| It looks to be a rather interesting day in Albany corruption. We now know that not one, but two Brooklyn pols are answering to the Feds this morning. Added to this morning's perp walk is four term Brooklyn Assemblyman William Boyland, who will be facing charges along with lobbyist (and Committee To Scam New York flunky) Richard Lipsky and Senator Carl Kruger (D-Crooklyn).
Here's a roundup of the latest. Also do check out the awesome new blog about all things Brooklyn politics, cleverly named The Brooklyn Politics
Brooklyn Senator and Assemblyman Face Corruption Charges (NYT)
State Senator Carl Kruger, a powerful and at times controversial Brooklyn Democrat; a state assemblyman; and an influential lobbyist are expected to turn themselves in on Thursday to federal authorities in Manhattan on corruption charges, according to several people briefed on the matter.
Mr. Kruger had been under investigation by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn who were looking into accusations that he had helped businessmen surmount bureaucratic hurdles in exchange for assistance raising campaign money, but the charges stemmed from an investigation by Manhattan federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Others, including William F. Boyland Jr., a four-term Democratic state assemblyman from Brooklyn, and Richard Lipsky, a lobbyist, and two hospital executives, were also expected to face charges in the case, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the charges had not been made public.
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Mr. Levitis, who owned the Rasputin nightclub on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, was accused by prosecutors in Brooklyn of lying about a discussion he had had with an F.B.I. confidential informant who was posing as a businessman looking for help with an inspection. The discussion was secretly recorded.
During that conversation, according to the charges, Mr. Levitis, a personal-injury lawyer, solicited a $3,000 payment, telling the informant that he would pass on $2,000 to an aide to Mr. Kruger and keep the rest. Mr. Levitis also told him that he might have to hold a fund-raiser for the lawmaker.
Mr. Kruger has for years been a wily fixture in the Capitol. His ability to reach across the aisle and form close alliances with Republicans helped him earn a committee chairmanship when Democrats were in the minority. When his party won control of the chamber two years ago, Mr. Kruger joined two lawmakers from the Bronx in withholding votes from fellow Democrats until given perquisites and leadership positions, including the chairmanship of the Finance Committee.
State Sen. Carl Kruger, Assemblyman William Boyland to surrender to feds on bribery charges (NYDN)
State Sen. Carl Kruger, one of the most powerful players in Albany, and Assemblyman William Boyland are expected to surrender Thursday to face charges in a long-running, broad-reaching bribery conspiracy, sources told the Daily News.
Federal prosecutors are expected to charge Kruger, a veteran Brooklyn Democrat, with using his clout as a public official to line his pockets, several sources said. Several of those who allegedly paid the bribes will also be charged.
Boyland, also a Brooklyn Democrat, was hired as a consultant by companies seeking influence in Albany, sources said.
The feds have been eying Kruger since 2007 amid allegations he collected campaign cash in exchange for political favors.
Sources said Kruger took bribes to do favors for hospital executives, a Brooklyn-based developer and a lobbyist, Richard Lipsky.
The payoffs were funneled into checking accounts that Kruger had access to, the sources said.
Kruger turns self in to face corruption charges (NYP)
State Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) surrendered to federal authorities to face corruption charges.
Kruger, flanked by his attorney Ben Brafman and two other men, turned himself in to the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan around 8:30 a.m.
The senator, looking solemn and wearing a dark suit, walked silently into the building.
"He's saddened because he's one of the most dedicated public servants for the past 25 years with an impeccable reputation," Brafman said. "This obviously is a difficult day for all of us."
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When asked about the pending charges against him, he said, "I have no comment. My attorney will be releasing a statement later today." He then walked off with his head down.
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A Democratic operative said, "Everyone knows that Carl has been using his post to take money for years, so this isn't surprising. What's more surprising is that it didn't happen 10 years ago."
Kruger has one of the Legislature's largest campaign war chests: $2.6 million as of last July.
Lipsky was fired yesterday by The Committee to Save New York, a coalition lobbing for Gov. Cuomo's budget. Committee spokesman Bill Cunningham said Lipsky, who was retained three week ago, was booted "to remove any distraction."
Kruger latest senator in peril (ATU)
Kruger demonstrated a propensity for bucking the wishes of Democratic conference leaders unless his demands for more clout -- including the committee chairmanship -- were met. In late 2008, he formed a caucus known as the "four amigos" along with Democrats Hiram Monserrate of Queens as well as Pedro Espada Jr. and Ruben Diaz Sr. of the Bronx. The renegade quartet refused to back Sen. Malcolm Smith as majority leader unless they were given additional perks.
In June 2009, Espada and Monserrate defected to the Republican conference in a coup that would have tipped control of the Senate -- as well as attached perks and legislative authority -- to the GOP. That day, Kruger was seen asking Espada why he was not offered the opportunity to participate in the coup.
Oh dear. Carl was upset he didn't get to come out and play in the coup. Sad. That episode further illustrates that Albany's corruption problem is most certainly bipartisan. So do this, also from the Times Union:
Prosecutors have made a cottage industry of scrutinizing members of the Senate. Espada, who was given the title of majority leader after the 2009 coup, was charged in December with embezzlement and conspiracy for taking money from the Soundview health clinic he runs with members of his family. Espada has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges; his case is pending. He lost a 2010 Democratic primary to Sen. Gustavo Rivera.
Espada was indicted a week after Sen. Vincent Leibell, a Republican from Putnam County, pleaded guilty to shaking down a lawyer in his district for partial kickbacks of money received from groups that received taxpayer-funded "member items" the senator had steered toward them.
Another of the so-called amigos, Monserrate, was found guilty of misdemeanor assault for manhandling his girlfriend during a domestic dispute at their apartment. Monserrate was expelled from the Senate in February 2010, and lost a special election to Sen. Jose Peralta, a Democrat.
Sen. Kevin Parker, D-Brooklyn, is awaiting sentencing on a December 2010 misdemeanor conviction of criminal mischief related to an altercation with a New York Post photographer. He was re-elected last year and continues to serve in the chamber.
Former Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno was found guilty of federal charges that he deprived the public of its right to honest services. Jurors sustained charges that Bruno accepted $200,000 in business-consulting fees from a company that later did state business, and was paid $80,000 for a horse prosecutors said was "virtually worthless" from a man seeking racing business from the state.
What a mess. Like I said, it should be a rather interesting day.
Stay tuned.
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