New York State Sen. Malcolm Smith was arrested April 2 on charges that he plotted to bribe his way onto the Republican ballot in this year’s mayoral race. Credit: Reuters
State Sen. Malcolm Smith was formally indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly trying to bribe his way onto this year’s mayoral ballot.
Smith was arrested by FBI agents April 2 for allegedly scheming with Queens Councilman Dan Halloran, a Republican, to bribe the GOP party in order to get Smith on the Republican ballot for mayor. As a Democrat, Smith needed the support of at least three Republican county chairmen to get on the ballot.
Halloran and party leaders Joseph Savino of the Bronx and Vincent Tabone of Queens were also named in the indictment. Smith and Halloran face 45 years in prison if convicted of the charges, the New York Post reports.
The councilman allegedly set up meetings with the party leaders to negotiate thousands of dollars in bribes, while keeping some of the money for himself.
Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasmin and Deputy Mayor Joseph Desmaret were also indicted Thursday for taking money and property in a related bribery scheme.
