Sen. Espada pleads not guilty to embezzlement rap
State Sen. Pedro Espada and his son pleaded not guilty yesterday to siphoning more than $500,000 from their Bronx health clinic.
The Bronx Democrat, 57, and his son, Pedro Gautier Espada, 37, have been charged with five counts of embezzlement and one count conspiracy for allegedly using the money for Broadway tickets, dinners and a down payment on a Bentley.
Outside Brooklyn federal court, the elder Espada said he looks forward to a “complete vindication.” They were released on $750,000 bond each.
His attorney, Susan Necheles, said, “Sen. Espada built the Soundview Health Care network. He didn’t steal from it.”
Pedro Gautier Espada’s attorney, Russell Gioiella, said the Espada family “will stand together and fight these charges.”
If convicted, they each face up to 55 years in prison and $250,000 fines. They are due back in court Jan. 7.
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