During his run for the US presidency in 2020, former-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio accrued a tab of roughly $330,000 for his security detail that will now be re-allotted to taxpayers as he reimburses the city. De Blasio’s campaign security was provided by the New York Police Department.
The Associated Press reports on the nature of de Blasio’s expenses and the payments he is now ordered make after settling with the New York City Conflict of Interest Board (COIB) on Wednesday:
“The payments concern the $319,794.20 in travel-related expenses — including airfare, lodging, meals — that de Blasio’s security detail incurred while accompanying him on trips across the country during his presidential campaign in 2019.” A $10,000 fine was attached to his debt as well.
One of the expenses went toward a Boston Red Sox game that de Blasio attended in Los Angeles while campaigning.
Additionally, the COIB fined de Blasio $155,000 in 2022 after an investigation probe from 2021 over his run for the presidency, finding his expenses misused.
De Blasio is being ordered to pay $100,000 at once. He will then pay $14,000 (other outlets report the amount of $15,000) every three months, according to the New York Post. If he defaults on any of these payments, he will have to pay the full $475,000 he owes to the city upfront
In the settlement, de Blasio stated, “In contradiction of the written guidance I received from the Board, I did not reimburse the City for these expenses. I made a mistake and I deeply regret it.”
The former-Mayor further expressed his regret on X and said he would like to move forward:
