Former New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has refunded nearly $1 million in campaign donations to about 150 donors since he quit his office after being accused of beating four women.
Schneiderman resigned from his government office in May after the accusations emerged. Despite the ruckus, he was never charged with any crimes and denies any wrongdoing, according to the New York Post.
Donors began clamoring for their money to be returned when it became clear that Schneiderman would no longer be a candidate for re-election in 2018.
So far, his campaign has returned $982,192. But sources say he still has around $7.2 million in his now-defunct campaign coffers.
Some of the donations returned include $5,000 to actress Bette Midler, $10,000 to songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, $65,100 to Texas personal injury lawyer Thomas Henry, and $40,000 to the consulting firm Parkside Group.
“Schneiderman 2018 is honoring its commitments and paying bills in accordance with applicable law and precedent. Once the committee has honored all its commitments, the remaining funds will be donated to worthy and appropriate causes, consistent with the law,” Schneiderman spokesperson Kimberly Spell told the Post.
Schneiderman’s resignation came on the heels of four women who gathered together to accuse the New York AG of physical abuse in May.
Jane Mayer and Ronan Farrow revealed the abuse accusations against Schneiderman, a vocal champion of women’s rights, in the New Yorker.
The four women — only two of whom allowed their names to be used — described a pattern of abuse that included claims of alcohol and drug abuse. Schneiderman initially claimed he was only engaging in sexual “role-playing games,” but in short order, he resigned from his role as the state’s top law enforcement officer.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.