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Lobbyist Robert Scott Gaddy facing federal bribery charge

Albany lobbyist Robert Scott Gaddy is facing federal charges, accused of bribing Assemblyman Joe Errigo.

The federal complaint was filed Thursday, less than a month after Errigo was charged with bribery and wire fraud.

The U.S. Attorney for Western NY, James Kennedy, says that during an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption involving a large re-development project in the City of Rochester, the FBI identified potential corrupt acts by Gaddy and various public officials. As a result, they began looking into the relationship between Gaddy and Errigo.

An individual, described as a confidential source was working with the FBI, and authorities say that person paid Errigo and Gaddy a total of $10,500 to help introduce state legislation regarding a local development project.

Officials say that scheme was just a ruse, and the FBI did not intend to permit any proposed legislation to advance beyond a preliminary stage.

“The people of Western New York, like all our citizens, deserve to have representatives who act in the public’s interest, not for their own personal financial gain,” U.S. Attorney Kennedy said in a statement released on Thursday. “Where, as alleged here, legislative acts are undertaken not on their merits but in exchange for the payment of bribes and in hopes of personal financial gain, then all involved in the corruption of our legislative process ought to expect to face criminal charges.”

Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Buffalo Office, said that, “Today's complaint, like other recent cases, highlights a common theme: bribery crimes are fueled by greed…When a person or group can buy legislation by bribing a public official, it is the community and constituents who suffer and the public official who benefits.”

Gaddy made an initial appearance in federal court and was released. He is due back in court December 18.

Read the full federal complaint here:

Federal complaint against Robert Scott Gaddy by WXXI News on Scribd

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.