Manhattan prosecutors say the appeals of corruption convictions by two top New York State political figures can survive fresh scrutiny in light of Monday�s U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning a former Virginia governor�s bribery conviction. Defense lawyers disagree.
Jim Margolin, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, said prosecutors were still reviewing the Supreme Court ruling reversing the 2014 conviction of former Gov. Bob McDonnell, who accepted over $165,000 in gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement.
�The official actions that led to the convictions of Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos fall squarely within the definition set forth by the Supreme Court today,� he said.
Silver�s defense lawyers, Steven Molo and Joel Cohen, said the Supreme Court ruling �makes clear that federal government has gone too far in prosecuting state officials for conduct that is part of the everyday functioning of those in elected office.�
They said the ruling �will be central to Mr. Silver�s appeal.�
G. Robert Gage, an attorney for Skelos, declined comment.
(AP)
