Head of Politically Connected N.Y. Nonprofit Is Guilty of Fraud

The executive director of a taxpayer-supported nonprofit training organization with close ties to a Bronx political leader was convicted last week on federal fraud and obstruction-of-justice charges, says the New York Daily News.

David Griffiths, 66, who headed the now-defunct Neighborhood Enhancement for Training Services, was found guilty Wednesday after a four-week jury trial and faces up to 45 years in prison, prosecutors said.

The organization, known as NETS, provided programs for young people and the elderly and received most of its support from government grants steered to it by New York State Assemblyman Peter Rivera. Mr. Griffiths, a former law partner of Mr. Rivera and the legislator’s campaign treasurer, was charged in January 2011 with lying to federal investigators who were probing NETS’ finances.

Mr. Rivera, who plans to vacate his seat later this year, testified as a witness fro the prosecution.