Former Democratic New York state Sen. Malcolm Smith, who briefly served as Majority Leader, will spend seven years in prison for a scheme to bribe his way onto the ballot for the 2013 New York City mayoral election. Smith was sentenced Wednesday in White Plains.
A federal jury found Smith guilty of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud, use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion.
Smith wanted to be mayor but sought to avoid a Democratic mayoral primary. He instead decided to obtain the backing of Republican leaders in three boroughs so he could run for the GOP line. Prosecutors said he authorized bribes totaling about $200,000.
The five other politicians who were arrested with Smith were convicted or pleaded guilty.
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