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Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Female Flounders Rule Jamaica Bay - Videos - WNBC
Female Flounders Rule Jamaica Bay - Videos - WNBC
Female flounders are dominating Jamaica Bay. Carolyn Gusoff explains why.
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NY Sun: Council Member Likely To Surrender on Rape Charges...
Read original - August 3, 2007 - The New York Sun:
A City Council member accused of rape, Dennis Gallagher, appears to have been indicted by a grand jury and will have to surrender to authorities Friday, his lawyer said yesterday.
A spokesman for the Queens district attorney's office, Kevin Ryan, said he could not verify the indictment because the grand jury's deliberations are secret. He said the office is holding a press conference at 11 a.m. Friday, but he would not say what would be announced.
Mr. Gallagher, a Republican of Queens, has been dogged for weeks by allegations that he raped a woman in his district office in Middle Village, Queens, after meeting her at a local bar July 8. He has denied the accusation, saying he has faith in the system and is confident he will be vindicated.
Mr. Gallagher told the grand jury on Wednesday he had consensual sex with the woman accusing him of rape, his lawyer, Stephen Mahler said. To indict Mr. Gallagher, at least 16 of the 23 grand jury members had to vote in favor of the action.
Another lawyer for Mr. Gallagher, Christopher Renfroe, said he doesn't know what the charges are against his client. "The only thing I can tell you is I've been notified to surrender tomorrow," he said.
The anticipated indictment could shake up City Hall, where there has been little public reaction, short of initial shock from some members, to the accusation. Mr. Gallagher, who was elected to the council in 2001, attended a finance committee hearing and a council meeting at City Hall on July 25, and chatted with other council members before the meeting began. He said at the time that he was focused on community issues in his district.
Mr. Gallagher lives with his wife and two children in Middle Village, according to his council Web site, and is a former investigator for the State of New York Crime Victims Board. He was chief of staff to a former council minority leader, Thomas Ognibene.
In addition to Mr. Gallagher, two other council members have faced allegations of sexual misconduct since 2004, but criminal charges were not pressed. In 2002, a council member of Brooklyn, Angel Rodriguez, was indicted on extortion charges and later convicted and sentenced to four years and four months in prison. Speaker Christine Quinn said in a statement yesterday that both she and the council "take very seriously the deeply troubling allegations against Council Member Dennis Gallagher. Therefore, the matter is being immediately referred to the City Council's Standards and Ethics Committee, which will meet at the beginning of next week."
wcbs-tv: Elected Official Now An Accused Rapist...
Elected Official Now An Accused Rapist - Videos - WNBC:
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"Elected Official Now An Accused Rapist - Jonathan Dienst Reports
Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher faces rape charges for a late-night encounter in his office."
NEW YORK -- A city councilman was arraigned Friday on charges of rape and assault stemming from an encounter with a woman who accused him of attacking her in his office hours after they met in a bar. Councilman Dennis Gallagher, a married father of two, turned himself in after a grand jury came back with the 10-count indictment on multiple rape and assault charges. In testimony before the grand jury earlier this week, he acknowledged an encounter with the 52-year-old woman but contended it was consensual.
Video: Jonathan Dienst Reports
"He concedes that it was morally bad conduct on his part, but he absolutely and vehemently denies any criminal wrongdoing," his lawyer Stephen R. Mahler said. The woman alleged that after the July 8 meeting in the bar, he offered to drive her home but instead took her to his district office, where he attacked her. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the allegations "troubling -- particularly because they involve the actions of a public official who has a special responsibility to uphold and obey the law." Gallagher, elected to the council in 2001, is one of three Republicans in the 51-member body. He lives in the Middle Village section of Queens with his family, according to the council's Web site. Council Speaker Christine Quinn on Thursday described the allegations against Gallagher as "deeply troubling." She said in a statement that the council's Standards and Ethics Committee would weigh the case. The councilman has asked to be temporarily removed from his committee assignments, Quinn said Friday. Gallagher faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He was out on $200,000 bail and was scheduled to return to court Sept. 28.
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"Elected Official Now An Accused Rapist - Jonathan Dienst ReportsQueens Councilman Dennis Gallagher faces rape charges for a late-night encounter in his office."
NEW YORK -- A city councilman was arraigned Friday on charges of rape and assault stemming from an encounter with a woman who accused him of attacking her in his office hours after they met in a bar. Councilman Dennis Gallagher, a married father of two, turned himself in after a grand jury came back with the 10-count indictment on multiple rape and assault charges. In testimony before the grand jury earlier this week, he acknowledged an encounter with the 52-year-old woman but contended it was consensual.
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NY1: Report: Former Gallagher Aide Says He Harassed Her...
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A woman who volunteered in accused rapist Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher's office reportedly told a grand jury last week that Gallagher sexually harassed her.
According to the New York Post, the testimony of the woman helped lead to Gallagher's indictment on charges he raped a 52-year-old woman in his Queens office last month.
The paper says the Republican's former aide told the court she walked off the job after Gallagher asked her to take off her shirt.
Gallagher was arraigned Friday on rape and sexual assault charges.He pleaded not guilty and is free on $200,000 bail.
Sources say the Middle Village lawmaker told the grand jury he had consensual sex with his alleged victim.
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A woman who volunteered in accused rapist Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher's office reportedly told a grand jury last week that Gallagher sexually harassed her.
According to the New York Post, the testimony of the woman helped lead to Gallagher's indictment on charges he raped a 52-year-old woman in his Queens office last month.
The paper says the Republican's former aide told the court she walked off the job after Gallagher asked her to take off her shirt.
Gallagher was arraigned Friday on rape and sexual assault charges.He pleaded not guilty and is free on $200,000 bail.
Sources say the Middle Village lawmaker told the grand jury he had consensual sex with his alleged victim.
NY1: Indicted Councilman Removed From Leadership Post...
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Just days after Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher appeared in handcuffs to face charges of rape, he didn't show up to a City Council meeting Monday where his colleagues voted unanimously to remove him from his Minority Whip post and from all six of his committee assignments.
The Queens lawmaker was indicted last week on rape charges.
"These are serious charges, and I think it's in the best interest of the institution for Council Member Gallagher to focus on his defense and for the committees on which he's a member to move forward," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Gallagher requested to be removed from those positions Friday after City Council Speaker Christine Quinn suggested he do so.
The move will cost him a portion of the $5,000 stipend he receives for serving as Minority Whip.
Council members voted 37 to 0 to remove Gallagher. Gallagher said he did not attend the meeting because of a prior commitment. In total 14 members were absent.
Gallagher will still be permitted to vote at full council meetings.
The Council's Standards and Ethics Committee also took up the issue, but decided, at the request of the Queens District Attorney, to delay its own probe until the criminal process wraps up.
But one council member thinks Gallagher should spare the council any investigation and resign immediately.
"In the interest of his constituents, the City Council, and the city, I think it would be appropriate for him to step down," said Councilmember Tony Avella.
One of Gallagher's friends disagrees.
"I believe he is presumed innocent, and unless he believes that he cannot effectively do his job, he should remain and represent the people he was elected to represent," said Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.
In 2002, Brooklyn Councilman Angel Rodriguez was indicted on bribery charges. He stayed on the council for several months before resigning and pleading guilty.
At this point Gallagher has no intention of stepping down, maintaining that the sex was consensual.
Monday, August 6, 2007
PBS: Bill Moyers Journal..Interview with Barbara Ehrenreich...
Bill Moyers Journal . Transcripts | PBS
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Barbara Ehrenreich - After studying theoretical physics at Reed College and earning a Ph.D. in cell biology from Rockefeller University, Barbara Ehrenreich joined a small nonprofit in New York City in the late 60's, advocating for better health care for the city's poor.
She began researching and writing investigative stories for the company's monthly bulletin, and as she explains in her biography, "There was no decision to become a writer; that was just something I started doing."
What Ehrenreich calls her "big writing break," was a cover story for MS. MAGAZINE about feminism and heart disease, which lead to steady essay writing and opinion pieces in MS., MOTHER JONES, THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, HARPER'S and other magazines.
In 2001, she released perhaps her most influential book, NICKEL AND DIMED: ON (NOT) GETTING BY IN AMERICA, which chronicles the year she spent working low-income jobs and living in low-income housing. She writes:
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Barbara Ehrenreich - After studying theoretical physics at Reed College and earning a Ph.D. in cell biology from Rockefeller University, Barbara Ehrenreich joined a small nonprofit in New York City in the late 60's, advocating for better health care for the city's poor.She began researching and writing investigative stories for the company's monthly bulletin, and as she explains in her biography, "There was no decision to become a writer; that was just something I started doing."
What Ehrenreich calls her "big writing break," was a cover story for MS. MAGAZINE about feminism and heart disease, which lead to steady essay writing and opinion pieces in MS., MOTHER JONES, THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, HARPER'S and other magazines.
In 2001, she released perhaps her most influential book, NICKEL AND DIMED: ON (NOT) GETTING BY IN AMERICA, which chronicles the year she spent working low-income jobs and living in low-income housing. She writes:
"We would stop at a convenient store for quote 'lunch' and people just didn't have money in their pockets. By money, I mean, two bucks. That's when I realized that people...were not eating because they couldn't afford to. And I asked this one girl...'How do you get through a whole day without eating?' And she said, 'Oh, I get faint by the end of it, I feel dizzy.' So, that's no good."Ms. Ehrenreich has since released many additional books including BAIT AND SWITCH: THE (FUTILE) PURSUIT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM, based upon her undercover work as a white-collar job seeker, and her latest book, DANCING IN THE STREETS: A HISTORY OF COLLECTIVE JOY, which focuses on our species' desire for collective joy.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Two Statements by Speaker Christine C. Quinn - Re: Council Member Dennis Gallagher...
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 2, 2007
Contact: 212-788-7116
Release # 2007-067 - Read original
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN
Re: Council Member Dennis Gallagher
The Council and I take very seriously the deeply troubling allegations against Council Member Dennis Gallagher. Therefore, the matter is being immediately referred to the City Council's Standards and Ethics Committee, which will meet at the beginning of next week.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7116
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 3, 2007
Contact: 212-788-7116
Release # 2007-070
Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Re: Council Member Dennis Gallagher
We have received a written communication from Council Member Dennis Gallagher informing us that he will be stepping down from his leadership position and his position on the Budget Negotiating Team. In addition, he has requested that he be temporarily removed from his committee assignments.
Council Member Gallagher has expressed that he does not wish the ongoing criminal proceedings to become a distraction from the important business of the City Council.
We believe this decision to be appropriate, and will be referring his request to the Council's Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections.
NY Times: Jamaica Bay Loses Marshes at Faster Rate, Report Says by Anthony DePalma...
American oystercatchers taking flight in the marsh grasses of Jamaica Bay, where marshland is shrinking. They are on the Audubon Society’s watchlist for species facing population loss or threats like loss of habitat. Photo NY Times...Jamaica Bay Loses Marshes at Faster Rate, Report Says - New York Times:
The saltwater marsh islands of Jamaica Bay — crucial habitat for dozens of species of fish and birds — are vanishing at a rate far faster than previously thought and could disappear within five years, according to a report scheduled to be released today.
Using satellite imagery of the bay, along with field observations, the report found that about 33 acres of tidal wetlands are lost every year, nearly twice the 18-acre annual loss found in a previous study by the state released in 2001. The latest report was compiled by the Jamaica Bay Watershed Advisory Committee, a New York City body, and experts at the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes the bay.
“The dramatic increase in the rate of marsh loss we found is shocking,” the report says. “Given the short time that appears to be remaining for the marsh islands, this may be our last chance to save Jamaica Bay.”
While experts are not in agreement on what causes the severe losses, scientists suspect that one principal reason is nitrogen pollution from the treated outflow of four city sewage treatment plants on the bay. Large amounts of nitrogen can kill delicate marsh plants, and without the root structures to hold sediment in place, the marsh islands could be quickly washed away.
Brad Sewell, co-chairman of the advisory committee and director of the NY/NJ Harbor-Bight Project for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said that if the city improved its sewage plants and cut in half the 35,000 pounds of nitrogen that pour into the bay every day, the rate of wetlands deterioration could be slowed substantially.
Environmentalists have recognized the rapid loss of Jamaica Bay’s wetlands for more than a decade. The 2001 report by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation predicted that the bay’s marsh islands would disappear completely by 2024.
By using more sophisticated instrumentation and improved satellite imagery, the new report offers a more accurate picture of the bay’s health, Mr. Sewell said. The new report predicts that most of the marsh islands could vanish by 2012, although some might last longer, and others might wash away sooner.
“There’s a known solution, although it costs money, and our recommendation is to get started with it now,” Mr. Sewell said. The sewage plants can be outfitted to cut back the amount of nitrogen pumped into the bay, Mr. Sewell said.
The city is planning to equip its East River sewage plants, at a cost exceeding $700 million, in response to a longstanding legal action concerning a cleanup of Long Island Sound.
The city has no plans yet to equip its Jamaica Bay sewage plants in the same way.
A 2005 city law required the city’s Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive plan for the bay. The draft plan, released in March, did not include the nitrogen reduction that the advisory committee is recommending.
“The link with nitrogen is very weak,” said Angela Licata, deputy commissioner of the department. “To find that smoking gun and justify spending the capital dollars to upgrade the plants has been frustrating.”
In fact, said Mrs. Licata, the amount of nitrogen that the sewage plants pump into the bay has decreased by about a third over the last decade, even as the rate of wetland loss has accelerated.
Mrs. Licata said the department would take the new report into account before issuing a final protection plan for Jamaica Bay in October. But she said the department plan would include other actions to protect the bay, including working with the Army Corps of Engineers to do additional wetlands restoration.
wcbstv.com - Queens Councilman Surrenders To Police
wcbstv.com - Queens Councilman Surrenders To Police:
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(CBS) NEW YORK It has been a fall from grace for a New York City politician.
Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher surrendered to authorities on rape charges on Friday.
It was a devastating image. Gallagher surrendered Friday morning at the 112th Precinct. He was led out in handcuffs on the way to his arraignment.
Appearing before a judge, he pleaded not guilty, and was arraigned on $200,000 bail, much of it put up by his brother.
Outside, he was greeted by a crush of media. He labored to make his way down Queens Boulevard, accompanied by his wife, who held his hand despite charges he raped a 52-year-old grandmother.
"I will be vindicated," Gallagher said.
Queens DA Richard Brown outlined the charges that could put the councilman away for 25 years.
"He is alleged to have forcibly raped and sexually abused, physically abused and assaulted her," Brown said.
Gallagher's accuser has told cops that she met the married councilman at a bar near his home. The two ended up in his council office in Middle Village. There, the two had sexual relations. The woman told police Gallagher raped her there, sparking a police raid of his office that led to Friday's indictment.
His lawyer claimed Friday that no rape occurred.
"What we're really saying is something happened but it was consensual, long and short of it," attorney Stephen Mahler said. "It's not a whodunit, just a matter of he said she said."
Gallagher won't have to give up his council seat unless he's convicted. But the Ethics Committee has launched an investigation, and he'll have a lot of questions to answer from his constituents.
Gallagher is due back in court on Sept. 28.
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(CBS) NEW YORK It has been a fall from grace for a New York City politician.
Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher surrendered to authorities on rape charges on Friday.
It was a devastating image. Gallagher surrendered Friday morning at the 112th Precinct. He was led out in handcuffs on the way to his arraignment.
Appearing before a judge, he pleaded not guilty, and was arraigned on $200,000 bail, much of it put up by his brother.
Outside, he was greeted by a crush of media. He labored to make his way down Queens Boulevard, accompanied by his wife, who held his hand despite charges he raped a 52-year-old grandmother.
"I will be vindicated," Gallagher said.
Queens DA Richard Brown outlined the charges that could put the councilman away for 25 years.
"He is alleged to have forcibly raped and sexually abused, physically abused and assaulted her," Brown said.
Gallagher's accuser has told cops that she met the married councilman at a bar near his home. The two ended up in his council office in Middle Village. There, the two had sexual relations. The woman told police Gallagher raped her there, sparking a police raid of his office that led to Friday's indictment.
His lawyer claimed Friday that no rape occurred.
"What we're really saying is something happened but it was consensual, long and short of it," attorney Stephen Mahler said. "It's not a whodunit, just a matter of he said she said."
Gallagher won't have to give up his council seat unless he's convicted. But the Ethics Committee has launched an investigation, and he'll have a lot of questions to answer from his constituents.
Gallagher is due back in court on Sept. 28.
NY1: Saltwater Marsh Endangered In Jamaica Bay by Roger Clark...
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Environmentalists released a report Thursday that shows the saltwater marsh islands of Jamaica Bay are disappearing at an alarming rate.
The report from a city-created advisory panel, the Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan Committee, and Gateway National Recreation Area says 50 to 60 acres are lost every year. Moreover, the report finds that the marsh islands could be gone in five years, a big change from a state report in 2001 which suggested they could last until 2024.
Researchers are calling for a immediate action to save the marshes.
"This, to me, is a report that shows anybody that has any doubts, that if you look at this report and look at the statistics of this report, you will see that these marshes are disappearing at a rate that we can't control, and something's got to be done about it and it's got to be done now,” said Mundy.
"There really is no one that we have talked to that doubts that marsh loss is accelerating and this is an incredibly serious problem,” said Brad Sewell of the Natural Resource Defense Council.
The report says the loss will have a devastating impact on the area's ecology.
"If you lose the lower organisms the higher organisms feed on, then you are looking at a collapse of the whole bay ecosystem,” said Dough Adamo of the Gateway Natural Recreation Area.
The marshes also act as a flood plane for Brooklyn and Queens and prevent shoreline erosion.
The study says restoring the marshland would be very expensive. It recommends retrofitting sewage treatment plants to cut the amount of nitrogen in wastewater discharged into the bay. The study says too much nitrogen can kill the delicate plants that hold the marshlands together.
"We want to leave something here for our grandchildren and their grandchildren behind us," said Mundy.
The city Department of Environmental Protection says it's cut nitrogen levels in the wastewater by about one-third over the last decade, but it will take the findings of this report into account as it prepares an overall protection plan for the Jamaica Bay watershed, due out on October 1st.
-Roger Clark
Environmentalists released a report Thursday that shows the saltwater marsh islands of Jamaica Bay are disappearing at an alarming rate.The report from a city-created advisory panel, the Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan Committee, and Gateway National Recreation Area says 50 to 60 acres are lost every year. Moreover, the report finds that the marsh islands could be gone in five years, a big change from a state report in 2001 which suggested they could last until 2024.
Researchers are calling for a immediate action to save the marshes.
"This, to me, is a report that shows anybody that has any doubts, that if you look at this report and look at the statistics of this report, you will see that these marshes are disappearing at a rate that we can't control, and something's got to be done about it and it's got to be done now,” said Mundy.
"There really is no one that we have talked to that doubts that marsh loss is accelerating and this is an incredibly serious problem,” said Brad Sewell of the Natural Resource Defense Council.
The report says the loss will have a devastating impact on the area's ecology.
"If you lose the lower organisms the higher organisms feed on, then you are looking at a collapse of the whole bay ecosystem,” said Dough Adamo of the Gateway Natural Recreation Area.
The marshes also act as a flood plane for Brooklyn and Queens and prevent shoreline erosion.
The study says restoring the marshland would be very expensive. It recommends retrofitting sewage treatment plants to cut the amount of nitrogen in wastewater discharged into the bay. The study says too much nitrogen can kill the delicate plants that hold the marshlands together.
"We want to leave something here for our grandchildren and their grandchildren behind us," said Mundy.
The city Department of Environmental Protection says it's cut nitrogen levels in the wastewater by about one-third over the last decade, but it will take the findings of this report into account as it prepares an overall protection plan for the Jamaica Bay watershed, due out on October 1st.
-Roger Clark
NY1: Queens City Councilman Charged With Rape Is Free On Bail...
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Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher is now free on bail after surrendering to police Friday morning.
Gallagher turned himself in to detectives at the 112th Precinct just after 7 a.m. following his indictment Thursday night.
He was arraigned on ten counts, including rape and sexual assault charges. He was released on $200,000 bail.
If convicted he could face up to 25 years behind bars and would be required to register as a sex offender.
In reponse to the indictments, Gallager announced Friday that he is stepping down from his leadership roles in the council.
Gallagher's wife and brother joined the father of two in court Friday. His lawyer entered not guilty pleas for Gallagher, who has maintained his innocence since the accusations surfaced.
"I will be vindicated," said Gallagher as he left the courthouse.
“He denies engaging in any illegal conduct. He has from the very beginning.” said his lawyer, Stephen Mahler. “He really took the extraordinary step of testifying in front of the grand jury, despite the advice of council, because he felt that way. He’s very confident that at a trial, when all the evidence comes out, that his position will be born out.”
The alleged rape occurred in his Middle Village office on July 8th.
The DA says the victim told prosecutors she met Gallagher at a local bar where he offered her a ride home but brought her to his office instead where he raped her.
Sources tell NY1 that the woman, a grandmother who works at a local church, made a 911 call that night after the alleged attack and went to the hospital to be examined. The next day investigators raided Gallagher's office, looking for evidence.
The councilman told the grand jury Wednesday that he is guilty of adulterous sex with the woman, but that the sex was consensual and occurred after several drinks.
However, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says the evidence points to rape.
“The charges are clear that there was no consent in this case,” said Brown. “The issue I’m sure will be tried in an open court before a jury and it will ultimately be for that jury to make its decision.”
He is next expected in court on September 28th.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn says the allegations against Gallagher are troubling, and has referred the matter to the council's standards and ethics committee.
Gallagher was elected to the City Council in 2001. He is just one of three Republicans on the council and has kept a low profile until now.
According to a council spokesman, Gallagher's introduced six pieces of legislation since 2002; none of those bills passed. He has, however, been a sponsor 351 bills introduced by other council members. And he was outspoken when the council voted to raise property taxes and implement a law banning smoking in bars.
Before being elected to the council, Gallagher worked as a chief of staff to Republican Councilman and Minority Leader Thomas Ognibene, and was an investigator on the state Crime Victims Board.
Term limits require Gallagher to the leave office in 2009, unless he is forced to leave before then.
Sources Say Queens Councilman Indicted For Alleged Rape
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Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher is now free on bail after surrendering to police Friday morning.Gallagher turned himself in to detectives at the 112th Precinct just after 7 a.m. following his indictment Thursday night.
He was arraigned on ten counts, including rape and sexual assault charges. He was released on $200,000 bail.
If convicted he could face up to 25 years behind bars and would be required to register as a sex offender.
In reponse to the indictments, Gallager announced Friday that he is stepping down from his leadership roles in the council.
Gallagher's wife and brother joined the father of two in court Friday. His lawyer entered not guilty pleas for Gallagher, who has maintained his innocence since the accusations surfaced.
"I will be vindicated," said Gallagher as he left the courthouse.
“He denies engaging in any illegal conduct. He has from the very beginning.” said his lawyer, Stephen Mahler. “He really took the extraordinary step of testifying in front of the grand jury, despite the advice of council, because he felt that way. He’s very confident that at a trial, when all the evidence comes out, that his position will be born out.”
The alleged rape occurred in his Middle Village office on July 8th.
The DA says the victim told prosecutors she met Gallagher at a local bar where he offered her a ride home but brought her to his office instead where he raped her.
Sources tell NY1 that the woman, a grandmother who works at a local church, made a 911 call that night after the alleged attack and went to the hospital to be examined. The next day investigators raided Gallagher's office, looking for evidence.
The councilman told the grand jury Wednesday that he is guilty of adulterous sex with the woman, but that the sex was consensual and occurred after several drinks.
However, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says the evidence points to rape.
“The charges are clear that there was no consent in this case,” said Brown. “The issue I’m sure will be tried in an open court before a jury and it will ultimately be for that jury to make its decision.”
He is next expected in court on September 28th.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn says the allegations against Gallagher are troubling, and has referred the matter to the council's standards and ethics committee.
Gallagher was elected to the City Council in 2001. He is just one of three Republicans on the council and has kept a low profile until now.
According to a council spokesman, Gallagher's introduced six pieces of legislation since 2002; none of those bills passed. He has, however, been a sponsor 351 bills introduced by other council members. And he was outspoken when the council voted to raise property taxes and implement a law banning smoking in bars.
Before being elected to the council, Gallagher worked as a chief of staff to Republican Councilman and Minority Leader Thomas Ognibene, and was an investigator on the state Crime Victims Board.
Term limits require Gallagher to the leave office in 2009, unless he is forced to leave before then.
Sources Say Queens Councilman Indicted For Alleged Rape
Newsday.com: NYC Councilman Faces Rape Charge, Ethics Committee...
NYC councilman faces rape charge, ethics committee -- Newsday.com:
1:56 AM EDT, August 4, 2007
NEW YORK - A city councilman asked to be temporarily removed from his committee assignments while he contends with charges of raping a woman in his office hours after they met in a bar, the city council speaker said.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the allegations "troubling _ particularly because they involve the actions of a public official who has a special responsibility to uphold and obey the law."
Gallagher, elected to the council in 2001, is one of three Republicans in the 51-member body. He lives in the Middle Village section of Queens with his family, according to the council's Web site.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn said Friday that Gallagher had requested to be temporarily relieved of his committee duties. On Thursday, Quinn described the allegations against Gallagher as "deeply troubling" and said the council's Standards and Ethics Committee would weigh the case.
If convicted, Gallagher faces up to 25 years in prison. He was released on $200,000 bail and was scheduled to return to court Sept. 28.
1:56 AM EDT, August 4, 2007
NEW YORK - A city councilman asked to be temporarily removed from his committee assignments while he contends with charges of raping a woman in his office hours after they met in a bar, the city council speaker said.
Councilman Dennis Gallagher pleaded not guilty Friday after a grand jury indicted him on multiple rape and assault charges. In testimony before the grand jury earlier this week, the councilman, a married father of two, acknowledged an encounter with his 52-year-old accuser but said it was consensual.
"He concedes that it was morally bad conduct on his part, but he absolutely and vehemently denies any criminal wrongdoing," said his lawyer, Stephen R. Mahler.
Gallagher's accuser told authorities the councilman offered to drive her home after they met in the bar on July 8, but instead took her to his Queens district office, where he attacked her.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the allegations "troubling _ particularly because they involve the actions of a public official who has a special responsibility to uphold and obey the law."
Gallagher, elected to the council in 2001, is one of three Republicans in the 51-member body. He lives in the Middle Village section of Queens with his family, according to the council's Web site.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn said Friday that Gallagher had requested to be temporarily relieved of his committee duties. On Thursday, Quinn described the allegations against Gallagher as "deeply troubling" and said the council's Standards and Ethics Committee would weigh the case.
If convicted, Gallagher faces up to 25 years in prison. He was released on $200,000 bail and was scheduled to return to court Sept. 28.
New York Times: A Queens City Councilman Is Indicted in a Rape Case by Ray Rivera...
A Queens City Councilman Is Indicted in a Rape Case - New York Times:
City Councilman Dennis P. Gallagher has been indicted by a Queens grand jury investigating rape allegations against him, the councilman and his lawyer confirmed yesterday.
The indictment remained sealed yesterday and Mr. Gallagher, a Queens Republican, said he did not know what charges were handed up. The Queens district attorney is expected to hold a news conference today to announce the results of the grand jury’s deliberations.
The indictment comes one day after Mr. Gallagher appeared before the grand jury, telling the 23-member panel that the sexual encounter at the center of the allegations was consensual, his lawyer said. He continued to assert his innocence yesterday.
“The grand jury did not have all the information, nor did it hear all the witnesses,” he said in a telephone interview from his Middle Village home. “At the end, after the trial process when all the information can be heard, I strongly feel I will be vindicated of any charges.”
The Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown, would not discuss the indictment yesterday. “Any action that’s taken by the grand jury is sealed as a matter of law,” he said. Criminal charges contained in an indictment are unsealed when a defendant is arraigned.
Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn commented on the allegations for the first time yesterday.
“The Council and I take very seriously the deeply troubling allegations against council member Dennis Gallagher,” she said in a statement. “Therefore, the matter is being immediately referred to the City Council’s Standards and Ethics Committee, which will meet at the beginning of next week.”
Mr. Gallagher is expected to surrender to the police this morning and then be arraigned. He is expected to plead not guilty to whatever charges are filed, his lawyer, Stephen R. Mahler said.
Mr. Mahler was sharply critical of the grand jury proceedings, saying that a majority of the questions asked of his client were designed to prejudice jurors against him. He said he planned to immediately file a motion to dismiss the charges based on what he said was prosecutorial misconduct.
“Well, this grand jury presentation was really stark evidence why lawyers almost always advise clients who are targets of an investigation not to testify,” he said.
Mr. Gallagher chose to testify despite his advice, Mr. Mahler said, because he “felt he didn’t want to hide behind legal maneuvering and felt he owed it to his constituents to come forward and say he’d done nothing illegal.” Kevin R. Ryan, a spokesman for the Queens district attorney’s office, declined to comment on Mr. Mahler’s allegations.
The investigation began after a woman told the police that Mr. Gallagher had raped her at his Council office in Middle Village on July 8, after the two had been drinking at a nearby bar.
Mr. Gallagher, 43, is married with two children. Before being elected to the Council in 2001, he was a longtime chief of staff to Thomas V. Ognibene, the former Council minority leader. Mr. Ognibene said he was saddened by news of the indictment.
“There was nothing in my relationship with him to indicate that he was capable of this kind of conduct, so it was shocking to hear of this indictment. But speaking as a lawyer, an indictment is nothing but an accusation, and people ought to allow him the presumption of innocence,” Mr. Ognibene said.
The last council member indicted in a crime was Angel Rodriguez, a Brooklyn Democrat who resigned in 2002 before pleading guilty to federal bribery charges, according to Council officials.
NY Daily News: Makes Bail & Vows 'I'll Be Vindicated' as Wife Watches; DA sez
Makes bail & vows 'I'll be vindicated' as wife watches; DA sez...
Cuffed Queens pol arraigned on rape
Makes bail & vows 'I'll be vindicated' as wife watches; DA sez
Saturday, August 4th 2007, 4:00 AM
City Councilman Dennis Gallagher leaves the court with his wife, Donna, after making bail.
City Councilman Dennis Gallagher surrendered to police yesterday and was arraigned in handcuffs before a Queens judge on 10 counts of rape, assault and sex charges.
With his wife watching from the audience, the Middle Village councilman held his head high as a clerk read off charges that Gallagher raped a 52-year-old grandmother in his district office last month.
"I shall be vindicated," a defiant Gallagher told the Daily News seconds after pleading not guilty and making $200,000 in bail. "I am innocent of these charges."
Gallagher, who faces up to 25 years in jail if convicted, walked out of the courtroom with his brother, his wife and his lawyer at his side to face a slew of television and newspaper photographers.
The councilman, 43, is charged with meeting the woman on July 8 at one of his favorite watering holes, Danny Boy's, where he offered to drive her home.
Instead, he took her to his office on Metropolitan Ave. and forced her to have sex, cops said.
Gallagher testified before a grand jury for two hours on Wednesday and underwent intense grilling from Queens prosecutor Kenneth Appelbaum. He admitted the encounter happened but insisted it was consensual, sources said.
"It's a relief," Gallagher's alleged victim said while watching him walk into court on television. She declined further comment.
"The allegations are very troubling - particularly because they involve the actions of a public official who has a special responsibility to uphold and obey the law," said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, adding that Gallagher should think about resigning.
"It seems to me ... that his ability to represent his councilmatic district and to function as a legislator has been seriously impaired by these allegations," Brown said.
Gallagher, who is term-limited in 2009, said he would not step down, but he resigned as council minority whip and gave up his committee assignments.
His only defenders seemed to be the crowd at Danny Boy's.
"It's like he's already been convicted," said one fellow drinker, who would only give his first name, Eddie. "Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?"
With Kirsten Danis and Peter Kadushin
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wnbc.com: Lawyer: NYC Councilman Will Fight Indictment In Sex Case...
Lawyer: NYC Councilman Will Fight Indictment In Sex Case - Investigations News Story - WNBC | New YorkNEW YORK -- A city councilman was turning himself in Friday to face charges stemming from a sexual encounter in his Queens office, his lawyer said.
The indictment against Councilman Dennis Gallagher had not been unsealed early Friday, and attorney Stephen R. Mahler said he was unsure what the exact charges would be. Gallagher expected to be arraigned on Friday, his lawyer said.
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