Former New York Liberal Party Boss Raymond Harding Avoids Prison In Pension Scandal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Manhattan judge has sentenced the former boss of New York's Liberal Party to a conditional discharge for his role in the state pension scandal.
Raymond Harding will avoid prison if he stays out of trouble for a year. He told the court he is "profoundly sorry.''
WCBS 880's Irene Cornell reports: A Tap On The Wrist For Ray Harding
Podcast
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Harding's health was a consideration. He had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal when Cuomo was attorney general.
Former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi previously pleaded guilty to receiving reward for official misconduct, a felony.
Harding was accused of accepting $800,000 in fees after doing favors for Hevesi. He will not have to pay back the money, however, he will not be allowed to practice law or do any business with the state.
Cuomo said the sentencing serves as a reminder that corruption can no longer be perceived as "business as usual in Albany.''
(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
