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Richard Thomas

Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot
Embattled Former Mayor In Westchester Barred From City Comptroller Ballot Despite petitioning through much of the spring, former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ attempts to get on the Democratic primary ballot for city comptroller has been rejected by a Supreme Court judge. Following two days of hearings, state Supreme Court Justice Mary Smith ruled that Thomas’ petition to overturn the Westchester Board of Elections’ rejection of his nominating committee was not specific enough. Thomas required 300 valid signatures to get on the ballot, with the former mayor having filed petitions with more than 1,000 last month, hundreds of which were challenged by District …
Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park
Shots Fired After Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX In Westchester Park There were two separate shootings following a vigil paying tribute to the life of Westchester native and resident DMX, who died at White Plains Hospital last week. Earlier story - Candlelight Vigil Scheduled For Westchester Native, Rapper DMX Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in Mount Vernon after gunshots rang out near the location of the vigil at Fourth Street Park on Wednesday, April 14.  The gunshots could be heard approximately an hour after the vigil for DMX - who was born in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers - was conducted, with a packed house still in th…
Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction
Former City Counsel In Westchester Sentenced For Corruption Conviction The former top lawyer for the City of Mount Vernon will avoid immediate prison time as he appeals his sentence for corruption involving former Mayor Richard Thomas. Lawrence Porcari Jr. was found guilty by a jury of corrupting government, second-degree grand larceny, degrading government, and filing false statements for using $365,000 from the city’s water funds to assist Thomas, who was ousted out of office last year. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Porcari was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in prison, but he will remain free without bail while he appeals his conviction. He had faced a maximum term of 2…
Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges
Former City Counsel In Westchester Convicted Of Corruption Charges A former top lawyer for the City of Mount Vernon has been found guilty of corruption charges. Lawrence Porcari Jr. was found guilty by a jury of corrupting government, second-degree grand larceny, degrading government and filing false statements for using $365,000 from the city’s water funds to assist former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, who was ousted out of office earlier this year. When he is sentenced, Porcari will face a minimum term of between one and three years in prison, and may see a maximum sentence of up to 25 years. According to documents filed with the Westchester Count…
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester? Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester?
Who Did You Vote For On Election Day In Westchester? Many local municipalities held elections for town supervisors, village and city mayors, council members and judges on Tuesday, Nov. 5.  Westchester County legislators also were up for re-election. Several towns had local propositions on their ballots. For expanded coverage of politics, schools and lifestyle, visit Daily Voice Plus With the onset of "early voting" in New York state, registered voters were able to cast votes since Friday, Oct. 26. Additional details about candidates on the ballot can be found by clicking here.  Towns and Villages Across Westchester, Democrats enj…
New Turn In Mount Vernon's Mayoral Musical Chairs: Judge's Ruling Results In Change New Turn In Mount Vernon's Mayoral Musical Chairs: Judge's Ruling Results In Change
New Turn In Mount Vernon's Mayoral Musical Chairs: Judge's Ruling Results In Change The lengthy game of musical chairs over who ultimately lands in the mayor’s seat in Mount Vernon may have come to a merciful end after more than five weeks of debate. A state judge has determined that Andre Wallace is the mayor of Mount Vernon, and will stay in that seat through the remainder of the year. "Today a Supreme Court Judge ruled in favor of me," Wallace said. "I assumed the role of acting mayor the moment former-Mayor Richard Thomas took a plea deal. No action to change city council leadership changes that." The ruling ends 37 days of mayoral mayhem over who was actually in char…
City Council Puts Copeland In Command, But Wallace Claims He's Still Acting Mount Vernon Mayor City Council Puts Copeland In Command, But Wallace Claims He's Still Acting Mount Vernon Mayor
City Council Puts Copeland In Command, But Wallace Claims He's Still Acting Mount Vernon Mayor Is the third time the charm? After weeks of mayoral musical chairs, the controversies surrounding who’s in charge in Mount Vernon took another twist. The Mount Vernon City Council ousted Andre Wallace from the position of acting mayor and replaced him with Interim City Council President Lisa Copeland days after he was awarded the position when former Mayor Richard Thomas’ injunction to stay in office was rejected by a judge. On Friday, Aug. 2, the Council then voted by a 4 to 1 margin to make Copeland the third mayor to take office in less than a month. According to the city'…
Mayoral Musical Chairs: Mount Vernon City Council Ousts Wallace, Names Copeland Mayoral Musical Chairs: Mount Vernon City Council Ousts Wallace, Names Copeland
Mayoral Musical Chairs: Mount Vernon City Council Ousts Wallace, Names Copeland The wild and wacky Mount Vernon mayoral musical chairs odyssey took another turn. The Mount Vernon City Council ousted Andre Wallace from the position of acting mayor and replaced him with Interim City Council President Lisa Copeland. The vote was reportedly by a 4 to 1 margin and makes Copeland the third person to sit in the mayor’s seat in less than a month. The carousel began on Monday, July 8, when former Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to misappropriating nearly $13,000 in campaign funds and then went on to lie about them on government papers. He was originally scheduled…
Another New Mayor? Mount Vernon City Council Considers Replacing Andre Wallace Another New Mayor? Mount Vernon City Council Considers Replacing Andre Wallace
Another New Mayor? Mount Vernon City Council Considers Replacing Andre Wallace Click here for an updated story: Mayoral Musical Chairs: Mount Vernon City Council Ousts Wallace, Names Copeland Just when we thought it might have been over. ... Following weeks of mayoral mayhem inside Mount Vernon City Hall, the City Council is now reportedly considering replacing acting Mayor Andre Wallace. The City Council held a special meeting on Friday, Aug. 2 with the intention to potentially oust Wallace and replace him with former City Council President Lisa Copeland. Former Mayor Richard Thomas took Wallace to court and on Wednesday, July 31, a judge ruled against him…
Mayoral Mayhem May Be Over: Richard Thomas Moves Out Of Mount Vernon Office Mayoral Mayhem May Be Over: Richard Thomas Moves Out Of Mount Vernon Office
Mayoral Mayhem May Be Over: Richard Thomas Moves Out Of Mount Vernon Office Nearly a month of mayoral mayhem appears to be over as the dust settles following a judge’s ruling over who’s in charge in Mount Vernon. A judge ruled against former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ request for an injunction that would allow him to remain in office through the end of September after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor corruption charges. Late on Wednesday, July 31, hours after the judge’s ruling, Thomas was spotted clearing out of the mayor’s office while a city marshal stood by. A U-Haul truck was reportedly loaded with multiple items, which were delivered to the former may…
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor
Judge Determines Who Is In Charge As Mount Vernon's Mayor A judge has reportedly ruled against former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas’ request for an injunction that would allow him to remain in office following his guilty plea to misdemeanor corruption charges. A hearing determined that Thomas is no longer the mayor, following a month of political strife and chaos at City Hall. Acting Mayor Andre Wallace officially took over following the decision on Wednesday, July 31. On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to misappropriating nearly $13,000 in campaign funds and then proceeded to lie about them on government papers. Two days after that plea…
Acting Mount Vernon Mayor Bailed Out 'Major Drug Kingpin' For $1M, Richard Thomas Claims Acting Mount Vernon Mayor Bailed Out 'Major Drug Kingpin' For $1M, Richard Thomas Claims
Acting Mount Vernon Mayor Bailed Out 'Major Drug Kingpin' For $1M, Richard Thomas Claims Acting Mount Vernon Mayor Andre Wallace is dismissing statements from outgoing Mayor Richard Thomas over reports he bailed out a “major drug kingpin for $1 million.” In an email blast late in the afternoon on Tuesday, July 30, Thomas, who has been at the center of a chaotic situation at City Hall for nearly a month, alleged that Wallace “mortgaged ($1 million) worth of his Mount Vernon real estate empire” to bail out Jose Luperon, who was prosecuted for selling crack-cocaine. Luperon and his brother, Omar, were charged with operating as a major trafficker, also known as the “drug kingpin” …
Federal Charges Dropped Against Former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Federal Charges Dropped Against Former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner
Federal Charges Dropped Against Former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Amid the chaos in Mount Vernon City Hall, as politicians joust over who's in charge, former Police Commissioner Robert Kelly saw a federal judge dismiss charges brought against him by former Mayor Richard Thomas. In April 2018, a lawsuit was filed in federal court against Kelly and 22 others in a “broad conspiracy to defraud the city, during a time that encompassed a period of years when Kelly was not even employed by the city,” the former commissioner announced on Wednesday, July 31 after the charges against him were dismissed. Kelly stated that attorneys for Thomas asked to have the lawsu…
Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor
Richard Thomas Seeks Restraining Order In Battle Over Who's Mount Vernon Mayor The battle over who is in charge of Mount Vernon is heading to the State Supreme Court. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas and Andre Wallace, who was appointed acting mayor by the city council, will have their fates determined by a judge as they continue debating who is the actual mayor of one of New York’s largest cities. Thomas is currently seeking a restraining order that would block Wallace from performing mayoral duties and would nullify any actions taken by him, the City Council and City Comptroller Deborah Reynolds in the weeks the two have been jostling for power. On Monday, July 8…
NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor
NY Post Calls On Cuomo To Remove Mount Vernon Mayor The New York Post is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to “end the Third World-like political chaos” that has overwhelmed Mount Vernon. For months, Mount Vernon City Hall has been in chaos, with the City Council, President Andre Wallace and Comptroller battling Mayor Richard Thomas. On Monday, July 8, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. Two days later, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council …
Thomas Got His Last Paycheck, Is Officially Out As Mayor, Mount Vernon Comptroller Says Thomas Got His Last Paycheck, Is Officially Out As Mayor, Mount Vernon Comptroller Says
Thomas Got His Last Paycheck, Is Officially Out As Mayor, Mount Vernon Comptroller Says The chaos at Mount Vernon City Hall may be coming to a resolution as the battle over the mayor's chair has hit a new chapter. Friday, July 19 was payday for city employees, though only one of the two men claiming to be mayor received a full paycheck, with acting Mayor Andre Wallace earning a full check, while Mayor Richard Thomas was reportedly paid for only a few days as he continues questioning his ousting. On Monday, July 8, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his ple…
Court Appearance Postponed For Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon Court Appearance Postponed For Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon
Court Appearance Postponed For Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon Newly sworn-in Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Shawn Harris will have his day in court, it's just been postponed. Harris, who was reappointed by acting Mayor Andrew Wallace on this week, was arrested during his first day on the job while attempting to enter police headquarters and he was reportedly charged with criminal trespassing. Harris had been scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday, July 18, but that court date was postponed because no formal charges have officially been filed, according to his lawyer. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr.’s office ann…
Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon Due To Appear In Court Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon Due To Appear In Court
Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon Due To Appear In Court The newly sworn-in police commissioner in Mount Vernon - who was arrested in City Hall this week and detained for nine hours - is scheduled to appear in court. Former Police Commissioner Shawn Harris was reappointed as the Commissioner of Public Safety in charge of the Mount Vernon Police Department by acting Mayor Andre Wallace, amid controversies at City Hall about whether Wallace or Mayor Richard Thomas is in charge of the city. On Tuesday, July 16, Harris was taken into police custody while attempting to enter police headquarters and he was charged with criminal trespassing. Harris is …
DA Orders Release After Police Commissioner Named By Mount Vernon City Council Charged DA Orders Release After Police Commissioner Named By Mount Vernon City Council Charged
DA Orders Release After Police Commissioner Named By Mount Vernon City Council Charged It took an order from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to release the newly reappointed top cop in Mount Vernon from custody. On Monday, July 15, former police commissioner Shawn Harris was reappointed as the Commissioner of Public Safety in charge of the Mount Vernon Police Department by acting Mayor Andre Wallace, despite the protestations of Mayor Richard Thomas, who has refused to step away from office. However, the following day, Tuesday, July 16, Harris was taken into police custody at Mount Vernon Police Headquarters. Harris was in custody for approximately nine ho…
New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos
New Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Reportedly Taken Into Custody Amid City Hall Chaos As the city teeters on the brink, chaos continues to reign supreme at Mount Vernon City Hall, with the latest twist being the newly appointed police commissioner reportedly being taken into custody. On Monday, July 15, former police commissioner Shawn Harris was reappointed as the Commissioner of Public Safety in charge of the Mount Vernon Police Department by acting Mayor Andre Wallace. However, the following day, Harris was taken into police custody at Mount Vernon Police Headquarters, according to a lohud report. It is unclear if Harris has been formally arrested or charged. Wallace an…
City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup
City Hall Chaos: Turmoil, Uncertainty Continue In Unprecedented Mount Vernon Mayoral Dustup Chaos continues to reign supreme inside Mount Vernon City Hall, as the unprecedented controversy over who sits in the mayor’s seat rages into its second week. Last week, on Monday, July 8, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. Two days later, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council unanimously voted on legislation to remove Thomas from office immediately, giving him 24 hours to vacate City …
Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office
Mayoral Mayhem: Thomas Given Deadline To Pick Up Belongings In Mount Vernon Office Who’s the boss? The battle between Richard Thomas and Andre Walker over who is the mayor of Mount Vernon hit a head on Friday, July 12, when Thomas was ordered to vacate his office no later than 8 p.m. Citing Thomas’ misdemeanor criminal convictions, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council unanimously voted on legislation to replace Thomas and swore in his successor, Wallace, who was the City Council president, as the interim mayor. Councilwoman Janice Duarte was also named the council president. The Council quoted a section of the city charter that calls for elected official…
Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds
Mount Vernon Mayor On 'The Road To Redemption' After Guilty Plea For Misusing Campaign Funds Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas vowed to continue helping the city after reaching a plea agreement for misusing campaign funds and announcing his resignation. On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. He will also resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30. “The road to redemption is riddled with twists, turns, tight straits, and the reality is 13 million Americans get caught up in the misdemeanor system, where it’s very difficult to defend yourself, especially when you’re poor,” he said. “Than…
Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign
Mount Vernon Mayor Admits To Misdemeanors In Campaign Funds Misuse Case, Agrees To Resign Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas has admitted to a pair of misdemeanors for misappropriating campaign funds and has agreed to resign from his position. As part of a plea deal, Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing on Monday, July 8. Thomas will resign as mayor on Monday, Sept. 30. Thomas admitted that he stole $12,900 from his campaign committee in 2015 and failed to report the receipt of $4,000 and falsely claimed that a $2,500 payment was a reimbursement. According to the criminal complaint, prior to Th…
It's Official: Mount Vernon Democratic Primary Winner Named It's Official: Mount Vernon Democratic Primary Winner Named
It's Official: Mount Vernon Democratic Primary Winner Named Affidavit and absentee ballots have been counted and Shawyn Patterson-Howard will be named the winner of the Mount Vernon Democratic mayoral primary. Although current Mayor Richard Thomas has yet to concede - and has filed a lawsuit claiming voting irregularities - the final vote count sits at 2,384 for Patterson-Howard and 2,175 for Thomas following the primary on Tuesday, June 25. A judge is reportedly currently reviewing Thomas’ case, while the Board of Elections says there is no merit to the lawsuit. If she is ultimately elected in the heavily Democrat-leaning city, Patterson-Howard - …
Primary Was Rigged, Says Mount Vernon Mayor After Filing Lawsuit Primary Was Rigged, Says Mount Vernon Mayor After Filing Lawsuit
Primary Was Rigged, Says Mount Vernon Mayor After Filing Lawsuit Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is crying foul, claiming that the Democratic primary was rigged, prompting him to file a lawsuit against the Board of Elections and his challengers. When the results were tallied following the primary on Tuesday, June 25, Thomas trailed Shawn Patterson-Howard unofficially by 204 votes, as she garnered 33 percent of the votes to Thomas’ 30 percent. Some absentee ballots can still be counted, but it is unclear if they will be enough to save Thomas. Thomas, who is facing mounting legal troubles for missing campaign funds and has recently come under fire by o…
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire A fire has forced the temporary closure of a popular Westchester pizzeria. The fire broke out at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, in a Mount Vernon shopping center on Lincoln Avenue, prompting the closure of Johnny’s Pizzeria as the owners take steps to repair damage to the building, which has been open for more than 75 years.  "Not to worry, we will be back as you all know we have been through worse the last couple of years," Johnny's said on Instagram on Sunday. "We can not thank the (Mount Vernon Fire Department) for their fast response time.” The cause of the fire is…
Too Close To Call: Mount Vernon Mayoral Democratic Primary Outcome Still Uncertain Too Close To Call: Mount Vernon Mayoral Democratic Primary Outcome Still Uncertain
Too Close To Call: Mount Vernon Mayoral Democratic Primary Outcome Still Uncertain The hotly contested Mount Vernon mayoral Democratic primary race is coming down to the wire. Former Mount Vernon City Planning Commissioner Shawyn Patterson-Howard narrowly edged out Mayor Richard Thomas by approximately 200 votes following the primary on Tuesday, June 25, according to the unofficial results from the Westchester County Board of Elections. However, absentee votes and other ballots still need to be counted, which means the official result may not be known for another week. Following Tuesday’s primary, Patterson-Howard was named on 2,355 ballots, ahead of Thomas with 2,151 vo…
Man Found Shot In Head As Officers Investigate Crash In Westchester, Police Say Man Found Shot In Head As Officers Investigate Crash In Westchester, Police Say
Man Found Shot In Head As Officers Investigate Crash In Westchester, Police Say A man is hospitalized after he was shot in the head outside his vehicle, possibly following a car crash in Westchester, police said. Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department responded to a South 9th Avenue apartment building shortly before 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, where there was a report of a motor vehicle crash. Police said that upon arrival, officers found a 38-year-old man from Mount Vernon on the ground outside of his car with a gunshot wound to the head. The man was treated at the scene until paramedics arrived to take him to a local hospital. The man was admitted and …
Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS
Calls Grow For Removal Of Central Park 5 Prosecutor From Hall Of Fame Of Westchester HS The fallout from the Netflix series “When They See Us,” which depicts the case of the “Central Park 5” continues for former prosecutor Linda Fairstein, who is now hearing calls for her removal from the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame. The former prosecutor has been in hot water since the release of the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” which depicts a dramatization of the trial of the teens who were wrongfully convicted of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. Last week, Fairstein resigned from the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Vassar College, amid the backlash. The …
With Garbage Piling Up, Trash Pickup Resumes In Mount Vernon With Garbage Piling Up, Trash Pickup Resumes In Mount Vernon
With Garbage Piling Up, Trash Pickup Resumes In Mount Vernon Garbage is piling up on Mount Vernon streets as DPW crews were grounded for the second straight day due to a lack of fuel, though trash pickup is expected to resume Wednesday. According to Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, the city was down to approximately 800 gallons of fuel for the city’s fleet on Tuesday, June 4, before receiving a new supply. Thomas said that garbage pickup will resume on Wednesday, June 5. DPW crews will begin garbage pickup citywide beginning at 6 a.m. and Thomas vowed that they will run until "all the trash from all sides of Mount Vernon in one shot.” DPW Commis…