HEAD DOCUMENT EXAMINER AT BRONX OFFICE OF THE CITY REGISTER CONVICTED OF BRIBE RECEIVING

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that Joseph Kasim, Head Examiner at the Bronx Office of the City Register, has pled guilty to one count of Bribe Receiving in the third degree.

Kasim, a 55 year old Bronx resident, admitted that he accepted a total of $1,640 in payments in exchange for using his position to " expedite, approve and file" property related documents submitted to his office.

Acting State Supreme Court Justice John Byrne set sentencing for Friday, December 12, 2003 in Part A.

Under terms of the agreement, Kasim will be sentenced to five years probation and has waived his right to appeal the conviction. Kasim also has paid full restitution of the $1,640 in bribes given to him by an undercover investigator from the New York City Department of Investigation, Office of the Inspector General. The bribes were paid on seven different occasions, at the Bronx Office of the City Register, at 1932 Arthur Avenue, between January 1, 2002 and July 25, 2003.

The Department of Investigation initiated the investigation after receiving information that Kasim was soliciting payment for work for which he already was receiving compensation from the City of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Consumano of the Bronx DA’s Rackets Bureau.