Assemblyman Stevenson Found Guilty on Corruption Charges

Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson has been convicted on federal corruption charges, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara confirmed this

Eric Stevenson. (Photo: NYS Assembly)
Eric Stevenson. (Photo: NYS Assembly)

Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson has been convicted on federal corruption charges, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara confirmed this evening.

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Mr. Stevenson was convicted on four counts stemming from charges that he drafted legislation and performed official government services in exchange for more than $20,000 in cash bribes–the latest in a long string of corruption arrests hitting the state’s lawmakers.

In a statement, Mr. Bharara vowed to keep investigating pols “until government in New York is cleaned up.”

“As a unanimous jury swiftly found, Assemblyman Stevenson brazenly betrayed the public that elected him,” he said. “Graft and greed are intolerable in Albany, and we will go to trial as often as we have to until government in New York is cleaned up.”

Other pols recently convicted or indicted on corruption charges include State Senators John Sampson and Malcolm Smith, Councilman Larry Seabrook, Assemblyman William Boyland and former State Senators Carl Kruger and Hiram Monserrate.

Under the the rules governing the State Legislature, Mr. Stevenson’s conviction will result in his immediate expulsion from the body, according to an Assembly spokesman.

Mr. Stevenson’s office and lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment and it’s unclear if he will appeal the ruling. According to Mr. Bharara’s office, Mr. Stevenson’s sentencing will take place on May 20 and he potentially faces 20 years in prison.

Update (6:49 p.m.) With additional information from Mr. Bharara’s office.

Assemblyman Stevenson Found Guilty on Corruption Charges