Ex-GOP leader’s corruption case reaches NY jury after 3 weeks of testimony

Ex-NY politician’s corruption trial wrapping up

ALBANY, N.Y. — The corruption case against former New York state Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno has gone to the jury, which will return Tuesday morning to begin deliberations.

That follows closing arguments Monday and a federal judge’s instructions on the eight fraud charges.

The 80-year-old Bruno is accused of using his position to collect more than $3 million in commissions and gifts in return for using his influence to benefit labor unions and private businessmen. He retired from the Senate last year.

Bruno attorney Abbey David Lowell (LOW’-ell) told a jury Monday in his closing argument that the case amounts to an indictment in search of an actual crime.

Earlier, prosecutor William Pericak (PAIR’-uh-sek) argued that Bruno schemed to exploit his political position to enrich himself.