NEW YORK – Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin was charged Tuesday with bribery and related offenses and hours later he resigned.
“I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately. While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
Benjamin, a Democrat who was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul after she ascended to the state’s top post, is charged with bribery, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit those offenses, based on the use of his official authority while a New York state senator to direct a state-funded grant to an organization controlled by a real estate developer in exchange for campaign contributions made and procured by that person.
The state’s number two official is also charged by federal authorities with two counts of falsifying records in connection with the preparation of contribution forms that falsely reported certain contributions made by the developer as being made by other individuals, and false statements Benjamin made in a questionnaire he submitted while seeking to become lieutenant governor.
Area state officials have commented on Benjamin’s arrest ands resignation.
“By resigning, Benjamin did the right thing. He put the interests of the State above personal ambition,” said Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, a Democrat.
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, a Republican, said the lieutenant governor’s arrest “further demonstrates the extent to which corruption continues to pervade state government.
Senator Pete Harckham, a Democrat, the federal indictment of Benjamin “is deeply disappointing to me, as I consider him to be a friend and colleague.” The senator said “No one is above the law, however, and elected officials should take utmost care in respect to the public trust. But, he said Benjamin “is entitled to his day in court, and I will withhold my own judgment until then.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, a Democrat, said Benjamin “can no longer serve the people of New York.”
Republican Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said he is “sick and tired of the constant legal troubles the people at the top or our state government repeatedly find themselves.” He said Benjamin’s actions are “an embarrassment and a disgrace.”
Senator Sue Serino, a Republican, said she believes in “due process and every person is innocent until proven guilty, however when you are at the highest levels of government, you must be held to the highest standard.”
