Former city housing official Wendell Walters pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and bribery in Brooklyn’s federal court today. Last fall, The New York World revealed the behind-the-scenes story of the kickback scheme in which Walters played a key part, and which siphoned funds from numerous affordable housing development projects run by the city.
The ex–assistant commissioner for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development admitted to receiving bribes with a total value of more than $2.5 million.
Six real estate developers and lawyers were also arrested for their part in the pay-to-play racket, for whom no trial dates have yet been set.
Walters faces up to 30 years in prison. He is free on bail and due to be sentenced on July 25.
See Alice Brennan’s in-depth story detailing the Wendell Walters bribery scheme.