Brooklyn Democratic Party Leadership Faces Scrutiny Amidst Legal Challenges and Accusations

The Brooklyn Democratic Party's recent leadership transition is embroiled in controversy, with the old guard proceeding with the election of Nikki Lucas as the new chair, despite a judicial order to pause the process. Lucas, an assemblywoman from the 60th district, has been accused of deed theft in a 2021 lawsuit. The party brass celebrated Lucas's election late Sunday night, succeeding outgoing chairwoman Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermeln.

A state Supreme Court justice had attempted to halt the election of new leadership while a legal dispute between the party and a reform faction regarding control of the county organization is ongoing. A ruling on whether Bichotte-Hermeln's actions, including endorsing Lucas as her successor, will stand is expected in the coming weeks.

The deed theft suit filed in 2021 names Lucas as one of eight defendants and alleges that a property valued at $3.4 million, identified as the Southern Baptist Church in East New York, was transferred without cost. Court records indicate Lucas was represented in this matter by former judge Ed King.

Ed King was federally charged in May for his alleged involvement in a $5 million escrow scheme. Records show King was also listed on the deed and acted as the attorney for the purchasers in the church property transaction. A judge had previously sided with the church's trustees and reversed the sale, though the case became frozen after one of the defendants died.

Lucas and King have a history, with Lucas having supported King's successful bid for judge. Insiders recalled King thanking Lucas during his victory speech in 2022. King faces accusations of defrauding investors by misrepresenting his ability to return $6.5 million wired to his account as part of a "proof of liquidity." He has reportedly returned only $1.5 million of the original funds in connection with the federal criminal case that led to his resignation last year.

Bichotte-Hermeln announced her decision not to seek reelection and to step down as party chair last week. Her tenure has been marked by previous scrutiny, including federal agents raiding her home as part of an unspecified investigation. A previous report also highlighted approximately $190,000 in potentially questionable judicial contributions collected by the county party machine.

Despite the court's order, Bichotte-Hermeln reportedly made calls to assemble a new executive board, leading to her being served with a contempt order. She posted on social media, criticizing the action as a punishment for invoking her constitutional rights.

A hearing is scheduled for October 19 to determine if the Brooklyn Democratic leadership will face penalties for proceeding with the leadership vote despite the judicial injunction. Lucas and King have not responded to requests for comment.