Denenberg Drops Out of State Senate Race

Nassau Legis. David Denenberg dropped out of the race for state senate after allegations that he defrauded a client in his former law firm, according to Newsday.

Denenberg, D-Merrick, is accused of taking more than $2 million from a client and never performing any services. The suit was filed by Denenberg’s former employer, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, of Garden City.

The criminal complaint calls Denenberg a “rogue lawyer” who is guilty of “truly heinous criminal misconduct” by billing for nonexistent court cases. The firm is seeking more than $3.6 million, which includes Denenberg’s compensation between 2006 and 2014.

“My family, the electorate, the campaign and this position are way too important to be subject to outrageous allegations and negative attacks against me personally,” said Denenberg in a statement, according to Newsday. “Therefore, I withdraw from the race.”

Denenberg was running for Republican Charles Fuschillo’s seat in the State Senate’s Eighth District. He is currently in his eighth term as a county legislator.

Have a news tip? Email heather.doyle@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following thesedirections. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it hereand start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.