Pulse Extorted for Armory Access

NEW YORK—New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has indicted the former superintendent of the state-owned 69th Regiment Armory, where Pulse contemporary-art fair was held last year, of extorting money from organizers and soliciting a bribe, Bloomberg reports.

In a 31-count indictment filed in New York State Supreme Court, James Jackson was accused of receiving more than $30,000 in cash and goods from the Armory Show satellite fair, Marc Jacobs fashion shows, and the New York International Carpet Show. Jackson pleaded not guilty.

Deputy Attorney General Ellen Biben said in a press conference yesterday that Jackson demanded payoffs to guarantee the dates Marc Jacobs wanted for his shows from 2000 to 2007. Details of the alleged extortion of money from Pulse, which opens this year on March 27 at Pier 40, weren't available.

The Armory rents for about $6,000 a day, excluding utilities, security, and insurance charges, according to the Attorney General's office. Cuomo said yesterday, "If anyone believes they have to pay off or offer a gratuity to access state space, let us know, because that is a crime."