Skelos takes aim at top Manhattan prosecutor in new filing

Lawyers for indicted state Sen. Dean Skelos on Wednesday filed a new complaint about recent out-of-court comments on political corruption by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, contending they continue a "pattern" of prejudicial remarks that "presume guilt" of elected officials.

The target of the filing with U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood was a Bharara appearance last week at New York University School of Law, where he argued that it is "completely appropriate" to focus the public on corruption, and said only "high-priced lawyers" object.

Bharara was previously criticized for out-of-court statements by the judge overseeing the trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Skelos' lawyers have asked Wood to make Bharara file an affidavit relating to alleged grand jury leaks, and said his new remarks buttress that request.

Skelos, a Nassau County Republican, is charged with doing favors for a developer, a technology company and a malpractice insurer in return for them giving work to his son Adam, who is also charged.

The trial is scheduled to begin next month.