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Prosecutors: Ex-NY Senator Could Face Tax Charges

NEW YORK (AP) -- Already charged in a federal fraud indictment, the former New York state Senate Democratic leader and his son could also soon be facing charges of tax evasion.

Assistant Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Colleen Kavanagh said the government expects to add tax charges against Pedro Espada Jr. and his son Pedro G. Espada in a superseding indictment.

Kavanagh made the announcement during a hearing Friday in the original case filed against Espada and his son in December. They are accused of embezzling more than $500,000 from their federally funded Bronx health clinic.
Espada and his son have pleaded not guilty.

Kavanagh said she didn't anticipate a plea deal. She said the new indictment is forthcoming in four to six weeks.

Defense lawyer Susan Necheles says the tax charges are not unexpected.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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