“The
board of directors of Met Council recently became aware of specific
information regarding financial irregularities and apparent misconduct
in connection with the organization’s insurance policies,” the group
said. “The board retained outside counsel to conduct a full
investigation. Based on that investigation, which is ongoing, the board
has terminated Mr. Rapfogel, effective immediately, and notified the
proper authority. To date, the investigation has not revealed evidence
that any current employees of Met Council engaged in any wrongdoing.”…
William Rapfogel
Last updated 12:48 pm CDT
The NY Times reports:
The New York State attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman, is investigating allegations of financial malfeasance involving one of the state’s most influential political power brokers, William E. Rapfogel.News of Mr. Rapfogel’s troubles broke on Monday morning, when the social services agency that he has headed since 1992 as chief executive and president, the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, issued a statement announcing Mr. Rapfogel’s immediate termination.
“The board of directors of Met Council recently became aware of specific information regarding financial irregularities and apparent misconduct in connection with the organization’s insurance policies,” the group said. “The board retained outside counsel to conduct a full investigation. Based on that investigation, which is ongoing, the board has terminated Mr. Rapfogel, effective immediately, and notified the proper authority. To date, the investigation has not revealed evidence that any current employees of Met Council engaged in any wrongdoing.”…
Investigators are, among other angles, looking at the relationship between Mr. Rapfogel and Century Coverage Corporation, an insurance company based in Valley Stream, N.Y., according to people familiar with the investigation. Investigators are focusing in particular on generous contributions that the company’s chief executive, Joseph Ross, and other employees have made to candidates for New York City offices. The company’s employees have given almost $120,000 to various candidates since the late 1990s, including $26,175 to several candidates in 2013. Company officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Mr. Rapfogel apologized for unspecified “mistakes.”
“After 21 years at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, I deeply regret the mistakes I have made that have led to my departure from the organization,” he said. “I apologize to our dedicated officers and board, our incredible staff, and those who depend on Met Council. I let them all down.”
Mr. Rapfogel also said: “I pray that my family and friends and all who care about Met Council can find it in their heart to forgive me for my actions. I will do everything possible to make amends.”…
Rapfogel is Orthodox and has been a great friend to haredi charities.
I'm told Joseph Ross of Century Coverage Corporation is Yossi Ross, who was in 2006 (and probably still is, the treasurer of the Breslover [hasidic] World Center.