NY Lt. Governor Benjamin Arrested in Federal Corruption Probe
New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin faces federal corruption charges in connection with an alleged campaign finance fraud scheme.
The New York Times reported Benjamin surrendered early Tuesday morning after he was indicted in a scheme to funnel donations to a 2021 campaign. Benjamin unsuccessfully ran for New York City comptroller.
Benjamin faces charges of bribery, wire fraud and falsification of records.
The 45-year-old Benjamin had served as a state senator from Harlem. Governor Kathy Hochul chose him to serve as her lieutenant governor shortly after she took office last August following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo.
Benjamin was expected to appear in Manhattan federal court Tuesday afternoon.
The charges come as Hochul is campaigning for a full four-year term. She has indicated she was not aware of any previous criminal conduct by Benjamin.
In recent days, Hochul indicated that she continued to support Benjamin and planned to keep him as lieutenant governor despite the ongoing federal investigation.
Upon news of the charges, New York state Republican party leaders and elected officials called on Benjamin to resign. Several said Hochul should demand his resignation if he doesn't quit on his own.
New York State Republican chairman Nick Langworthy tweeted that the indictment is "proof that Kathy Hochul picked a dirty politician as her running mate."
There was no immediate comment from the governor's office about the charges facing Benjamin.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.
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