8 THE COURIER SUN • SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com Lawmaker William Scarborough gets 13 months for corruption BY ROBERT POZARYCKI rpozarycki@queenscourier.com @robbpoz Another former state lawmaker from Queens convicted of corruption is off to jail. Former Assemblyman William Scarborough was sentenced on Sept. 14 to serve 13 months behind bars and two years’ probation for pleading guilty earlier this year to federal wire fraud and theft charges, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced. Scarborough, who previously represented the 29th Assembly District covering all or parts of Cambria Heights, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica Estates, Laurelton, Rosedale and St. Albans, was also ordered to pay a combined $108,710 in restitution to both the federal and state governments. “Today’s sentencing of Assemblymember Scarborough on public corruption charges sends a clear message that those who abuse the public trust will be held accountable,” Schneiderman said. “His jail sentence resolves one unfortunate chapter in New York State government, but crystallizes the need for comprehensive reform to clean up corruption in our state.” In May, Scarborough admitted in federal court that he used false information to apply for and receive per diem payments for purported business travel expenses related to his service in the state capital. The payments varied from daily allowances for overnight stays in Albany to reimbursements for traveling between Albany and his Queens home. Between January 2009 and December 2012, authorities said, Scarborough submitted 174 falsifi ed travel vouchers to the state government and received $54,355. In a related case, Scarborough also admitted in state court to allegedly misusing $40,000 in campaign contributions for personal expenses. He is expected to serve up to one year in state prison for that guilty plea. Parents of Rockaway victim in May Amtrak derailment fi le lawsuit: reports BY ANGELA MATUA amatua@queenscourier.com @AngelaMatua The family of Justin Zemser, the 20-year-old naval midshipman from Rockaway Beach who was killed during the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia this past May, fi led a lawsuit in federal court on Sept. 8. According to published reports, parents Susan and Howard Zemser are seeking unspecifi ed damages and are promising to start a scholarship fund in their son’s honor with the compensation they may receive from Amtrak. Zemser, who was on leave as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, was on his way home to visit family in Rockaway while on board the doomed Amtrak train that went off track on May 12. He was one of seven killed during the incident, which also injured more than 200 people. The National Transportation Safety Board previously confi rmed that Amtrak train 188 was traveling at more than 100 mph, double the speed, as it was entering a sharp curve before derailing. Before entering the curve, the speed limit is reportedly 70 mph. The family’s lawyer, Thomas Moore, said in a statement according to reports that this “was an accident waiting to happen” because Amtrak allegedly failed to follow through with a proposal from Congress in 2008 to install safety equipment that automatically slows down speeding trains. File photo Assemblyman William Scarborough Photo via Facebook Justin Zemser, 20, from Rockaway is one of seven people dead after an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia. Call Now & End Your Tax Nightmare! • Owe the IRS more than $10,000? • Being Audited? • Unfi led Tax Returns? • Wage & Bank Levies? Co-Author of the best selling book “Breaking the Tax Code” (T) 877-TAX-1040 (F) 718-894-4476 Salvatore P. Candela, EA, ATA, ABA Enrolled Agent - Tax Advisor scandela@thetaxadvocategroup.com www.thetaxadvocategroup.com On the go? No Problem! Our mobile deposit capture service lets you deposit checks, anytime…anywhere! We are now as close to you as your mobile phone and ready to receive your check deposits anytime of day or night! It is as secure and easy as taking a picture...To learn more about our new mobile service inquire with a Personal Banker at your local branch or visit our website today! 28-21 Astoria Blvd. Astoria, NY 11102 (347) 472-1727 sussexbank.com In NJ: Andover • Augusta • Franklin • Hackettstown • Montague • Newton • Sparta Vernon • Wantage • In NY: Astoria • Port Jervis
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