Breaking: Former Democrat Official Wanted For City Hall Burglary
Quintin Cross, the former city official out of Hudson, New York, was recently in a Columbia County courthouse to discuss unpaid restitution to the tune of $16,000. At the age of 23, Cross was charged with seven felony counts stemming from a State Police investigation which revealed he had used city credit cards in the Mayor’s name to purchase over $20,000 worth of personal expenses.
From the North Country Gazette:
Police said that Cross used the credit cards for car payments, an online dating service, airline tickets and to pay his cell phone bill, racking up charges of more than $20,000 between March and July 2006.
He pled guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny in 2007.
Cross spoke to reporters after his court appearance two weeks ago.
“I stole money from the City of Hudson and I have an obligation to pay that back,” he said.
Apparently, Cross decided the best way to pay back the money he stole from the City of Hudson was to … steal from the City of Hudson. Again.
Via the Times Union:
Two burglars, one a former city official, found out over the weekend that there is not much money lying around City Hall.
They also learned security cameras are left on when the building is locked for the day.
City officials said Quintin E. Cross, 29, a former city alderman, and Jamont M. McClendon, 28, were taped by security cameras as they burglarized City Hall.
Officials recognized Cross when they looked at the recording and announced Tuesday that they plan to charge him and McClendon with third-degree burglary.
According to WRGB, Cross had been interviewed by Hudson police after the burglary which led them to believe he was not involved. That is, until the security tapes were reviewed. Now, the police are unable to locate him, thus making Cross a wanted man. All told, he and his companion made off with less than $100, which is far less than the $16,000 owed in restitution.
Cross was once a rising star in Hudson city politics. Elected to City Council at the age of 18, Cross served as vice chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Committee and Mid Hudson Regional Director for the New York State Council of Black Elected Democrats.
Mental Recession 