Former state Assembly Speaker Sheldon
Silver was convicted Monday in a $5 million corruption case that took
down one of New York's most powerful politicians and stunned a capital
that had become accustomed to scandal.
The jury verdict
came after a three-week trial in which federal prosecutors claimed that
the 71-year-old Democrat traded favors to enrich himself and then lied
about it. The defense countered that the government was trying to
criminalize the longtime routines of Albany politicians.
Even in a state capital where more than 30 lawmakers have left office
facing criminal charges or allegations of ethical misconduct since 2000,
the case against Silver was an extraordinary turn. An assemblyman since
1976, Silver was one of Albany's most storied political figures, a
consummate backroom operator with the power to decide the fate of
legislation single-handedly.
Click here for the full article and video.
Source: NBC News, I-Team Investigations
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