Breaking: Joe Bruno convicted
ex-New York State Senate leader Joe Bruno is now a convicted felon. He was convicted of 2 counts and will be sentenced at the end of March.
ALBANY — Former Senate Republican Leader Joseph Bruno was found guilty in federal court this afternoon on two of eight counts in his federal corruption trial.
Bruno, 80, a state legislator since 1976 and Senate majority leader from 1995 through last year, was accused of accepting nearly $3.2 million from groups of individuals and other entities that had or were seeking business with the state.
He was found guilty on two charges that dealt with his relationship with Albany-area businessman Jared Abbruzzese, including him paying Bruno’s farm $80,000 ($40,000 in cash and $40,000 in debt forgiveness) for a “virtually worthless” horse, prosecutors charged.
Actually the Daily news has a good background article worth reading and of course Liz Benjamin of the Daily News says
Sentencing is set for March 31 at 9 a.m. (The 2010-2011 budget is due April 1, Blain notes). Both counts carry sentences of up to 20 years.
Bruno, looking pale and shaken, exited the courthouse and told reporters: “Have a Merry Christmas everyone. Thank-you very much.” He also said:
“It goes without saying I’m very, very disappointed in the verdict that I just heard, and the legal process is going to continue and in my mind and in my heart is it not over until it’s over, and I think it’s far from over.”
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“…in my mind and in my heart is it not over until it’s over, and I think it’s far from over.”
Bruno’s heart and mind- what wonderful places those must be!