Former Lower East Side Assemblyman Sheldon Silver will be sentenced in federal court April 13. Judge Valerie Caproni set the date yesterday.
On Nov. 30, a jury convicted the onetime Assembly speaker of honest services fraud, extortion and money laundering. In theory, Silver could be sentenced to 130 years in prison, but a much shorter term is expected. Silver’s legal team is appealing the verdict and the lifelong Lower East Side resident has expressed confidence in his eventual vindication.
Silver was forced to relinquish his seat, representing the 65th Assembly District, following the verdict. Governor Cuomo has suggested he will call a special election for April 19, just a few days after Silver’s sentencing date. We’ll have a comprehensive report on the battle to succeed Silver in the next couple of days.
Why does it take 4 months to sentence this guy? He is going to party for the next 4 months then pretend he’s too sick to be in jail.