In keeping with the $ituation and the $ea$on, dear readers....
"Ex-assembly speaker convicted at N.Y. corruption trial" Associated Press November 30, 2015
NEW YORK — Former New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, once one of New York’s most powerful politicians, was convicted Monday of charges that he traded favors to earn $5 million illegally and then lied about it.
The Manhattan federal court jury returned the verdict after a three-week trial in which prosecutors claimed that the 71-year-old Democrat repeatedly promised the favors to enrich himself. The defense countered that the government was trying to criminalize the longtime routines of politics in Albany.
That's the problem with the $y$tem.
The government had argued that the trial testimony of 25 witnesses and lots of documents proved Silver traded his office for riches. Assistant US Attorney Andrew Goldstein told jurors they had to convict Silver if they found money played a role in his decisions.
‘‘There are four million reasons why you know that money played a part,’’ he said, noting the amount of money the government says Silver earned from kickbacks from a cancer researcher and real estate developers. Prosecutors say he earned a million dollars more through investments.
‘‘This was bribery. This was extortion,’’ Goldstein said.
Defense attorney Steven Molo said his client fought bribery and extortion charges because he knew he was not guilty.
‘‘There was no quid quo pro. He did not sell his office,’’ Molo said.
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Related: The $ilver Lining of the New York State A$$embly
Was the lack of pre$$ coverage.
Also see: Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
I always try to look on the po$itive $ide of things.
Here is to his health as big challenges lie ahead. Expect to be Joslined around.
