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Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced For Corruption Schemes

Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday afternoon after being found guilty by a federal jury of using his position in a $5 million money-laundering scheme.

Former state Assemblyman Sheldon Silver

Former state Assemblyman Sheldon Silver

Photo Credit: File photo

Silver, 72, said he had let down his constituents in a brief address to the court before the sentence was delivered.

“I’m truly, truly sorry for that,” he said at Federal Court in Lower Manhattan.

U.S. Judge Valerie Caproni also imposed a $1.75 million fine and a $5.3 million forfeiture.

"I hope the sentence I impose upon you will make other politicians think twice until their better angels take over _ or, if there are no better angels, perhaps the fear of living out his golden years in an orange jumpsuit," she said to Silver.

Silver must surrender no later than noon on July 1, Caproni said.

“Today’s stiff sentence is a just and fitting end to Sheldon Silver’s long career of corruption," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.            

Silver, a Democrat, served two decades as speaker before being forced to resign in January following his arrest on various charges.

He was found guilty of seven counts of honest services fraud, extortion and money laundering.

For more on the sentencing and convictions, click here.

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