Prosecutor In Closing Remarks: Skelos Bullied Companies For Son
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Dean Skelos bullied companies to benefit his son, a prosecutor said during closing arguments at the former New York Senate leader's corruption trial Tuesday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Mukhi said in Manhattan federal court that Skelos "strong-armed" three companies to force them to pay his son $300,000.
The prosecutor said the 57-year-old Republican was in lockstep with his 33-year-old son, Adam, as he violated the law and abused his powerful state post.
Mukhi said that at a number of official sessions centering on legislation that a real estate firm wanted, Skelos repeatedly declared, "I need something for my son," WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.
The prosecution said the defendant's actions were planned, plotted and executed, adding "the evidence is devastating and overwhelming."
Both Dean and Adam Skelos have pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers say they will be vindicated.
Skelos has retained his Senate seat, but relinquished his leadership position.
Defense lawyers are scheduled to deliver closings Wednesday.
The summations cap a three-week trial that's featured numerous recordings of father-son phone conversations as well as chats between the defendants and others.
Last week, another once-powerful New York lawmaker, former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, was convicted on corruption charges. He faces up to 130 years in prison when he is sentenced.
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