N.Y. Legislator Accused of Misusing Charity Funds Loses Re-Election Bid

A powerful New York State senator accused of diverting millions of dollars from a network of nonprofit health clinics was ousted in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, writes The New York Times.

Pedro Espada Jr., the majority leader of the State Senate, lost by a nearly 2-to-1 margin in his Bronx district to Gustavo Rivera, a first-time candidate and a past aide to several New York politicians.

Mr. Espada and several associates are the target of a lawsuit filed in April by New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, who alleges they siphoned $14-million from the Comprehensive Community Development Corporation. Mr. Espada serves as president of the nonprofit organization, which operates clinics in the South Bronx. He has called the lawsuit the result of a political conspiracy, not any wrongdoing.

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