Wendell Walters
New York 23 March 2012. The former assistant commissioner of the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) pleaded guilty Friday (23 March 2012) to racketeering conspiracy and bribery.
Wendell Walters, an assistant commissioner of HPD was arrested on kickback, bribery, extortion and other related charges.
Walters, 49, is said to be cooperating with the ongoing Department of Investigation and FBI investigation.
As an assistant commissioner, Walters was responsible for overseeing affordable housing projects across the city. He accepted $25,000 at a time in cash payoffs from developers looking to win contracts and land-use rights and had received more than $2.5 million in bribes.
Walters is set to be sentenced July 25. Prosecutors said Walters agreed to forfeit properties, including a Harlem apartment, as part of the plea deal.
