New York Lt. Gov. Benjamin resigns after bribery conspiracy charges
New York Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin speaks at the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for Summit One Vanderbilt on October 21, 2021 in New York City. Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned on Tuesday after he was arrested for campaign finance-related federal bribery conspiracy charges, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said in a statement.
What they're saying: "While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor," Hochul said.
- Benjamin's resignation is effective immediately, she added.
Details: Benjamin pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday during a brief appearance in Manhattan federal court, Reuters reports.
- Hochul was not believed to have been aware of the charges, the New York Times notes.
Driving the news: A federal indictment charges Benjamin with conspiring to funnel state funds to a Harlem real estate investor in exchange for illegal campaign contributions in 2021.
The big picture: The Harlem real estate investor, Gerald Migdol, was arrested in November on fraud and identity theft charges, according to the Times, the first to report on the arrest.
- Prosecutors said Migdol directed thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent contributions to Benjamin in October 2019, one month after he filed to run for state comptroller.
- Federal prosecutors and the FBI issued subpoenas in recent weeks to investigate Benjamin's potential connection with the campaign finance scheme.
- Benjamin was appointed lieutenant governor by Hochul in 2021. He previously served as a New York state senator.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.