A New York City Department of Investigation inquiry has implicated former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes in the improper use of money seized from drug dealers and other criminal defendants to pay a political consultant more than $200,000 for his work on Hynes's unsuccessful re-election campaign last year, the New York Times reports. Hynes could face larceny charges for the misuse of public funds.
The investigation found that Barry Kamins, the administrative judge for New York City’s criminal courts, violated the judicial code of ethics by advising Hynes on his campaign, offering legal advice and discussing matters that the district attorney's office was actively prosecuting. Justice Kamins has been relieved of all administrative duties. Hynes potentially violated the City Charter and conflict of interest board rules; violations of the City Charter can be charged as misdemeanors. His conduct may have also violated the state penal code section on official misconduct.