For many years, Joseph L. Bruno called the city of Albany, NY his political home. On May 16, 2014, however, he stood in a federal courthouse to hear that He, Joseph Bruno, had been acquitted of fraud in a retrial to the charges. The closure of the case finalized a legal battle that the former majority leader in the New York State Senate had faced for almost 10 years.
At 85, Bruno’s Appearance Belies His Strength And Confidence
As a Republican, he was one of the top three most powerful political officials in the state, until he resigned from the Senate in 2008. Bruno was found guilty in 2009 on charges of mail fraud, but the verdict was later vacated based upon a U.S. Supreme Court decision that questioned the legal basis of the case.
The allegations in the 2009 matter involved concealment of funds paid by an Albany constituent who sought assistance from the State Legislature for his business. After the guilty verdict was vacated, prosecutors proceeded on a new trial with the support of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Second Circuit.
A jury who deliberated for just a few hours acquitted Joseph Bruno of fraud in the two-week retrial. The result on the case was a startling conclusion for prosecutors who had aggressively pursued Bruno, even considering his age, fragile health and reputation among Albany politicians.
The announcement of a not guilty verdict comes at a time when state politicians struggle to regain their reputation in light of ethical issues. Governor Andrew Cuomo has recently disbanded an anticorruption agency and dealt with several political scandals alleging wrongdoing at various levels of government.
Despite Joseph Bruno acquitted of fraud in the retrial, prosecutors maintained their dedication to punishing illegal schemes by politicians. Prosecuting U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian reiterated that his office would continue to pursue investigations of state legislators and any public officials who mix public and private relations.
Though the acquittal will not change public perception of corruption and fraud in New York State government, the Bruno case appeared old-fashioned at times. Allegations included:
- Backroom deals wherein Bruno would use his popularity and position to drive business to an Albany businessman;
- Questionable transactions sealed with a handshake, which involved Bruno defrauding his constituents by accepting payments of large sums of money in exchange for consulting services during 2004 and 2005;
- Large expenditures for purchases, such as a racehorse. Bruno received debt forgiveness of $80,000 when his ownership in the horse turned out to be worthless.
Bruno’s legal team countered all of these allegations, arguing that the prosecution was overreaching in attempting the retrial. They presented evidence that painted him as a hardworking legislator participating in legal business transactions, and suggested that prosecutors were engaging in a witch-hunt with no supporting evidence.
Trial attendees included many of Bruno’s friends, family and supporters, all of who were relieved when Judge Gary Sharpe of the U.S. District Court read that Joseph Bruno had been acquitted of fraud in the retrial.
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