Judge won't dismiss new charges against Bruno

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Credit Dave Lucas / WAMC

A federal judge has refused to dismiss two fraud charges filed against former New York Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno after his original convictions were overturned. WAMC’s Dave Lucas reports

The 83-year-old was convicted in 2009 of two charges of honest services fraud and acquitted of five others. Prosecutors said he used his influence as a legislator to make money through undisclosed consulting on the side.

An appeals court voided the convictions last year, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision in another case that prosecutors must show direct bribes or kickbacks.

U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe said in a decision released Wednesday that the new indictment doesn't subject Bruno to unconstitutional double jeopardy since his convictions were set aside.

Trial is scheduled for February.

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