Bronx Assemblyman Accused of Taking Bribes; Second Albany Lawmaker Accused This Week

Bronx Assemblyman Eric A. Stevenson has been accused of taking bribes according to the New York Times.

According to a file from the United States attorney in Manhattan, Stevenson allegedly took money to aid developers in getting building certificates, speeding up construction work, and getting seniors—all in an effort to open an adult day care center.

According to a law enforcement official, a second person— Nelson L. Castro, a democrat from the Bronx—was named in the complaint. Referred to as "Amssembly-1" by the complaint the U.S. attorney filed, Stevenson made a deal to help in the investigation. He's agreed to step down after the case against Stevenson was brought to light.

Castro’s chief of staff would not offer comment on Castro’s involvement. Aide Angelica Pasacio did promise a statement by the end of the day.

In addition to breaking laws in order get the day care center constructed, Stevenson is also accused of receiving $5,000 to get a moratorium on the construction of new adult day care centers in New York City. According to the complaint, this would hand the developers he helped a competitive edge and gain them more profit.

The complaint goes on to say that Stevenson knew the likelihood of getting caught and continued with the scandal anyway. While talking to a witness, who remained nameless according to the complaint, Stevenson said of others who have been caught, "Be careful of those things man, the recorders and all those things."

Stevenson's legal problems are the second scandal this week involving a lawmaker in Albany.

Malcolm A. Smith, a state senator from Queens, along with City Councilman Daniel Halloran III, were charged with trying to bribe Smith onto the New York mayoral ballot. Other members of the Republican party in Queens and the Bronx are also facing charges.