NY state senator arrested in mayoral election bribe plot

New York State Senator Malcolm Smith has been arrested on charges of bribing to force his way to the Republican nomination for the forthcoming New York City mayoral race.

The 56-year-old Smith along with Republican New York City Councilman Dan Halloran and four other politicians was detained on Tuesday and later appeared in federal court in the city of White Plains.

According to the prosecutors, Malcolm has made payments to Halloran to arrange meetings with top New York Republicans in a bid to help him get on the mayoral election.

US Attorney Preet Bharara said that Smith had “tried to bribe his way to a shot at (mayoral residence) Gracie Mansion,” adding that the lawmaker “drew up the game plan and Councilman Halloran essentially quarterbacked that drive by finding party chairmen who were wide open to receiving bribes.”

Working with an undercover investigator and a “cooperating witness,” FBI agents uncovered the plot. The cooperating witness allegedly took part in a series of clandestine meetings in parked cars, hotel rooms and state offices to discuss bribes and money exchange.

Meanwhile, Smith’s lawyer, Gerald Shargel said there is “much more to this story,” noting his client “steadfastly” denies wrongdoing.

Halloran’s attorney, Dennis Ring, also stated “The councilman denies all allegations and looks forward to clearing his name and returning to court.”

Court papers indicate that the five arrested political figures, namely three Republicans and two Democrats, are charged with collectively taking over USD100,000 in bribes during the meetings.

The prosecutors believe the bribery scandal shows invasive corruption in New York politics as the state has suffered various scandals in recent years.

The people in New York are set to vote in November for a new mayor to replace Michael Bloomberg.