On Friday, Cheektowaga Councilman Charles C. "Charlie" Markel copped a plea to a misdemeanor crime involving fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Charlie waived a presentencing report and was sentenced immediately to a conditional discharge. He must lead a lawful life for one year, or he faces further sentencing. Unfortunately, the moment he was sentenced, he forfeited his seat on the Cheektowaga Town Council, because he admitted to a "willful deceit or a calculated disregard for honest dealings," thus violating his oath of office. Markel apparently plans to fight his ejection from the Council, but his efforts are doomed. The leading case on such matters is Matter of Holt v Marinelli and it is offered below:
In Holt, Erie County Legislator George Holt pled guilty to filing a fraudulent tax return and not paying enough taxes. Markel filed false unemployment claims and received money he had no right to. Holt forfeited his office, so did Markel.
As an interesting side note, County Executive Mark Poloncarz had previously employed Markel at the Rath Building as a maintenance supervisor. Political insiders considered Charlie to be Mark's personal woodpile rat in Cheektowaga, undermining the Frank Max organization. Markel was apparently dumped when Polo got wind of the unemployment fraud investigation. Wonder if any of the slop from this sorry episode will splash back on the Emperor?
As an interesting side note, County Executive Mark Poloncarz had previously employed Markel at the Rath Building as a maintenance supervisor. Political insiders considered Charlie to be Mark's personal woodpile rat in Cheektowaga, undermining the Frank Max organization. Markel was apparently dumped when Polo got wind of the unemployment fraud investigation. Wonder if any of the slop from this sorry episode will splash back on the Emperor?
