Settlement reached over prestigious NYC arts club

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York attorney general has obtained a $950,000 settlement from the former leaders of the prestigious National Arts Club in New York City.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says the settlement resolves claims by his office that club president Aldon James for years lived off the organization while maintaining rigid control of it.

It also resolves a lawsuit brought by the club against James, his brother, John, and their associate, Steven Leitner, over improper use of their memberships and positions at the club.

Under the settlement, the brothers must vacate their apartments at the club by the end of the month. They cannot contest their expulsion from the club and can never again serve as an officer, director or fiduciary of any nonprofit in the state.