Percoco blames self, shows remorse in letter to sentencing judge
Joseph Percoco, once Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's closest confidant, was convicted in a bribery scheme in March. Above, Percoco, right, leaves a federal courthouse in Manhattan on March 1. Credit: Charles Eckert
ALBANY — A remorseful Joseph Percoco is telling a judge in a letter that he takes full blame for the corruption conviction for which he soon will be sentenced.
“I have only myself to blame,” said Percoco, who was Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s closest confidant and deputy secretary before he was convicted in a bribery scheme while he was on leave from the office.
“I failed to live up to my own high standards,” Percoco wrote federal Judge Valerie Caproni, who will sentence him. “I regret that I have brought shame and embarrassment upon my former colleagues. I regret the harm that I have caused my friends and family, who have stood by me throughout this process.
“I have watched my wife and my two young daughters suffer from my actions and the tremendous media coverage from the investigation and the trial,” Percoco wrote. “I spend every moment I can with my daughters to keep them strong and prepare them for what lies ahead: Life without their father for an extended period of time. I am filled with remorse and regret as I will be the rest of my life.”
Percoco was found guilty of bribery and conspiracy in March. He was convicted of accepting bribes at times when he was off the government payroll from companies seeking to land state contracts. Cuomo wasn't accused of wrongdoing.
Percoco told the judge he was lured by the private sector lobbying opportunity to provide his family "financial security. And, more importantly, after years of working around the clock, I would finally have the opportunity to send my daughters to school and to tuck them in at night."
His sentencing, which was postponed until after the Democratic primary Thursday, is now scheduled for next Thursday.
Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.
