#Rochester Mayor Warren indicted for campaign fundraising abuses

Embattled Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has been indicted on campaign finance charges.

The leader of New York State’s third largest city was already under fire for her administration’s handling of the facts surrounding the death of Daniel Prude, who died after being restrained in a spit hood while in police custody.

Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley Friday slapped Warren with two campaign finance charges — scheming to defraud in the first degree and an election law violation.

The indictment claims she had donors exceed campaign contribution limits, limited to $8,500 per donor, during Lovely’s successful 2017 re-election bid.

Warren was running a campaign account and a separate political action committee, Warren for a Strong Rochester PAC, both allegedly aiding her re-election.

Twenty eight donors made contributions to both committees, exceeding contribution limits.

One of the complainants who blew the whistle on Lovely Warren’s suspicious fundraising at the time was her rival for mayor, Monroe County legislator Rachel Barnhart.

“We need to make sure elected officials are acting in the public interest, not in their own interests and the interests of their donors,” Barnhart said in a tweet.

“Campaign finance laws exist to protect our elections and make sure there is transparency. The magnitude of these allegations is nothing short of cheating.”

The Warren indictment — coupled with the controversy and protests surrounding Daniel Prude case — “will plunge our city further into turmoil,” Barnhart said.

Warren can remain in office while she fights the charges. She would have to vacate the office if convicted of a felony.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo office declined comment on whether Warren — whose name was once floated to be a potential running mate for Cuomo — should resign.

New York State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs said he would not ask Warren to resign while she defends herself.

State GOP chairman Nick Langworthy said, “Another corrupt Democrat who thinks the campaign finance laws don’t apply to them. She’s been a terrible mayor and the whole country has seen that on full display.”

Warren has maintained her innocence.