New York-based Guyana lawyer guilty of obstruction of justice

Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 August 2014, 11:42 by GxMedia

(TIMES LEDGER).-A federal jury found Ozone Park Democrat Guyana-born Albert Baldeo guilty of obstruction of justice, but acquitted him of mail and wire fraud charges Monday, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

Baldeo, a former Democratic district leader and candidate for office, turned himself into the FBI in November 2012, after he was charged with having fake donors contribute to his failed 2010 City Council campaign to receive matching funds from the city and obstructing the government’s investigation. He was running against City Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica).

Jurors handed down convictions on seven obstruction of justice charges, but did not find Baldeo guilty on three charges of mail and wire fraud, Bharara’s staff said.

Baldeo could not immediately be reached for comment.

The seven charges each carry sentences of up to 20 years behind bar, according to Bharara’s office.

His sentencing is currently scheduled for Dec. 16.