Special Counsel To Probe Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency

MOUNT VERNON, NY — City Hall is starting an investigation into the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency. On Monday, Mayor Richard Thomas announced the appointment of Richard M. Frankel as special counsel for the probe.

“Mr. Frankel’s assignment will be to conduct an in-depth review of the agency’s operations and investigate possible irregularities that date back as far as 2006," Thomas said. "Since taking office I have had serious concerns about the agency’s work and its use of federal funds. Six months ago, I hired former Obama administration officials to review whether the Urban Renewal Agency was in compliance with federal law. Their feedback to me has necessitated the appointment of a recognized white collar criminal expert to take a deep dive into the records of the agency and utilize sworn testimony to review the agency’s operations. Under Section 66 of the City Charter, the Mayor has these powers.”

Thomas said that among the findings of the initial investigation of the agency was that it had an estimated $6 million in loans listed as “uncollectable or undocumented.” Also, certain federal funds remain unspent.

“Reports that should have been filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development were disregarded and communications to the agency staff were hidden by a veil of silence," he said. "Of particular concern is the fact that city funds are being transferred to the agency with no explanation as to why.”

About the Special Counsel: Richard Frankel spent the majority of his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He has led numerous FBI field divisions as the Special Agent In-Charge of the Newark, New Jersey, overseeing criminal investigations, as well as undercover and tactical operations with an emphasis on threat-based, intelligence-led law enforcement. Mr. Frankel is a recognized authority on complex investigations, asset recovery, cybersecurity issues and crises management. He served as the Associate Director of National Intelligence and Senior FBI Representative to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. His public service began as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, NY. He is of counsel to Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.