A federal prosecutor says the arrest of the New York Senate leader is more proof that public corruption is a chronic problem in the state.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara spoke Monday at a news conference after Dean Skelos surrendered with his son to face charges including extortion and soliciting bribes.
Authorities say the 67-year-old father and 32-year-old son teamed up to use the father's influence to earn tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the son.
Attorneys for the men did not immediately return messages for comment.
Dean Skelos became New York state's most powerful Republican official when he was elected in January as majority leader. He previously shared the post from 2011 to 2013.
Both were to appear in Manhattan federal court Monday.
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