New York’s Democrat Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin has resigned his office amid charges of bribery and fraud.
The charges stem from alleged campaign finance fraud and set off a firestorm among Democrats and media, especially in New York, this week.
This happens barely a year after Andrew Cuomo was forced to resign as governor.
NBC News reports:
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigns after campaign finance fraud arrest
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned Tuesday after he was arrested on charges related to a campaign finance fraud investigation, officials said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Benjamin’s resignation was effective immediately.
“While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor,” she said in a statement. “New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them.”
Hours earlier, the Justice Department said Benjamin surrendered to authorities and appeared before a federal judge in New York City.
“After today’s charges, Brian will resign his duties as Lieutenant Governor and suspend his campaign. He will focus his energies on explaining in court why his actions were laudable — not criminal,” James D. Gatta and William J. Harrington, attorneys for Benjamin, said in a statement Tuesday evening…
Benjamin’s arrest followed reports that Manhattan federal prosecutors and the FBI were investigating whether he knowingly engaged in a campaign finance fraud scheme. They were also looking into whether Benjamin, in exchange, helped distribute state money to contributors and their projects.
Here’s a local video report:
Democrats really need to clean up their party.
NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Arrested in Campaign Finance Fraud Case
Another Dem committing crimes to win an election. https://t.co/w4vDr5iV29
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) April 12, 2022
Just In: New York's lieutenant governor, Brian Benjamin, resigns after arrest in federal bribery case. He’s accused of conspiring to direct state funds to a real estate investor in exchange for illegal campaign contributions to a 2021 race in NYC.
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 12, 2022
The people of New York deserve better.
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