Corruption trial for Bronx assemblyman nears close
Bronx Assemb. Eric Stevenson, left, with attorney Murray Richman, leaves federal court in Manhattan. (April 4, 2013) Credit: Craig Ruttle
Bronx Assemb. Eric Stevenson decided not to testify in his federal corruption trial on Friday and both sides rested, setting the stage for closing arguments on Monday.
In one of several political corruption cases that have focused attention on Albany ethics, Stevenson, 47, is accused of taking more than $20,000 in bribes from a group of Russian businessmen who wanted support for some adult day care centers they were promoting.
Informant Sigfredo Gonzalez, a Bronx political operative, was the government's star witness, testifying that he passed bribes to Stevenson. Gonzalez began cooperating after he was caught trying to bribe former Assemb. Nelson Castro, who was an informant.
Stevenson, a Democrat in his second term, faces up to 55 years in prison.
Out East Show: A trip to Splish Splash, Dining al fresco, Arts Center at Duck Creek NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us 'Out East' and visits a few popular spots and a few local gems.
Out East Show: A trip to Splish Splash, Dining al fresco, Arts Center at Duck Creek NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us 'Out East' and visits a few popular spots and a few local gems.
