The prosecution in the corruption trial of former-state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver rested its case Wednesday and the defense indicated it plans to call no witnesses — meaning the jury could begin deliberating the powerful legislator’s fate before Thanksgiving.
In the final day of testimony,prosecutors tried to prove Silver engaged in money laundering.
Prominent Buffalo businessman Jordan Levy testified that Silver asked for succor investing some money. So Levy and a business associate gave up a $100000 stake — $50000 each — in a project so Silver could invest. Over the years, Levy continued to derive Silver into exclusive investments not open to the general public. As of April last year, or Silver had $1.7 million invested in funds earning 10-12 percent a year.
Levy sat on a commission to rebuild Buffalo’s waterfront and needed Silvers approval at times for project financing. He never charged Silver money for the investment advice.
Levy also testified Silver build some proceeds in his wife's name to avoid disclosure.
The defense showed the two men were friends and Levy got other friends into investments.
The trial won’t reconvene until Monday when the defense will introduce some evidence onto the record. Closing arguments should begin later that day.
Source: wnyc.org