N.Y. Councilman Resigns Amid Probe of Nonprofit Group He Backed

New York City Councilman Miguel Martinez abruptly quit his post yesterday as federal prosecutors prepared to charge him in connection with an investigation of a nonprofit group to which he allegedly steered public funds, reports The New York Times.

Mr. Martinez would be the first council member charged as part of a broad, two-year probe of the body’s use of discretionary funds to support favored community organizations. Last month two former aides to Councilman Kendall Stewart pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from a foundation Mr. Stewart had supported.

In March investigators raided the office of the Upper Manhattan Council Assisting Neighbors, which helps immigrant populations in the councilman’s district. The group, founded in 1998, has received more than $1.4-million in city funds since Mr. Martinez’s sister, Maria, joined its board.

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