New York Senate leader says he is innocent of corruption charges brought by federal prosecutor
Posted May 4, 2015 10:53:52 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York’s Senate leader says he is innocent of federal corruption charges.
Dean Skelos issued a statement after the 67-year-old Republican surrendered Monday to face charges that he used the power of his office to make deals that would earn tens of thousands of dollars for his son.
His son, Adam, was also charged in the case. Both were awaiting an initial court appearance in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (buh-RAH’-ruh) told a news conference that the charges are more proof that public corruption is a chronic problem in the state.
The charges include extortion and soliciting bribes.
Dean Skelos became New York state’s most powerful Republican official when he was elected in January as majority leader. He previously shared the post from 2011 to 2013.
