Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Queens Pol Accused Of Paying Backers With Campaign Money
By
Ben Muessig
Published Feb 11, 2010
Modified Feb 11, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Muessig
Published Feb 11, 2010
Modified Feb 11, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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.
Tagged
campaign money
Congress
einna inc
money
nonprofit
patsy simmons
rep. gregory meeks
robert simmons
treasurer
Ben Muessig
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026 at 11:37 a.m. ET
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .