A real estate developer from Airmont, New York, has been charged for allegedly bribing City of Newark employees and conspiring to sell unauthorized identification cards bearing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insignia.
Menashe Davidovitz, 31, faces charges including conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to sell false seals, and conspiracy to sell official insignia, as announced by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. From June to November 2024, Davidovitz allegedly provided cash and other benefits to Newark employees in exchange for official actions related to his properties, such as obtaining permits, certificates of occupancy, and resolving violations.
Additionally, from October 2021 to January 2023, Davidovitz reportedly conspired with Jonathan Ledesma, a former U.S. Air Marshal, to sell "Law Enforcement Family Member" cards. These cards, embossed with the apparent DHS insignia and a QR code linked to Ledesma’s phone, generated approximately $30,000 in proceeds for Davidovitz, despite his lack of authorization to sell such insignia.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Field Office and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, for their investigation. Davidovitz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.