CONFIRMED: Menachem "Melly" Lifshitz another victim of Spinka fallout

Menachem "Melly" Lifshitz, former name partner of the securities class action firm Bernstein Liebhard & Lifshitz was accused by the Manhattan DA's office of using "charitable organizations" for tax fraud purposes. He plead guilty and paid $4.75 million in back taxes, penalties and interest to settle the charges while avoiding jail time.

His indictment and plea agreement made no mention of which charities had received his money. Press releases or articles about the case likewise made no mention.

Was this another victim of the Spinka fallout?

A review of the Melly & Rochelle Lifshitz Charitable Trust's filing of form 990 for year 2005 lists $200,000 being given to "Yeshiva Imrei Yosef", one of the main Spinka charities at the center of the Dept of Justice's Los Angeles investigation. I think this would settle the issue. How $200k turns into $4.75 million is beyond me, but I dont think it makes a difference. This is another example of Spinka donors taking a hit.

One question remains: The LA investigation was handled by the US Attorney's office and the Dept of Justice - a federal matter. The Lifshitz investigation was handled by the Manhattan DA's office - a local, state matter. Why?

(schedule of recipients is on the last page, 15)