Michael Bookman, 40, from Bardonia, New York, has been indicted on charges of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and issuing a bad check. The indictment was announced by Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II.
Bookman is accused of misappropriating more than $7,000 while serving as a campaign manager for a political committee. The fraudulent activities spanned over four months, during which the campaign’s bank account was closed due to insufficient funds. Despite the account closure, Bookman later wrote a check to the candidate, purportedly as a loan repayment from the now-defunct campaign account.
“Ensuring transparent and lawful campaign management is paramount to preserving the integrity of our democratic process,” said District Attorney Walsh. “Our office is committed to holding individuals accountable when they exploit their positions for unlawful gain.”
The defendant appeared before the Honorable Rolf Thorsen in Rockland County Court for arraignment and was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
The investigation into the case was led by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Carrie Ciganek.