Ex-New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been indicted on three charges after being arrested in a federal bribery case last month.
Silver was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in Manhattan federal court. The charges are honest services mail fraud, honest services wire fraud and extortion under the color of his official duties.
Lawyers Joel Cohen and Steven Molo say they will “fight for his total vindication.'' Silver has said he is confident it will come.
Silver had led the Assembly for over 20 years when he was arrested. Prosecutors said he had collected nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks since 2002 and disguised the proceeds as legitimate income.
He has since resigned as speaker but has said he intends to keep his Assembly seat.
U.S. vs. Sheldon Silver Indictment