City Councilmember Larry Seabrook was charged Tuesday with presiding over a reign of corruption in the Bronx that included shakedowns, favoritism, nepotism - and even a scam to collect $177 for a $7 bagel and soda.The endless schemes to line his pockets were detailed in a stunning 66-page federal indictment that charged nothing - not even a cheap snack purchased near City Hall - was beyond Seabrook's greedy grasp.
"Councilman Seabrook basically operated his own corrupt, City Council-funded friends and family plan," said U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
The married Seabrook funneled city money to shaky Bronx non-profits where his girlfriend and relatives were paid more than $500,000 between 2002 and 2009, prosecutors charged.
The three-term councilman also shook down a Bronx businessman for $50,000 in return for landing a boiler contract at the new Yankee Stadium - and used the money to pay parking fines and credit card bills.
A 13-count indictment charged Seabrook abused his position to benefit his wife, his girlfriend, his family - and himself.