Hours after resigning from the state Senate, disgraced Brooklyn pol Carl Kruger wept in federal court Tuesday as he admitted to a slate of bribery-related charges.
Kruger, a Democratic senator since 1994, pleaded guilty to four out of five counts and of taking nearly $500,000 in bribes, tearing up as he told a Manhattan judge that "I accept responsibility for my actions."
Kruger, 62, was accused of accepting at least $1 million in bribes from 2007 to 2011 for various real estate and business schemes. Prosecutors say he bought an expensive Bentley and Mill Basin mansion with the dough, although he long denied wrongdoing.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara called the case an "unholy alliance of politicians, lobbyists and businessmen."
A co-defendant, gynecologist Dr. Michael Turano, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one bribery conspiracy count. Kruger lived with Turano, described as an "intimate associate," and the doc's brother and mother.
Turano, 50, allegedly helped Kruger launder money.
The men will be sentenced April 26, and prosecutors will recommend Kruger gets between nine to 11 years in prison, instead of the maximum 50 years. Turano could see up to five years.
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Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... University says hazing victim responsible for own injuries ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad
