A top aide to Bronx state Sen. Ruben Diaz will be doing hard time for embezzling more than a half-million dollars from two charitable groups founded by Diaz, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced today.
Clement Gardner, 64, was sentenced to a two-to-six year prison term after admitting he stole $560,000 while serving as fiscal officer for Diaz’s Christian Community Benevolent Association and Christian Community in Action.
The prosecution followed by a probe by the city Department of Investigation.
“The defendant used two publicly funded Bronx organizations like his personal piggy bank, diverting more than a half million dollars earmarked for services for needy New Yorkers in just over eight years,” Schneiderman said.
“We will not tolerate those who abuse the public trust for personal gain, and will continue to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Today’s sentence brings justice for Mr. Gardner’s crimes.”
Gardner pled guilty to the felony charge of grand larceny in the second degree.
Justice Steven Barrett also ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $560,000.