NY attorney general sues state Senate leader

[The Northerner]

Source: Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. — The majority leader of New York's Senate is accused of siphoning $14 million from his government-funded clinic in the Bronx for lavish restaurant meals, trips to Las Vegas and his own campaign, according to a civil lawsuit announced on Tuesday by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The suit against Democratic Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. covers five years of spending, the last two of which Espada spent as a senator representing the Bronx. The suit also names 19 other current and former officials of Espada's Comprehensive Community Development Corp., known locally as Soundview and operating on about $12 million annually, mostly from state and federal government funds.

Cuomo said Espada diverted charitable assets to himself, relatives, friends and his political operation.

There was no immediate comment from Espada, who had called Cuomo's investigation a "witch hunt" to boost the attorney general's political career. Cuomo is widely expected to run for governor this fall but has not announced his candidacy.

Cuomo said the dealing included a severance package for Espada worth $9 million that was guaranteed and would send the clinic into bankruptcy if it's paid out. Cuomo said the CEO and the Soundview board, which he said is "packed" with Espada's friends and relatives, approved the 2005 transaction.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iT6K8t4DL80YwqOk0phOaz06Ls7wD9F6UQP80

[no_hypocrisy]

1. This is one of the two guys who held up the NYS Senate last year by

siding with the republicans (the coupe), to give the party a majority in exchange for the award of cherished positions.

I knew Karma would catch up with this guy.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/08/2009-06-08_gop_coup_in_albany_senators_hiram_monserrate_and_pedro_espada_jr_vote_against_fe.html

[quiet.american]

5. Hello! No tears for Espada here, he stabbed his Dem colleagues in the back.

And sold them out to the state GOP, just as you've said. Now he brings even more disgrace to NY Dems. What a piece of work.

[BunkerHill24]

2. LOL... he pocketed 12 mill, and he's still state senator?

That's Rich!

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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[Renew Deal]

4. Cuomo can't run for governor because he's caught up chasing all these guys.

Geez!

[eilen]

6. He's cleaning house before he gets there.

This Espada guy is one shady crooked pol. Let him join Monserrat and Bruno as NY political untouchables. Liebell should be next. Wonder why we have no money in the state, it is blood suckers like these guys. Crooks and losers. I really hope the chickens come home to roost and this guy is thrown in prison.

It wasn't too long ago his son had to resign his made up position as "assistant to director of intergovernmental affairs" that carried a $120,000 salary.