By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – A federal jury Monday found former state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno guilty on two counts of corruption and not guilty on five others. The verdict was reached after a total of 50 hours of deliberation over seven days that concluded a landmark trial exposing Albany's practice of influence peddling by lawmakers.
The jurors told U.S. District Court Judge Gary Sharpe that they couldn't reach a decision on the eighth charge.
Bruno was once one of the state's most powerful politicians. He faced eight fraud charges and was accused of denying New Yorkers his "honest services" while enriching himself in the amount of $3.2 million by using his state influence.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 31st. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Outside the courtroom, Bruno said the legal process would continue. "In my mind and in my heart, it is not over till it's over," he told reporters.