Monday, February 20, 2012

Hall Of Shame (Updated)

     We received a contributor's email which references a Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin news article listing the criminal behavior of some state lawmakers. We put it in the Hall of Shame. http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120219/NEWS01/202190328/Here-s-list-lawmakers-who-ve-had-troubles-law-since-2000-
New York's Troubled Politicians: A Roll Call (updated April 2013) 
http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20130402/NEWS10/304020034/New-York-s-Troubled-Politicians-roll-call?nclick_check=1

2012: Former state Sen. Nick Spano, R-Yonkers: Pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to one count of federal tax evasion for failing to report $53,000 in income taxes from 2000 to 2008. He will be sentenced in June to up to three years in prison.
» 2011: Sen. Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn: Pleaded guilty to bribery charges in December for collecting about $1 million in payments from businesses that had dealings with the state.
» 2010: Sen. Pedro Espada, D-Bronx: Lost primary following corruption investigation and other ethical issues. He was later indicted on various corruption charges by the Attorney General and federal prosecutors.
» 2010: Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens: Expelled in February 2010 by vote of the Senate due to misdemeanor assault conviction involving his girlfriend.
» 2010: Sen. Vincent Leibell, R-Patterson, Putnam County: Resigned before end of Senate term and pleaded guilty to felony corruption charges. He didn't seek re-election in 2010 and won election as Putnam County executive, but didn't take office. Serving 21 months in prison.
» 2009: Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, D-Queens: Resigned from the Assembly after federal indictment. He pleaded guilty to single count of theft of honest services for taking bribes. Died in prison.
» 2008: Sen. John Sabini, D-Queens: Appointed head of State Racing and Wagering Board after pleading guilty to DWI earlier that year.
» 2008: Assemblywoman Diane Gordon, D-Bronx: Found guilty of taking bribes; tried to steer city-owned land to a private developer in exchange for a house.
» 2008: Sen. Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County: Former powerful majority leader retired from Senate amid pending federal investigation for corruption. He was indicted on eight charges and was found guilty of two after trial. Conviction was vacated; prosecutors are seeking new trial.
» 2008: Sen. Efrain Gonzalez, D-Bronx: Was indicted on federal mail fraud and lost election as result of federal investigation; he later pleaded guilty to two charges of mail fraud and two charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
» 2008: Assemblyman Michael Cole, R-Alden, Erie County: Lost primary after being censured by Assembly and stripped of committee posts due to his spending the night in the apartment of an Albany intern.
» 2006: Assemblywoman Ada Smith, D-Queens: Lost primary election after being found guilty of harassment; accused of throwing coffee in a staff member's face. Was censured by Senate minority leader for "a pattern of inappropriate, unprofessional and often abusive behavior."
» 2006: Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, D-Queens: Resigned amid corruption indictment; pleaded guilty to racketeering after being arrested on charges of embezzling more than $2 million in state and labor funds.
» 2005: Assemblyman Ryan Karben, D-Monsey, Rockland County: Resigned from Assembly amid charges of improper fraternization with interns.
» 2005: Assemblyman Clarence Norman, D-Brooklyn: Found guilty on three felony counts, including intentionally soliciting illegal campaign contributions, stealing $5,000 donated to his re-election, and falsifying business records. Got one to three years in prison for judicial extortion scheme.
» 2004: Sen. Guy Velella, R-Bronx: Resigned Senate after pleading guilty to bribery. He received a one-year sentence and spent 182 days in jail. Died in January.
» 2004: Assemblyman Roger Green, D-Brooklyn: Pleaded guilty to two counts of petty larceny and one count of filing a false instrument (false billing of Assembly travel expenses). Ran for re- election and won. In 2006, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress.
» 2003: Assemblywoman Gloria Davis, D-Bronx: Resigned after pleading guilty to taking bribes.
» 2000: Assemblyman Jerry Johnson, R-Nunda, Livingston County: Pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted burglary; felony charge required resignation from office.

Influence peddling. See how it's done: http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120307/NEWS01/203070384/Consulting-firm-had-strong-ties-Libous?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
As for Carl Kruger, see NY Times article:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/nyregion/carl-kruger-sentenced-to-seven-years-in-corruption-case.html?_r=3
Pedro Espada convicted:  http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Espada-convicted-3556925.php
Pedro Espada editorial:  http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Editorial-Mr-Espada-s-just-desserts-3561124.php
Add former State Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. Spargo to the list. Although he is not a former state lawmaker, he qualifies for listing as a lawbreaker: http://blog.timesunion.com/crime/spargo-reports-to-minimum-security-federal-prison-camp-in-kentucky/3455/
Lowbrow justice, highbrow justice:  http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/lowbrow-justice-highbrow-justice/20061/
Note: All convicted felons who qualify for a state pension may receive the pension while in jail and after release. The New York State Constitution guarantees public pensions. Forfeiture exceptions for felony criminal convictions do not exist in New York State laws.
State Senator Huntley indicted by Attorney General: http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/ms-huntley-joins-the-club/21763/ and pleads guilty to mail fraud.
Ex-senator Huntley pleads guilty to felony :  http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/178376/huntley-pleads-guilty-in-state-court/
Assemblyman William Boyland's per diem expenses and bribery indictment:  http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/23980/23980/
Former State Senator Nick Spano--white collar felony gets kid glove treatment:
http://www.lohud.com/article/20130302/NEWS/303020058/5-days-out-prison-Spano-now-Brooklyn-detention-center?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage&nclick_check=1
State Senator Malcolm Smith, charged with bribery, inducted into Hall of Shame: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/nyregion/state-senator-and-city-councilman-accused-of-trying-to-rig-mayors-race.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bribing_his_way_onto_the_ballot_3XFvV67oWZHFo7bVdoCkcO
State Assemblyman Eric Stevenson charged with bribery, inducted into Hall of Shame:
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/184191/u-s-attorney-charges-bronx-assemblyman/
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/184206/stevenson-half-of-albany-could-be-in-prison/
Assemblyman Castro resigns:
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/184247/castro-resigns-has-been-cooperating-since-09/
'Pots of money' ripe for abuse:
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Pots-of-money-can-be-ripe-for-abuse-4413992.php
State Senator John Sampson charged with embezzlement:
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/FBI-Sen-John-Sampson-arrested-4491330.php
Ex-State Senator Huntley sentenced:
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/shirley-huntley-sentenced-year-day-article-1.1339563
Facing expulsion for alleged sexual harassment, Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigns:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/18/nyregion/vito-lopez-facing-possible-expulsion-says-hell-resign.html?hp&_r=0
Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez charged with DWI:
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Assemblyman-charged-with-DWI-4578914.php
Former Senator Pedro Espada sentenced to five years in jail:
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/189160/espada-gets-five-years-for-raiding-health-clinics/
Corruption, or conspiracy against people of color?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/nyregion/as-minority-officials-are-caught-up-in-scandals-some-see-a-conspiracy.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0
Gov. Cuomo to create anti-corruption commission:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gov-cuomo-unveils-tough-anti-corruption-reforms-article-1.1312338
Albany Times Union: A watchdog or a lapdog?
http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Editorial-A-watchdog-or-a-lapdog-4753666.php
Former Assemblyman Nelson Castro pleads guilty to making false statements:
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ex-assemblyman-castro-lied-speaking-press-article-1.1438679
Target pensions of corrupt officials:
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/195151/bharara-says-pensions-of-corrupt-officials-could-be-tapped/
State Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak resigns:
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Gabryszak-resigns-amid-sex-harassment-allegations-5136452.php
State Assemblyman Stevenson convicted of bribery: http://nypost.com/2014/01/13/stevenson-guilty-on-all-counts-in-bribe-case/
State Assemblyman Boylan convicted of multiple counts including bribery: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/brooklyn-assemblyman-william-boyland-jr-convicted-article-1.1713067

Feds Widen Crackdown on New York Political Corruption: http://nypost.com/2014/04/30/feds-widen-crackdown-on-new-york-political-corruption/ 
Assemblyman Eric Stevenson convicted of bribery: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/22/nyregion/former-bronx-assemblyman-sentenced-for-corruption.html?hpw&rref=nyregion&_r=0
Assemblywoman Gabby Rosa pleads guilty to two felony charges and resigns: http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/215815/assemblywoman-gabby-rosa-pleads-to-sham-marriage-in-federal-case/
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblywoman-gabriela-rosa-scheduled-court-public-corruption-charges-article-1.1846687
State Senator Thomas Libous is indicted for lying to federal officials:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/02/nyregion/state-senator-thomas-libous-indicted-on-charges-of-lying-to-fbi.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSumSmallMediaHigh&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0


Pennsylvania shames convicted lawmakers with plaques that show their crimes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/07/17/pennsylvania-will-now-shame-convicted-lawmakers-with-plaques-that-note-their-crimes/



State Assemblyman William Scarborough indicted for filing false expense vouchers: http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/221589/feds-174-of-198-scarborough-per-diem-vouchers-were-bogus/


Speaker of Assembly Sheldon Silver arrested: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/speaker-of-new-york-assembly-sheldon-silver-is-arrested-in-corruption-case.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=span-ab-top-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0



The Many Faces of  New York State Political Scandals in the Past Decade: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/23/nyregion/23moreland-commission-and-new-york-political-scandals.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0



Former Sen. Malcolm Smith Found Guilty of Bribery and Conspiracy: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Malcolm-Smith-Corruption-Trial-Albany-New-York--290536811.html



Grand Jury Indicts Assemblyman Silver: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/nyregion/sheldon-silver-is-indicted-on-fraud-and-extortion-charges.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0


Assembly Fails to Pass Pension Forfeiture Bill: http://www.twcnews.com/nys/hudson-valley/politics/2015/04/3/assembly-fails-to-pass-pension-forfeiture-bill-part-of-ethics-legislation.html


Ex-Senator Bruno’s acquittal and legal defense cost New Yorkers $1.8 million: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Comptroller-rejects-elements-of-Bruno-defense-bill-6190537.php


New charges against Sheldon Silver:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/sheldon-silver-hit-new-charges-investments-article-1.2196876


Senator Dean Skelos Arrested on Corruption Charges:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/05/nyregion/dean-skelos-new-york-senate-leader-and-son-are-arrested-on-corruption-charges.html


Assemblyman William Scarborough facing prison under plea agreements: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Scarborough-facing-prison-under-plea-agreements-6246515.php


Troubled NY Lawmakers, May 12, 2015: http://ithacajournal.nydatabases.com/database/troubled-ny-lawmakers


Dean Skelos and His Son Face New Bribery Charges:  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/22/nyregion/dean-skelos-and-his-son-face-new-bribery-charges.html?_r=0


Sen. Thomas Libous convicted of lying to F.B.I.: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/nyregion/thomas-libous-new-york-state-senator-is-convicted-of-lying-to-fbi.html


Ex-State Sen. John Sampson Convicted: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/25/nyregion/state-senator-john-sampson-is-guilty-on-federal-charges.html?_r=0


No Mercy for Disgraced ex-Assemblyman William Boyland: http://nypost.com/2015/08/21/feds-want-no-mercy-for-disgraced-ex-assemblyman-william-boyland/


William Scarborough Sentenced to 13 Months: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/nyregion/william-scarborough-ex-new-york-assemblyman-is-sentenced-to-13-months.html


William Boyland, Jr. Sentenced to 14 Years in Jail: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Former-Brookly-assemblyman-sentenced-to-14-years-6512847.php


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver convicted on all counts: http://wkrn.com/2015/12/01/conviction-of-ex-speaker-sends-ny-politics-into-turmoil/


Sen. Dean Skelos Found Guilty: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/12/nyregion/dean-skelos-adam-skelos-guilty-corruption-trial.html?_r=0

Troubled NY lawmakers:
May 3, 2016, Silver sentenced to 12 Years in Prison:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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