Federal prosecutors say a New York real estate developer bribed Newark officials to obtain permits and certificates while also profiting from the sale of unauthorized identification cards bearing Department of Homeland Security insignia.
A New York real estate developer has been charged in a federal corruption case alleging he paid bribes to Newark city employees to help advance his real estate projects and participated in a scheme to sell unauthorized identification cards displaying the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Menashe Davidovitz, 31, of Airmont, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery involving a federally funded local government, conspiracy to sell false seals, and conspiracy to sell official insignia, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
The charges were filed in federal court in New Jersey.
Prosecutors Allege Bribes for Permits and Property Violations
According to court documents, Davidovitz allegedly conspired with others between June and November 2024 to provide Newark employees with cash and other benefits in exchange for favorable official actions involving properties he owned in the city.
Federal prosecutors allege the payments were intended to secure permits and certifications needed to occupy, sell, or operate the properties.
“Davidovitz paid bribes in order to obtain permits and certificates, including certificates of occupancy, which were required before his properties could be occupied or sold,” prosecutors said in court filings.
Authorities further allege that he paid local officials to assist with resolving municipal violations connected to his real estate holdings.
The complaint does not identify the Newark employees involved, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Alleged Homeland Security ID Card Scheme
In addition to the bribery allegations, prosecutors say Davidovitz participated in a separate scheme involving identification cards bearing what appeared to be official federal law enforcement credentials.
According to federal authorities, between October 2021 and January 2023, Davidovitz worked with co-conspirators, including former U.S. Air Marshal Jonathan Ledesma, to market and sell so-called “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards.
The cards allegedly identified the bearer as a “family member” of Ledesma, whom the cards described as “a Federal Officer.”
Federal prosecutors said the cards were embossed with the apparent insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and included a QR code linked to Ledesma’s cell phone.
Authorities allege Davidovitz was not authorized to use, reproduce, or sell the Homeland Security insignia or any imitation of it.
According to prosecutors, the scheme generated approximately $30,000 in proceeds.
“Though Davidovitz was not authorized to sell the insignia of the DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, he received approximately $30,000 in proceeds from the sale of these cards,” court documents state.
Investigation Conducted by FBI and HUD-OIG
The investigation was led by the FBI Newark Field Office and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and HUD-OIG Special Agent in Charge Shawn A. Rice with overseeing the investigation that resulted in the charges.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Criminal Division.
Because the charges were filed through a criminal complaint, the allegations remain accusations. Davidovitz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Newark real estate developer Menashe Davidovitz, 31, has been charged in a federal bribery and corruption case.
• Prosecutors allege he paid Newark employees to obtain permits, certificates of occupancy, and assistance with property violations.
• Federal authorities also allege Davidovitz helped sell unauthorized identification cards displaying Homeland Security insignia, generating about $30,000 in proceeds.