Former Leader Among Mayors Gets Term in Extortion Scheme

Former Mayor Lee Alexander, a one-time leader among the nation’s big-city mayors, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a $1.5-million extortion-kickback scheme.

Alexander, 60, spent 16 years as mayor of New York’s fifth-largest city and often was a spokesman for the nation’s mayors. He has served as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.

In a plea agreement, he admitted to charges of racketeering, conspiracy to obstruct a government investigation and tax evasion.

U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered Alexander to pay $100,000 in restitution to Syracuse in lieu of a $100,000 fine recommended by prosecutors.

City in Another Light

“While you brought the city national attention and did many fine things for the city, your criminal actions have placed national attention on it again in another light, and for that you must pay,” McAvoy said.

Alexander offered an explanation for his demise, saying it occurred when an effort to build a political war chest was “allowed to grow into a cancer.”

There had been speculation that Alexander was in line for a high-level job in the federal government and that he might some day run for governor. Democratic Party leaders made him their candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1974, but he lost the primary to former U.S. Atty. Gen. Ramsey Clark.

Seeks Plea Bargain

Alexander was indicted on July 16, 1986, by a special grand jury. He initially denied the charges but later sought a plea bargain.

A 40-count indictment accused Alexander of 65 acts of extortion. It charged that he extorted money from businessmen, professionals and consultants.

U.S. Atty. Frederick Scullin said Alexander must surrender by April 14. The prison where he will be held had not been determined.