By JONATHAN GOMEZ
No longer the political power broker he once was, former New York State Assembly Speaker pleaded not guilty to extortion charges on Tuesday.
Democrat Sheldon “Shelly” Silver was arraigned in Manhattan Federal Court on charges of mail and wire fraud and extortion under the color of official right, an usual legal technicality designed to convict a defendant without prosecutors having to show any explicit demand for compensation.
Arriving in the courtroom with his two lawyers, Steve Molo and Joel Cohen, Silver, sporting a charcoal suit with a striped red tie, had a stoical demeanor.
“I am confident I will be vindicated in the court room,” said Silver after his arraignment.
Silver’s lawyers immediately informed Judge Valerie Caproni that they were filing a motion to dismiss the case, saying that US Attorney Preet Baharara caused a “media firestorm” after statements he made during a speech at the New York Law School and on CNBC.
“The US Attorney’s statements were orchestrated, depriving Mr. Silver of the presumption of innocence,” said Molo. “The statements had no purpose other than to prejudice the grand jury and the jury that will here this case.”
Assistant US Attorney Carrie Cohen took exception to Molo’s accusation, calling Baharara’s statements “nothing extraordinary”.”
Cohen added that Molo’s allegations were “Baseless” and “certainly not prejudice.”
In the meantime Silver will stay on his seat as the Lower Manhattan Assemblyman, a seat he has held for nearly 40 years.
“I intend fully to represent my constituents in the best way I know how,” said silver after the arraignment.
Judge Caproni did not set a trial date; instead a May 7 date was set in order to figure out when to set a trial.
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