Sheldon Silver Convicted on All Charges

Silver is the highest-profile case of a large number of state lawmakers who have been convicted on corruption charges by Bharara’s office.

US Attorney Preet Bharara has won a massive victory in his quest to get rid of what he calls a “cauldron of corruption” in New York’s state capital. “Although the charges announced today are certainly very serious, I want to note that I’ve always known Shelly Silver to be a man of integrity, and he certainly has due rights and I think that we should let the process play out here”.

Silver, who remains free on bail until a sentencing date not yet set, plans to appeal.

Indeed, Silver’s conviction could have a greater impact than any of the many guilty verdicts and plea deals that preceded it, including the initial conviction of former Senate Leader Joseph L. Bruno nearly exactly six years ago. He had been speaker since 1994.

The remarks are a stark contrast with Mr.de Blasio’s public comments when Mr. Silver, a crucial ally of the mayor’s agenda in Albany, was first arrested in January. Less than two hours after talks started last Tuesday, a juror tried to beg off the panel, accusing her fellow jurors of claiming she failed to use common sense.

State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R, Deerpark), said Silver “profited from breaking the law and the public trust”. Caproni told the juror, a taxi driver, to put the relationship out of his mind and return to deliberations.

At trial, government prosecutors argued that Silver masterminded two separate schemes through which he amassed almost $4 million in illegal payments. “The jury didn’t buy the explanation that self dealing and back scratching are just business as usual”.

“This was bribery. This was extortion. He did not sell his office”, Molo said.

Silver did not testify during his trial and called no witnesses. In return, he gave Taub $500,000 in taxpayer funds for research projects. His son Adam Skelos is also facing charges. Skelos is charged with badgering companies reliant upon his legislative clout to provide over $300,000 to his son.

The leaders who replaced Silver and Skelos have voluntarily foregone taking any outside pay.

Other groups are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to hold a special session in December to focus on passing new anti corruption laws. “Corruption was discovered, investigated, and prosecuted, and the jury has spoken”. The people of NY expect and deserve better. A second entered into a sham marriage in order to become a citizen.

“All counts”, muttered one Silver staffer, incredulously.