Plea discussions revealed as Skelos jury selection gets under way in corruption trial

Sen. Dean Skelos or his son Adam asked to enter into plea discussions ahead of their trial on corruption charges, but the talks went nowhere, a prosecutor disclosed before jury selection began in the trial Monday.

U.S. District Court Judge Kimba Wood asked about plea offers or talks before jury selection began Monday in a Manhattan courtroom.

"There was a request to initiate some discussion by one of the defendants," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Masimore, without disclosing whether it was father or son. "There was a response by the government but nothing further."

Dean Skelos, 67, and Adam Skelos, 33, both of Rockville Centre, are accused of conspiring to shake down three companies to hire Adam, who allegedly made more than $300,000 in salary, benefits and fees from the scheme. They have both pleaded not guilty.

Dean Skelos, the former State Senate Republican leader who was forced to resign from his leadership position after being charged, allegedly used his clout to get Adam work from New Hyde Park developer Glenwood Management, Arizona environmental technology firm AbTech and Physicians Reciprocal Insurers of Roslyn.

He is also accused of pushing legislation in Albany and a $12 million storm water contract in Nassau County to help Adam succeed at AbTech.

The crowded courtroom included Dean Skelos' wife, Gail. She took copious notes in a notebook with gold lettering on the front that read: "Be the change." Adam Skelos' wife, Ann Marie Skelos, was also in court.

Of the 110 prospective jurors who were screened through jury questionnaires, 20 were qualified. Another 20 were rejected, with some claiming hardship issues, such as arranging transportation for children to and from school or income losses.

The court has to qualify a pool of 36 jurors from which to select a jury of 12 and four alternates. The jury selection process continues Tuesday.

Prospective jurors were asked a host of biographical questions and others relating to whether they had any biases against government officials -- such as the police -- or elected officials.

In an apparent nod to an issue the defense has indicated it will mention, prospective jurors were asked whether they, a family member or any close friends have children who have been diagnosed with developmental delays. Adam Skelos' child has autism, according to court filings.

One prospective juror said on her questionnaire: "I despise people, especially elected officials who take bribes and kickbacks."

The judge told her: "This is obviously a correct view for a citizen to take," but then added, "They're presumed innocent."

The juror said: "I watch a lot of . . . 'Law & Order' and most of the time, because they hire experienced lawyers, they get away with it."

The judge asked her whether she could put aside her feelings and she replied: "I would have a hard time, but I'll try."

That juror was dismissed.