Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $80,000 From New York State Assemblyman’s Campaign Account

Defendant Admits to Filing False Campaign Disclosure Reports to Avoid Detection

Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Maruf Alam, the former chief of staff for a New York State assemblyman, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing more than $80,000 of donor contributions from the assemblyman’s campaign account for his own personal use.  Alam admitted that, as part of the scheme, he filed false reports to the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) to conceal his years-long theft.  The proceeding took place before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.  When sentenced, Alam faces up to 20 years in prison.

The guilty plea was announced by Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

“Alam was caught with his hand in the till, and now he must face the consequences,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “Those who corrupt the political campaign contribution process to enrich themselves will be caught and prosecuted.”  Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and to the enforcement staff at the NYSBOE for their assistance during the investigation.

Alam was employed by a New York State assemblyman in various capacities since 2008, including as chief of staff.  He also acted, on a voluntary basis, as treasurer for the assemblyman’s campaign account, and was responsible for filing periodic disclosure reports with the NYSBOE that reported contributions received and expenditures made by the assemblyman’s campaign committee.  Between approximately January 2012 and January 2019, Alam stole a total of approximately $80,000 from that account, which were funds that had been contributed to support the assemblyman’s candidacy, and deposited the cash into his personal account.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Reilly and Maria Cruz Melendez are in charge of the prosecution

The Defendant:

MARUF ALAM

Age:  29

Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-342 (AMD)