Dean Skelos Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison; Son Adam Sentenced to 6.5 Years

Dean Skelos was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday, and his son Adam was sentenced to six-and-a-half years.

Both Dean, 68, the former New York State Senate Republican Leader; and Adam, 33, were convicted last year of extortion, fraud and bribery. Prosecutors said Skelos pressured three companies with a stake in state legislation into giving his son about $300,000 through consulting work, a no-show job and a payment of $20,000.

Defense attorneys argued at trial that the  evidence showed only that Dean Skelos was a devoted father looking out for his struggling son, and that overzealous prosecutors were overreaching.

In addition to the prison sentences, Judge Kimba Wood, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, imposed a $500,00 fine on Dean, anda $334,120 forfeiture to be paid jointly by Dean and Adam. To Adam she said, “”I impose no fine, because you don’t have the money to pay a fine.”

During the sentencing hearing Thursday, Dean implored the court to show leniency toward Adam, the father of two young autistic boys.
Both Dean and Adam teared up in court as Adam described his father’s devotion toward him. “I created my share of problems growing up, and he was always there to bail me out,” said Adam, who asked the judge to show leniency to his father.

Both father and son apologized in court for their actions.

Dean said he is “completely remorseful.”

“Somewhere along the way, my judgment became flawed,” he said.

Adam said: “I’ve had struggles in my life and now realize that I can’t use them as an excuse for my conduct. I deeply regret what I’ve done.”

Dean said, “I love Adam and pray that we have better days forever.”