the re-organization of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.  Their goal is to have Black district leaders that currently reside on the North side of Mount Vernon run in districts on the Southside of Mount Vernon. 

Mr. Detres has been using these racially divisive tactics for over a decade.  “Mr. Detres and Mr. Justino’s racially divisive tactic is one that will not be recognized and will be challenged head on”, says Samuel Rivers a Mount Vernon Democratic District Leader.  “It is because of people like Ron Detres and Michael Justino that Mount Vernon will not prosper.  Until these racist cowards are out of power, minorities and other political parties in Mount Vernon will continue to suffer at the hands of these evil men”, he said.

 Devereaux Cannick stated in the article published in the Journal News that the financial chaos in the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee will be rectified and that the MVDCC is sending a treasurer for training next week, however Devereux Cannick does not have the legal authority to appoint a treasurer.  The treasurer is elected by the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee as a whole.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has been informed by several district leaders that legal challenges are expected against Cannick and company if he were to make such a reckless maneuver. 

The question on everyone’s mind is where is the money? Was it discreetly siphoned by party bosses or is it sitting in a bank not known to State officials where it belongs? Only time will tell if the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee will get its swagger back and become the powerful organization that it once was.  But one thing is for sure.  Mount Vernon will never bounce back with these incompetent leaders at the wheel.

Mount Vernon Dems sidestep money freeze

Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee by-Laws

INSIDE THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON'S KANGAROO COURT PART #1

The Crime Scene: Mount Vernon City Court

Embattled Mount Vernon City Court Judge Adam Seiden

Embattled Mount Vernon City Court Judge Helen Blackwood

When one appears before a Judge on a matter whether it is criminal or civil, one expects the Judge to have a complete and thorough understanding of the law and to apply the law with without bias and prejudice.  The last thing a person would expect from a sitting Judge is for that Judge to be in direct violation of the same laws they are responsible for upholding. 

This is such the case in the City of Mount Vernon court, where incompetence reigns supreme and is praised by Mount Vernon’s power brokers. There is one thing in common about the judges that currently sit on the bench in Mount Vernon; they are all guilty of committing ethics violations.  Some of these violations may get some of these judges thrown off of the bench, while other violations may land others in the slammer where they belong. 

Mount Vernon Exposed™® begins its mini-series “Inside Mount Vernon’s Kangaroo Court”. Since Mount Vernon’s own Judge William “Billy” Edwards became Acting Family and County Court Judge and was transferred to White Plains, the Mount Vernon Court System has become a dysfunctional institution.

Judge Mark Gross, appointed by Mayor Ernest Davis is 2006 decided, without legal authorization, that he would assume the self anointed title of “Supervising Judge” after the Honorable Brenda Dowery Rodriguez retired from the bench in 2009.  No such title has existed before Judge Gross’s self anointment.  In fact, Mount Vernon always had a Chief Judge that under normal circumstances went to the longest serving elected Judge in the City of Mount Vernon.  At the time Gross was appointed to the bench, the Chief Judge was Judge Rodriguez.  At the time of Judge Rodriguez’s retirement, the longest serving elected Judge in the City of Mount Vernon was Judge William Edwards.

Judge Edwards was already serving in his capacity as Acting Family and County Court Judge when Judge Rodriguez retired from the bench.  With Judge Edwards absence from Mount Vernon City Court, Judge Gross decided that he would create a new title for himself to give himself a sense of power.  However his reckless and selfish actions have been met with controversy.  Several sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed™®, that Judge Gross treats African- American 18-B attorneys much different from their Caucasian counterparts.   Mount Vernon Exposed™® has also heard of situations that Judge Gross routinely and quite possibly on purpose, tampers with the pay of 18-B by decreasing the billable hours due to each attorney and not signing the vouchers in a timely manner. 

Also known as "18-B", after the section of the statute which created it, the Assigned Counsel Plan provides free legal representation to indigent criminal defendants in the New York Supreme Court Criminal Division, and to both juvenile and adult respondents in the New York Family Courts.


An "18-B" attorney can be assigned only to eligible defendants/respondents by a Supreme Court Justice or Family Court judge. You must apply for an "18-B" attorney at your initial court appearance, and you must meet financial eligibility guidelines. Generally speaking, if you are unemployed, you qualify for free legal representation in any case to which 18-B applies.


The attorneys who provide 18-B representation are private practitioners. The State of New York reimburses them at a low rate and the Courts must assign more cases than the shrinking Panel can reasonably handle.
Judge Gross’s antics were eventually reported to Judge Alan D. Scheinkman, Administrative Judge for the 9^th judicial district.  Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed™® that a few weeks ago Judge Scheinkman came down to Mount Vernon City Court and reprimanded Judge Gross about his self anointed title.  Judge Scheinkman also explained to Judge Gross that the position of “Supervising Judge” does not exist in the City of Mount Vernon. 


Many taxpayers even argue the issue as to why Judge Gross was even appointed to the bench in the first place.  Judge Gross’ ethics violations and abuse of taxpayer dollars began long before he even became a Judge in the City of Mount Vernon. 


Judge Gross was counsel for the Mount Vernon Board of Water Supply from July 1990 through January 2006.  His annual salary was $10,000 and remained at that level until he resigned.  During this time he contributed 3% toward his pension.  However, there is something wrong with this picture.  Judge Gross was never a full time City of Mount Vernon employee.  Instead of getting a retainer for $10,000, Judge Gross opted to be added to the City of Mount Vernon payroll at the least amount possible that is required to receive health benefits and pension credits in the NYS retirement system.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned that a formal complaint was sent to NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and NYS Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli requesting an investigation into Judge Gross’ perfidious activities.

Mount Vernon Democratic Committee Chairman Devereaux Cannick and also a partner of the law firm Aiello and Cannick was also improperly listed as an employee of the Mount Vernon School System.  As a result of the investigation conducted by NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the law firm of Aiello and Cannick was ordered to repay $75,000 to NYS and forfeit all credits to the pension system. 

JUDGE ADAM SEIDEN

Judge Seiden Ethics

The next character that is part of the Kangaroo Court in Mount Vernon is Judge Adam Seiden.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned that a complaint was recently filed with the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Judge Seiden has engaged in conduct that is in violation of opinions issued by the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Professional Ethics and the New York State Court system's Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics.

In 1992, the above mentioned bar association directed that part-time judges should not appear before zoning and planning boards in municipalities where they serve.

Judge Seiden has represented numerous applicants before the City of Mount Vernon Planning and Zoning Boards. 

Some of the properties that Seiden has represented applicants before the planning and zoning boards are: 520 E. 3^rd Street; 24-26 E. Devonia Avenue, and 440 Franklin Avenue.  There are many more.

At the time Judge Seiden appeared before the zoning board, the applicant, Ralph Tedesco, was Commissioner of buildings for the City of Mount Vernon.  The applicant of 440 Franklin Avenue, Terrence Horton, is currently the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Mount Vernon. 

Judge Seiden was successful for all of the above mentioned applicants that appeared before the zoning and planning boards.  However, the City of Mount Vernon and the applicant for 520 E. 3^rd Street are facing legal challenges in New York State Supreme Court from a neighboring business who contends that the project was rushed through without appropriate review from city officials.

Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed™® that Judge Seiden acts as if the world revolves around him when it comes to his court calendar.  Mount Vernon Exposed™® has learned of one instance when Judge Seiden allegedly delayed his court calendar, without notifying court personnel, because he had a previously scheduled real estate closing the same morning.

JUDGE HELEN BLACKWOOD

Judge Helen Blackwood Complaint

The last and newest member to the Kangaroo Court is Judge Helen Blackwood.  With less than a year on the bench, Judge Blackwood has managed to surpass her superiors when it comes to questionable behavior and ethics violations.  Judge Blackwood was appointed to the bench in April 2009, by embattled Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.  Blackwood narrowly cruised to victory in the September 2009 Democratic primary by just over 100 votes. 

Judge Blackwood has also joined her colleagues being on the receiving end of complaints filed with the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct.  Judge Blackwood was accused of violating several statues of Part 100 of the Chief Judge Administrative Judge Rules concerning Judicial Conduct. 

The incompetence displayed by the judges that make up Mount Vernon’s Kangaroo Court can be directly attributed to the leaders that appointed the Judges to the bench and the Democratic leaders who nominated these creepy individuals to public office. 

MAYOR YOUNG PAL ARRAIGNED ON CRIMINAL CHARGES; ACCOMPANIED BY CITY WORKER GETTING PAID ON TAXPAYER'S DIME

CORRUPT REAL ESTATE BROKER JAMES DICKERSON

TROUBLED BUSINESSMAN KENNETH PLUMMER OF KENSWORTH CONSULTING

ANTOINE LOWE, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON

On Thursday April 15^th, 2010 James (Jamie) Dickerson appeared in Mount Vernon City Court to be arraigned on criminal charges for assaulting and harassing community activist and Democratic district leader Samuel L. Rivers.  Dickerson, a close friend of Mayor Young, played a major role in the $1.7 M Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency Section 8 scandal while he was employed with the City of Mount Vernon.  Dickerson’s action resulted in increased property taxes for Mount Vernon taxpayers.  Dickerson was accompanied by several shady and corrupt characters when he had his day in court.

Kenneth Plummer, con artist and troubled businessman, was with Dickerson the entire time he was in Mount Vernon City Court.  Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that Plummer was in court with Dickerson to offer ‘moral support’.  Plummer was dressed in a cheap and cheesy three piece suit that looked like it was stitched together by a 5 year old.  Plummer is a troubled businessman that was retained by Atlantic Development, a developer under criminal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office for bribing public officials and hiring undocumented workers.  Plummer is desperate to get Atlantic Development’s massive low income taxpayer funded housing development approved on Gramatan Avenue in downtown Mount Vernon.  Plummer and his gang of thieves have been met with fierce opposition from Mount Vernon taxpayers, opposed to the lousy people such an inferior development will bring to the City of Mount Vernon.

Dickerson was also accompanied by Antoine Lowe, Director of Civil Defense for the City of Mount Vernon.  Lowe was supposed to be working at his taxpayer funded job when he made his appearance to offer ‘moral support’ to James Dickerson.  Lowe has been under intense scrutiny lately from taxpayers in Mount Vernon.  He is hardly ever visible in City Hall and the lights are usually turned off in his office.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ has made several visits to visits to Lowe’s department and the door was locked and lights were turned off as early as 12:00 P.M. in the afternoon.  There have been emails and calls to Mount Vernon Exposed®™ suggesting that Lowe has another full time job and is working at that job during the hours he is getting paid for his taxpayer funded position at City Hall. 

Antoine Lowe is another convicted criminal hired by embattled Mayor Clinton I. Young to move the City of Mount Vernon forward.  Lowe was convicted of patronizing a prostitute.  According to police records, Lowe was arrested in the vicinity of Vista Place and West 1^st Street in Mount Vernon, an area known for prostitution and illegal drug activity.  Lowe was observed approaching and offering an undercover officer currency to perform sexual acts.  Upon Lowe believing he was going to engage in sexual acts, he was immediately placed under arrest.  Mayor Young also appointed Lowe Deputy Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police Department.

Antoine Lowe is a Convicted Criminal

Dickerson was represented by attorney Linda Morris, daughter of Carol Morris, co-founder of the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center.  Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that Linda Morris and Kenneth Plummer are allegedly romantically involved with each other.  Morris and Plummer were recently captured on video entering City Hall together after business hours.  Morris and Plummer were seen laughing and fooling around with each other in the hallway of the Mount Vernon City Court.  Morris even gave Samuel L. Rivers the finger, when he briefly glanced in their direction.  It also appeared that Morris violated attorney-client privilege by discussing Dickerson’s criminal case with Plummer.  Dickerson was not present when witnesses overheard Morris discussing Dickerson’s case with Plummer. 

Morris was also dressed in a cheap business suit, an indication that she and Plummer use the same 5 year old to stitch her dress.  Morris’ weave was disheveled and appeared as if it had not been washed in weeks. 

The court appearance was nearly an all day event.  The court case was scheduled at 9:30 A.M. before Judge Mark Gross.  Judge Gross immediately recused himself from the proceeding.  Judge Gross had good reason for doing so.  Hannah Gross, the wife of Judge Mark Gross, is the attorney of record for James Dickerson for a house he was looking to purchase at 164 Oakland Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10552.  Judge Gross said that the matter would be heard before Judge Helen Blackwood.

At around 2 P.M. or so, the afternoon session had begun and Judge Blackwood began to call her calendar.  Kenneth Plummer was present in the courtroom sitting shoulder to shoulder with James Dickerson.  One would speculate that Plummer was in court hoping to con Judge Blackwood into dismissing the charges against Dickerson.  Anyone with an ounce of intelligence could see that Plummer was looking to gain a political favor from Judge Blackwood.  Judge Blackwood appeared to pay Plummer no attention.  Judge Blackwood demonstrated the fairness and integrity that she campaigned on in her courtroom.

Many calls have come into Mount Vernon Exposed®™ in recent days asking publisher Samuel L. Rivers if he would ask Judge Blackwood to recuse herself from the matter.  Linda Morris, the attorney representing James Dickerson, carried nominating petitions for Judge Blackwood last election season.  Judge Blackwood was also appointed by Mayor Clinton I. Young, an extremely close friend of James Dickerson and Kenneth Plummer.  Linda Morris was also recently appointed as a district leader in the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.

“I have no reason to doubt the integrity and fairness of Judge Blackwood at this point in time” Rivers said in a statement released on Thursday April 15^th, 2010. “The facts are there and this is evident as the District Attorney is ready for trial on this matter.” 

Judge Blackwood issued a temporary order of protection against James Dickerson.  The matter was adjourned to May 4^th, 2010.

MAYOR YOUNG PUTS EX-CRACKHEAD IN CHARGE OF $12.5 M BUDGET; ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN DPW

CORRUPT DPW COMMISSIONER TERRENCE HORTON

“This budget has no excess.  This is a new standard of fiscal management competency for the City of Mount Vernon.”  “Mount Vernon, you deserve a city government that is honest and transparent.  We cannot and must not allow any person or persons to steal millions of our taxpayer’s hard earned money” These are the words uttered by embattled Mayor Clinton I. Young during his State of the City address on March 24^th, 2010.  

Mayor Young constantly blows hot air up the rear end of Mount Vernon taxpayers.  Mayor Young knew exactly what he was doing when he hired a crack head and convicted criminal to oversee a city department with a budget of $12.5 Million.  The money would go in the front door and then leave out of the back door in the form of kickbacks and bribes. 

From the onset, Terrence Horton’s appointment as DPW chief was met with controversy.  Horton did not waste any time splurging taxpayer’s hard earned money, even though he has not contributed his share of taxes to society.  Horton currently owes over $70K in past due property taxes for various properties he owns in the City of Mount Vernon.  Horton’s arrogance did not stop there.  He also added his two nephews (Children of City Councilman Steve Horton) to the City of Mount Vernon payroll to continue the Horton family tradition of leaching off of taxpayers.  Commissioner Horton’s mother Joan Horton also works for the City of Mount Vernon. 

“In 2009, 58 streets were repaved and resurfaced.  Also, sidewalks were replaced…” Mayor Young also issued the following statement during his state of the city address.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ filed a Freedom of Information request (F.O.I.L) several months ago requesting the streets that were repaved in 2009.  The request to the Department of Law has not been answered.  One thing is for certain, Mayor Young had his street, Ellwood Avenue, repaved in 2009.

Terrence Horton’s Creepy Past

DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton is a convicted criminal.  Horton was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon.  According to sources, Horton held a family member hostage at gunpoint and threatened to kill any police officer that came near the crime scene.  Another Horton family member acted as a negotiator and successfully disarmed Terrence Horton before he did any harm to anyone. 

Terrence Horton erratic behavior can quite possibly be attributed to his previous abuse of illegal narcotics.  According to a source interviewed by Mount Vernon Exposed®™, Horton was addicted to crack-cocaine.  Horton was apparently so high on crack-cocaine one day, he ran down 3^rd Street in Mount Vernon with no clothes on as a bet, indicating Horton needed money to feed his crack-cocaine addiction.  The source also said that he used to get high with Terrence Horton and that one time he saw a substantial amount of cocaine on a table.  The source said he left and went to the store and when he returned he saw all types of law enforcement officials at the place that he had just left suggesting that the location was raided due to the illegal narcotics that were present.  When asked if Horton was arrested as a result of the raid, the source said no, and indicated that Horton had begun cooperating with authorities. 

Sources within the Department of Public Works have also complained to Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that City Councilman Steve Horton’s oldest son is often high on marijuana while on the job and often reeks of marijuana and hinted that he has gotten high on the taxpayers dime on property owned by the City of Mount Vernon. 

Allegations of Sexual Harassment in DPW

Mount Vernon Exposed®™ has interviewed several persons currently employed with the City of Mount Vernon Department of Public Works.  Many have expressed concerns over comments made to them by DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton.  Several have said that the way they are stared upon by Commissioner Horton makes them feel uncomfortable.  It has been told to Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that Horton has told the DPW men to shave their legs.  A few of the DPW men have stated that Horton has complimented them on their physiques and told them he would like to see them pose in a swimsuit (Speedos) for an upcoming DPW calendar, similar to one that was published by the Mount Vernon Fire Department.  One source told Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that Horton pulled on a seasonal DPW worker’s belt near the groin area.  The worker became upset and told Horton that he felt uncomfortable with his actions.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ has been informed that the seasonal worker is no longer working for the City of Mount Vernon. 

Mount Vernon Exposed®™ became aware of the alleged questionable activity regarding DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton in October 2009.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ immediately filed a F.O.I.L request with the City of Mount Vernon law department.  “When allegations or charges of misconduct have not yet been determined or did not result in disciplinary action, the records relating to such allegations may be withheld, for disclosure would result in an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,” was the response Mount Vernon Exposed®™ received from the City of Mount Vernon regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton.

DPW WORKERS CAUGHT RED-HANDED WORKING AT DPW SUPERVISOR RUDY PERSAUD'S HOME; DPW WORKERS TAKE OFFENSE TO CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT YUHANNA EDWARD'S RACIST REMARKS

CORRUPT DPW SUPERVISOR RUDY PERSAUD

DPW WORKERS AS THEY WORK ON RUDY PERSAUD'S PRIVATE HOME WITHOUT PERMIT

DPW WORKER STANDING NEXT TO CITY OWNED EQUIPMENT PAID FOR BY TAXPAYERS

DPW WORKERS AS THEY WORK ON RUDY PERSAUD'S HOME

DPW WORKERS HAVING A CASUAL CONVERSATION AT PERSAUD'S HOME

UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS WORKING ON PERSAUD'S HOME WITHOUT A BUILDING PERMIT

CITY OWNED VEHICLE AND CITY OWNED EQUIPMENT AT PERSAUD'S HOME

DPW WORKING AT PERSAUD'S HOME HAVING A CASUAL CONVERSATION ON THE TAXPAYER'S DIME

RUDY PERSAUD'S YARD RUBBISH DUMPED ON A SIDE STREET AND LATER REMOVED BY 2 DPW SEASONAL WORKERS.  THE 2 SEASONAL WORKERS HAVE SINCE BEEN TERMINATED BY DPW COMMISSIONER TERRENCE HORTON

DPW WORKER AND CITY OWNED VEHICLE

CITY OWNED EQUIPMENT AND CITY OWNED VEHICLE

Dpw Commissioner Terernce Horton is a Convicted Criminal

Mount Vernon taxpayers have become outraged at the latest scandal to plague the administration of Mayor Clinton I. Young Jr.  On Tuesday, April 13^th, 2010, community activist and Democratic district leader Samuel L. Rivers held a press conference in front of City Hall.  Rivers publicly called for an investigation into DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton and DPW Supervisor Rudy Persaud. 

Rudy Persaud has a history of treating equipment paid by City of Mount Vernon taxpayers as his own.  In 1996, Rudy Persaud was suspended without pay for lending out a City owned power saw to a co-worker.  Sources have also told Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that every year Rudy Persaud steals flowers paid for by Mount Vernon taxpayers for his personal use.  The source said all you have to do is drive by Rudy’s house and compare the flowers planted in his yard to the flowers planted around the City of Mount Vernon. 

Last week, Rivers received in the mail, photographs that show Rudy Persaud using City equipment and City workers to do work at his private residence located at 312 E. Lincoln Avenue.  On Wednesday, April 14^th, 2010 Rivers presented the photographs to the Mount Vernon City Council and called for an investigation into Persaud’s illegal activities. 

City Councilwoman Karen Watts stated publicly that theft of services in unacceptable to the taxpayers of Mount Vernon and asked that the matter be referred to law enforcement officials for investigation while City Council President J. Yuhanna Edwards took a different approach to the situation. 

Samuel L. Rivers presented a wealth of information to the City Council body of Wednesday evening.  Rivers asked, “Why are taxpayers paying for the storage of 8 brand new garbage trucks at the Department of Public works garage?”  Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed®™ that these garbage trucks have already been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and have already been added to the City of Mount Vernon’s insurance policy.  Sources have also said that Commissioner Horton is waiting until Memorial Day to put these trucks on the road and that Horton is also waiting to have his name as well as the Mayor’s name put on these trucks.  There has never been a DPW Commissioner in the history of Mount Vernon that has had his name out on sanitation trucks. 

When it was time for the Councilmember’s to respond to the public’s comments, City Council President J. Yuhanna Edwards went off the deep end when responding to Rivers’ comments.  Instead of thanking Rivers’ for bringing information about corruption in the Department of Public Works to the City Council, Council President Edwards told Rivers’ on the record, that he is no longer going to be allowed to put “Political Prostitution” as the topic of discussion at City Council meetings.  Edwards stated his reason for doing so, was because he wasn’t a political prostitute.  It was quite evident that Edwards was sipping Kool-Aid from the same cup as Mayor Young, just from opposite ends of the cup. 

During the break after public commentary, Rivers’ approached Edwards and told him that he was infringing upon his constitutional rights to free speech by not allowing him to speak on topics of his choosing.  Rivers’ also told Edwards that if he restricted him from speaking about what he wanted to speak about, that he would be sued in his individual capacity.  Edwards responded, “Stick to Real Estate, you’ll make more money.”  Rivers then called over City Clerk George Brown and informed him that if he attempts to censor any of Rivers’ topics of discussion that he too will be sued for infringing upon Rivers’ constitutional rights.  Brown then responded that he will seek an opinion from the Corporation Counsel’s office.  After a few minutes or so, Brown told Rivers “problem solved”, whatever that meant.

Is City Council Presidents J. Yuhanna Edwards a racist?

CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT J.YUHANNA EDWARDS

Mount Vernon Exposed ®™ has received several calls and emails over the past few weeks concerning the conduct of City Council President J. Yuhanna Edwards.  During the City Council’s radio show on WVOX, a DPW worker called into the show complaining about DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton and the horrendous working conditions that they endure on a daily basis. 

Mount Vernon Exposed®™ was informed that City Council President Edwards quickly interrupted the DPW worker and told him to put his grievance in writing.  The following morning, Edwards went down to the DPW yard and spoke to the men during morning roll call.  Many, if not all of the DPW workers took offense to Edwards remarks.  

The DPW department has already become a hostile environment since Terrence “Hitler” Horton takeover.  Edwards’s speech and presence that morning only made matters worse and further divided the department.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ interviewed approximately 25 DPW workers of various ethnic backgrounds to get an idea of just how bad things are in the department and details of Yuhanna Edward’s speech.  One African-American worker said “Yuhanna Edwards’ speech was uncalled for; I cannot believe that he came down here and defended Terrence Horton.”  “Did Yuhanna forget that the previous Commissioner (James Finch) was black?” he added.

Mount Vernon Exposed was told that Yuhanna Edwards told DPW workers of his past business relationship with Joan Horton, the mother of DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton.  Edwards told them that he took Joan Horton to court and successfully sued her for a dispute arising from their business partnership.  Joan Horton and Edwards ran a paint store together at 12 E. 3^rd Street in Mount Vernon at the site DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton uses as the corporate headquarters for Q.F.I. Inc.  Commissioner Horton is nearly 3 years behind on property taxes, owing in excess of $30K.  Foreclose proceeding will begin next month unless Horton pays the past due balance to the City of Mount Vernon. 

Mount Vernon Exposed®™ was informed that Edwards also told DPW workers during his speech, “I don’t like Terrence, I love him”, and “If the DPW Commissioner was white, you wouldn’t act like or treat your Commissioner like this”. 

Mount Vernon Exposed®™ spoke with City Council President Yuhanna Edwards earlier during the week.  Edwards immediately asked Mount Vernon Exposed®™ publisher Samuel L. Rivers “Are you taping me?”

Rivers was surprised that Edwards would ask such a question, as only “political prostitutes” and crooked politicians ask if they are being taped.  It was now quite clear that Yuhanna Edwards is making a deal for a higher office or some other political favor.

Rivers told Edwards about the frustration that many of the DPW workers had expressed in the past few days and also asked him about his comments that were perceived to be racist in nature.  Edwards responded that some of the guys down there are racist and they don’t like taking orders from Terrence Horton.  Edwards further stated that if what he said was repeated about the DPW workers being racist, he would deny it. 

City Council President J. Yuhanna Edwards appears to be out of touch with reality or chooses to simply ignore the wrongdoings and criminal activity taking place in the Department of Public Works.  It has become increasingly clear that his prior business relationship with Joan Horton is clouding his judgment when it comes to making decisions affecting the Department of Public Works.  It is recommended that City Council President Edwards abstain from voting and recuse himself from any investigation involving the Department of Public Works.  Many taxpayers have expressed concerns that Yuhanna Edwards’s previous business relationship with Joan Horton is a conflict of interest.

City Council President Yuhanna Edwards must take a position and must not flip flop on issues of public concern.  Either you are against corruption or you are for it.  There is no in between.  It has also been stated that City Council President Yuhanna Edwards is considering a run for Mayor in 2011 if Comptroller Maureen Walker declares her candidacy.  Edwards’s reason for doing so is because his pal Steve Horton has apparently become ineligible due his blatant violation of federal law, specifically the Hatch Act of 1939.