Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton), Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Allee alleged that Libous told the law firm’s partners that if they hired his son Matthew, he would steer so much business their way “they could build a new wing on their office”.
Advertisement
During jury selection Monday, U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti asked a courtroom of prospective jurors whether they had “read or heard anything in the news about New York state officials being charged with crimes”. He said he feared Libous, the deputy majority leader, would be lumped in with other arrested or convicted legislators and presumed guilty.
The No. 2 man in the state Senate illegally snagged his son a cushy $150,000-a-year job – which the kid then used to land himself a pricey vehicle and to try to bed a boss’ wife, prosecutors said Tuesday.
When Federal Bureau of Investigation agents questioned Libous in June 2010, he claimed not to have known how his son got the job, according to the indictment.
About $35,212 since mid-January went to William Fanciullo, a former federal prosecutor who is now an Albany-based defense attorney.
He said Libous has lived a life of service and integrity.
The post Opening arguments: Prosecutors say Sen.
Mangone is cooperating with the prosecution in hopes of easing his sentence for bribery and extortion convictions. Mr. Allee said Mr. Libous lied to the agents to hide his role in what he called the “crooked arrangement”. He said Mr. Hiffa suggested the lobbying firm retain the law firm because Matthew Libous worked there.
“He’s a liar, he’s corrupt, he was indicted for extortion, tax evasion, Derohannesian said of Mangone”.
Advertisement
Libous’ campaign spent about $113,000 on attorneys past year, the Board of Elections filings show. Matthew Libous’ surrender was delayed so he could attend his father’s trial, and he was seen outside the courthouse as his father left for the day.
