A lawyer for recently resigned New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin said Monday the Democrat has “very lively” legal issues from which to challenge corruption charges brought against him.
Attorney Barry Berke told a Manhattan federal judge that he expects to challenge on legal grounds thebased on the U.S. Supreme Court’s skepticism toward criminal cases against politicians built solely on political contributions.
“This case is an unprecedented attempt to criminally charge an upstanding state leader for routine fundraising and support of a non-profit providing needed resources to Harlem public schools,” they wrote. It came seven months after she teamed up with Benjamin and pledged to restore order after ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal. Hochul had been lieutenant governor under Cuomo.Benjamin is free on $250,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty last Tuesday following his arrest on multiple charges including bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records. He made his first appearance Monday before Judge J.
Prosecutors did not respond to the assertion, and Oetken scheduled a May 12 hearing to decide when to proceed with the filing of pretrial motions and the setting of a trial date.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alison Esposito opens up on being NY’s first openly gay lieutenant gov candidate“I’m very proud to be a gay woman. It’s part of who I am and it feels like I’m now in a position to be able to help the people of the state of New York.”
Read more »
Gov. Greg Abbott eases truck inspections at all Texas-Mexico crossingsGov. Greg Abbott said he’s won promises from Mexican officials to step up border...
Read more »
Gov. Mike DeWine directs $237M in federal infrastructure money toward local bridge projectsGov. Mike DeWine announced Friday he will put more than $237 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law toward fixing local bridges -- more than triple the minimum amount set by the new federal law.
Read more »
Maxine Waters: Alabama GOP Gov. Ivey Is Pushing 'Racist Ignorance, in Your Face'Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) said on this week's broadcast of MSNBC's 'The Sunday Show' that Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) was pushing 'plain racist ignorance, in your face.' | Clips
Read more »
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border slowdown ruined millions of dollars in food. Texas consumers will pay.Consumers will feel the impact as produce distributors try to shore up their losses due to dwindling supplies. Texas GregAbbott Border TexasRepublicans supplychain inflation Mexico
Read more »