The Satmar hasid at the heart of the new New York politicians bribery
scandal allegedly has a long track record of cultivating politicians by funneling
them money – and smearing their opponents.
The Stern mansion, Monsey, NY
Moses “Mark” Stern Allegedly Kept Dirt On Pols To Blackmail Them
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
The Satmar hasid at the heart of the new New York politicians bribery scandal has a long track record of cultivating politicians by funneling them money.
Moses "Mark" Stern is described by DNAinfo as a “well-connected upstate powerbroker who kept dirt on politicians…and had ties to many elected officials.”
Among those politicians allegedly is New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Stern, 40, owes $126 million to CitiGroup and recently pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud-related charges.
His Monsey mansion had a water disconnect notice hanging on its front door when reporters went in search of Stern Tuesday. Even so, masseuses arrived as did deliveries of food. And an associate told the NY Post that Stern regularly kept stacks of cash, tens of thousands of dollars, in the home.
An associate of Stern who is not named by DNAinfo says that Stern rallied haredi financial support for his select candidates.
But the source says Stern did much more than bundle campaign contributions – he also smeared opposing politicians.
Stern also reportedly kept information on elected officials he intended to use if he ever got arrested.
"He's slimy and deceptive and only looks out for himself and for the next dollar," the source reportedly said.
Schneiderman's office said Stern was a supporter but noted that he never personally gave his own money to Schneiderman’s campaign.
But Stern and Schneiderman were reportedly close enough that Stern fundraised Schneiderman and attended Schneiderman’s inaugural party in 2011.