Monserrate Condemns 'Politically Motivated' Burglary
Hiram Monserrate's office was buglarized last night in what the Queens Democratic City Councilman is suggesting was a "politically motivated" crime.
From a public statement emailed earlier by Monserrate's office:
Like every office there are computers, printers, scanners and other equipment including a TV with DVD. However, the only equipment taken was a personal laptop. Also, what was taken was stationery. It is for this reason one begins to suspect the break–in was politically motivated.
Also:
We look forward to a political climate that addresses the issues and concerns of our constituents and does not involve dirty tricks.
As police were going through the office this morning looking for clues, Monserrate's chief of staff Julissa Ferraras told me, "There's just so many other valuable things that could have been taken."
When asked who would have the political motivation to break into the office, Ferreras declined to name anyone.
It's been noted that Monserrate, a term-limitted City Councilman who almost unseated Democratic state Senator John Sabini in 2006 and is considering a rematch later this year.
There's an unusual history there, including an episode in which Sabini's office was broken into, and a a moment when Monserrate accused a Sabini staffer of making anti-immigrant remarks.
Does this happen anywhere else?
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Jay Savino took it, the laptop that he stole from the state senate is being used by Anthony Ribustello for take out food orders
you've seriously got to be kidding me with this. what a paranoid freak.
Good thing he's an ex cop. I'm sure he'll have the crime solved in no time!
I'd be willing to bet that the "political motivation" here is Monserrate trying to make a story where there is none.
So someone broke in and he or she did not take something big like a desktop computer or a TV but instead stole something easy for 1 person walking to carry, a laptop. And Hiram says it must be political. I guess we know why he never made detective.
an office with no signs of forced entry...and a laptop and paper not where it belongs. is it not possible a staff member or intern decided to work from home?
I think it was Colonel Mustard in the Library with the Candlestick.
what exactly was on this laptop. and was it purchased by the city for council staff? i think its really pathetic that you and liz benjamin are reporting on this, without first getting the hard facts to see if this is even credible.
So, a personal laptop and official stationary are missing? How convenient--I hope reporters remember this cheesy cover-up attempt when all of Monserrate's shady dealings come to light. When evidence surfaces he'll just blame it on "the burglars." This is sad and pathetic.
Making things up to get attention? Making false accusations? Not Top Cop Hiram...
This story was actually the runner up. I have it on good authority that first he planned to come out and say that Gallagher raped him.
Hopefully whatever is on that computer turns out to be bad enough to banish him to the Bronx. Personally, I think he should have stuck with the first story.
To answer your question, Azi, no, this doesn't happen anywhere else. Only in the twisted world of Monserrate. Please stop giving this guy free publicity.
Here's a clue: maybe Hirram sold the computer on craigslist so he could get cash for his next financial filing.