Appeals Court Revives Bribery Case Against Former NY Lt. Gov. Benjamin
A federal appeals court has revived corruption charges against former New York Lieutenant Governor Brian A. Benjamin, alleging a plan to funnel $50,000 in state money to a developer in exchange for campaign contributions. The decision reversed a previous ruling and sent the case back for further proceedings, although Benjamin may appeal. The case is now proceeding under uncertainty following the death of the developer who was likely to be the primary witness, and in the wake of a Supreme Court decision narrowing the types of corruption cases federal prosecutors may bring. Benjamin still faces trial on charges related to falsifying campaign donation forms and providing false information during a background check.