Screenshot: Metropolis of Peekskill, New York/Fb

Peekskill Frequent Council member and Housing Authority Board member Rob Scott, 44, has been charged with forging signatures on his election petition in a determined bid to safe a spot on the poll for the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Peekskill Herald reported.

Scott’s try to problem incumbent County Legislator Colin Smith for the Democratic nomination in final yr’s major got here to an abrupt halt when the County Board of Elections invalidated a good portion of his petition signatures.

Of the 531 signatures Scott submitted, 217 have been deemed fraudulent, leaving him properly beneath the required threshold to qualify for the poll.

“This morning, the City of Peekskill learned Councilman Rob Scott was charged by the Westchester County District Attorney with filing false documents. The City understands that this is a serious charge, and that information is currently developing. The City will address and comment once more information becomes available,” based on the press launch.

In keeping with allegations, Scott knowingly submitted petitions with solid signatures, together with these of people who later confirmed they’d by no means signed any doc for Scott. This discovery emerged from an investigation initiated by the DA’s workplace after receiving complaints from residents concerning the solid signatures.

The matter has escalated from a political embarrassment to a felony case, with Scott going through felony costs for submitting false paperwork.

In keeping with Iohud, County District Legal professional Miriam E. Rocah introduced that Scott had been arrested and charged with providing a false instrument for submitting within the first diploma, Penalties for this Class E felony carry a possible jail time period of 4 years.

Scott’s arraignment is scheduled for April 30.

Scott stated on the time he was shocked to study that individuals had emerged to state they’d not signed the petitions that he had witnessed.

“This is like stuff you see on TV, you know?” Scott stated. “It’s like stuff you see in the movies.”

Scott’s four-year time period on the Peekskill Frequent Council runs by way of 2025. Smith referred to as on Scott to resign.

“Although I am disheartened at the news of Councilman Scott’s arrest, I applaud the district attorney’s office for taking a strong stance on public integrity,” stated Smith. “Our elected officials must be held to a higher standard. Let this arrest serve as a warning to those who would attempt to subvert the rule of law for their own selfish gain that such self-serving behavior will not be tolerated. Councilman Scott should immediately resign.”

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie stated it’s too early to take that stand, only a day after Scott’s arrest and earlier than the councilman offers with the felony costs.

“I believe that the judicial process should play out as intended and I will withhold any judgement until I have more information,” she stated.