By Craig Giammona
A plaintive Hevesi stood quietly as a Albany County Judge Stephen Herrick issued a stinging critique of Hevesi's conduct.Herrick said that a “very high level of arrogance” and “expectation of entitlement” had led Hevesi to abuse his office for private gain.Herrick repeatedly asked Hevesi why he had done what he did and repeatedly said he could not understand the former comptroller's actions.”You could have afforded to provide the services for your family,” Herrick said.Herrick acknowledged Hevesi's 38 years as a distinguished public servant, but invoked his accomplishments in contrast to the final chapter of his career – a chapter that led Hevesi to plead guilty to a felony count of defrauding the government and resign as comptroller.”You're fall from grace has been total and from a very great height,” Herrick said.Herrick fined Hevesi $5,000 and noted that he will never again be permitted to serve in public office. The judge also restored Hevesi's right to vote. In handing down the sentence, Herrick noted that Hevesi has already reimbursed the state more than $200,000 for the services that were illegally provided by state employees.Following Herrick's statement, Hevesi apologized to the court, his staff, his family and the people of New York.”I am culpable, I'm responsible, I apologize,” Hevesi said.Hevesi's plea deal with Albany District Attorney David Soares allowed the longtime fixture on the Queens political scene to avoid jail time, but effectively ended a long and distinguished political career that spanned five decades.Hevesi, who ran for mayor in 2001, was city controller from 1994 to 2002. He began his political career in the state Assembly, where he served from 1968 to 1994, representing Forest Hills.Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
