NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has refused to grant a new trial to former New York Senate leader Dean Skelos and his adult son.
The two were convicted in December. Federal Judge Kimba Wood said in a document made public Friday that the once-powerful Republican's conduct followed a brazen pattern of pressuring and threatening others to enrich his son.
Dean Skelos was convicted of using his office to extort about $300,000 in salary and other benefits for the son.
His public corruption trial featured wiretap recordings between Skelos and his only child, Adam.
Prosecutors said the tapes proved the pair schemed to pressure three companies into agreeing to employ his 33-year-old son.
The defense argued that Skelos was merely a loving father eager to take care of his only child, not a politician on the take.
