Kicked Out of the Club

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman successfully obtained a $950,000 settlement from Aldom James, the former president of the National Arts Club, to pay back the $1.5 million that he siphoned off from the prestigious non-profit organization. Schneiderman accused James of using a "unique mixture of charm, intimidation, secrecy and deception" to tighten control over the club and more than a dozen apartments in the landmark building, located near Gramercy Park since 1903. Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt and Martin Scorcese are among the famous frequenters of the club, while James and his complicit brother will no longer be. They have been forbidden to return to the club or to serve as a head of any nonprofit in the state.