COIB Settlements Announced

 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (the “Board”) announces four settlements.

 

Misuse of City Position. The Assistant Commissioner for Outreach at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (“MOIA”) directed a subordinate to assist his mother in obtaining authorization from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”) to transfer her Section 8 housing benefits voucher to a new apartment. To do so, the subordinate repeatedly interacted with HPD, including appearing in person. The Assistant Commissioner twice followed up with the subordinate to ensure that HPD authorization was obtained. Public servants cannot participate in City matters involving their associates, including their parents. To resolve his violation, the now-former Assistant Commissioner agreed to pay a $2,250 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (MOIA).”

 

Misuse of City Position. A New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) teacher was contacted by the mother of a student in his class who was in danger of failing; the parent asked for the teacher’s assistance in helping her child “catch up.” The teacher tutored the student twice for a total of 1½ hours and accepted $106 from the parent for doing so. To resolve his violation, the teacher agreed to pay the Board $606, which consisted of $106 in repayment plus a $500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DOE).”

 

Misuse of Confidential Information. A School Nurse at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) received a traffic ticket from a police officer whose children attended her school. The School Nurse accessed confidential school records to obtain the personal contact information of the police officer and used that information to call the officer about an upcoming court date for the ticket. In a joint settlement with the Board and DOHMH, the School Nurse agreed to the DOHMH-imposed penalty of resignation. The Board determined that resignation was sufficient and imposed no additional penalty. The Disposition is attached as “COIB-DOHMH Disposition.”

 

Misuse of City Position. A District Supervisor at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) claimed to have been injured in the line of duty. In support of his Workers’ Compensation claim, he had a subordinate who did not witness the accident sign a witness statement the District Supervisor had completed. As a result of his claim, the District Supervisor received pay from DEP for two days he did not work, worth $850.72. In a joint settlement with the Board and DEP, the District Supervisor agreed to the DEP-imposed penalty of resignation. The Board determined that resignation was sufficient and imposed no additional penalty. The Disposition is attached as “COIB-DEP Disposition.”

COIB is the independent, non-mayoral City agency charged with interpreting, administering, and enforcing the City's Conflicts of Interest Law, Annual Disclosure Law, Lobbyist Gift Law, Affiliated Not-for-Profits Law, and Legal Defense Trusts Law.