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Indicted Councilman Didn't Tell Wife He Divorced Her

2010_2_seabrook3.jpg Long before getting hit with a 13-count federal indictment for charges of fraud and extortion stunning in both their scope and their audacity, Councilman Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx) successfully brushed off a scandal that could have brought an end to his political career. According to the Daily News, Seabrook somehow divorced his wife without telling her.

In 1993, Seabrook legally split his wife, but kept the divorce secret for years "as his duped spouse shared a bed and a Bronx home" with him and cosigned a $140,000 loan for him. The ex, 64-year-old LaVerne Seabrook, only learned she was divorced when the information came to light during Seabrook's 2000 run for state Senate. His ex-wife says her former husband is innocent of the charges against him. "Do I believe it? No. When we were together, he was honest," she said. "When it comes to stuff like this, nah, that's not Larry."

Seabrook stopped living with his ex-wife in 1996, after the couple's daughter graduated high school, a decision he described by stating: "That's real family values."

Apparently other Councilmembers are hoping that Seabrook's indictment will be the final controversy for the scandal-scarred body. Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) told the Post he feels "disappointment that these issues continue to pop up," and added: "Hopefully, this is the last one." Despite Speaker Christine Quinn's attempts to clean up the Council following the slush fund scandal, the head of the city's Department of Investigation told the Daily News there remains a need for "serious reform."

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Comments [rss]

  • dgeee

    I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt because he's a playa.

  • FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

    Quinn sets the pace of corruption in the city council. She rewards city council members slush funds and committees chairs in exchange for their votes. Is this democracy? it a payfor system. One prime example is city council member James Vacca who told NY! and his students that he would vote NO on Bloomberg/Quinn's term limit bill. He teaches at Queens College as well. You have to love the fact they make over 110k for a part time job. Also Vacca even send his students to speak at the hearing against the assault on democracy by overturning the will of the people. But to everyone's surprise, at the last minute, James Vacca voted YES on overturning term limits and received a committee chair after his vote with a 15k stipend. How is this legal. How is Quinn free? Slush fund, city staff working on her campaign, paid endorsements, ...

  • nycraf

    "In 1993, Seabrook legally split his wife"

    Via court approved katana blade?

  • FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

    I meant vacca's students at queens college were shocked ...

    On my iPhone.

  • FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

    Quinn sets the wave of corruption. She is the one doling out slush funds and committee to other members who do her bidding. Janes vacca flip flop at the last minute and voted to overturn term limits. He was rewarded with a committee head by Quinn. Vacca's students at queens cleve were shovied by his vote she he advised them to attend the haring. Vacca told his students to speak up against the overturn of term limits and fight fir democracy. His students were shocked the next day when vacca voted to overturn term limits. Quinn was behind this and yet she is walking free.

  • whitecastlerock

    "That's real family values." Disgusting... Yes there needs to be real reform. Quinn is horrendous and should be in jail.

  • Bubba

    Lots of corruption on Quinn's watch...

  • the3rdbridge

    Mr. thecat, the floor is yours:

  • JenChungsBaby

    This guy has all the qualifications to become Council Speaker some day. And if that doesn't work out he can get a job in Albany.

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