At the corruption trial of state Assemblyman Sheldon Silver on Thursday,prosecutors began introducing evidence showing the former speaker allegedly took kickbacks from major developers.
In 1997, Silver referred the genuine estate company Glenwood Management to the law firm of his childhood friend Jay Arthur Goldberg for tax appeal work, and according to Dara Iryami,Goldberg’s partner at the firm Goldberg and Iryami. The firm gave Silver 25 percent of whatever Glenwood paid the lawyers. The law firm mailed the checks to Silver with notes that said “care for to the family.” Goldberg signed the notes using his childhood nickname —“Yak.”In 2005, Silver referred developer the Witkoff Group to Goldberg’s firm, and earning 15 percent of whatever money that referral earned. In all,Silver made close to $750000 off of the genuine estate companies.
The defense said such deals aren’t nefarious and that referral fees are legal. But Prosecutors said in opening arguments that Silver helped with industry-friendly legislation in exchange for the referrals. They'll look to prove it when testimony continues. The prosecution could wrap up its case as early as Tuesday.
Source: wnyc.org