New York State Senator and his son arrested for blackmail, fraud and bribes

New York State Senate President Dean Skelos and his son Adam are arrested by the federal authorities on charges of blackmail, fraud and passive bribery.

According to The New York Times, a statement filed in the Federal District Court of Manhattan to institute criminal proceedings against the 67-year-old senator and his 32-year-old son contains six counts. In particular, the accusation is related to the fact that the environmental company in which Skelos Jr. worked, received contracts from the authorities, and the senator contributed to changing the requirements for extracting natural gas, which led to an increase in his son's remuneration.

The skeletons allegedly extorted money from a company building and selling real estate in the New York area, Long Island, as well as a company from Arizona. The services of the senator, according to the filed suit, were estimated at $ 220 thousand, and Skelos Jr. was the recipient of the funds.

If the defendants are found guilty on all six counts, they face up to 20 years in prison on four counts and up to 10 on two more. Data on the possible fault of the senator and his son were obtained with the help of a witness who collaborated with the investigation, who recorded their conversations.

It is not yet known whether Skelos Sr. will resign.