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January 23, 2015

New York Assembly Speaker Accused of Using Law Firm to Take in Bribes 
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Federal prosecutors have unveiled corruption charges against New York
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver following his arrest on Thursday. Silver
is accused of using his law firm as a front to rake in millions of
dollars in bribes and kickbacks for political favors. U.S. Attorney
Preet Bharara said Silver had amassed a huge fortune through the abuse
of his office.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara: "The complaint charges Speaker Silver in
five counts with corruptly seeking legal business from a handful of
people and entities with significant business or interests before the
state and then corruptly profiting from the legal fees that were paid.
All told, we allege that Silver corruptly collected some $4 million in
bribes and kickbacks disguised as 'referral fees.' … Politicians are
supposed to be on the people's payroll, not on secret retainer to
wealthy special interests they do favors for."

A Democrat, Silver has been New York Assembly speaker for over two
decades. A judge has issued seizure warrants to block him from accessing
nearly $4 million spread out over eight accounts. In brief comments to
reporters outside the courthouse, Silver maintained his innocence.

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: "I'm happy the issue is coming
to be aired in the legal process, and I am confident that when all the
issues are aired, I will be vindicated. Thank you."

Silver is the latest in a series of New York lawmakers to face
corruption allegations. His arrest has brought new scrutiny of Gov.
Andrew Cuomo's decision to abruptly shut down the anti-corruption
Moreland Commission last year.

 

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