New York State Senator Thomas Libous says he believes a search of his Binghamton residence was "politically motivated."

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Speaking Friday on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Libous said "that was an attorney general thing." He said "I have no idea what it was about."

Frances Libous is vice chair of the state Workers' Compensation Board.

When Senator Libous was asked about the search, he said: "You know what I think it was? I think it was politically motivated because... I don't know why they did it - and it was led by the attorney general's office. . . there was no reason for it. It was a show."

Regarding the search of the Riverside Drive residence, Libous said: "They came in and they took the computer she uses for work. Because they took that, all of a sudden, she was under investigation. Some reporter made that assumption. I don't know where he got that assumption from."

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Libous was asked whether he believes state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was going after him. The senator said: "I don't know why he did. You might have to ask him. I have no reason to understand why that took place. Actually, I couldn't tell you."

Schneiderman's press secretary, Matt Mittenthal, Friday afternoon said the office would have no comment on Libous's assertions.

The raid on the senator's residence happened a few weeks after he was named in a one-count indictment alleging he lied to the FBI in 2009. His son Matthew was accused in a separate federal indictment of tax evasion.

Thomas Libous appeared in federal court in White Plains Wednesday to submit motions, including a request that the case be moved to Albany. In Friday's interview, Libous said he didn't know whether there would be a trial. He said: "I don't know yet. I can't predict that."

Referring to the legal challenges, the senator said: "I never expected in my life that I would be charged with making a - quote - 'false statement' to somebody or that somebody would raid my house for God knows what. I have no idea. It makes no sense to me."

Libous is facing a Republican primary challenge Tuesday from Tioga County businessman Denver Jones. Former Vestal town supervisor Anndrea Starzak is running as the Democratic candidate in the 52nd Senate District.

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