City Councilmen Matteo (l.-r.), Ignizio and Ulrich have reintroduced a bill seeking tougher penalties for looters.
Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office/Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times
The three Republican members of the City Council last week reintroduced legislation that would create civil penalties for looters and fraudsters during a local state of emergency.
Councilmen Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Steven Matteo (R-Staten Island), and Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio (R-Staten Island) reintroduced the bill which would create a $50,000 civil penalty atop criminal penalties that already exist for anyone who commits a property or fraud related crime in an area that’s under mandatory evacuation orders.
After Superstorm Sandy, the councilmen noted, there were multiple reports of looting in affected areas of Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Rockaways. Residents in southeast Queens and other neighborhoods reported that people disguised as city officials, relief or construction workers, attempted to defraud or successfully defrauded storm victims.
“Anyone who commits a crime in a disaster area is downright disgraceful and deserves to face the stiffest penalties under the law,” Ulrich said. “If passed, this bill would punish those who capitalize on other’s misfortune and act as a deterrent for anyone who thinks they can get away with breaking the law during a declared state of emergency.”
Introduction 0635 was referred to the Public Safety Committee last Thursday.
By Michael V. Cusenza
