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Bruno, 79, is being indicted by a federal court on eight federal corruption charges. The former Senate Leader appeared in court today and plead not guilty to all charges. He was then released without bail.
The accused is speculated to have amassed over 3 million dollars from companies seeking business from the state and contracts to handle the pension fund investments for at least 16 labor unions.
A Republican, the former leader of the New York State Senate retired last year after 32 years of public service. A retirement motivated, in part, by the lengthy probe into his business dealings. Bruno has repeatedly stated that the investigation would find he had done nothing wrong; a sentiment he repeated after his hearing.
The charges include a misdemeanor and a felony, and if convicted, Bruno would have to forfeit any property he is charged with wrongly obtaining, face up to 20 years in prison and possibly pay a maximum of $2 million dollars in fines.
Despite the charges Bruno is considered a popular and charismatic leader. According to the New York Times, he remains a friend of Gov. David A. Paterson and has close relationships with a number of political figures. He even attained an executive position in the CMA Consulting Firm despite the longstanding investigation.
In a press conference held after the hearing Bruno indicated that: “I’m going to fight this and I’m going to win,” a sentiment which may feel familiar to the one time boxer. He took no questions from reporters.
By: Alberto Ramos Cordero
Posted January 23rd, 2009 by Alberto
