Albany, NY – In March 2006, a telephone call from Sen. Joseph L. Bruno was patched through to the United States attorney, Glenn T. Suddaby.
The call was placed as the former state Senate majority leader became aware that an FBI investigation of his private business relationships was gaining traction.
The case, which FBI agents dubbed “Operation Green Pastures,” began three months earlier where it would end: private jet flights bankrolled by political supporters, and shady horse deals as New York’s storied thoroughbred racing program was up for grabs.
On Thursday the tumultuous case is set to end with Bruno facing anywhere from probation to 8 years in prison after he was convicted of theft of honest services fraud. Both felonies relate to his dealings with Loudonville businessman Jared Abbruzzese, whose jet rides and business dealings with the former senator sparked the investigation that brought down Bruno.
In retrospect, the probe of Bruno is one that endured despite in-fighting between the FBI and federal prosecutors. There also was intense pressure by Bruno and his supporters to squash the investigation, and fingerpointing from all sides about leaks, motives and the strengths of New York’s porous ethics disclosure rules.
(Read More: Times Union)
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LISTEN, the whole rotten system is based on graft and corruption. Where do you think all these politicians get all those millions to run their campaigns?–From the regular guys who read Yeshiva World?
The people who donate the big bucks are buying corrupt political influence–and, to be honest, it’s a great deal, too. Give a politician a thousand, and he gives you back a million.
Still the best investment in America today!