N.Y. Jewish Community Seeks Funds to Aid Accused Charity Leader

Members of New York’s Jewish community are quietly raising money to help William Rapfogel, the politically connected ex-nonprofit leader charged with orchestrating a kickback scheme that looted $7-million from his organization, according to the New York Daily News.

A source in the city’s Orthodox community told the newspaper the goal is to raise up to $3.1-million for the longtime executive director of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty to put toward restitution in hopes of lowering a possible prison sentence. “Willie’s been a friend to a lot of people,” said another source, who said he had been solicited for a donation.

Mr. Rapfogel faces larceny charges for allegedly leading a conspiracy to drain money from the Metropolitan Council via padded insurance premiums. The social service charity fired him in August amid an inquiry into the alleged fraud.

Mr. Rapfogel is expected to reach a plea agreement with prosecutors after the Passover holiday, which begins Monday evening, the Daily News writes, citing sources close to the ex-charity chief. A spokesman for New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a longtime friend of Mr. Rapfogel, said the legislative leader is not involved in the fundraising effort.