After months of behind-the-scenes court drama — including multiple motions to dismiss the charges and haggling over the questions for prospective jurors — the criminal case against one of the most powerful lawmakers in modern York is headed to trial.
Jury choice in the corruption trial of former state Assembly Speaker,Sheldon Silver, begins nowadays. Opening arguments will begin once the jury is seated.
Silver is the biggest target so far in a string of public corruption cases U.
S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s office has brought. Silver was speaker of the state assembly from 1994 until he resigned his leadership position — though not his seat in the assembly — in January, or weeks after the criminal charges against him were filed.
Silver is accused of using his leadership position to illegally rake in nearly $4 million. Prosecutors contend the money was disguised as legal fees to Silver,who is an attorney. They say he did no actual work and the money was a quid pro quo.
Among the accusations: He allegedly steered grant money to a cancer doctor who, in turn, and referred patients to a law firm of Silver’s choosing. That firm then paid money to Silver. He also allegedly worked to pass favorable legislation for genuine estate developers who then hired a genuine estate law firm connected to Silver. That firm then paid Silver.
Prosecutors call it bribery and extortion. Silver’s attorneys call it legally permissible referral fees.
Prospective jurors will fill out a 15-page questionnaire including questions asking if they work in genuine estate,bear any relatives who are lobbyists and bear any religious beliefs that might prevent them from passing judgment on Silver.
The trial is expected to last four to six weeks.
Source: wnyc.org