Tapes Reveal Money Convos in St. Lawrence Trial

Ramapo Councilman Patrick Withers shared audiotapes with FBI investigators revealing discussions around financing a new ballpark and transferring money to the town’s general funds budget. Withers, the deputy town supervisor from 2013 until 2016, claimed he did not trust the other members of the town government and wanted information to be recorded accurately. The tapes were revealed during a court proceeding involving Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence currently faces a 22-count indictment charging him with committing wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy.

The tapes revealed various things including St. Lawrence wanting to have a robust general fund for the town to impress Moody’s bond rating service. St. Lawrence wanted to issue large bonds to secure funding for a new ballpark but a referendum from voters opposed the idea.

On May 1 former director of the Ramapo Local Development Corporation testified that Christopher St. Lawrence frequently bailed the RLDC out of tight situations by using town funds. Aaron Troodler plead guilty in March, admitting to securities fraud and conspiracy charges. He also agreed to cooperate with the prosecution in St. Lawrence’s trail.

The corruption trial is taking place in a U.S. District Court in White Plains.

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