Dean Skelos, son Adam, seek new trial, or acquittal of federal corruption charges

Dean and Adam Skelos filed motions Monday asking U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood to overturn the December jury verdict convicting them on corruption charges, and either acquit them or set a new trial.

In a short filing in Manhattan federal court, the former State Senate majority leader and his son claim evidence of guilt was insufficient on all eight counts of conviction, without elaboration.

Wood rejected the same claim while the jury was deliberating. Post-trial motions asking the judge to overturn a jury verdict are routine after a conviction, and are rarely granted.

Dean Skelos, 67, and Adam Skelos, 33, both of Rockville Centre, were convicted of using the senator’s power to pressure three companies to give jobs and payments to Adam, and doing favors for the businesses in return. Their sentencing is scheduled for March 3.