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Group set to protest in support of Huntley nonprofit associates

Group set to protest in support of Huntley nonprofit associates
By Howard Koplowitz

A nonprofit comprised of clergy and headed by the Rev. Charles Norris Sr. of southeast Queens plans to rally next week outside Nassau Supreme Court in defense of four associates of state Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), who were indicted on grand larceny charges.

The group, Clergy United for Community Empowerment, says the four associates — Huntley staffer Patricia Savage, David Gantt, Roger Scotland and Lynn Smith — are innocent and it planned the Feb. 1 event to show its support for them.

The four were indicted after an investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that allegedly found they stole from a nonprofit created by Huntley.

Huntley has not been charged.

Norris, president of the clergy group, is leading the rally outside Nassau Supreme Court in Mineola Feb. 1.

“We have received an outpouring of support and hope the court will recognize that a grave injustice has been done,” he said in a statement.

Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz at 718-260-4573 or at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com.