Haverstraw Political Candidate Arrested In Alleged Shakedown

Barry Berman, 62, of Garnerville has been arrested and charged with allegedly trying to shakedown an opponent in the Town of Haverstraw Highway Superintendent race for money. 

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe said on Monday Berman was arraigned on a four-count complaint that charged him with Coercion, Grand Larceny and Violations of Election Law. He was scheduled to appear in Town of Haverstraw court today. 

Zugibe said, “As alleged, the defendant promised to 'clear the way' for his political opponent for the right price.”

According to the charges, Berman had collected enough signatures on nominating petitions to run as a Democratic candidate for highway superintendent on the ballot in the September 10 primary election. Berman and the opponent were seeking the Democratic Party line. 

Zugibe stated, “It is alleged that the defendant approached an opponent and threatened to remain on the ballot as a candidate in the primary unless the victim paid him the sum of $3,000. Upon payment, Berman immediately filed paperwork with the Rockland County Board of Elections that resulted in his name being removed from the ballot in the primary.”

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit conducted an investigation that led to Berman’s arrest. Specifically, Berman was charged with Coercion in the 1st Degree, a class “D” Felony, Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree, a class “E” Felony, Violation of Election Law Section 17-142 (5) Giving Consideration for Franchise, a Felony and Violation of Election Law 17-144 (2) Receiving Consideration for Franchise, a Felony. Berman faces up to seven years in state prison if convicted.