NY Lt Governor Arrested

Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has resigned after surrendering to authorities to face campaign finance fraud charges in connection with a previous campaign.

“I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation, which will take effect immediately.” While the legal process unfolds, it is evident to both of us that he will not be able to continue serving as Lieutenant Governor. “New Yorkers deserve complete trust in their government, and I will fight tirelessly every day to ensure that they get it,” Hochul said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

Benjamin, a Democrat, was charged with bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of records in connection with an alleged scheme to solicit campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to secure a $50,000 state grant for a nonprofit organisation controlled by the developer.

Benjamin, who faces allegations of bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and document falsification, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. He was released after posting bail of $250,000.

The lieutenant governor arrived in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon but did not speak with the media.