Feds: Taxpayers funded Espada's trip

Disgraced former state Sen. Pedro Espada enjoyed a trip to a lavish beachside resort in Puerto Rico -- and paid for it with taxpayer money, according to prosecutors.

The revelations about the 2008 trip are the latest in a long list of allegations against the former state senate majority leader, who was indicted on federal theft charges in late 2010.

Although the district he represented covered parts of the Bronx, Espada lived in a Mamaroneck home and lived extravagantly, racking up bills in excess of $20,000 at local sushi restaurants, according to accusations. Espada was also accused of stealing from Soundview Health Clinic, a taxpayer-funded health facility he founded.

Taxpayers, via Soundview, picked up the tab when Espada took his family to Puerto Rico in 2008 and booked six rooms at the El San Juan Hotel and Casino, according to federal prosecutors.

The former senator paid $9,000 for a five-night stay in a luxury suite, enjoyed a $478 dinner at The Palm restaurant, and accumulated almost $400 in minibar charges, prosecutors allege.

The new allegations were revealed as part of an ongoing embezzlement trial against Espada, who is accused of looting Soundview Health Clinic, using shell companies to direct kickbacks, and appointing family members and friends to well-paid positions on the clinic's board and staff.

Although Espada had been dogged by regular accusations over the years -- such as using $200,000 in clinic funds to pay off campaign debt -- charges against him mounted in 2010, when federal agents raided his offices and details began to emerge about his lavish lifestyle.