Mount Vernon mayor pleads not guilty in corruption case

<p>Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment Friday morning. .</p>

News 12 Staff

May 25, 2018, 2:12 PM

Updated 2,169 days ago

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Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment Friday morning.
He faces four felony counts of grand larceny after he allegedly stole from his campaign fund and inauguration accounts and using the money for rent, car payments and a Chanel bag.
Thomas was indicted last week by a Westchester grand jury. Thomas faced Judge Barry Warhit as his attorney pleaded not guilty to all eight counts.
After his brief arraignment Thomas, and dozens of his supporters, stood outside the courthouse where he once again proclaimed his innocence.
"I understood that there were going to be challenges along this way but my faith will never waver," Thomas said.
Thomas’ lawyers are hoping to get all charges thrown out. They say the state Attorney General's Office is operating outside the scope of its jurisdiction.
"We intend to press that issue in this court and we're looking forward to addressing that issue and the other serious problems with this case before the court," said defense attorney Randall Jackson.
Thomas' lawyer is expected to file a motion to dismiss the indictment against him in Westchester County Court within the next week.
Thomas is due back in court on July 20.


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