Former New York state Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos, 67, and his son, Adam Skelos, 33, were found guilty on all eight counts of bribery, extortion, and conspiracy brought against them Friday. According to prosecutors, the elder Skelos used his position to direct consulting payments to his son, ultimately amounting to roughly $300,000. As part of the evidence, the corruption trial used wiretap recordings of conversations between Skelos and his son, with prosecutors arguing the tapes proved they pressured three companies into employing Adam.
The ruling, coupled with the November conviction of former New York state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on corruption charges, is a gut punch to the state government in Albany. Both father and son could face up to 130 years in prison when they are sentenced next year.
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