Queens Pol Arrested on Campaign Finance Fraud Charges

Federal officials say Queens Democratic district leader Albert Baldeo has been charged with campaign finance fraud during a 2010 City Council election.

Baldeo is an immigration lawyer who lost the 2010 election to Ruben Willis.

Federal prosecutors say he used straw donors to funnel illegal contributions to his campaign. They say the move increased the amount of matching funds provided by the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

FBI Acting Assistant Director Mary Galligan says the donations were nothing more than checks written from Baldeo's personal piggy bank.

Baldeo is also charged with obstructing the investigation. He surrendered Wednesday and was expected in federal court.

It's not clear if he has an attorney. A call to his law office wasn't returned.