Opening statements began Wednesday in the corruption trial against state Sen. Malcolm Smith who is accused of trying to bribe his way onto the Republican ballot for New York City mayor.
“Malcolm Smith wanted something more; he wanted to be mayor” and figured his best shot would be to cross party lines and “run as a Republican,” Assistant US Attorney Douglas Bloom told jurors at federal court in White Plains, the New York Post said.
Former Councilman Dan Halloran and former Queens GOP vice chair Vincent Tabone are also on trial with Smith.
Halloran is accused of negotiating payoffs and setting up meetings between Smith and the county bosses, allegedly pocketing thousands in the process.
Vincent Tabone allegedly took cash bribes as part of the conspiracy.
Smith’s lawyer’s accused the government of entrapment, and Halloran’s defense team argued that their client is not a crook, Post said.
A juror was dismissed for discussing the case with a relative and defense lawyers asked for an entirely new jury after a copy of local newspaper was found in the jury room, but the judge opted against selecting a new one, according to the Post.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- Queens teacher accused of sexual encounter with second student
- Sen. Avella questions security at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center
- Avonte Oquendo’s mom files suit against city: reports
