Federal Bureau of Investigation

President of NYC Correction Officer's Union Removed From Post After Corruption Arrest

Union officials said Thursday that President Norman Seabrook was stripped of his title with the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association because bylaws dictate that only active correction officers can serve

The longtime head of New York City's jail guard union has been removed from his post following his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Union officials said Thursday that President Norman Seabrook was stripped of his title with the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association because bylaws dictate that only active correction officers can serve.

Seabrook, who was arrested Wednesday at his Bronx home and was later suspended by the city Department of Correction, had served in the position for 21 years. 

He's been charged with funneling $20 million in union funds to a hedge fund via a middleman in exchange for a $60,000 kickback.

Investigators allege Seabrook took kickbacks in connection with his union’s pension fund investments.

Seabrook allegedly received $60,000 in payoffs and in exchange directed a total of $20 million in the union's retirement funds to the Platinum Investment fund, according to court documents. The owner of the fund was also arrested.

Seabrook's former second-in-command is now the union president. Elias Husamudeen says he's concerned and saddened but stresses that Seabrook is innocent unless proven otherwise.

Seabrook was the only candidate running in an upcoming union election. Officials didn't say how his ouster will affect that race.

Seabrook's attorney said aftr his arrest that his client had "spent his life fighting for correction officers. One should no texpect him to stop fighting now. 

Seabrook's arrest came amid a federal investigation into allegations that NYPD officers engaged in a cash-for-favors scheme, and as Mayor de Blasio’s campaign fundraising is under scrutiny. The mayor has insisted his fundraising followed all laws.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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