Former N.Y. political power broker gets 12 years in prison
NEW YORK — Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a backroom master whose name was synonymous with political power in New York for a generation, was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison, destined to take his place atop the state’s crowded lineup of crooked politicians behind bars.
“I hope the sentence I impose upon you will make other politicians think twice until their better angels take over — or, if there are no better angels, perhaps the fear of living out his golden years in an orange jumpsuit,” said Caproni, who also ordered Silver to forfeit $5.3 million and pay a $1.75 million fine.
More than a dozen have been convicted of charges including authorizing bribes to get on a ballot, diverting money meant for community programs into a campaign and skimming funds from contributions to a Little League baseball program.