He was charged after an investigation revealed Mr. Walker’s failure to disclose his campaign’s financial activity as required by New York State Election Law during 2014 and 2015. Under New York State Election Law, candidates are required to file periodic financial disclosure reports in order to maintain transparency in the election process by accurately disclosing their expenditures and contributions.
“Campaign finance laws exist for a reason – to protect voters and keep our democratic process honest and transparent,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Today’s charges send the message that elected officials will be held accountable if they fail to obey the very laws they are sworn to uphold.”
A complaint filed in Albany City Court charges Mr. Walker with four counts of the Class A misdemeanor of Knowingly and Willfully Failing to File Statements, in violation of Election Law § 14-126(4). The two counts in the complaint relate to two separate campaign finance disclosure reports that were required to be filed with the New York State Board of Elections in 2015. If convicted, Mr. Walker faces up to one year in jail for each count.
“Campaign finance disclosure ensures New Yorkers have confidence that their elected officials are serving them honestly and with transparency,” said Risa Sugarman, Chief Enforcement Counsel for the New York State Board of Elections. “The public has the right to know who contributes to campaigns and how candidates spend those contributions. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners, including the attorney general, to assure New Yorkers that violations of the public trust do not go unpunished.”
Mr. Walker was arraigned in Albany City Court before the Hon. Judge Kretser, whereupon he was released on his own recognizance.
