FOLLOW US

Abdur Rahim Islam, the head of famed R&B producer Kenny Gamble's Philadelphia-based housing and education nonprofit, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Tuesday for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the organization. Islam used the stolen funds for luxurious Caribbean vacations and other personal expenses.

Judge's Leniency Amidst Serious Charges

A tearful Islam received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh, who also mandated restitution and three years of supervised release. Despite the severity of the crimes, Islam avoided the government's recommended 12 to 15-year sentence due to his age and health issues.

"Cases like this, involving an abuse of trust, are sadly all too common," Judge McHugh remarked. "It's a sad reality in our public life that idealism gives way to entitlement. Islam's actions amounted to a betrayal of children, trusted colleagues, and benefactors, as well as himself."

Philly Charter School Embezzlement : A Public Apology and an Emotional Plea

Before his sentencing, Islam expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for his actions. He, along with Universal Companies CFO Shahied Dawan, was convicted in March for the embezzlement scheme. Dawan received a one-and-a-half-year prison sentence last week.

Islam apologized to the court, the African American community, and Gamble. "It's been seven years since I even spoke with him. Kenny, I'm sorry," he said, tearfully.

Defense and Prosecution Arguments

Islam's attorney, David M. Laigaie of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, urged leniency, highlighting Islam's community contributions and his role as a father of ten, most of whom have earned college degrees. Laigaie argued that Islam likely has only 12 more years to live due to his medical conditions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff countered, reminding the court of Islam's past criminal record, including a five-year prison sentence for bank robbery in his teens. Dubnoff emphasized the gravity of Islam's theft from school children to fund his luxurious lifestyle, labeling him an "unreformed criminal."

Details of the Embezzlement Scheme

Prosecutors alleged that Dawan facilitated Islam's embezzlement, enabling inflated bonuses and funding trips to Orlando and Jamaica. The nonprofit's funds were also used for expensive flower arrangements and meals. Additionally, they alleged that Universal paid a disguised $18,000 bribe to Milwaukee school board director Michael Bonds to support Islam's effort to establish a third charter school in the city. Bonds pled guilty to bribery charges in 2019.

Islam and Dawan previously faced charges of attempting to bribe City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson to secure favorable legislation for their low-income housing projects. However, Islam, Dawan, Johnson, and his wife were all acquitted of those charges.

Philly Charter School Embezzlement : Legal Representation

The government was represented by Mark B. Dubnoff, Frank R. Costello Jr., and Linwood C. Wright Jr. of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Islam's defense was handled by David M. Laigaie and Joshua D. Hill of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC.