As the trial begins for one of New York State’s most powerful politicians, former New York State majority leader Dean Skelos, for alleged corruption, a new controversy has arisen over the last couple of months. The latest scandal involves another top influential politician, former New York State assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, who has also been accused of corruption.

“The full picture of his corruption was exposed in this courthouse” Assistant U.S Attorney Andrew Goldstein said on Monday November 28th, from outside the courthouse in Manhattan following the opening proceedings. Both men are accused of using their power and influence while in elected office to gain favors for themselves and also family members (like in the case of former state majority leader Skelos).

In the latest case of political corruption in the Empire State, the former assembly speaker Sheldon Silver has been charged with Honest Service fraud, extortion, and money laundering – all while using his influence as a top politician to gain influence.

According to Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Sliver has awarded $500,000 in secret state grants to a cancer researcher, named Robert Taub who would then in turn refer asbestos cancer patients to Mr. Silver’s law firm.

The corruption scandal now involving former Assembly speaker Silver mirrors that of the former Senate Majority leader, Skelos because Mr. Skelos has also been accused of using the power of his office to get business deals done within the state and to get companies to get employment for his son, Adam Skelos. A time frame that ranged from 2010 to 2015.

All of the corruption within the Empire State has earned the state to be titled “One of the most corrupt governments in the nation” by the U.S Attorney general overseeing both corruption trials, Preet Bharara, who is also the Attorney general who represents Manhattan. Additional charges against Mr. Skelos include, accusations of 1) Extortion, 2) Fraud, and 3) Bribe solicitation charges.

“Dean Skelos’ support for certain infrastructure projects and legislation was often based not on what was good for his constituents or good for New York but rather what was good for his son’s bank account”, Mr. Bharara said back on Monday May 4th, which was the opening day of hearings for Mr. Skelos’ trial in Manhattan.

Mr. Skelos represents district 9 in New York which includes parts of Nassau County, including Long Beach, Lawrence and Lynbrook. While, Mr. Silver represents district 65 which includes the island of Manhattan.

“No reasonable jury could possibly find Mr. Silver guilty when the government’s own star witness denies an essential element of the defense” members of Mr. Silver’s defense team said on Monday.

The accusations against the former two top politicians continue a run that the state should not be proud of where the last five majority leaders have faced accusations of corruption and have had to resign. Additionally, more than 30 New York state politicians have had to resign or have been accused of wrongdoing over the past couple of years.

“While I’m a proud New Yorker and want my state to be ahead on everything, I’m not sure we’re ahead on corruption” Daniel Richman said who is a law professor at the University of Colombia and a former federal prosecutor.

Steven Melo who is Mr. Silver’s lawyer said “This is a theory without evidence” in regards to the accusation.

In conclusion, it is sad that the Empire State, one of the most well known states not only in the United States but also around the world is quickly becoming known as “one of the most corrupt governments in the nation”. This does not bode well for a government which is supposed to run on trust between those who serve and their constituents.