New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin appears at an event on September 23, 2021, while state senator. He resigned after he was indicted on federal bribery and wire fraud charges on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Brian Benjamin Public Facebook
April 12 (UPI) — New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday after federal prosecutors charged him with bribery, honest service wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with an abuse of office while supporting a donor.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Benjamin’s resignation in a statement on Tuesday, saying it was effective immediately.
“While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as lieutenant governor,” Hochul said.” New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”
Benjamin’s attorneys, James D. Gatta and William J. Harrington, also confirmed the resignation, adding he “looks forward to when this case is finished so he can rededicate himself to public service.”
“He will focus his energies on explaining in court why his actions were laudable — not criminal,” they said.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced the charges Tuesday, saying Benjamin used his power when he was a state senator to secure a state-funded grant in exchange for contributions to his own political campaigns, abusing his power and essentially using state funds to support his campaign.
Benjamin is also charged with two counts of falsifying records in connection with the preparation of forms that falsely reported contributions made by a co-conspirator and false statements in a questionnaire while seeking to become lieutenant governor.
“Exploiting one’s official authority by allocating state funds as part of a bribe to procure donations to a political campaign, and engaging in activity to cover up the bribe, is illegal,” FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said in a statement. “As we allege today, Benjamin’s conduct in this scheme directly circumvents those procedures put in place to keep our systems fair.”
The charges stem from a 2019 incident in which Benjamin allegedly used his influence to win a $50,000 grant on behalf of one of the co-conspirators. Days later, the co-conspirator wrote Benjamin three checks totaling $25,000 for his campaign, prosecutors said.
When filling out a questionnaire for lieutenant governor, Benjamin claimed he never used his office to benefit a donor.
Benjamin’s bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison while his honest services wire fraud charge has a 20-year maximum. The two counts of record falsification also carries a maximum of 20 years.
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin appears at an event on September 23, 2021, while state senator. He resigned after he was indicted on federal bribery and wire fraud charges on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Brian Benjamin Public Facebook April 12 (UPI) — New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday after federal prosecutors charged him with bribery, honest service wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with an abuse of office while supporting a donor. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Benjamin’s resignation in a statement on Tuesday, saying it was effective immediately. “While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as lieutenant governor,” Hochul said.” New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.” Benjamin’s attorneys, James D. Gatta and William J. Harrington, also confirmed the resignation, adding he “looks forward to when this case is finished so he can rededicate himself to public service.” “He will focus his energies on explaining in court why his actions were laudable — not criminal,” they said. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced the charges Tuesday, saying Benjamin used his power when he was a state senator to secure a state-funded grant in exchange for contributions to his own political campaigns, abusing his power and essentially using state funds to support his campaign. Benjamin is also charged with two counts of falsifying records in connection with the preparation of forms that falsely reported contributions made by a co-conspirator and false statements in a questionnaire while seeking to become lieutenant governor. “Exploiting one’s official authority by allocating state funds as part of a bribe to procure donations to a political campaign, and engaging in activity to cover up the bribe, is illegal,” FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said in a statement. “As we allege today, Benjamin’s conduct in this scheme directly circumvents those procedures put in place to keep our systems fair.” The charges stem from a 2019 incident in which Benjamin allegedly used his influence to win a $50,000 grant on behalf of one of the co-conspirators. Days later, the co-conspirator wrote Benjamin three checks totaling $25,000 for his campaign, prosecutors said. When filling out a questionnaire for lieutenant governor, Benjamin claimed he never used his office to benefit a donor. Benjamin’s bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison while his honest services wire fraud charge has a 20-year maximum. The two counts of record falsification also carries a maximum of 20 years.