Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) can't seem to catch a break. Already under scrutiny for his ties to a nonprofit under federal investigation for its role in a controversial plan to bring slot machines to the Aqueduct Race Track and accused of scamming Hurricane Katrina victims, Meeks is taking fire for using campaign cash to pay longtime supporters.
According to the Post, Meeks issued $27,000 in campaign funds to a company established by his treasurer. The campaign committees Friends for Gregory Meeks and Meeks for Congress gave the cash to EINNA Inc. for "administrative consulting services," according to federal filings. Documents reveal that EINNA Inc. is registered to Patsy Simmons, who holds an often unpaid post as Meeks' campaign treasurer. Further investigation reveals that her husband, Queens district leader Robert Simmons, has been on Meeks' payroll for years earning about $80,000 annually.
Sources tell the tabloid Meeks uses the campaign donations and legislative salaries to reward longtime supports—a move that isn't necessarily illegal, though is frowned upon by good government groups. Meeks, whose campaign was fined $63,000 in 2008 for misusing federal fund, declined to talk to reporters about the money.
