New York – The campaign of former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has spent more than $1.5 million on attorneys since the longtime legislative leader was arrested on federal corruption charges last winter.
Recently filed finance reports show the Manhattan Democrat’s campaign paid $25,000 to the New York City offices of MoloLamken LLP a week before his Jan. 22 arrest, and then gave the law firm another $1 million payment in February. He also paid the firm of Stroock, Stroock & Lavan $500,000 in late January.
Silver is accused of taking nearly $4 million in kickbacks. He resigned his leadership position under pressure from other lawmakers but retained his seat in the Assembly.
He has said he expects to be exonerated.