Albany, NY — U.S. Supreme Court rulings rejecting convictions for “honest services” fraud are expected to affect the case of former New York Senate leader Joseph Bruno, who’s facing two years in prison under the same federal statute. U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe, who presided at Bruno’s trial last year, has said he would review the top court rulings...
Former New York Senate leader Joseph Bruno talks to reporters outside federal court in Albany after being sentenced May 6. The 81-year-old Bruno was the Republican leader of the state Senate for 13 years. He was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted last year of using his office to help a businessman who paid him as a consultant and in a horse venture, violations of the federal "honest services" law. Albany, NY — U.S. Supreme Court rulings rejecting convictions for “honest services” fraud are expected to affect the case of former New York Senate leader Joseph Bruno, who’s facing two years in prison under the same federal statute.
U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe, who presided at Bruno’s trial last year, has said he would review the top court rulings and call defense lawyers and prosecutors back to court.
Defense attorney William Dreyer says he’ll meet with prosecutors as soon as possible and seek a meeting with the judge.
In one of three rulings Thursday, the Supreme Court limited the statute, but said prosecutors may seek honest services fraud convictions in cases where they present evidence of bribes or kickbacks.
Bruno was convicted of denying New Yorkers his honest services by making money through a sideline consulting business.