Former Queens senate staffer missing weeks of pay while living in homeless shelter

Larry Malcolm Smith Jr. worked for Sen. James Sanders Jr. in 2020 while living in a homeless shelter. Photo courtesy of Smith

By David Brand

A former staffer for Queens State Sen. James Sanders Jr. says he is missing weeks of back pay, money he needs to buy food and do laundry while living in a Manhattan homeless shelter.

Larry Malcolm Smith Jr., 22, began working as a constituent liaison for Sanders on September 9, according to an email welcoming him to the district office team. He worked for the Queens senator until resigning in November, Sanders’ office confirmed.

Smith said he received two paychecks, one by mail and another through direct deposit, during his time representing Sanders in Southeast Queens and the Rockaways but is still missing about five weeks of pay. A Senate official confirmed the missing payment.

Smith said he has lived in a shelter for months and needs the money for pay for basic necessities.

“I have no money at all. I have no money for food. I have no money for laundry,” Smith told the Eagle.

“I was supposed to make $35,000 a year. I’ve been manipulated, I’ve been disrespected. I live in a shelter,” he added. “Nobody is helping me.”

Sanders’ chief of staff Marvin Holland directed questions to the State Senate’s central office, which handles personnel issues and pay.

Senate spokesperson Gary Ginsburg confirmed that Smith has not yet been paid the money he is owed.

“A final check from the Senate was not able to be sent because the only address listed for Mr. Smith caused a bounce-back when a check was sent there,” Ginsburg said. “Efforts to reach Mr. Smith and ensure he receives his final check are ongoing."

Smith showed the Eagle multiple emails he had sent to the Senate asking when he would be paid. “The process can take several weeks,” a personnel officer responded Dec. 15. 

But no one asked Smith for a new address where to send the money, an official told the Eagle.

Smith questioned why the Senate did not pay him through direct deposit and said he has not changed his bank account. 

“I just want the money I’m owed,” he said.