CBSN New YorkWatch Now
Filed Under:corruption, Joseph Desmaret, Malcolm Smith, Noramie Jasmin, Ronny Berger, Sean Adams, Sen. Malcolm Smith, Spring Valley, taxes
Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasmin speaks to reporters on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 (credit: CBS 2)


SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Federal corruption charges could be costly for Spring Valley taxpayers.

Taxes might have to go up as Mayor Noramie Jasmin and Deputy Mayor Joseph Desmaret fight allegations that they sold their votes for a local development deal.

The village is hiring outside law firms at $200 per hour to handle the subpoena requests for documents, e-mails, and other potential evidence.

Residents like Ronny Berger say it’s unfair.

“I think they should step down and face the legal system as it is and whatever and be judged by your peers,” Berger told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.

But the mayor and her deputy refuse to resign.

“I’m asking the community not to pre-judge me,” Jasmin said last week. “Keep me in your prayer for my good name to restore.”

The government’s sting in Spring Valley was part of the larger investigation of St. Sen. Malcolm Smith, who is accused in a plot to rig the Republican race for New York City mayor.