Milgram charges GOP consultant over robocall impersonating Rumana staffer
By Matt Friedman | November 23rd, 2009 - 6:14pm
A veteran New Jersey political consultant who has run into controversy before was charged today with impersonation and violation of the Fair Campaign Practices Act.
Kevin Collins, 39, allegedly was responsible for automated phone calls in support of District 40 Republican primary challengers Joe Caruso and Anthony Rottino. In the call, a woman who identifies herself as “Ann” lobs several charges at incumbents Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) and Dave Russo (R-Ridgewood)
Collins, who lives in Brooklyn but used to live in Wood-Ridge, allegedly gave the robocall services company the cell phone number of Ann O’Rourke, Rumana’s chief of staff, so that the call looked like it originated from her.
“This is a case of identity theft and misrepresentation,” said Attorney General Anne Milgram. “The defendant used the victim's cell phone number and first name to make people believe she was responsible for the robocalls.”
Over 12,000 residents of the 40th district got the call on primary day, June 2. According to the Attoney General's Office, it did not identify who paid for it and made several inaccurate claim about the incumbents.
Collins drew fire over a 2007 primary campaign mailer against state Sen. Kevin O’Toole (R-Cedar Grove), who is half Korean-American, comparing him to Al Sharpton. Many political observers considered it race baiting, and the flyer was widely condemned by leaders of the state GOP.
Collins was briefly campaign manager for former Republican gubernatorial primary candidate Steve Lonegan, but left amid internal campaign discord.
The impersonation offense carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine, while the violation charge carries a maximum six month sentence and $1,000 fine.
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He should think about his actions in Prison!
This dirt bag needs to go to jail and should be charged with a separate count for each of the 12,000 call.
If they knew about it or assisted in it, Caruso and Rottino should also be charged as alleged co-conspirators. Why would this guy do this, but for the prompting of the candidates. This stupidity targeted Ann O'Rourke because of her status a chief of staff. The candidates should be fined to the maximum for any alleged ELEC violations!
Why no mention of GOP Strong alleged connections? They were stooges and jackasses for the primary and did what they could to suck the Passaic County Republicans of as much money as possible and sabotage the Chairman election.
They lost on all fronts and Rumana won the Primary, the Chairmanship, three County freeholder seats and almost all municipal races.
The AG's office should scrutinize how Collins pays for his legal fees!
OOUCH
This is payback time, BIG TIME for 2007 Primary mailer and Robocalls against O'Toole; whos finger prints are all over this one.
Give me a break
The US Attorney is pulling down dozens of theiving politicians at a clip and Anne Milgram prefers to waste her time and taxpayer dollars on this?
No wonder Corzine got booted. Good riddance to him and to Anne "I'll just investigate college websties" Milgram. Seriously, can anyone name me one credible case that Milgram has prosecuted that made a difference? Joe Vas? Really?
You could fill a book with all the obvious
thievery that she has missed.
How does any campaign
believe that these stunts will make a difference?
Right out of the Rick
Right out of the Rick Shaftan school of scumbag politics.
if i was kevin otoole i'd be
if i was kevin otoole i'd be real concerned right now
State Democrat Committee made calls for Daggett
This is a case of identity theft and misrepresentation?
Well AG???
This is a clear shot accross the bows
of the Lonegan/ Hermansen ship sailing in the wrong direction. Dont mess with the establishment or else.
Remember that Milgram or any other appointed AG does not get out of bed in the morning without the permission of the 2 party bosses.
bottom line
bottom line - this idiot apparently violated the law. Period! enough of the excuses and stop the violation NOW!
The Dems have the U.S. Attorney now
Any stepping over the boundaries by the GOP establishment will be dealt with. Ask Spitzer and Preate about it.
Whatever happened to Neil Cohen?
Assemblyman Neil Cohen was arrested and indicted for viewing child pornography on a state issued computer that was 18 months ago. Whatever happened to that arrest?
Neil Cohen
Neil Cohen has been dispatched to The Village, where he is now known as Number 69.
“I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered! My life is my own.” Number 6.