Rep. Grimm Made Convicted Felon A "Director" At His Company

Rep. Grimm (left) and Carlos Luquis

GTL advocate and Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm is "not a fair-weather friend." This is why he gave felon and ex-con Carlos Luquis, who worked as an FBI agent alongside Grimm, the position of "Director" at his Texas-based company Austin Refuel.

Luquis was convicted in 2006 of bilking a major Texas electricity grid manager out of $2 million, in addition to exaggerating his involvement in the 9/11 terrorist probe on his resume. As one prosecutor puts it, Luquis "exploited the national tragedy for personal gain, and for his crimes he served 2 years of a 12 year sentence. Now, working for Austin Refuel, a business associate tells the Daily News that Luquis "was in charge" during their time together. "He was doing all the leg work. He was going to all the consultants," she says. He also spells his name "Luklz" when conducting business. Oh, that "Luklz:" he's a convicted ~~fraud~~ kidder!

Grimm, who now owns 28% of Austin Refuel after stepping down as CEO once he was elected, tells the paper via email that he "contracted Carlos because he was a friend that needed a hand in getting back on his feet." Because Luquis "served this country honorably for approx 16 years, he earned a second chance." Absolutely. What "Luklz" did in the past is now just LOLz.

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By Christopher Robbins in News on August 14, 2011 11:17 AM

Comments [rss]

Eric Marquez

So glad to see the other people's comments that question the qualifications of whomever wrote this article. I applaud Michael Grimm for being open and honest about his business and personal decisions, as well as the support of his friends and former associates. I hope that Michael Grimm's professionalism and integrity is contagious and has a positive effect in DC!

felixthecat

Not surprised. Congressman helps a guy down on his luck. He also has some compassion foe dogs in puppy mills and i think he adopted one. Congressman Grimm is a step up from that asshole Michael McMahon. Good ridden to that asshole. Good job congressman Grimm

felixthecat

What's with the Lolz? Poor writing. :(

jaycjay

Luquis "was in charge" during their time together. "He was doing all the leg work. He was going to all the consultants,"

So, having served his time to satisfy his "debt to society" for the crimes of his past, he was given a job by a friend. He's been working hard at that job; he's the one who gets things done there.

Good for Carlos Luquis, and for Representative Grimm,, who hired him.

So rare to see such a positive, heart-warming story on Gothamist!

100

Word.

setecq

I loathe Grimm, but there's not a story here, is there? And not just in the usual snarky Gothamist "look what the Post thinks is news" way. No one cares, period.