Mayor Apologizes for Defaming Zherka
By Robin Vinci at April 25, 2024 | 7:55 pm | Print
Former Yonkers New York Mayor Phil Amicone made a public apology to New Britain businessman Sam Zherka Wednesday for making false allegations about him including calling him a “gangster”. Zherka was also awarded $100,000 by the courts.
Amicone said his statements falsely accused Zherka of criminality and wrongdoing.
“I sincerely and deeply apologize on my behalf and on behalf of my administration for causing so much hurt to Mr. Zherka and his family,” said Amicone. “I admit that any false and defamatory statements made by my administration were wrong and brought about shame, misfortune and scorn to Mr. Zherka and his family.”
Zherka said it took him five and one-half years and legal battles to come to this point where Amicone and the City of Yonkers apologized.
Zherka said he will not stand for accusations charging him with criminality, alleging he was a gangster and more.
“Some of the hardest things I had to endure over the last five and one-half years was to explain to my kids that their father is being under attack for participating in first amendment rights,” said Zherka. “I was slandered and defamed. I’m happy I got my name back.”
Zherka said he was happy to see this end and would have seen this through until his death if needed.
“Everywhere I went people were calling me a convicted drug dealer. I never sold a drug in my entire life. I never handled drugs or use drugs,” Zherka said. “My entire life is work and my 8 kids and home.”
Zherka said this all began because his newspaper, the Westchester Guardian, wrote editorials against Amicone and his administration.
“Some people didn’t like them and I was attacked and criminalized for it and charged unlawfully for doing so,” Zherka added. “If someone continues to repeat those unlawful, inflammatory statements that aren’t true, I will be back in court whether here or anywhere with additional apologies. I will fight my entire life against a politician who has defamed me. My name will not be tarnished by untrue or inflammatory statements.”
Zherka, who manages Farmington Hills, and has been a target for New Britain Mayor Tim O’Brien. Zherka said he will not allow O’Brien to defame him either.
