ALBANY -- A federal grand jury today indicted former state Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, accusing him of eight counts of public corruption.
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Bruno is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate at 1:30 p.m. today. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Baxter has scheduled a press conference for 2:30 p.m.
The 35-page indictment of Bruno was unsealed and filed in federal court sometime after noon.
Bruno, who reigned for years as one of the most powerful lawmakers in New York, is charged with using his office to deprive the public of the honest services of government.
Today's indictment marks the culmination of a three-year FBI investigation into the shadowy public and private dealings of the Brunswick Republican who rose through the ranks of state government and became one of the Capital Region's most iconic political leaders.
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The impending conclusion of the 3-year-old investigation has stoked some speculation in federal law enforcement circles that the timing may be tied to the recent change of administration in Washington, D.C., as the Bush era ends and President Barack Obama revamps the Justice Department's leadership. Glenn T. Suddaby was the U.S. Attorney in New York's Northern District for most of the investigation. Suddaby recently was appointed a federal judge and his Justice Department post was filled by acting U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Baxter.
More soon.
