“We talked a couple of times about different investments,” said Sinagra. “But I wasn’t keen on the things he was talking about, so I didn’t invest.”
While Benkert has not been active in Kingston politics in recent years, several sources say that he was actively involved in the 2009 campaign to elect former district attorney Donald Williams county court judge. State records show that Benkert gave a total of $1,100 to Williams’ successful election effort, placing him in the top tier of campaign donors. The same records show that in 2009 he donated $800 to the campaign of County Clerk Nina Postupack. Sinagra and Town of Ulster Supervisor Jim Quigley both recall that beyond the fiscal support, Benkert took an active role in Williams’ campaign. Quigley said he also recalled Benkert working on last year’s re-election campaign of District Attorney Holley Carnright. Besides having heard his name, Carnright said he was not familiar with Benkert and, so far, had seen no reason to recuse himself.
Williams, speaking briefly to a reporter during a break from court proceedings Wednesday, described Benkert as someone who “pounded in lawn signs” for his campaign. Williams added that he did not know enough about the case to make a final decision, but said it was likely that he would recuse himself from the proceedings.
Benkert, who was arraigned in Rosendale Town Court following his arrest, is free on $5,000 bail. State police meanwhile are still seeking to uncover the full extent of Benkert’s alleged fraud. Auriemma said that he was still trying to identify potential victims — anyone with information on the case, or who has invested money with Benkert, is asked to contact Auriemma at (845) 338-1702.
Having been one of the people on the District Attorney’s campaign committee and personally knowing Mr. Benkert from our grammer and high school days along with working with him minimally on Judge William’s campaign, I can state unequivocally that Supervisor Quigley is mistaking about Mr. Berkert with respect to our campaign. In fact, I do not recall either him Mr. Benkert or Supervisor Quigley attending any of our fundraisers.
Further, Supervisor Quigley was not involved in the District Attorney’s race on any level, I am sure he is simply mistaken.
This gentleman seems to have made a wrong turn. Recently he tried to pitch some buddies and I on WHOLE HEALTH, LLC. The idea didn’t make sense at all. We said we would kindly part ways and he tried way to hard convincing us we were making a mistake. He became adviserial with a friend and said ” if you know what’s best for your future, you will give me your money”. Guy is a completely scam and the truth always finds its way, as it did here. I hope he rotts. 360,000? he isnt even a good con artist. No disrespect to those he stole money from, but geez the guy half ass with everything huh?