New York’s Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin has been arrested on account of campaign fraud-related charges in connection with a past campaign. 

The New York Times reported that Mr Benjamin is expected to appear in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday. 

The five-count charges accused Mr Benjamin of conspiring to direct state funds to a real estate investor in exchange for thousands of dollars for illegal campaign contributions in last year’s race for New York City comptroller.

The Times notes that Gerald Migdol, the real estate investor, began cooperating with investigators after being arrested in May 2021 on wire fraud and other charges connected to the case.

Mr Benjamin’s arrest follows investigations carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the city’s Department of Investigation.

Mr Benjamin was also charged for being  “engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up the scheme,” including forging campaign donation forms and giving false information as part of a background check. 

Mr Benjamin had been appointed lieutenant governor by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2021 after he lost a primary bid for New York City comptroller.

He previously served as the New York State Senator for District 30, made up of Harlem, East Harlem, the Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights and Morningside Heights.