Wednesday, November 29, 2006

From The Business As Usual in Philly Department:

CBS 3 Philadelphia: Mayor Street's Brother Indicted By Feds
Web Extra: Mayor Street Reacts
Milton Street Indictment (pdf file)

Businessman Milton Street, older brother of Philadelphia Mayor John Street, was indicted on federal corruption charges Tuesday.

Ol' Milty used to be a left-fascist PA legislator, who was often seen foaming at the mouth.

U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan released details regarding the 11-count indictment at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

The charges include mail fraud and failure to pay taxes stemming from an airport contract the 65-year-old Milton Street obtained with the city back in 2003, three years after his brother was elected mayor.

The indictment states Milton Street did not pay taxes on that multi-million dollar contract to handle elevators, baggage conveyers, jet bridges, storm water and sanitary drainage, fire protection systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and landscaping maintenance at Philadelphia International Airport.

Prosecutor's state not only did Milton Street commit tax fraud on the contract; but he lacked experience, and did not perform any real work once contracted.

"Milton Street wanted the IRS to believe he was a humble street vendor who made his living selling hot dogs and soda, what he didn't tell them, was he was making millions on nothing more than his last name," said Meehan.

The Grand Jury found Street's business career took off once his brother John was elected mayor.

Coincidence is always the friend of the kleptocrats.

Starting in the year 2000, the indictment says, Milton Street began hiring himself out as a highly paid consultant to local businesses who believed he could help them get city business.

"If you're looking for an example of what 'pay to play' means, today's indictment… is the perfect example," said Ronald Hosko of the F.B.I.

Mayor Street was not named or charged in the indictment.

Instant translation: Not yet.

"I have seen but not read the indictment," said Mayor Street. "My brother Milton has been one of my best friends in all the world, this is a very very sad and distressing development for me."

During the contract controversy, Mayor Street publicly ordered the city to withdraw from an airport deal with his brother.

Instant translation: "I will stand by my brother as long as I think it benefits my political career."

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