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Ex-New York State Assembly Speaker Gets 12-Year Sentence for Bribery
Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of using his official position to obtain nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for his official acts and laundering $1 million in proceeds from his crimes.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara called the sentence ‘a just and fitting end to Sheldon Silver’s long career of corruption.’
Silver, who served as Speaker of the New York State Assembly for over two decades, used his power to unlawfully enrich himself through two different streams of income: kickbacks from real estate developers and asbestos client referral fees.
According to evidence presented at trial, Silver solicited and obtained client referrals worth millions of dollars in exchange for his official acts. He claimed these referrals came from his work as a private lawyer at Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., when in reality they were payments for his official influence and power.
Silver also entered into a corrupt relationship with Goldberg & Iryami, a law firm that specialized in reducing taxes on properties. He approached two prominent developers, Glenwood Management Corp. and The Witkoff Group, Inc., and asked them to hire Goldberg & Iryami, receiving nearly $700,000 in kickbacks. Silver performed no legal work to earn these fees, which were simply payments for his official power and influence.
In furtherance of the scheme, Silver took official action beneficial to Glenwood Management and Witkoff, including supporting legislation that benefited Glenwood Management in 2011.
The 12-year sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, who presided over the five-week jury trial.
Silver’s corruption scheme was uncovered through evidence introduced at trial, court filings, and statements made in Manhattan federal court.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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