New England Gazzette

Richmond Hill, NY – A disbarred attorney with a federal conviction for obstruction of justice is once again seeking elected office in Queens, drawing renewed scrutiny as he campaigns for a seat in the New York State Assembly.

Albert Baldeo, a Guyana-born former attorney and longtime political figure in southeast Queens, has a history of repeated bids for public office despite a criminal case tied to his 2010 New York City Council campaign and the subsequent loss of his law license. He has previously run for multiple offices, including State Assembly and State Senate, and once came within several hundred votes of winning a State Senate seat.

Federal prosecutors said Baldeo was convicted in 2014 on multiple counts of obstruction of justice after a jury found he tampered with witnesses during an FBI investigation into his campaign finances. Authorities said the case centered on allegations that Baldeo used “straw donors” to funnel illegal campaign contributions in order to qualify for public matching funds.

According to court filings, Baldeo made direct statements to witnesses in an effort to influence their cooperation. Prosecutors said he instructed at least one individual to “tell them you don’t know anything” when approached by investigators and warned others not to speak with federal agents. Authorities argued these statements were intended to mislead investigators and obstruct the probe.

Court records also describe more serious actions tied to witness cooperation. Prosecutors stated that after Baldeo learned one straw donor would refuse to lie, a series of retaliatory steps followed. A threatening letter was faxed from Baldeo’s office to the donor’s attorney. In addition, a co-conspirator made false allegations to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services accusing the donor of abusing a grandchild. Authorities also said complaints were filed with the New York City Department of Buildings regarding properties owned by the donor or the donor’s spouse.

Federal officials characterized these actions as part of a broader effort to interfere with the investigation through intimidation and pressure. At sentencing, prosecutors said Baldeo attempted to “intimidate and harass” witnesses in order to derail the case. He was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Following his conviction, Baldeo was disbarred in New York, ending his ability to practice law. Despite that, he has remained active in politics and continues to pursue elected office.

New York law allows individuals who have completed felony sentences to run for office, enabling candidates like Baldeo to appear on the ballot.

Supporters have previously characterized his prosecution as politically motivated, while critics argue that his conviction and disbarment raise serious concerns about ethics and public trust, particularly for a role involving oversight of government and public funds.

As the election approaches, Baldeo’s candidacy presents voters with a familiar question in Queens politics: whether a documented record of witness tampering and obstruction outweighs a candidate’s continued efforts to return to public office, or whether political persistence can overcome a controversial past.