Russell Simmons In Hot Water Over Alleged Illegal Gifts To Politicians
DAILY HIP-HOP NEWS — BY CARL CHERY
Published · reached Usenet June 29, 2003
Russell Simmons In Hot Water Over Alleged Illegal Gifts To Politicians written by Carl Chery Thursday - June 26, 2003
Though scoring a small victory in his fight against the Rockerfeller Drug Laws weeks ago, Russell Simmons now faces a criminal probe into alleged illegal gifts made to powerful state politicians in conjunction with his lobbying for their support in Albany to eliminate the harsh and biased law.
The probe was launched after The NY Post disclosed yesterday that secretary of state Randy Daniels flew to Albany for a drug-law meeting with NY Governor Pataki and legislative leaders on a helicopter chartered by Simmons.
The investigation of the helicopter ride, valued at more than the maximum $75 gift donation allowed by lobbyist, comes 24 hours after the Commission commenced a "formal investigation" on Simmons over whether he should have been officially registered as a lobbyist for the high profile campaign. Simmons would have to cough up to $100,000 if found guilty of violating the lobbying law, which requires anyone spending more than $2,000 to persuade a state legistlator to register as a "lobbyist."
Daniels states that no ethical mandate was broken as the ride was not a gift and Simmons would be reimbursed. Lobbying law forbids registered lobbyists from offering gifts worth more than $75 to senior state officials, whether they provide reimbursement or not.
"If it is determined that Mr. Simmons should have registered as a lobbyist then a trip like this would constitute an illegal gift under the Lobbying Act and would subject Mr. Simmons to a fine of up to $25,000 and a possible conviction for a Class A misdemeanor," said Commission Executive Director David Grandeau.
In more positive news, Russell's newest venture, The Simmons Lathan Media Group, has just reached a groundbreaking agreement with Altnet to distribute the company's film content to users of Kazaa. The content is now available through Altnet at Russell Simmon's hip hop channel within Kazaa. Besides featuring exclusives, unreleased, premiere material and short films, Simmons' hip hop channel will be updated with 20 new film titles every week. Single film downloads will be available for 99 cent while a monthly subscription will be added in the near future.