One of New York government’s most influential and well-known politicians faces serious charges that he used his extraordinary power in return for millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks, The Associated Press reports.
The FBI arrested Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who posted $200,000 bail after being charged with federal counts of bribery and conspiracy.
The powerful 70-year-old now faces up to 100 years in prison.
After his release, Silver was dogged, saying he was “confident that after a full hearing and due process, I’ll be vindicated on the charges.”
He is accused of abusing his power to obtain about $4 million in payments characterized as attorney referral fees solely through the corrupt use of his official position.”
Democrats said they plan to stand behind Silver, a prominent voice.
“Along with the Senate majority leader and the governor, he plays a major role in creating state budgets, laws and policies in a system long-criticized in Albany as ‘three men in a room,'” The Associated Press wrote.
