FBI close to constructing criminal case against Bruno (NYS top Repub)

[maddezmom]

Source: Capital New 9

FBI close to constructing criminal case against Bruno
Updated: 6/4/2007 7:04 AM
By: Web Staff



The FBI may have enough evidence to build a criminal case against the state's top republican. That's according to the Albany Times Union, which says the feds may be nearing an end to their lengthy investigation into the business dealings of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. The paper also says potential charges could fall under the "honest services law" and could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison.

The FBI may have enough evidence to build a criminal case against the state's top republican.

The investigation centers around Senator Bruno's private business interests, including a consulting firm with clients who may have benefited from state aid and Bruno's horse breeding business.

The FBI investigation is taking place at the same time the State Lobbying Commission is conducting its own probe, each trying to determine whether there's an inappropriate overlap between the senator's legislative power and private life.

A grand jury has been reviewing evidence for more than a year. Senator Bruno first publicly acknowledged the investigation in December, but said he is not the target.



Read more: http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=213233

[napi21]

1. That's GRET! Pick 'em off one by one! n/t

[DLnyc]

2. that's Very great!

This is a huge understatement:

(snip)
Any type of criminal charges surrounding Senator Bruno could have a lasting impact on the state's political landscape. Bruno's republican conference holds a slim majority in the Senate, and state democrats are targeting '08 to change the balance of power at the capitol.
(snip)

The New York legislature, and the Senate in particular, are widely known to be massively corrupt, with Bruno operating as the main boss. Getting Bruno out of there would be a step toward NY government progressing out of the corrupt traditions of the late 1800's.