NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York State Assemblyman Eric Stevenson was charged with corruption by prosecutors on Thursday, and another assemblyman was forced to resign, in the second federal graft case brought against New York politicians this week.
Federal prosecutors have accused Stevenson of taking more than $22,000 in bribes in exchange for official acts, which included drafting and sponsoring legislation that would have effectively granted a monopoly to a network of adult day-care centers operated by four businessmen.
“So here we go again.
This is getting to be something of a habit,” U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara told a news conference.
“For the second time in three days, we unseal criminal charges against a sitting member of our state legislature.
Corruption charges among New York politicians are disheartening. It’s crucial to address such issues to maintain trust in our political system.