Major Controversies Surrounding Michael Grimm (politician): A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Michael Grimm (politician).

Michael Grimm is a former American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York from 2011 to 2015. Representing both the 13th and 11th congressional districts of New York, which encompassed Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, Grimm was a Republican and the only one representing a significant part of New York City during his tenure. His time in Congress ended prematurely due to his conviction on tax fraud charges, which led to his resignation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1999: Allegations of Authority Abuse

In 1999, Michael Grimm was allegedly involved in an incident at a nightclub, leading to an internal investigation into allegations that he abused his authority as an FBI agent. This was reported by Evan Ratliff in The New Yorker in 2011.

July 2011: Safety Violations for Austin Refuel Transport

In July 2011, the New York Daily News reported that Austin Refuel Transport, where Michael Grimm was a silent investor, had received 11 safety violations in two U.S. Department of Transportation checkups.

2011: New Yorker Report on Grimm

In 2011, Evan Ratliff reported in The New Yorker that Michael Grimm had been the subject of an internal investigation into allegations that he abused his authority as an FBI agent in 1999. Grimm stated that the incident had been fully investigated and that he had been cleared of all allegations.

January 27, 2012: NY Times Article on Campaign Donations

On January 27, 2012, The New York Times published an article stating that followers of Orthodox Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto alleged that Michael Grimm's campaign had accepted questionable donations. Grimm denied any wrongdoing.

August 2012: Investigation into Grimm's 2010 Campaign

In August 2012, the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York announced that it was investigating Michael Grimm's 2010 campaign.

November 2012: House Ethics Committee Inquiry

In November 2012, the House Ethics Committee decided to inquire into Michael Grimm's 2010 campaign but agreed to "defer consideration" of it at the Department of Justice's request.

2013: Grimm Lied in Deposition

In 2013, Michael Grimm lied in a deposition, as he later admitted as part of a plea bargain on December 23, 2014. This was one of the offenses in the original indictment against him.

January 10, 2014: Arrest of Diana Durand

On January 10, 2014, Diana Durand, Michael Grimm's former girlfriend, was arrested by the FBI on charges of illegally donating more than $10,000 to Grimm's 2010 campaign. Grimm denied any wrongdoing.

January 28, 2014: Grimm Threatened Reporter

On January 28, 2014, Michael Grimm threatened NY1-TV political reporter Michael Scotto after Scotto tried to question him about a campaign finance investigation, saying he would "break [Scotto] in half" and threatening to throw him over the balcony.

April 25, 2014: Grimm's Attorney Advised of Indictment

On April 25, 2014, Michael Grimm's attorney was advised by the U.S. Attorney's office that his client would be indicted on criminal charges related to Healthalicious.

April 28, 2014: Grimm Charged with Fraud

On April 28, 2014, Michael Grimm was charged by federal authorities with 20 counts of fraud, federal tax evasion, and perjury.

September 2014: Durand Pled Guilty

In September 2014, Diana Durand pled guilty to making illegal contributions to Michael Grimm's 2010 campaign.

December 23, 2014: Grimm Pleaded Guilty to Felony Tax Fraud

On December 23, 2014, Michael Grimm pleaded guilty to a single count of felony tax fraud and acknowledged committing perjury, hiring illegal immigrants, and committing wire fraud.

December 29, 2014: Grimm Decides to Resign

On December 29, 2014, it was reported that Michael Grimm, after speaking with House Speaker John Boehner, decided to decline to take his seat for a third term and would resign from Congress.