Jimmy Meng

Jimmy Meng (simplified Chinese: 孟广瑞; traditional Chinese: 孟廣瑞; pinyin: Mèng Guǎngruì, born 1944) is a former New York State Assemblyman representing the 22nd Assembly District in Queens, New York.

Jimmy Meng was arrested on federal bribery charges on July 25, 2012;^[1] he allegedly promised to help a defendant bribe Manhattan prosecutors in exchange for a cash bribe concealed in a fruit basket. It was reported that the potential bribe money went into Meng's pocket, all $80,000 in what the media called the "Fruit Basket Bribery Case".^[2]

In 2004, Meng became the first Asian American to be elected to the legislature in New York State history.^[3] He served only one term, having decided against running for re-election in 2006 following a scandal regarding election irregularities in his first campaign. His campaign manager was his daughter, Grace Meng, and Chief of Staff was Sandra Ung.

He was succeeded by another Asian American, Ellen Young. In turn, Young lost the September 9, 2008 primary to Meng's daughter, Grace Meng.^[4]

On March 12, 2013, Jimmy Meng and daughter, Congresswoman Grace Meng, left Brooklyn Federal Court after Meng was sentenced to a month in jail and a $30,000 fine for his role in the bribery scheme.^[5]

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