Leading New York politician arrested on bribery charges

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is transported by federal agents to federal court, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 in New York. Silver, who has been one of the most powerful men in Albany for more than two decades, was arrested Thursday on public corruption charges. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is transported by federal agents to federal court, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 in New York. Silver, who has been one of the most powerful men in Albany for more than two decades, was arrested Thursday on public corruption charges. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

By Associated Press January 23, 2015 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – New York and its Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo start this year’s legislative session facing the latest taint on its already tarnished reputation for government ethics with the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who bent state government to his will for more than 20 years as one of the state’s most powerful and canny politicians.

The 70-year-old Democrat was taken into custody Thursday by the FBI on federal charges that he took nearly $4 million in payoffs and kickbacks, crimes that carry up to 100 years in prison and could cost him his political seat.

Silver is the sixth New York legislative leader to face prosecution in the past six years. After a court appearance, he said he was confident he’d be vindicated.