Velázquez’s Statement on Arrests of NYCHA Employees in Federal Corruption Investigation

Washington D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the Southern District of New York announced bribery and extortion charges against 70 current and former employees of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA):
 
       “I’m appalled by the arrests of 70 NYCHA employees in what is being described as the largest single-day bribery takedown in the history of the U.S. Justice Department. These alleged crimes are an egregious breach of public trust, and those responsible must be held accountable. 
 
       “NYCHA is a vital institution that provides affordable housing to over 500,000 New Yorkers. The allegedly long-occurring flagrant corruption on display here has the potential to further erode NYCHA’s reputation and the public’s trust. If we are going to turn NYCHA around, we need to change the Agency’s culture. NYCHA residents and taxpayers deserve better.”  
 

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