January 2006: McLaughlin makes the surprise announcement that he will not seek an eighth term as a state assemblyman.
March 2006: The FBI raids the offices of McLaughlin as part of a broad investigation into New York state politics.
October 2006: Police arrest McLaughlin on 43 federal racketeering charges, alleging the assemblyman stole $2.2 million from taxpayers, labor unions and contractors over the course of a decade. He pleads not guilty.
June 2007: At a court hearing, federal attorneys hint McLaughlin is cooperating with authorities and could strike a plea deal.
March 2008: After his trial is repeatedly delayed, McLaughlin pleads guilty to one count of racketeering and one count of making false statements on a loan application. Under federal guidelines, McLaughlin would likely serve between eight and 10 years in prison.
December 2008: McLaughlin’s sentencing is delayed after he cooperates with federal authorities in an investigation that leads to the indictment of former colleague state Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio (D−Richmond Hill).
April 2009: His sentencing is again pushed back by Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Sullivan after Long Island City electrical contractor Santo Petrocelli is indicted for allegedly paying off McLaughlin on several occasions during the 1990s through 2006.
May 2009: McLaughlin’s attorney submits nearly four dozen letters from friends, family, clergy members and civic leaders asking for leniency ahead of his scheduled May 20 sentencing.
