Ex-Sen. Smith Convicted in Mayor Bribery Case

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) —

Former Democratic Senate Leader Malcolm Smith was convicted Thursday of scheming to bribe his way onto the GOP ballot in the 2013 mayoral race.

A federal jury found Smith guilty on all four charges: bribery conspiracy, wire fraud, use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion. A co-defendant, former Queens Republican Vice Chairman Vincent Tabone, was also convicted of the four charges.

Smith, once one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers, lost his re-election last year after being indicted.

In 2013, Smith wanted to avoid a Democratic mayoral primary so he decided to obtain the backing of Republican leaders in three boroughs, which would allow him to run for the GOP line. Prosecutors said he authorized bribes totaling about $200,000.

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