NEW YORK (AP) – The leader of the New York Senate surrendered Monday to face charges including extortion and soliciting bribes after investigators looking into the awarding of a $12 million contract to a company that hired his son said they captured him on wiretaps boasting of his power.
Dean Skelos, 67, of Long Island and his 32-year-old son, Adam, surrendered at the FBI’s offices in lower Manhattan as a criminal complaint was unsealed against them in federal court, where they were expected to appear later in the day.
Authorities said Dean Skelos – New York state’s most powerful Republican official -has used his position as a carrot since at least 2010, taking official actions in return for payments to his son.