Just two days after State Senator Malcolm Smith of New York City was charged with bribery, another state lawmaker is facing the same charge in an un-related case.
Democratic Assemblyman Eric Stevenson of the Bronx, whose grandfather served in the legislature, is charged with four others, accused of taking bribes in exchange for producing legislation that would benefit the business of one of his co-defendants. Prosecutors say another member of the assembly was named in a sealed indictment, and has cooperated in the investigation. Nelson Castro of the Bronx has resigned from office.
WAMC'S political observer Dr. Alan Chartock says this type of scandal often comes from downstate because the population density gives lawmakers a certain anonymity. He spoke with WAMC's Brian Shields.
