NYC Nonprofit Founder Charged in $2.5 Million Kickback Scheme During Pandemic

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Julio Medina, founder of the Exodus Transitional Community, has been charged with accepting $2.5 million in kickbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, as stated by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. Medina allegedly funneled approximately $51 million in city contracts intended for housing services for released detainees to two business associates, Weihong Hu and Christopher Dantzler, who provided him with cash and luxury gifts in return.

The indictment revealed that Medina accepted various payments, including over $750,000 for home renovations and a luxury car whose payments allegedly exceeded $50,000 monthly. It claims that Medina inflated budgets to conceal the kickbacks when securing contracts from the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. U.S. Attorney John Durham remarked the scheme exploited pandemic-related funding meant for vulnerable groups.

The charges reflect ongoing investigations following corruption allegations that have also implicated city officials. Medina's case illustrates how individuals allegedly capitalized on a crisis to misappropriate public funds, undermining efforts to assist those in need.

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