Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Indicted

(New York, NY) — The Associated Press reported today that former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been indicted on three charges stemming from his  federal bribery arrest last month.

Silver_jpupdate

Photo credit: thejewishweek.com

The former Speaker was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in Manhattan federal court. The charges are mail fraud, wire fraud and extortion under the color of his official duties. Silver is accused of violating the federal theft of honest services statutes.

The federal indictment indicates some of Silver’s assets were kept upstate and lists account numbers, showing where prosecutors may seek forfeiture if he is convicted.

In a statement, Silver’s lawyers Joel Cohen and Steven Molo said they will “fight for his total vindication.” “We will do our fighting where it should be done: in court.” After his arrest on in January, Silver said he was confident of his vindication.

Mr. Silver had led the Assembly for over 20 years when he was arrested. Prosecutors said he had collected nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks since 2002 and disguised the proceeds as legitimate income.

Silver resigned as speaker earlier this month but has said he intends to keep his Assembly seat.

The New York Times reported that an arraignment on the indictment has not been scheduled. The case has been assigned to Judge Valerie E. Caproni of Federal District Court in Manhattan.

Download the Sheldon Silver indictment PDF here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email