Ex-NY Senate Leader Dean Skelos, Son Indicted On Corruption Charges

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The former New York Senate leader and his son have been indicted on corruption charges in Manhattan federal court.

The indictment was returned Thursday against Dean Skelos, 67, and his son, Adam, 32.

The Long Island men were released on bail earlier this month.

Dean Skelos was New York state's most powerful Republican when he was arrested on conspiracy and extortion charges.

Authorities say he monetized his position by extorting money from others, including hundreds of thousands of dollars from a senior executive of a major real estate development firm who was cooperating with the government.

Dean Skelos promoted and voted for real estate legislation sought by the developer, including some pertaining to rent regulation and property tax abatements, the criminal complaint said.

Feds have been investigating whether Skelos influenced Nassau County's decision to award a 2013 contract to Arizona-based AbTech, even though it did not submit the lowest bid for a project.

Adam Skelos worked for the company as a consultant. The complaint said AbTech, which was only identified as an "Environmental Technology Company," more than doubled its monthly payment to Adam Skelos after the $12 million contract was approved.

"Dean Skelos' support for certain infrastructure projects and legislation was often based not on what was good for his constituents or good for New York, but rather on what was good for his son's bank accounts," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said earlier this month.

Dean Skelos allegedly pressured Nassau County to approve the contract and to expedite payments to the environmental company.

The indictment added to the accusations by claiming that Adam Skelos received more than $100,000 in payments and health benefits from a medical malpractice insurer. The indictment says the insurer provided Adam Skelos with a no-show job while it lobbied his father on legislative matters.

Lawyers did not immediately comment. Dean and Adam Skelos have said they are innocent.

In a statement, AbTech said it is cooperating with authorities and is not considered a target in the probe.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)